What’s on in Auckland this winter solstice weekend: Art, drama, music and more

Happening this morning from 11am-12pm at Webb’s Mt Eden Gallery is one of their much-loved Art Talks, this time featuring Webb’s Select Art Auction Specialist, Georgina Brett, in conversation with gallerist, Tim Melville. Melville is known for his unwavering commitment to championing contemporary Indigenous artists, including Māori, Pasifika, and Australian Aboriginal names, and together the pair will be discussing highlights from the current Select auction of hand‑picked works by emerging, topical, and established artists from Aotearoa and beyond. As well as inspiring chat, there will be pastries and coffee, with collectors, artists, and art lovers welcome to join the conversation. Admission is free, email art@webbs.co.nz to RSVP.

Aotea Square has transformed into a glowing night-time destination with Winter Light Cathedral, a free walk-through light installation presented by Auckland Live. The magical installation features tens of thousands of sparkling LED lights arranged in soaring cathedral-inspired arches, inviting visitors to step inside a luminous tunnel of light, warmth and movement in the heart of the city centre. Created by international lighting studio Mandylights, Winter Light Cathedral draws inspiration from traditional arched windows, creating an installation that shifts and sparkles as visitors move through it. Subtle by day and radiant after dark, the installation will be illuminated day and night throughout the event period but is possibly best viewed at night for ultimate impact.

Experience the world’s best photojournalism at the World Press Photo and Doc Edge Immersive Exhibition, opening this week at the iconic Smith & Caughey’s building. On until July 12, the exhibition offers visitors two powerful exhibitions in one, one honouring the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the past year, and the other inviting you to step beyond the photograph and inside the story through virtual reality, interactive installations, and sensory-driven experiences. Proudly brought to life by The Rotary Club of Auckland, tickets are available at the door or can be booked online at docedge.nz, with all profits from this year’s event going to the Auckland City Mission.

New Zealand’s most beloved family drama, a firebrand feminist comedy from the 80s, and an edgy Basement Theatre classic make up the three plays in the second season of Firing the Canon, a series of free play readings at Basement Theatre running June 23-27. It will see 17 performers from the theatre’s past, present, and future come together to breathe new life into stories that have lost none of their potency, vibrancy, and humour since their premieres: Setting the Table by Renee, Joyful and Triumphant by Robert Lord and The Black by Josephine Stewart-Tewhiu, directed by Jonjon Tolovae. The season will be rounded out with two events on June 27: a workshop on critical engagement with theatre during the day and a salon (read: party) in the evening.

Unfolding this evening from 5pm-9pm is the Howick Historical Village Winter Lights Festival, held annually at the much-loved living history museum’s 75 Bells Rd location. Wander through illuminated heritage buildings and glowing gardens as you experience the village after dark, with live entertainment from The Flaming Mudcats, cosy winter treats, mulled wine, and hands-on activities for all ages. Promising to be bigger and brighter than ever, it features stunning new illuminated spaces waiting to be discovered for a magical winter night out for the whole whānau. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children, and bookings are highly recommended as no door sales will be available.

A powerful, award-winning Pasifika drama by Niuean playwright Vela Manusaute, Sons of Vao is now on at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre until July 5. Spanning four decades, the play follows three brothers as they move from village life in Niue to the suburbs of Ponsonby, the story anchored in the violent reign of their father, Vao. As the sons grow into men, raised in a world where violence becomes the language of love, it asks the question: can they break free from their father’s destructive hold? Raw, emotional, and unexpectedly funny, the production features a company of incredible Pasifika performers, and is directed by stage and screen legend, Anapela Polata’ivao ONZM, star of the hit movie Tinā. 

For the first time ever, this Thursday night sees Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies from Minnesota, USA come together with the Auckland Youth Orchestra at Kia Ora, An Evening Of Classical Music. Taking place at Takapuna’s Bruce Mason Centre, the one-off free concert’s repertoire will include performances of Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, Michael Abels’ Delights & Dances and Dvorak’s Symphony No 9 Movement One, as well as a collaborative piece with Ōtara music school, Sistema Aotearoa titled Pasifika Medley. While tickets are free, booking is essential at moshtix.co.nz, and for those keen to support local young performers, a paid VIP ticket is available to purchase with funds donated to Sistema Aotearoa to continue their incredible work.

Email canvasplanner@nzherald.co.nz with brief details of your upcoming event, including dates/times, location and website.