The Spinoff’s top pick of events from around the motu. Here’s the best for the week January 29–February 5.
Welcome to The Spinoff event guide, your weekly, curated selection of gigs, events and exhibitions happening across Aotearoa. If you want to pitch your event for future guides then please use this handy form.
Tāmaki Makaurau
Music: Opera in the Park
Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
5pm Sat, January 31
Free
“Experience the magic of music this summer as NZ Opera presents two free, family-friendly outdoor concerts. Part of Auckland Council’s Music in Parks, this is your chance to hear popular opera favourites performed live by Aotearoa’s finest rising stars.”
Literature: Book launch – Echoes of the Timeless
131–133 Ocean View Road, Waiheke Island
4pm Sat, January 31
Free
Join Catia Batalha to launch her debut novel about a single, transformative year. All welcome.
Kirikiriroa
Music: Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Waikato Regional Theatre
7.30pm & 9.30pm Tues, February 3
From $91.65
The 2000s disco queen is here to murder on the dance floor!
Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Maiangi Waitai: Onward, Haere Tonu 2025 collage, acrylic paint on canvas, 110 x 1520 mm.
Visual art: Summer Actually
Bowen Galleries, Ghuznee St
11am – 5pm daily (except closed on Mondays)
Free
A stunning exhibition featuring art by Gregory O’Brien, Euan Macleod, Esther Bosshard, Maiangi & Coco Waitai, Noel Mckenna and Ans Westra.
Whakatū
Music: Richter City Rebels
Fairfield House
7pm Sun, February 1 & 4pm Mon, February 2
$25 ($30 on the door; $10 for under 18s)
A family-friendly brass band party with Aotearoa’s purveyors of explosive beats and good vibes.
Ōtautahi
Festival: World Buskers Festival
Various locations throughout the city
On until February 1
Free & ticketed
Catch the last few days of circus, music, magic and more with street performances and ticketed events: full programme online.