Weekend Laughs brings some of Aotearoa’s biggest comedy names and best up-and-coming talent to the heart of Petone, taking over Abandoned Taproom for three weekends of laughter from 20 February – 7 March.
Read MoreMuroki, one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive young voices, returns from Berlin with his debut album Amber Skies, written and recorded as he lived a nomadic lifestyle moving between Berlin’s creative underground, the hills of Raglan, the coastline of Portugal and a long overdue reunion with whānau in Kenya.
Amber Skies is released on 30 January 2026, followed by Muroki’s first national tour in three years, running from 6 February to 28 March. He will also make a solo appearance at Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival, where he joins He Manu Tīoriori, a celebration of waiata reo Māori, on Saturday 21 March.
The New Zealand Comedy Trust is pleased to announce the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Topp Prize: beloved Samoan New Zealand comedian, actor, musician, entertainer and radio host, Tofiga Fepulea’i. Affectionately known as the Humble King of Comedy, Wellington born and raised Tofiga has spent more than two decades on stage and screen bringing laughter and his trademark character-driven storytelling to audiences across Aotearoa and beyond.
Read MoreThe team at Wānaka’s Aspiring Conversations festival of ideas and kōrero is thrilled to unveil the first event of its thoughtfully-curated 2026 programme, with the return of an audience-favourite raconteur on Sunday 29 March.
Read MoreIn early 2026, Scottish comedy superstar Danny Bhoy will return to New Zealand.
Read MoreThe New Zealand Comedy Trust is back with the 2026 Best Foods Comedy Gala, hosted by one of Aotearoa’s most beloved comedy legends, Dai Henwood ONZM. It’s the perfect way to kick off three weeks of jokes, chaos, and comedy gold at the 2026 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo.
Read MoreA team of young people aged between 15 – 25+ are coming together this summer under the guidance of senior arts leaders, together with emerging artists, to create an interdisciplinary performance exploring ideas, concerns and dreams about their futures. This devised work, Hope: Standing on the Edge – Eying Up Our Future will be on from 24 – 25 January at the Pitt Street Theatre.
Read MoreEmmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated performer Eddie Izzard will return to bring her acclaimed one-person performance of The Tragedy of Hamlet to New Zealand in July 2026, following sold-out seasons in the US and UK. Nominated for two drama awards – NY Outer Critics Circle Award: Outstanding Solo Performance and New York Drama League: Distinguished Performance Award.
Read MoreFive plays. Five worlds. Five unforgettable date nights.
Silo Theatre has unveiled its 2026 programme, the first season under Artistic Director Sophie Henderson. Five bold, brilliant plays across a myriad of genres deliver a punch to the live arts in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Q Theatre is reaffirming its commitment to local artists with the launch of Round Two of Q Season Support, opening Monday 1 December at 10am for productions from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Read MoreAfter successful performances across the North Island in 2024 and 2025, the must-experience Olivier and Tony award-winning production and one-woman tour de force, Prima Facie, is set to return for a special one-night-only performance at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre on 27 February, ahead of a South Island tour and more centres in the North Island in March.
Read MoreShoreside Theatre’s annual Auckland Shakespeare in the Park returns this summer for its milestone 30th anniversary season. The 2026 programme features two of the Bard’s most beloved plays - Romeo & Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing, performed in the stunning outdoor setting of The PumpHouse Amphitheatre, Takapuna, from 16 January to 14 February.
Read MoreJust in time to get into the Christmas spirit, the final FAM of the year brings a festive twist to Karangahape Road. On Saturday 6 December from 10AM – 2PM, come along for a full strip celebration combining food, art, design, markets, and music, all with the creative energy only K' Road can deliver.
Read MoreThis festive season, Te Whatu Stardome is inviting visitors to escape into the wonders of the cosmos with an expanded programme of planetarium films, live events, and family-friendly activities.
Read MoreRecord-breaking queen of Irish comedy Joanne McNally announces her hugely anticipated return to New Zealand with her new stand-up show ‘Pinotphile’.
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