NZ International Comedy Festival
3 – 29 May
Prepare your abs for a laughing workout with this three-week-long festival. Catch comedy stars like Mel Bracewell, Two Hearts, Fern Brady, Alice Snedden, Chris Parker, and more, doing what they do best! Check out the Comedy Festival calendar to see the full line-up.
Macklemore
9 May
Spark Arena
The Thrift Shop singer and rapper is here touring his third solo album, BEN. Known for slipping poignant commentary into his energetic songs, this is said to be the most personal tour yet. One of the most successful independent artists of the 21st century, people can’t get enough of Macklemore.
Boogie Wonderland
16 May
Auckland Town Hall
Get ready to boogie well into the night as disco meets a full symphony orchestra for this groovy celebration. The symphony events always add an extraordinary element to whatever genre they tackle.
Sam Neill
18 May
Aotea Centre
Sam Neill joins Robyn Malcolm to share anecdotes from his incredible life and career from his aptly titled memoir Did I Ever Tell You This?. Hear firsthand about Neill’s youth amateur theatre days, and how that led to a five-decade acting career that had him travelling the globe.
Swan Lake
9-12 May
Aotea Centre
Often referred to as the most famous ballet of all time, Swan Lake is a timeless tale. Journey into Odette’s magical world, where everything is not quite what it seems. Elevated by the mesmerising score from Tchaikovsky, masterful choreography, moody lighting, and stunning set design, this is a must for ballet fans of all ages.
Auckland Writer’s Festival
14-19 May
The Auckland Writers Festival brings together over 200 international and local authors across many genres. Providing a range of events like workshops, panels and readings, it gives up-and-coming writers, experienced writers, and readers of all levels, ages – and intensities – a space to connect, learn and grow.
Dawn French
29 May
The Civic
The British queen of comedy returns to our shores with her new solo comedy show with a title so cheeky I don’t dare write it here! French is the hilarious creative force behind treasures like French and Saunders, and an award-winning author, celebrated screenwriter, and actor.
