October 5th, 2026 - October 26th, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
MONDAY NIGHT HAS NO RIGHT TO BE THIS MUCH FUN. Grab your mates, get a table and settle in for Quiz Night at Cousin Scott’s — big laughs, ingenious answers, cold drinks and plenty of bragging rights. Hosted by Cousin Scott. 7PM every Monday. $225 in prizes up for grabs Don’t waste Monday on the couch. Get your crew together and come be part of it. Book your team now: cousinscotts.co.nz
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October 7th, 2026 - October 28th, 2026
6:30 pm
The hottest game in town, brought to you by the team at NPPL. Registration from 6:30pm | Cards dealt 7pm | $20 buy-in | Winner takes the pot! This night fills up fast — pre-book your spot and don’t miss the action!
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October 8th, 2026 - October 29th, 2026
6:00 pm
Thursday nights just got a little less stable. The bull’s fired up from 8-11pm, the crowd gets loud, the DJ is spinning beats, and bragging rights are very much on the line. Before the bull’s let outta the barn, live music sets the vibe from 6-8pm with a duo.
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October 8th, 2026 - October 18th, 2026
Dave Armstrong’s incisive, hilarious comedy epitomises the hopeless merry-go-round of politics that happens every election cycle. This October, Tadpole Productions presents The Surprise Party, a comedy by award-winning playwright Dave Armstrong (Spin Doctors, Niu Sila, Westie). As election fever escalates in New Zealand, The Surprise Party is a madcap take on politics, MMP and the political relationships that exist in New Zealand today. A high-energy comedy about an incompetent political party hoping to survive another election, starring beloved actor, director and writer Alison Quigan (Shortland Street, The Brokenwood Mysteries, Madam) as Tracey alongside one of New Zealand’s most experienced actors, Stephen Papps (Pike River, Happiness, Crackhead), who plays Doug. The ensemble cast features actors Brayden Cresswell, Shauntelle Jones, Ben Porter and Chloe Thomsen. Doug Morris (Stephen Papps) is the sole MP for the POP Party. He only owes his popularity to the fact that his father was an All Black and his Mum was Miss New Zealand. When he and his bumbling party members gather for the Election night results, they’re in for some huge surprises!. “We’re stuck with a Transport Minister who can’t drive; a union bully bus driver as potential Foreign Minister and an ex-service station attendant who won’t use the internet running the economy.” Former Auckland Theatre Company Artistic Director Colin McColl ONZM, who boasts a long career in Television, Opera and Theatre performance and direction, locally and internationally, brings his extraordinary Directorial skills to the stage this October. With modern-day politics feeling more like a satire on itself, The Surprise Party takes a swipe at idealistic, uncompromising and increasingly humour-resistant factions. In the current world climate, over-the-top political antics are sadly increasingly mainstream, but the play is a reminder that in this divided age we have more similarities than differences, regardless of our party preferences, and we are all only human. Enabling compromise is the only solution. And we can – and should – always share a laugh.
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October 11th, 2026 - October 18th, 2026
Join the Auckland Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of musical mischief, spine-tingling suspense, and pure symphonic magic, with a unique programme of crowd-pleasing Tricks and Treats to delight listeners of all ages. Enjoy the towering brass of Jurassic Park. Tip-toe through the fairy-tale wonder of Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and enjoy the cheeky, rhythmic fun of Leroy Anderson’s The Typewriter. Add in the dazzling virtuosity of Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy, played by renowned local violinist Yanghe Yu, the contrasting dark, thunderous power of Mussorgsky’s Night on Bare Mountain, and the haunting descent of Berlioz’s March to the Scaffold, and you have an unforgettable afternoon of music that promises a surprise around every corner. Donations appreciated. www.aucklandsymphony.co.nz A big thank you to Auckland Live, The Lion Foundation, Pub Charity Ltd, and Toshiba, for helping the Auckland Symphony Orchestra put this concert on for you, our audience. Tickets are free, and while we recommend booking, do consider coming along on the day if you miss out. Tickets will be valid until 10 minutes before the performance starts.
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October 17th, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Barking Mad returns to the North Shore for another incredible day celebrating everything dogs. Join us for our annual North Shore event, bringing together dog lovers, local businesses and the very best in New Zealand-made products for a fun-filled day the whole family can enjoy. What's On • The Barking Mad Dog Show (Main Arena) – $8 per entry Think your dog has what it takes? Enter one of our fun, light-hearted categories and take to the stage. • Barking Mad Dog Races – $8 per entry Our signature event and always a crowd favourite. Fast, funny and guaranteed to entertain whether you're racing or cheering from the sidelines. • Barking Mad Dog Market Browse a carefully curated selection of quality New Zealand businesses offering treats, accessories, handmade products, pet services and more. • Live Music • Educational talks and demonstrations from local dog experts and organisations. Full programme to be announced closer to the event. As always, we'll be raising money for local dog charities through raffles and donations. Bring along some gold coins and help us support dogs in need. Whether you have a tiny lap dog, a giant gentle companion or simply love being around dogs, everyone is welcome. Come along, meet fellow dog lovers, support local businesses and enjoy a fantastic community day out. Important Information • Dogs must remain on a lead at all times. • Please clean up after your dog. Waste bins will be provided throughout the venue. • Friendly, well-socialised dogs only. • Please respect other dogs, owners, exhibitors and vendors so everyone can enjoy the day. Entry is free for spectators. We can't wait to welcome you back to another unforgettable Barking Mad North Shore.
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October 17th, 2026
Shobana is a name that immediately conjures the notion of “art in its highest creativity, commitment and concept.” A true master of her craft unsurpassed in her contribution across various traditions from commercial film, to live theatre, music direction and especially Indian classical dance – Bharatanatyam, Shobana is an icon of Indian culture. Born into a family of legendary dancers, the Travancore sisters, Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini, Shobana’s passion was honed by the illustrious Bharatanatyam exponent Padmasri Chitra Visweswaran. She embodies the traditional values and the appropriation of innovation in her dance. A true delight to the term “poetry in motion”, the fluid grace of Bharatanatyam is Shobana’s individual style. This dance form, which has roots in cosmic geometry, is exemplified in her practice and performance.
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October 19th, 2026
Richard is a Councillor for the North Shore on the Auckland Council and Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee. He has led much of the Council’s major policies and strategies, such as the Future Development Strategy, Economic Development Strategy and Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. Richard is a big supporter of the arts across Tāmaki Makaurau and the Shore. He credits his background in communications, some very amateur stand-up comedy experience, and even winning the drama cup in high school, for setting him up with many creative skills that help him do this job, respond to media, and chair a passionate bunch of personalities around the council table. He says, “There is theatre in everything, and there sure is a lot in politics!” About Creative Talks The PumpHouse Theatre’s Creative Talks series aims to bring the community together with creatives to discover more about their process and what inspires them. Each event explores what goes on behind the scenes to create their unique art. There is something for everyone with an interest in the arts and the inspiration that drives creativity. This year, we have split the talks into two seasons – three in Autumn and three in Spring. The event is free with tea and coffee provided.
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October 21st, 2026
Auckland Live and Auckland Community Theatre Trust are proud to present the Auckland Live Showdown Awards 2026. Showdown is the Auckland secondary school production competition and aims to promote excellence among our akonga - our up and coming performers and theatre technicians. With 10 plays and 15 musicals entered, this year's nominees come from 20 secondary schools across Auckland. Nominees have been selected by our Showdown judges and tonight the winners in 29 categories are announced at the Bruce Mason Centre. It looks like it's time for a Showdown!
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