A photo of comedian Dai Henwood wearing a denim shirt with a light blue background behind him. He's looking quizzically at the camera and has his hands in a prayer position.
Dai Henwood hosts the sold-out Best Foods Comedy Gala in Auckland this week.

Pop Cultureabout 10 hours ago

Comedy festival, Italian films, and international dance day: The Spinoff event guide

Books editor
A photo of comedian Dai Henwood wearing a denim shirt with a light blue background behind him. He's looking quizzically at the camera and has his hands in a prayer position.
Dai Henwood hosts the sold-out Best Foods Comedy Gala in Auckland this week.

The Spinoff’s top pick of events from around the motu. Here’s the best for the week April 30-May 7.

Welcome to The Spinoff event guide, your weekly, curated selection of gigs, events and exhibitions happening across Aotearoa.

Aotearoa

A photo of comedian Dai Henwood, wearing a green suit and smiling.

Comedy: New Zealand International Comedy Festival

Across New Zealand
May 1-24

It’s that comedy festival (and also New Zealand Music Month) time of year! Highlights include Morgana O’Reilly’s Stories About My Body, On Film; the Best Foods Comedy Gala, Abby Howells, Brynley Stent’s Bird of the Year, and many, many more. Find comedy near you with the handy search tools over on the festival’s website.

A postcard for the Italian Film Festival showing someone on a vespa wearing an italian flag helmet.

Film: Italian Film Festival

Across New Zealand
Kicks off this month and rolls out across the year

A sumptuous selection of Italian movies play across the country, starting this month in Whanganui, Auckland, New Plymouth and Masterton and rolling out in further locations all the way into December. See the programme and line-up of films online, here.

Te Whanganui-a-Tara

A photo of a young man with glasses and a moustache, wearing a white t-shirt on a dark navy background.
Artist Todd Atticus, by Russell Kleyn.

Comedy: Cover Story – real-time design

Unity Books
10am-2pm, April 28 – May 4
Free

“Cover Story is a real-time design event. For one week only, international artist Todd Atticus will design a book cover live and from scratch in the window of Unity Books Wellington. Every stage of the creation of the cover artwork for forthcoming novel And How Are Things With You by Mia Farlane will be conducted in public. Come along and witness this unique public performance.”

Ōtepoti

A promotional image for International Dance Day showing different dancers on a pink background.

Dance: International Dance Day

Various venues
Friday 1 – Sunday 3 May

“Across three exciting days, enjoy free classes, workshops, interactive events, parties, and performances showcasing the diversity and joy of dance. With 37 local groups representing 25 unique dance styles, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re a curious beginner, a seasoned dancer, or just keen to watch and soak up the energy, you’re invited to be part of it.” For details of what’s on, when, see Dance Ōtepoti’s Facebook and Instagram.

Ōtautahi

Two levels of four squares each with a building in them and a caption.

Architecture/festival: Open Christchurch

Various locations
Friday 1 – Sunday 3 May
Mix of free and ticketed

“With 52 open buildings, six guided walks and cycle tours, and a range of special activities (from expert talks and tours to workshops), Open Christchurch 2026 is a celebration of our architecture.” Bookings are essential for some events / activities, see the programme online, here. The info desk will be on the ground floor of Tūranga, 10am – 5pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

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