With Mays arrival and the weather that has come with it, there seems to be no shortage of events to fill your calendars with. Whether you want to indulge in the Food Shows across the country or the annual Comedy Gala there is something for everyone. Here is What’s On This May curated by WOMAN+.
Wings for Life World Run
This Sunday at 11pm NZT the biggest world run will take place where hundreds of thousands around the world will run at the exact same time, in support of one goal: to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. In Auckland, hundreds will gather to join the world run at Westhaven Marina. For those not in Auckland, they can get involved anywhere in the country via the App. Getting involved is easy, just sign up here and gain access to the app.
Wilkinson
4th (Wellington) ,11th (Dunedin) & 12th (Auckland) May 2023
Hey ladies, get excited because Wilkinson is finally making his much-anticipated comeback to New Zealand! This time, he’s bringing us an unforgettable arena show that’s been getting rave reviews, showcasing his latest album.
New Zealand International Comedy Gala Auckland & Wellington
The Civic, Auckland, Friday 5th (Auckland) & Saturday 6th (Wellington), 7:30 – 11:30 pm
The NZ International Comedy Festival is now an annual highlight on Aotearoa’s arts calendar and is back for another year. Some of the first international comedians performing in the early years included Alan Davies, Simon Pegg, Bill Bailey, Lano and Woodley, Rich Hall and Ardal O’Hanlan.
No Homo: Queer Comedy
Basement Theatre, Auckland, 13th, 20th, 27th May 11:00pm
Aotearoa’s cult-favourite comedy line-up show No Homo: Queer Comedy presents a rotating line-up of some of the best LGBTIQ+ comedians the festival has to offer every Saturday night of May.
Beauty Nation
Shed 10, Auckland, Saturday 6th & 7th May
Beauty Nation is designed to bring beauty lovers together via six interactive and immersive zones. From inspirational tutorials and beauty bargains to pamper stations and drag sensations, there is something compelling for everyone. These zones include retail, beauty forum, pamper lounge, man cave, NZ made and my favourite, the drag Zone.
Chris Parker
Full tour across New Zealand. May dates Tauranga (17th), Christchurch (19th), Wellington (27th)
Chris Parker is back with a brand new show Lots of Love, after completely selling out his 2022 tour ‘The Best of Chris Parker’. Chris will take Lots of Love across New Zealand to Tauranga, Christchurch, Hamilton, Palmerston North and New Plymouth in May and June.
Writers Festival
New Zealand’s most-anticipated festival of ideas unveils 2023 programme – a triumphant return of international literary giants and 160 in-person events. The Auckland Writers Festival tonight unveiled the full programme for its 23rd Festival, with 160 live events in Auckland over six days, 16 – 21 May 2023.
The Wellington Food Show
Sky Stadium, Wellington, Thursday 26th May 10:00-5:00pm
Discover the very best food, wine, beer and kitchen equipment from hundreds of local and national companies. Watch top celebrity chefs at the Cooking Theatre to learn hot tips and fresh recipes. Remember most exhibitors have show on deals!
Visa Wellington On a Plate
5th-21st May
This culinary celebration showcases the incredible range of talent and produce that the Wellington region has to offer. Get set to eat curious and explore more than 100 Festival Events and Pop Ups, alongside over 130 Dine and Cocktail Wellington creations.
L’OR French Film Festival Aotearoa 2023
Grab your friends and escape the cold weather with one of the french films across the country. Find the locations you can watch a film here.
Jersey Boys Musical Theatre
Regent Theatre, Dunedin, 4th-13th May 7:30pm
Jersey Boys is the international musical phenomenon that takes you behind the scenes — and behind the music — of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Italian Film Festival
The Italian Film Festival 2023 is set to delight audiences across Aotearoa with stellar line up of award-winning films. Audiences in Aotearoa will be wowed and moved by its impressive line up of acclaimed and award-winning films from Italy’s most talented film-makers. Twenty-two films (20 of which are new – less than three years old) will screen across New Zealand from May – January 2024.
Kōpū
Te Pou Theatre, Corbans Estate Arts Centre in Henderson, May 4-14.
The wāhine of Kōpū weave live music, performance, poetry, and poi to share a hilariously honest and no-holds-barred account of their femininity on their own terms.
Related article: Kura Te Ua from Kōpū
The Great NZ Food Show 2023
Claudelands Park, Hamilton, Saturday, 6th May
Take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy a fabulous day out with your loved ones, exploring the latest culinary offerings and sampling the finest foods, wines, and delicious products. Indulge in a delightful culinary journey and make unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Restaurants to try
- Paname Social, 3 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD
- La Luna, Unit 5/246 High Street, Rangiora
- Smith & Sheth, 4 Te Aute Road, 2 the Courtyard Village, Havelock North
- Paloma, 28 Helwick Street, WānakaWilson Barbecue, 17 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville, Wellington
Related article: May Energy Forecast
