Taking the edge off this cold and rainy weather is the plethora of fascinating, fulfilling and immersive cultural experiences on offer in Auckland this month. From photographic exhibitions to enticing events, comedy, dance, live music, and more, our July Culture Guide is here to detail everything you need to attend or book tickets to over the month ahead.
Chelsea Handler
When: Friday July 5th, Auckland Town Hall & Saturday July 6th, Wellington’s St. James Theatre
Tickets: book here
Grammy-nominated comedian, television host, New York Times best-selling author and advocate Chelsea Handler is one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture, thanks to her unapologetic humour, candour and impossibly quick wit. Now, Kiwis will have the opportunity to experience all of this and more in the flesh, with two shows across Auckland and Wellington this winter. Don’t miss this chance to witness one of the true comedy maestros in action.
World Press Photo Exhibition
When: Saturday July 20th until Sunday 11th August, Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street
Tickets: book here
The ever-captivating World Press Photo Exhibition is set to take place once again, running from the 20 July — 11 August at Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street. This extraordinary event is a haven for discerning photography connoisseurs, offering an immersive journey through the lenses of gifted photojournalists and providing an awe-inspiring display of the most exceptional images, meticulously handpicked from over 60,000 global entries. Not only will you be captivated by the unparalleled storytelling on display, but all profits from the Auckland event go directly to charitable endeavors, giving us all the more reason to make the effort.
Teddy Swims
When: Saturday July 6th & Sunday July 7th, various locations across Auckland & Wellington
Tickets: book here
After capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide, vocal powerhouse and Atlanta singer-songwriter Teddy Swims is making a much-anticipated return to New Zealand, bringing his I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy tour to our shores. Swims, along with his exceptional band Freak Freely, will deliver an unforgettable set of performances that bring to life the depth and heart of his latest release.
World Choir Games 2024
When: Wednesday July 10th — Saturday July 20th, various locations
Tickets: book here
The 2024 World Choir Games is taking place in Auckland, bringing together 11,000 participants from 30+ countries for a celebration of global unity through song. Featuring competitions, concerts, and workshops, the event promises an unforgettable cultural exchange.
Mo Gilligan
When: Tuesday July 16th, SkyCity Theatre, Auckland
Tickets: book here
One of the UK’s biggest comedy stars, Mo Gilligan, is bringing his highly anticipated In The Moment world tour to New Zealand this winter, with the triple BAFTA winner set to deliver a show of side-splitting stand-up as only he can. Best-known for his observational comedy and high-energy performances (and, let’s be honest, dazzling good looks), Gillian riffs on humble beginnings, family dynamics, and more, with hilarity and heart.
The Walters Prize at Auckland Art Gallery
When: Saturday 6th July — Sunday 20th October, Auckland Art Gallery
Tickets: free exhibition
The Walters Prize is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious contemporary art award. Established in 2002 and now in its 11th iteration, the prize showcases and promotes contemporary art, and has, since its inception, shaped emergent discussion about contemporary New Zealand art. The Walters Prize 2024 marks the first iteration of the award in its new triennial format. As part of the prize, the Gallery presents an exhibition by four artists who have been nominated by an independent jury for their outstanding contribution to contemporary art in Aotearoa New Zealand. The four finalists for the Walters Prize 2024 are Juliet Carpenter, Owen Connors, Brett Graham and Ana Iti. Works by the finalists will be on display in a free exhibition at the Gallery.
Aotearoa Contemporary at Auckland Art Gallery
When: Saturday 6th July — Sunday 20th October, Auckland Art Gallery
Tickets: free exhibition
Running alongside The Walters Prize exhibition, and presented by Principal Partner Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Aotearoa Contemporary offers a platform for new art and ideas in Aotearoa New Zealand. Set to occur every three years at the Gallery, Aotearoa Contemporary will cultivate a new generation of artistic voices, providing a showcase for what is new and current in Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse cultural environment with its dynamic history of contemporary art. Featuring 27 artists and 22 new compelling projects, the exhibition includes a range of different mediums and new art practices such as painting, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and a programme of new choreographed performances.
Our Own Little Mess at Q Theatre
When: Wednesday 24th July — Saturday 3rd August, Q Theatre, Auckland
Tickets: book here
Our Own Little Mess is a genre-bending live performance and immersive audio adventure colliding multiple realities in magical ways. Follow the sprawling and seemingly unconnected lives of five characters as they navigate life’s big mysteries, from Wellington and Auckland to New York and Beijing. A celebration of the beauty of the mundane as well as the unknowable mysteries of the human inner voice, this captivating performance is a study in the ways we are simultaneously more atomised and interconnected than ever.
Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time
When: Thursday 25th July — Saturday 17th August, various locations country-wide
Tickets: book here
Following a slew of five-star reviews and critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe, Ed Byrne is returning to New Zealand with his brand-new solo show, Tragedy Plus Time. Named for the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time, in his latest show one of Ireland’s most-loved household names tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs. With legions of fans both in Ireland and abroad, Ed remains the observational stand-up to see.
Atamira Dance Company presents Ka Mua Ka Muri
When: Thursday 25th July — Saturday 27th July, Q Theatre, Auckland
Tickets: book here
Atamira Dance Company encompasses and uplifts the voices of acclaimed choreographers and long-time collaborators, Bianca Hyslop and Eddie Elliott in this unique and powerful double bill Ka Mua Ka Muri. Derived from and inspired by the whakataukī ‘kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua’, Ka Mua Ka Muri relates to Māori perspectives of time where the past, present and the future are intertwined, offering a contemporary dance experience that explores both the significance of whakapapa while defining new aspirations for the future.
