Art festivals, dance performances, exhibitions and live music, this summer’s line-up across the motu will keep your calendars jam-packed. We have done the research so you don’t have to! Here is everything you should be booking tickets to over the summer months. To win a double pass to the Spring City Music Festival 2022 click here. Entries close 9am Wednesday 23rd of November.
Venus Rising Royal NZ Ballet
The Royal NZ Ballet’s Venus Rising comprises three extraordinary works choreographed by Alice topp, Sarah Foster-Sproull and Twyla Tharp. This is a generous, glorious celebration of ballet and the joy of pure dance created by some of the finest choreographers working today.Venus Rising will be performed in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on November 24; Ōtautahi Christchurch on December 1; and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on December 8.
Aotearoa Art Fair
Aotearoa Art Fair, New Zealand’s incredible showcase for contemporary art, returns in 2022 starting today. This 4 day event is hosted by The Cloud on Auckland’s Queens Wharf. Whether you are interested in painting, sculpture or photography, the Art Fair this weekend has something for everyone. General entry tickets are $27. 16- 20th November, The Cloud, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Jack Johnston Meet The Moonlight Tour
Multi-platinum musician Jack Johnston makes his return to Aotearoa, New Zealand this December playing all your favourite songs outdoors and under the stars. Jack is touring in support of his latest studio album, ‘Meet The Moonlight’. Joining Jack on the tour for all New Zealand shows will be Aotearoa eight-piece The Black Seeds. This is an event not to be missed. December 10th (Western Springs) & 11th (Hawkes Bay).
APO presents Celebrate Christmas
December in Auckland is a wonderful time of year with pohutukawas in full bloom, the summer sun glinting on the Waitemata and the APO’s annual Christmas concert. Music is at the heart of any celebration and a marvellous way to embrace the festive spirit of this special time of the year. Soprano Anna Leese will perform with The Graduate Choir NZ. This much-loved event in the APO calendar will include Yuletide orchestral favourites like Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and Prokofiev’s Troika together with a generous helping of traditional Christmas carols. Come along, bring your family and friends, and share the spirit of the holiday season. December 16-17, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Black Grace : An immersive dance experience
The Art of Black Grace is a state-of-the-art, first of its kind immersive digital dance experience suitable for the whole family. Experience a sensory exhibition displayed on LED panels, using sophisticated technology to immerse you in an extraordinary world of dance, art and music. Black Grace performances span over almost 3 weeks, giving you and your family plenty of time to experience this work of art. 20th November – 9th December Karanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Japanese Film Festival 2022
The Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation, is very pleased to announce the return of the Japanese Film Festival, an annual event held to give the people of New Zealand some insight into the culture, customs, and traditions of Japan, alongside what is popular with Japanese society today, through film. December 10-11, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Dunedin.
Summer Sounds Music Festival
Get up close and personal with this amazing lineup, featuring State of Mind, Fairbrother, Soulfire, DJ Sirvere, GEO, Lure, Nazarite, Furious Hori, DJ Jayrasik, Tiki Taane, Dolphin Friendly, Big Sima and Boomtown, Cee Blu, Valle, Steezys Touch, Vikae, Laura Lee Lovely w/ Pallas, Local Elements and DJ Jayrasik. Free camping is available. There will be a variety of food trucks plus breakfast and coffee available in the mornings! December 16-17, Queen Charlotte Tavern, Marlborough Sounds.
Dragvine
Prepare to be razzled, dazzled and ready to party at a wine and paint party like no other. Hosted by Aotearoa’s favourite queens, Dragvine will have you shocked, shaken and stirred. For lovers of drag, and for those that have never been, get creative, get weird, get wild. Either way, you’ll be coming home with more than just a buzz. All materials are provided and skilled artists will take you step by step on how to complete your painting along with games and performances! December 1, Phoenix Cabaret, Newton, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
All Girl Big Band
The AGBB consists of an array of talented musicians whose “infectious joy of music-making” is evident at all their live shows. Presenting a “powerhouse of sound” they perform jazz/ swing music with tunes you know and love. Prepare to be “blown away” – perhaps all the way into 2023. This concert is part of the Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series 2022, showcasing a remarkable line-up of renowned local, national and international artists performing in a beautiful heritage venue. December 12, Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Northland Food & Wine Festival 2022
Top local vineyards will be joined at Carrington Estate, situated in the beautiful Karikari Peninsula, by our artisan producers, food trucks and fantastic music, including chill DJ sounds and one of our favourite party bands, HANDS OFF. The Northland Food and Wine Festival is a perfect opportunity to unwind with friends and whanau, or even get together with your workmates for a Christmas celebration! The event will also include a great children’s area with facepainting and a petting zoo, so if you are looking for something that caters to everyone, this is it! December 11, Carrington Estate, Doubtless Bay, eventfinda.co.nz.
Marlborough Food And Wine Festival 2023
World-famous for its fabulous selection of Marlborough wines, delicious cuisine and brilliant atmosphere, the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is back Sample beautiful local wines and meet the people who make them, learn wine and food secrets at our masterclasses, indulge in sumptuous wine/food matches prepared by famous chefs and enjoy live music from top bands. Saturday 11 February 2023 10:30am – 6:00pm, Renwick Domain, 8 Uxbridge Street, Renwick
Fat Boy Slim
Fat Boy Slim will return to New Zealand in 2023. Embarking on his largest New Zealand tour to date, the iconic DJ will play outdoor summer shows starting in Christchurch on the 27th of January, followed by Napier, Auckland, Wellington, Queentown and Taupō.His return to Aotearoa will no doubt spark the re-appearance of ravers young and old across dance floors around the country. 27th January – 5th February Napier, Auckland, Wellington, Queentown and Taupō.
UB40, Jefferson Starship & Dragon
The legendary British band will make their eagerly anticipated return and are set to perform all their hits at shows in 6 different cities. The reggae pioneers will be joined by the legendary Jefferson Starship and Australasian heroes Dragon. Starting on 29th December in Napier, 30th December in New Plymouth, 2nd January in Matakana, 4th January in Mount Maunganui & 6th January in Nelson.
Groove Armada NZ Tour
One of the globe’s biggest big beat electronic dance acts Groove Armada will be touring their full live band experience across New Zealand this Spring as part of their 25 Years farewell tour. The tour begins in Christchurch on Thursday 24th, followed by Napier, and Wellington. The Auckland leg of the tour on Saturday November 26th includes Groove Armada headline the return of the Spring City Music Festival. The festival features a massive main stage production, more international acts and some of Auckland’s top food vendors spread across the lush Auckland domain grounds. Christchurch 24th November, Napier 25th, Auckland 26th ( Spring City Festival), Wellington 27th.
To win a double pass to the Spring City Music Festival 2022 click here. Entries close 9am Wednesday 23rd of November.
