Weekends In The City Centre

29 MAY - 1 JUN, 2026

Auckland Festival of Photography | 29 MAY - 14 JUN | Free

NZ's premier international photography festival returns, transforming familiar streets, galleries and public spaces into a vibrant celebration of visual storytelling. Expect an inclusive, thought-provoking programme designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and invite you to see the city and photography in new ways.

Meditation by the Sea | 29 May | $15pp

Start your morning with a meditative 90-minute sunrise concert, inspired by the traditions of Indian classical music and its connection to water, dawn and healing. As the sun rises, you’ll hear a sequence of live performances shaped by the quiet, reflective mood of early morning ragas and melodies traditionally played at daybreak.

Morning People's 10th Birthday | 30 MAY | $20 - $57

Morning People marks its 10th birthday with a high-energy morning rave at Auckland Town Hall featuring Tiki Taane (DJ Set)! Expect high-energy sounds, big-rig lighting, electric dance floors and complimentary treats. The dress code? Go all out! Think sequins, suits, gowns, PJs - whatever you think says ‘Happy 10th Birthday Morning People!’

RBG: Of Many, One | 20 MAY - 7 JUN | Various Prices 

After a sold-out national tour across Australia, RBG: Of Many, One returns in 2026 and heads straight to Auckland. Heather Mitchell AM reprises her role as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman appointed to the US Supreme Court and a fierce advocate for gender equality and reproductive rights. Written by Suzie Miller and directed by Priscilla Jackman, the play traces Ginsburg’s landmark victories, dissents, and pivotal life moments.

Co-curator Tour | 30 MAY | Free

Join a conversation between Gus Fisher Gallery’s Curator of Contemporary Art Lisa Beauchamp and Irene Fisher Assistant Curator Ruth Minh Ha, who will lead a guided exhibition tour of Studies for a Keepsake: Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore, speaking to the curatorial framework that shaped the first Aotearoa exhibition of these pioneering artists.

Sky High at Queens Rooftop | 31 MAY | $50

Sky High at Queens Rooftop is a late‑night King’s Birthday weekend event featuring U.S. house legend Kai Alcé and Brooklyn DJ Lovie, both performing in Aotearoa for the first time. The night offers a soulful, eclectic rooftop experience alongside local DJs Frank Booker and Samuel Harmony.

5 - 7 JUN, 2026

Winter Season at Basement Theatre | 2 JUN - 29 AUG | Various prices

Artists from across the motu are assembling this Winter/Matariki season at Basement Theatre to give you a much-needed dose of what’s good in the world - live connections, creation, joy, artistry and community! 22 shows are on the bill this season - expect crack-up comedy and improv, cosy poetry evenings, energetic dance performances and so much more!

Come Together - Bruce Springsteen | 6 JUN | $100 - $151

Come Together is a supergroup of Aotearoa's greatest, most acclaimed and award-winning rock artists and musicians performing legendary albums live in concert. This June, they're performing Bruce Springsteen's Born To Run album along with an additional set of classics from his huge body of work. 

Jenevieve | 6 JUN | $72

Genre-defying R&B artist, Jenevieve makes her Aotearoa debut at The Tuning Fork for her The Crysalis Tour. Known for her silky vocals, nostalgic yet forward-thinking sound, and visually rich storytelling, she's carved out a distinctive space in contemporary R&B, blending soulful influences with experimental production.

12 - 14 JUN, 2026

NZSO - Romeo & Juliet | 12 JUN | $30

Experience a program of sweeping emotion and vivid storytelling, from Prokofiev’s iconic Romeo and Juliet, where grandeur, conflict, and timeless love collide - to the passionate intensity of Barber’s Cello Concerto, brought to life by virtuoso Li‑Wei Qin.

Heathers the Musical | 10 - 14 JUN | $69 - $140

Step into the darkly comic world of Heathers the Musical, a cult-hit sensation straight from London and New York. Wickedly funny, sharply satirical, and backed by a killer soundtrack, this is a bold, high-energy story where fitting in can be fatal.

Auckland Festival of Photography | Ends 14 JUN | Free

It’s your last chance to explore New Zealand’s premier international photography festival as it transforms the city centre into a vibrant showcase of visual storytelling. Discover thought-provoking works across streets, galleries, and public spaces in a programme designed to inspire curiosity and fresh perspectives.

19 - 21 JUN, 2026

June Make Days | Treasure Maps | 21 JUN | Free with Museum Entry

Ahoy, explorers! Stamp your very own treasure map using our custom map stamps, then draw in rivers, roads, and mysterious landmarks at the Auckland Maritime Museum. Where will your treasure be hidden? Deep in a dark forest? Behind a secret waterfall? Buried beneath a giant boulder?

Sons of Vao | 18 JUN - 5 JUL | $30 - $40

An award-winning Pasifika story that speaks straight from the heart. Vao is a warrior. A charming, handsome man, he carries rage in his fists and danger in his eyes. But, to his three sons, he is a god. A world premiere, Vela Manusaute’s (Niue: Mutalau, Hakupu) autobiographical Adam NZ Play Award-winning script is deeply personal.

AYO - June Concert | 12 JUN | FREE or Reserve a seat for $20

Auckland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Antun Poljanich, presents an exhilarating concert programme featuring two renowned soloists from Auckland Philharmonia - Eric Renick on Vibraphone and Steven Logan on marimba - plus Dvorak's famous 9th symphony!

More to see, do and love...

Auckland Theatre Company

Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 season is a thrilling showcase of storytelling, blending iconic works like Macbeth and Murder on the Orient Express. With seven dynamic productions spanning mystery, history, comedy, and drama, this programme promises to captivate and challenge audiences throughout the year  

Auckland Philharmonia

The Auckland Philharmonia's 2026 season is a vibrant celebration of musical diversity, featuring world-class debuts, returning maestros and a rich blend of classical masterpieces and cinematic scores. From nostalgic music from Wizard of Oz to the magic sounds of John Williams, this programme promises unforgettable experiences for every kind of music lover. 

The Royal New Zealand Ballet

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2026 programme is a bold fusion of tradition and innovation, showcasing timeless classics like The Sleeping Beauty and Macbeth. Be swept away by an irrepressible current of inspiration, power and possibility. Under the visionary direction of Ty King-Wall, this season promises to enchant, challenge, and connect audiences through world-class artistry and uniquely Kiwi storytelling.