Wānaka is alive with creativity as the 2025 Festival of Colour kicks off, running until Sunday, 6 April. With a packed programme of theatre, dance, music, poetry, and thought-provoking kōrero, the festival brings world-class performances, local talent, and a strong sense of community to the heart of the region.

A showcase of contemporary Indigenous arts, Kia Mau Festival, proudly announces a groundbreaking international work and two homegrown triumphs for its already impressive 2025 programme. Running from 30 May – 14 June in Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui, the full performance programme will be launched on 31 March, with the visual arts programme to come in April.

Nightsong’s award-winning high-octane thriller Mr. Red Light is delighted to open the iconic pie-shop for ONE last public performance on Sunday 30 March at the Herald Theatre, before packing its bags and heading off on tour overseas.

The recipients of the FAME Mid-Career Awards 2025 have been announced, celebrating the incredible achievements of performing artists and production professionals from the performing arts sector in Aotearoa. With a record-breaking 91 individuals nominated, this year’s awards reaffirm the incredible depth of talent in the industry.

Following a year’s hiatus, HER Festival returns from 2 – 6 April 2025, celebrating the power and creativity of women in Aotearoa. HER Festival 2025 brings together artists, audiences, and communities to celebrate women’s voices, stories, and talents across Tāmaki Makaurau. This year’s festival, featuring performances, workshops, exhibitions, talks, and outdoor events, highlights the creative work of women providing a space to connect, express, and uplift each other.

Music Therapy New Zealand (MThNZ) is excited to celebrate Music Therapy Week 2025 from 10th – 15th April 2025. This year’s theme, Meaningful Moments in Music Therapy – Celebrating Diverse Communities across Aotearoa, shines a light on the incredible ways music therapy creates connection, supports wellbeing, and brings joy to people across a wide range of settings. With 92 Registered Music Therapists and six dedicated music therapy services operating alongside independent practitioners nationwide, these professionals work in schools, hospitals, hospices, aged care facilities, community centres, and correctional facilities making a tangible difference every day. 

Jarlath Regan is coming to  New Zealand and bringing his IN BITS show to Auckland. Tickets are on sale now at www.bohmpresents.com

Brace yourself for a month filled with non-stop laughter as the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo takes over this May for the 32nd year! This May Auckland and Wellington will be bursting with comedy as 150+ homegrown and international stars deliver more than 600 side-splitting live performances.

Aotearoa’s most daring circus theatre company, The Dust Palace, is thrilled to announce the opening of a newly repurposed arts venue in Ellerslie, Auckland. This exciting new space, set to become the beating heart of contemporary circus in the region, will officially launch with the outrageous and high-energy production, HAUS of YOLO from 15 – 18 May, as part of its five-stop national and international tour.

Jo Koy is on his way to New Zealand in June 2025 on his Just Being Koy Tour! Tickets are on sale Friday 28 February 10am at bohmpresents.com

Award-winning comedian Te Radar heads to the Wānaka Festival of Colour, serving up a smorgasbord of culinary curiosities with Te Radar’s Cookbookery, from 1 – 4 April in Bannockburn, Hāwea and Queenstown. A feast for the eyes and the mind, join Te Radar for an uproarious journey through 150 years of New Zealand’s rich, and often rather odd, home cooking heritage. From dairy-laden delicacies to offal extravaganzas, Te Radar has sampled decades of Kiwi cookbooks to uncover the tastiest, weirdest, and most nostalgic morsels. 

The biennial Kia Mau Festival is thrilled to announce the next wave of inspiring, innovative and uniquely Indigenous performances in its 2025 programme. Taking place in Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui from 30 May – 14 June, the festival is a showcase of contemporary Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana and Indigenous arts.

Take a trip into the audacious inner life of Jo Randerson ONZM (they/them) for Silo Theatre’s first 2025 production. SPEED IS EMOTIONAL - part theatre, part comedy, part music, all explosion - hits Q Theatre Loft, 16 April – 3 May.

On Saturday 22 February, Aotea Square is being transformed into a basketball, music and street art festival as Sky Pirates All Stars take over Auckland Live’s Summer in the Square. Whether you're a player, a fan, or just looking for a great day out, this is an event for the whole whānau.