From burlesque to ballet, film festivals and more, pick from a plethora of shows that are sure to entertain at one of the city centre's state-of-the-art performing arts theatres.

First show announced for Auckland Arts Festival 2025!

AAF 2025 - A Streetcar Named Desire

An Australasian first, Scottish Ballet and “A Streetcar Named Desire” are coming to the city centre for its exclusive NZ season at the Arts Festival in 2025 for five shows only!

Regularly described as ‘narrative ballet at its very best’, the production uses stunning dance, devastating drama, pitch-perfect period design and a sizzling score used to tell the iconic story.

Injecting dance and live music into the beating heart of this iconic play, Scottish Ballet has come up with something special — a vital, achingly intense tribute to the eternally misunderstood Blanche, who struggles to live her personal truth amid family turmoil in 1940s New Orleans.

Scottish Ballet’s stylish production breathes new life into the classic tale, with graceful waltzes at the DuBois family home, electrifying lindy jives in a Louisiana nightclub, and intense duets in the caged heat of Stella and Stanley’s apartment.

Early bird tickets are on sale now! See more event details and book your tickets, here.

Must-see theatre

What's on at Q Theatre

Underground theatre at Basement theatre

Where to go

Pre-theatre drinks & dining