Weekends In The City Centre

25 - 27 SEP, 2026

Cabaret | 22 SEP - 18 OCT | $45 - $145

One of the most iconic musicals of all time, with eight Tony Awards, Cabaret is spectacularly remade for the ASB Waterfront Theatre stage with a dazzling cast of New Zealand’s finest musical theatre performers.

The Pearl Fishers | 23 SEP - 10 OCT | $40.27 - $264.05 

From the composer of Carmen, Bizet’s early masterpiece The Pearl Fishers returns to New Zealand stages for the first time in 24 years. In a bold new co-production between NZ Opera and State Opera South Australia, this striking staging is set at an exclusive resort, where image, influence and ambition shape every decision.

POPS!  | 25 SEP - 11 OCT | Free

A colourful interactive art installation filled with quirky characters, vibrant patterns and larger-than-life personalities. Wander among the glowing POPS, snap a photo with your favourite and experience the joy of play, day or night.

Joseph & The Technicolor Dreamcoat  | 26 SEP - 10 OCT | $58 - $80

A vibrant reimagining of the beloved musical classic, featuring an all-Kiwi cast, exhilarating choreography and powerhouse vocals. Packed with colour, optimism and iconic songs, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a joyful celebration of hope, resilience and the power of dreams.

Chocolate and Coffee Festival | 26 - 27 SEP | $10 - $15

New Zealand's biggest celebration of chocolate, coffee, and tasty treats is back and better than ever at the Viaduct Events Centre! Join 6,500 fellow foodies for a flavour-packed festival where you can taste, shop and discover the latest creations from New Zealand's finest craft, artisan, and boutique producer

Faradays Grand Opening | 26 SEP | 1PM

Faradays opens its doors at 1pm on Saturday 26 September at 131 Queen Street, bringing more than 220 of the world’s most exciting names in fashion, beauty, fragrance, design, home and more to the heart of Auckland.

2 - 4 OCT, 2026

Vulcan Lane Oktoberfest | 3 OCT

Three bars. Six beers. One big celebration. The Forge, The Occidental and Queens Ferry are going German! Grab an Oktoberfest beer card, collect all 6 stamps across the three venues, and score some merch - all while vibing to live music on the lane from 4 to 7PM.

Poetry readings with Colleen Coco Collins & others | 3 OCT | Free

Join in an afternoon of poetry readings with Colleen Coco Collins, joined by Auckland based poets Sinag Fernandez, Arihia Hall and Mahalia Salesa. Taking place within the exhibition touchsprings, these pieces explore the relationships between Indigenous peoples and the land, and how those relationships are maintained despite the ongoing consequences of colonialism and capitalism. 

Open Circle Markets | 4 OCT 

Open Circle Markets is back! Enjoy a night of live music, great food, local businesses and community spirit. Founded by 21-year-old university student Fraser Bray, it's an evening of good vibes you won't want to miss.

Spend time with your whānau

School holiday activities: Takaro! | 3 OCT | Free

This is your last weekend to bring the family to the Central City Library to experience Tākaro. Think Te Reo games, storytime, scavenger hunts, and more!

Out There in the Square | 25 SEP - 11 OCT | Free

Enjoy a mix of creative and interactive experiences that will keep the family entertained. With a range of activities including a dance-o-mat, POPS, and play activities, there is something for everyone these school holidays.

We The Young Festival | 25 SEP - 11 OCT | Various prices & some events free

Spanning over 25 performances, events and experiences for Tamariki aged 0-12 and their whānau, We The Young encourages children's natural playfulness and imagination, while encouraging their capacity for curiosity, creativity, wisdom and adventure.

9 - 11 OCT, 2026

Sky High | 9 OCT | $50

Following a sold-out debut over King's Birthday Weekend, Sky High returns to Queens Rooftop this October for another late-night celebration of world-class music, city views and dancefloor energy.

Picasso: Designed by Paul Smith | 10 OCT, 2026  - 1 FEB, 2027 | $21 - $85

Picasso like you’ve never seen him before. Encounter the Blue and Rose periods, Cubism, portraits of family and friends, and more in the first solo exhibition of Picasso’s work in Aotearoa New Zealand in more than 30 years. 

Eatropolis | 10 OCT | $12 - $32

Food lovers rejoice, Auckland's newest culinary festival Eatropolis is coming to town at Shed 10! Eatropolis is the ultimate tasting menu: Iconic eats, and award-winning flavours all under one roof.

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.