What’s hot and happening this March around Tāmaki Makaurau…
Bluebeard’s Castle
13 – 14 March
Auckland Town Hall
New Zealand Opera and Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival present the return of Theatre of Sound’s acclaimed production of Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle. This intimate reimagining recasts the Gothic classic as a contemporary love story about ageing and memory, featuring international singers and the Auckland Philharmonia in an immersive, emotionally charged staging.
Roots Auckland Tattoo Festival
14 – 15 March
The Cloud
Be part of history at the very first Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention, a two-day celebration of tattoo culture and creativity in Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover diverse styles from traditional to contemporary, meet world-class artists, and experience live art, culture and entertainment in one vibrant space. Whether you’re inked or just curious, this is your invitation to dive in.
Linkin Park
18 March
Spark Arena
Linkin Park have announced their long-awaited return to New Zealand, bringing the From Zero World Tour to Auckland’s Spark Arena with special guest VANA. Celebrating their chart-topping album From Zero, the show marks their first NZ date since 2013 – and the debut of the new line-up fronted by Emily Armstrong.
Counting Crows
23 – 24 March
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
Grammy and Academy Award-nominated rockers Counting Crows return to New Zealand with The Complete Sweets! Tour, joined by Auckland singer-songwriter MACEY. Expect a powerful live set spanning three decades – from beloved classics and deep cuts to fresh tracks from their latest album.
Equinox Festival
21 March
Kelmarna Community Farm
Soak up a slow, sun-drenched Saturday at Kelmarna’s Equinox Festival – a laid-back celebration of summer in nature with live music, great food, organic wines, cocktails and Behemoth beers. The lineup features Geneva AM, The Wellington Silva Trio, Finn McNeill and Chance of Sun for the perfect afternoon soundtrack.
Duck Pond
12 – 15 March
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
Your next date-night show is cheeky, exuberant and utterly spectacular. Duck Pond flips Tchaikovsky’s beloved classic on its head, as contemporary circus company Circa fuses Swan Lake with The Ugly Duckling in a whirl of aerials, acrobatics and feathers – high art delivered with humour, flair and deliciously controlled chaos.
Menopause The Musical
13 – 25 March
The Civic
The global hit Menopause The Musical returns after a decade in a flurry of sweaty, side-splitting fun. Set in a department store, four strangers bond over bras, hot flushes and mood swings in a heartwarming celebration of ‘The Change’, featuring sharp parodies of ‘60s, ’70s and ’80s classics. With 17 million fans worldwide, it’s the ultimate feel-good night out.
Ben Miller
20 March
The Auckland Performing Arts Centre
What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano? In 2023, Ben Miller became the first stand-up comedian selected as artist in residence at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – arguably a risky call. In this sharp, science-fuelled hour, the NYC-based comic blends volcanology, Hawaiian history and absurd curiosity, fresh from a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run.
