As Auckland prepares to host its annual Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki, the 2025 Auckland Arts Festival is shaping up to be a spectacular celebration of local and international artistry, bringing the city’s culture to life over 18 days.
From March 6 to March 23, the festival will transform Tāmaki Makaurau into a thriving creative hub, showcasing bold new performances, immersive experiences, and a fresh take on some of the world’s most acclaimed works.
Following last year’s sold-out performances of A Streetcar Named Desire and the globally acclaimed SIX The Musical, this year’s programme spans everything from high-energy cabaret and contemporary dance to a festival-first Indigenous Music Series, inviting Aucklanders and visitors alike to engage with the arts on a whole new level.
The festival kicks off with Kia Kori! Let’s Move!, a free outdoor event in Aotea Square that promises to set an energetic tone. Hosted by New Zealand music icons Betty-Anne of Ardijah, Thomas Stowers, and Julia Deans and featuring the legendary band The Levites, the event invites attendees to dance the night away. Throughout the festival, Aotea Square will host the Festival Garden and Spiegeltent—a social gathering place for audiences and artists alike, offering live music, casual gatherings, and after-work drinks. For families, the first weekend includes Whānau Day, a special event where tamariki can explore art and activities tailored just for them.
This year’s lineup showcases a rich mix of international acts alongside celebrated local talent. High-energy cabaret SMASHED – The Nightcap from Australia brings fierce drag and circus elements. At the same time, Canada’s Cirque Alfonse presents Animal, a comical circus experience perfect for all ages. For music lovers, the Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa will deliver two captivating shows: one highlighting the history of House music and another featuring gospel freedom songs.
American dance company Lula Washington Dance Theatre will make its New Zealand debut with two dynamic new works, and New Zealand’s own Trick of the Light Theatre brings Suitcase Show, a poignant production that explores love and loss through beautifully crafted dioramas. Also on the bill is Belle – A Performance of Air, an atmospheric collaboration between Kiwi artists Malia Johnston, Rowan Pierce, and Eden Mulholland, blending aerial arts and theatre.
A standout feature of this year’s programme is the introduction of the festival’s Indigenous Music Series. Led by Māori artistic director Ataahua Papa, this series celebrates te reo Māori and other Indigenous languages through song and storytelling. Aotearoa’s own Maisey Rika will perform in Whiua ki te Ao, an event inspired by the recently published Aotearoa Songbook. Other Indigenous artists include Maya Piata, who fuses New Orleans jazz with her New Zealand roots, and the Delbert Anderson Quartet, who bring a mix of traditional Navajo sounds and jazz, echoing the vast landscapes of the American Southwest.
The 2025 festival will also feature New Zealand exclusives and firsts, including the Scottish Ballet’s acclaimed adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire. For fans of popular history, SIX the Musical will take audiences through the high-energy story of Henry VIII’s six wives, while HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr recounts the life of the movie star and pioneering inventor. Gene Kelly – A Life in Music, with live orchestration by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and narration by Kelly’s widow Patricia, rounds out the lineup with an exploration of classic Hollywood.
True to its mission of accessibility, the Auckland Arts Festival has strengthened its Access & Inclusion initiative. Designed to ensure everyone can enjoy the programme, it offers reduced ticket prices for Deaf and disabled community members, along with free companion tickets. Relaxed performances, audio descriptions, and NZSL interpretation are also available, making it easier for all festival-goers to experience the arts. School groups will benefit from 3,000 free tickets, with special matinees and masterclasses scheduled to encourage young audiences to connect with the arts.
Supported by Auckland Council, Creative New Zealand, and numerous donors and partners, Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki 2025 promises an arts experience that is equal parts inclusive, inspiring, and unforgettable. Tickets are now on sale for all shows, with more information available at aaf.co.nz
Whether you’re drawn by the promise of high-energy cabaret, want to experience Indigenous music in the heart of the city, or simply wish to explore Tāmaki Makaurau through the lens of groundbreaking art, this year’s festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss seeing Auckland in a new light this March.
