Ten Must-See Shows at the 2025 Auckland Arts Festival

Black Grace - This Is Not A Retrospective
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Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival is back this March, bringing a dazzling line-up of local and international talent to Tāmaki Makaurau. From musicals to breathtaking dance and circus performances, The Festival is set to inspire, entertain, and unite audiences. Here are our picks for ten shows you won’t want to miss.

1. Kia Kori! Let’s Move! 🎤🎶

Aotea Square will come alive on opening night with an outdoor concert celebrating divas, dancing, and community. Featuring powerhouse vocalists Betty-Anne, Julia Deans, and Thomas Stowers, backed by the incredible Levites, this event is pure energy and joy.

Betty-Anne.

Betty-Anne (Ardijah) and Julia Deans (Fur Patrol) are queer icons who’ve been lighting up Aotearoa’s music scene for decades. Add in Thomas Stowers’ smooth R&B tones and the unbeatable rhythm of The Levites, and you’ve got the perfect start to the festival. Expect a night of inclusivity, soul, and dancing under the stars.

📅 When: Thursday 6 March
📍 Where: Aotea Square

FIND OUT MORE HERE!

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2. SIX the Musical 👑🎶

Queer history buffs and pop culture fans, this one’s for you! SIX is the feminist, campy retelling of the six wives of Henry VIII, reimagined as pop divas in a fierce battle for the crown. Inspired by the likes of Beyoncé and Britney Spears, these Tudor queens rewrite their stories with sass, empowerment, and killer vocals.

Six The Musical

Performed by an all-woman cast and live band, SIX is part history lesson, part pop concert, and fully fabulous. Get ready for a night of anthems, laughter, and girl power!

📅 When: Thursday 27 February – Sunday 23 March
📍 Where: The Civic

GET TICKETS HERE!


3. Animal 🤹‍♂️🐮

Quebec’s Cirque Alfonse brings farmyard camp to Q Theatre with Animal, a circus extravaganza featuring acrobatics, comedy, and live music. Expect mechanical bulls, giant cowbells, and edge-of-your-seat stunts in this surreal, barnyard-themed spectacle.

Cirque Alfonse in Animal. Photo by Rolline Laporte.

This family-friendly show is packed with charm, humour, and moments that will have you gasping in delight. Whether you’re there for the jaw-dropping stunts or the hilariously quirky vibe, Animal is pure fun.

📅 When: Wednesday 19 March – Sunday 23 March
📍 Where: Q Theatre

GET TICKETS HERE!


4. Soweto Gospel Choir: HOPE 🎶✊🏾

Few performances are as soul-stirring as the triple Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir. In HOPE, they bring the music of South African freedom songs and African American civil rights anthems to the Auckland Town Hall.

Soweto Gospel Choir.

With songs by James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin, this concert is a powerful reminder of the fight for equality and the strength of collective voices. This celebration of resilience and hope is a must-see.

📅 When: Tuesday 11 March
📍 Where: Auckland Town Hall

GET TICKETS HERE!


5. Lula Washington Dance Theatre 💃🏾🎭

The Lula Washington Dance Theatre, one of Los Angeles’ finest dance companies, celebrates 45 years of artistic brilliance with an electrifying programme. Featuring African, Afro-Haitian, and contemporary dance styles, their works explore social issues like racial justice, activism, and community.

Lula Washington Dance Theatre.

With two international premieres and music that ranges from jazz to funky R&B, this performance is vibrant, empowering, and memorable.

📅 When: Thursday 13 March – Sunday 16 March
📍 Where: Aotea Centre

GET TICKETS HERE!


6. HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr 🎭🔬

This glamorous one-woman show celebrates queer-adjacent Hollywood icon Hedy Lamarr. Known as “the most beautiful woman in the world”, Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor who helped pioneer the technology behind Wi-Fi.

HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr

Written and performed by Heather Massie, HEDY! is a love letter to women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), creativity, and resilience. Massie’s witty and heartfelt portrayal will leave you ready to celebrate the overlooked brilliance of queer history’s allies.

📅 When: Thursday 13 March – Sunday 16 March
📍 Where: Q Theatre

GET TICKETS HERE!


7. Toiere 🎶🌿

Take a journey into the beauty of te reo Māori with Toiere, a stunning concert blending operatic arias and cherished waiata. This showcase of Māori culture and artistry is a timely celebration of identity, language, and heritage.

Toiere by Jinki Cambronero.

Find strength in cultural connection at this night of song and storytelling.

📅 When: Friday 14 March
📍 Where: Auckland Town Hall

GET TICKETS HERE!


8. Gene Kelly: A Life in Music 🎬🎻

Gene Kelly, the iconic Hollywood dancer and choreographer, was a beloved ally to rainbow communities. In this symphonic tribute hosted by Kelly’s wife, Patricia, film clips of his most famous works are paired with live music by the Auckland Philharmonia.

Gene Kelly: A Life in Music

From Singin’ in the Rain to rare television specials, this performance is a heartfelt celebration of a queer icon who made musical history.

📅 When: Saturday 15 March
📍 Where: Auckland Town Hall

GET TICKETS HERE!


9. A Streetcar Named Desire 🩰🔥

Tennessee Williams’ iconic queer-coded characters come to life in a bold, contemporary ballet adaptation by Scottish Ballet. In A Streetcar Named Desire, dance replaces dialogue, with expressive choreography and live music capturing the emotional depths of Blanche DuBois’ tragic story.

Photo | Gavin Smart.

This production marks the ballet’s Australasian debut, offering a fresh, intimate take on a queer classic.

📅 When: Thursday 20 March – Sunday 23 March
📍 Where: Aotea Centre

GET TICKETS HERE!


10. Black Grace: This Is Not A Retrospective 💃🏽🎉

What better way to close the festival than with a party celebrating empowerment, diversity, and dance? Black Grace, marking 30 years of brilliance, invites you onto the dance floor for an interactive event where artists and audiences connect.

Black Grace – This Is Not A Retrospective

This high-energy night at Auckland Town Hall features some of the company’s most iconic works alongside special guests. Bring your best moves, because the party continues late into the night and the dance floor will be full!

📅 When: Saturday 22 March
📍 Where: Auckland Town Hall

GET TICKETS HERE!


Don’t Miss Out!

Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival runs from Thursday, 6 March to Sunday, 23 March, with something for everyone.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now at aaf.co.nz

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