Halloween is creeping up, and Karangahape Road is throwing its biggest FREAKOUT yet. On Friday 31 October from 6pm to late the city’s most iconic strip will transform into a carnival of chaos, packed with tricks, treats, chills, thrills, and plenty of surprises.

It is already spring and will soon be summer. BirdCare Aotearoa’s nursery is filling with tiny new arrivals.  Ngā manu pēpi (baby birds), who have lost their parents and can't survive alone. From fly-catchers, fruit eaters, nectar-feeders, to songbirds and young raptors, we anticipate hundreds of orphaned admissions, rescued by the thoughtful public, vets and rangers. 

Following his sold-out tour two years ago, Nurse Blake is set to return to New Zealand with his brand-new show, But Did You Die?

Celebrating one of the most significant playwrights in our country’s history, Bruce Mason, two contemporary legends of Aotearoa theatre have created a brilliant homage to his extraordinary legacy in Every Kind of Weather, coming to Wellington’s Circa Theatre from 20 November – 13 December. Director Shane Bosher and actor Stephen Lovatt offer audiences the chance to see two of Mason’s most beloved solo works - The End of the Golden Weather and Not Christmas, but Guy Fawkes - performed in repertory.

On Sunday 23 November, Ponsonby’s own Jubilation Choir takes to the stage atHollywood Avondale with special guests Julia Deans, Bella Kalolo and Anika Moa, for a one night only celebration of Aotearoa’s finest singers, soulful music, and spine-tingling harmonies. 

Karangahape Road is coming alive on Saturday 4 October, 10am–2pm with FAM: Food. Art. Market. a brand-new monthly celebration of markets, live music, art and whānau fun. From now on, FAM will take place on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 2pm (except January), bringing the street to life with local markets, live music, art exhibitions and family-friendly activations.

Te Rākau Hua o Te Wao Tapu presents Out the Gate, a major new Theatre Marae work by Helen Pearse-Otene, directed by Jim Moriarty, with choreography by Tanemahuta Gray. Rooted in lived experience and kaupapa Māori led research, Out the Gate is a layered, embodied and communal response to the stories that follow people in the prison pipeline as they transition back to whānau and hapori.

Prepare for a comedy adventure like no other, as Captain Morrow and the Sands of Time makes its premiere on New Zealand shores at Q Theatre in October. Directed by nationally renowned comedian Barnie Duncan, this production stars critically acclaimed actors Ella Hope-Higginson and Callum Brodie, with live cello and sound effects provided by actor-musician Ali Sewell.

NZTrio He Taonga Wairere continues to push the boundaries of chamber music with Hypnotique, a spellbinding programme that blends classical elegance, contemporary innovation, and raw emotional power. This final instalment in NZTrio’s 2025 season will tour Aotearoa in November, with performances in Whangārei, Whitianga, Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington.

On Saturday night a talented group of emerging comedians from across Aotearoa competed for a coveted spot as one of the Billy T Award nominees for the 2026 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo.

Silo Theatre closes out 2025 with the glitter-soaked world premiere of D.R.A.G. (Dressed Resembling a God).

From 13 November – 6 December, Q Theatre Loft transforms into Lady T’s, the fiercest drag club this side of Karangahape Road. D.R.A.G. is a fabulous, funny and filthy love letter to queer nightlife and the artists who keep it alive - equal parts party, politics and performance.

These school holidays, Te Whatu Stardome is blasting off with a programme that’s truly out of this world. From coming together to witness a rare celestial spectacle to hands-on robotics workshops and a galaxy of family-friendly films, there’s something for every young astronaut and stargazer.

With 100’s of jokes, 1000’s of laughs, everyone’s favourite Comedy Festival line up show, the Best Comedy Show On Earth, is back with a Christmas twist. Kick off your silly season with a selection of some of Aotearoa’s top comedy acts at this very merry stand-up showcase, on Friday 28 November at Skycity Theatre, hosted by the delightful Chris Parker.

The Māori Sidesteps return to the capital  with their full live show for a strictly limited season at Circa Theatre from 28 October – 1 November. Serving up their trademark blend of wicked harmonies, biting satire and cheeky skits, this will be a great night out of music and laughter - even if the subversive jokes are occasionally on them (and their audience!).

As per our previous comms, the hilariously relatable new show H.R. The Musical #2 hits the Q Theatre stage from 25 November – 6 December, traversing office politics, corporate antics and HR nightmares. The team is thrilled to announce two new recruits joining for the first time, while the show’s original director clocks back in to lead the project.