With October comes a slew of fascinating, fulfilling and immersive cultural experiences. From charitable exhibitions to film festivals to dance, comedy, live music and more, our October Culture Guide is here to detail everything you need to attend or book tickets to over the month ahead.
OHEN’s BCFNZ Art Exhibition
When & Where: Wednesday 9th — Thursday 24th October, Allpress Studio
This October, OHEN Underwear is presenting a multidisciplinary art exhibition to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand (BCFNZ). A diverse collective of twenty contemporary Kiwi artists and gallerists — from Simon Lewis-Wards to Grace Bader — have generously donated work to be auctioned in support of this vital cause, with smaller works available for direct purchase throughout the exhibition, and larger pieces to be auctioned on the 23rd of October. Proceeds from the event will be donated directly to BCFNZ, providing crucial support for breast cancer research, awareness, and early detection programs. More than just an art show, this exhibition seeks to spark meaningful conversations and inspire action.
A Slow Burlesque
When & Where: Thursday 3rd — Saturday 19th October, Basement Theatre, Auckland
Freya Silas Finch’s A Slow Burlesque explores gender performance through physical theatre, burlesque, absurd comedy, and numerous costume changes. From high femme divas to old Hollywood leading men, and from clowning to Billy Elliot’s dance, Freya’s comedic solo redefines familiar gender tropes. This innovative show aims to create a new storytelling language beyond the binary.
Peter Pan
When & Where: Tuesday 8th — Sunday 27th October, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland
An unmissable and captivating experience for all ages, the magic of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan is set to enrapture audiences this October. Prepare for delightful twists in this wondrously inventive production, as the spellbinding story of Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, is brought to life by one of New Zealand’s most innovative theatre creators.
Tempo Dance Festival
When & Where: Thursday 10th — Sunday 20th October, Q Theatre, Auckland
From hip-hop to ballet to contemporary to Indigenous, Tāmaki Makaurau will dance like everyone’s watching as the biennial Tempo Dance Festival — Te Rerenga o Tere returns with a full programme of immersive, innovative and exciting dance, running from the 10th — the 20th of October at Q Theatre. The 2024 programme is teeming with established and emerging dance creators with more than 200 performers set to take to the stage for 20 shows across 10 days.
Eric Idle — Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life, Live!
When & Where: Wednesday 23rd October — Monday 28th October, various locations country-wide
Eric Idle, star of stage and screen, presents Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Live! This nostalgic one-man musical showcases his love for comedy, music, and “Mock and Roll” — a unique blend of comedy and music. Featuring tributes to George Harrison, Robin Williams, and The Rutles — the comedian’s legendary Beatles parody, this show promises an unforgettable evening with a true comedy legend.
Pop-Up Globe’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Q Theatre
When & Where: Tuesday 22nd October — Sunday 27th October, Q Theatre
The Pop-up Globe Shakespeare Company is making a triumphant return to Auckland’s Q Theatre, following the magic of last year’s performances. From the 22nd of October, the iconic pop-up Globe stage will once again set the scene, ensuring an unforgettable performance of The Bard’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This rowdy, rambunctious, and joyful tale of the coming together of two worlds promises beauty, bawdiness and smut, with plenty of audience engagement, live music and an ensemble of talented actors. On from the 22nd until the 27th of October only, this raucous performance is here for a good time, not a long one, so you don’t want to miss out. Tickets can be found here.
The British & Irish Film Festival
When & Where: Wednesday 23rd October — Wednesday 13th November
The British & Irish Film Festival returns to New Zealand this October and November, bringing highlights from the 2024 Toronto and Cannes film festivals. Screening across cities from Kerikeri to Dunedin, the festival features star-studded films like Conclave starring Ralph Fiennes,
Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, and The Return, alongside six documentaries and a live concert. With five new locations, this year’s event is set to be the largest yet, with something for everyone across the three-week showcase.
