Finally, September 1st is almost upon us — marking the time where we can finally bid adieu to winter and its perpetual cultural drought. Spring is on the horizon and so, too, is a throng of exciting offerings. Landmark musical concerts, thought-provoking festivals, hotly-anticipated movie releases and more: these are the 17 unmissable events you need to be taking note of.

Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac

Say, other bands, they will come and they will go, but there’s no musical collective that remains in our hearts (and Dreams) quite like Fleetwood Mac. It’s been over half a century since the band’s inception and yet their enduring spirit remains, something that has no doubt been proven tenfold by the reaction to their upcoming tour. Set to descend upon Auckland mid-September, the influential group will feature longtime members Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, John McVie and Christine McVie, alongside newcomers American guitarist Mike Campbell and New Zealand’s very own Neil Finn. This will be a moment in history not to be missed.
For more information and tickets, click here. 
12th – 19th September, Spark Arena

Celeste Barber

Celeste Barber

Recently crowned Instagram’s funniest woman, Celeste Barber has won the world over (fans include Cindy Crawford and Miranda Kerr) with her tongue-in-cheek parodies of celebrity accounts. She’s arguably the woman everyone wants as their best friend, so it comes as no surprise that the announcement of her first, live stand up show was met with a resounding ripple of elation. Penned to be equally as candid, raw and self-deprecatingly hilarious as she is online, this is one chuckle-worthy event worth booking a seat for.
For more information and tickets, click here.
20th September, Bruce Mason Centre

Fred Armisen: Comedy For Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome

Fred Armisen: Comedy For Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome

Part musical extravaganza part titillating stand-up gig, Fred Amisfield’s hybrid show is an absolute must-see for anyone who enjoys laughing and jiving to a good beat (and who doesn’t?). In Comedy For Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome, the actor — best known for his guffaw-inciting appearances on Saturday Night Live, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt — will use his experience in the entertainment biz to poke fun at celebrities and the music industry. When gearing up for the show be sure to listen to Fred Armisen: Standup for Drummers, the Grammy-nominated comedy album is just a riveting taste of what you can expect at the show.
For more information and tickets, click here.
6th September, Spark Arena

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan

South African-born, Perth raised Troye Sivan has evolved from YouTube personality to acclaimed musician and now, for the second time, brings his energetic pop tunes to Auckland. With a focus on his most recent, sophomore album Bloom, fans can expect a show rife with piano-driven ballads and sanguine, gentle-synth tracks.
For more information and tickets, click here. 
13th September, Spark Arena

The Goldfinch

The Goldfinch

Nicole Kidman, Ansel Elgort and Sarah Paulson join forces to bring the Pulitzer Prize-winning work of Donna Tartt to life. The tale remains the same, with Elgort starring as Theo Decker, a boy whose life is changed forever after his mother dies in a terrorist bombing. If the grippingly melancholic trailer is anything to go by, this motion picture will be just as compelling as the book.
In cinemas 26th September

Jimmy Barnes

Jimmy Barnes

He’s had a musical career spanning longer than four decades, and yet Jimmy Barnes, one of Australia’s most prominent rockers, is still yet to show signs of slowing down. In his upcoming Shutting Down Your Town tour, the legendary vocalist will be performing a set list studded with classic hits and tracks from his acclaimed new album, My Criminal Record.
For more information and tickets, click here. 
28th September, Spark Arena

Cinema Italiano Festival

Cinema Italiano Festival

Cinema Italiano is back for another year bringing an array of inspiring films to the fore. We’ll be scheduling in There’s No Place Like Home, a film renowned for its esteemed ensemble cast, and My Big Gay Italian Wedding — a humorous adaptation of the hit Broadway play. Supported by Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Studio Italia, Cinema Italiano is once again reminding us why Italian innovation is truly one of a kind.
For bookings, tickets and more information, click here. 
17th to 30th September, Bridgeway Cinema

