The Spinoff’s top picks of events from around the motu. Here’s the week 14 – 21 August.
Welcome to The Spinoff event guide formerly known as the event noticeboard. If you’re new to the guide then welcome to your weekly, curated selection of gigs, events and exhibitions from across Aotearoa. If you want to pitch your event for future guides then please use this handy form.
Online/Nationwide
Music: Neil Finn’s Infinity Sessions
Live stream
Wed–Sun, August 13–17 & 20–24
The Spinoff will be livestreaming performances from some of Aotearoa’s best-loved musicians including Vera Ellen, The Beths, Tom Scott, Tami Neilson and Dave Dobbyn. Visit the site from 7.30pm each evening to watch along.
Whangārei
Literature/Storytelling: Storylines Storytelling Secrets
Whangārei Central Library
5pm Tuesday, August 19
Free
A stunning line up of writers and illustrators including Apirana Taylor, Jane Arthur, Isobel Joy Te Aho-White and Rachael Craw share their tips and tricks.
Leigh
Music: Salmonella Dub Soundsystem
Sawmill Cafe, 142 Pakiri Rd, Leigh, Auckland
7.30pm Saturday, August 16
$52.97
Featuring the Mighty Asterix and Whirimako Black on vocals with the epic Sal Dub horn section live.
Tāmaki Makaurau
Music/film: Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
7pm Wednesday, August 20
$20.50–$23.50
Listen to the iconic album and alongside intergalactic visuals.
Visual art: Young Gallery Night
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
6pm–9pm Friday, August 15
Free
Designed for ages 16–25, this is a free evening of live figure drawing, DJs, dance performance, a photobooth and more. Food and drink for sale, too.
Kirikiriroa
Literature: How to write historical fiction with Monty Soutar
Trust Waikato, 4 Little London Lane
9.30am–12.30pm Saturday, August 16
$30 (incl. morning tea)
“Monty Soutar offers tips from his own experience writing the Kāwai series to encourage both beginning and practising fiction writers to get their manuscript started or finished.” See more from Hamilton Book Month here.
Masterton
Craft: Rewa Rewa Station Craft Day
Rewa Rewa Station, 166 Rewa Rewa Rd, Tinui
10am–3pm Saturday, August 16
Free
Aimed primarily at knitters, spinners, crocheters and other fibre crafters, this is a chance to work on your own project, seek advice, learn a new fibre skill or maybe just spend time with fellow fibre crafters.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Theatre: Ration the Queen’s Veges
Circa Theatre
7.30pm Saturday, August 16 (opening night; seasons runs until August 13)
$30-$60
Co-written by Te Wehi Ratana and Tainui Tukiwaho, directed by Tainui Tukiwaho. A new one-man play inspired by true events.
Music: Orangefarm and Warm Regards
Vogelmorn Upstairs, 93 Mornington Rd
7pm (doors open) Saturday, August 16
$15
An evening of cinematic, indie-pop featuring former members of Cassette, Fur Patrol and The Datsuns.
Whakatū
Music: Don McGlashan
Nelson Centre of Musical Arts
7.30pm Thursday, August 14
$58.50
A one-off solo show from a New Zealand legend.
Ōtautahi
Theatre: End of Summertime by Sir Roger Hall
The Court Theatre
6.30pm August 14; 7.30pm August 15–16
$29–$49
Final days of Sir Roger Hall’s Covid era comedy-drama.
Ōtepoti
Film: New Zealand International Film Festival – Dunedin
Multiple venues
Friday 15 – Sunday 31 August
$16–21
The film festival hits Dunedin this week.
Wānaka
Poetry: Wānaka Poetry Slam
Wānaka Library
5.30pm Thursday, August 21
Free
All welcome (non-competitive environment!)
Rakiura
Music: Winter Jam Session
South Sea Hotel, Oban
7pm Thursday, August 21
$49.90–$59.90
Local musicians jamming – all welcome to bring instruments and join in.
