Strange Universe Winter
From 26 May
Citywide
Strange Universe: Winter 2026 is a multi-night festival weaving through Auckland’s best venues from May to June, featuring Stereolab, Dry Cleaning, Cate Le Bon, Cass McCombs, Acid Mothers Temple, The Veils, Kelly Moran, Mei Semones, and The Circling Sun w/ Yolanda F Fagan.
Tim Batt
13-16 May
Q Theatre
On Friday 15 May, wear pink to stand up to bullying and celebrate diversity for Pink Shirt Day 2026. This year’s official tee – designed by NZ artist Bonnie Brown – is available at Cotton On stores nationwide. 100% of net proceeds help fund the Mental Health Foundation’s vital programmes that lift wellbeing.
Pink Shirt Day
15 May
Nationwide
Iconic Kiwi band Split Enz has announced a second Auckland show at Spark Arena on May 10, following sold-out dates at Wellington’s TSB Arena (May 6) and Spark Arena (May 9) as part of their Forever Enz Tour this May.
Matt Corby
29 May
Auckland Town Hall
One of Australia’s most soulful voices, Matt Corby returns to Aotearoa for his Tragic Magic Tour, supporting his highly anticipated fourth studio album. His last Auckland show sold out instantly – don’t sleep on tickets.
Playfight
14-30 May
Silo Theatre
Julia Grogan’s award-winning Edinburgh Festival smash hit Playfight is a fast, raw, and unfiltered look at three 15-year-old girls navigating sex, shame, and friendship – asking what happens when no one teaches you how to look after yourself.
Phil Rosenthal
17 May
Bruce Mason Theatre
Award-winning creator of Somebody Feed Phil and Everybody Loves Raymond, Phil Rosenthal brings his hilarious and heartfelt stories to Auckland’s for a moderated conversation and audience Q&A.
Melanie Bracewell
22 May
SkyCity Theatre
Melanie Bracewell is back with a brand-new hour about returning to unfinished things later in life. With rave reviews and multiple awards under her belt, don’t miss this must-see show.
Deftones
13 May
Spark Arena
Multi-platinum Grammy-winning alternative rock icons Deftones make their long-awaited return to Aotearoa for a one-night show in Auckland. Joined by special guests Interpol and Ecca Vandal, this marks the band’s first New Zealand headline performance in nearly a decade.