Imi Knoebel

Imi Knoebel

Imi Knoebel is one of the world’s most celebrated painters, with large-scale works held in the permanent collection at New York’s MoMA, and in other major museums throughout Europe. This September brings the landmark opportunity to view a range of Knoebel’s exquisite works on paper at the Fox Jensen Gallery, and is a must for lovers of art.
For more information, click here. 
19th September – 19th October, Fox Jensen Gallery

Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa

Two-time GRAMMY nominated artist and musical luminary Joe Bonamassa, after recently achieving his 21st number one album on the Billboard Blues Chart with Redemption, will be performing this album and his staggering, extensive repertoire to Aucklanders come the 27th. Joined by a stellar band of noteworthy musicians, including Late Night with David Letterman‘s Anton Fig and New Zealand’s very own Mahalia Barnes, Jade MacRae and Juanita Tippins, you can guarantee this will be one extravaganza not to be missed. 
For more information and tickets, click here. 
Friday 27th September 

Funny Bones

Funny Bones

Funny Bones, Ostro’s latest iteration of its widely regarded Dinner & A Show series, will see some of New Zealand’s funniest personalities (think Ben Hurley and Jeremy Elwood) take to the mic, while guests are invited to tuck into a delicious menu prepared by Executive Chef Josh Emett and Head Chef Josh Shields. Set to take place one Sunday of every month until October, this is the perfect way to round off the weekend.
For more information and tickets, click here. 
On now

School of Rock The Musical

School of Rock The Musical

It’s definitely not tacky and we definitely don’t hate it. In fact, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway and London smash hit musical, School Of Rock, might just be one of the most riveting stage performances to descend on Auckland this season. Expect to be blown away by the incredible cast, one which comprises multi-talented youngsters whose guitar-strumming, drum-pounding skills are as awe-inducing as their theatrical prowess is.
For more information and tickets, click here. 
3rd – 29th September, The Civic

Hugh Jackman: The Man. The Music. The Show.

Hugh Jackman: The Man. The Music. The Show.

The Aussie, Academy Award-nominated, Golden Globe, Grammy and Tony Award-winning actor, dancer, singer, producer and pure performing brilliance that is Hugh jackman is soon to light up the Spark Arena with his spectacle of a concert tour. The Man. The Music. The Show will see him perform a medley of crowd-pleasing tunes — from the likes of The Greatest Showman and Les Miserables — alongside a live orchestra.
For more information and tickets, click here. 
6th – 7th September

Sydney Contemporary Art Fair

Sydney Contemporary Art Fair

Regarded as Australasia’s largest art fair, Sydney Contemporary is back for its third instalment, bringing over 90 galleries from all over the globe to present some of their finest works. Among the line-up showing at the historic Carriageworks location are New Zealand galleries, Sanderson Contemporary Art, Gow Langsford, Starkwhite and Two Rooms.
For more information, click here. 
12th – 15th September  

 

The 1975

The 1975

For just one night only, Brit pop-rock band The 1975 will be gracing the ears of Auckland with their renowned gritty pop hooks and impassioned vocals. Set to deliver fan favourites — including tunes from their applauded last album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships — alongside a few teased new releases, this is one rock out not to be missed. 
For more information and tickets, click here.
Wednesday 18th September 

 

 

Alembics and Cucubitas — A New Glass Vernacular

Alembics and Cucubitas — A New Glass Vernacular

A compelling and insightful exhibition, Alembics and Cucubitas’ ‘A New Glass Vernacular’ showcases products and pieces from the intriguing world of glass-blowing. All of the captivating vessels exhibited, made by Gaffer Glass, touch upon ancient glass forms and explore them in a modern context. 
For more information, click here.
Now until 21st September, Masterworks Gallery

James Morrison

James Morrison

British singer-songwriter and all-round crooner James Morrison is bringing his You’re Stronger Than You Know tour to New Zealand, set to deliver an array of raw and honest songs from his fifth studio album of the same name. Melodies we’ll be keeping our ears pricked for include the heartfelt My Love Goes On, recorded with singer Joss Stone, and the soul-stirring Glorious.
For more information and tickets, click here. 
Tuesday 24th September, Auckland Town Hall