We round up all the cultural goodness to binge on throughout the month of June

Whether you’re looking to get your funny bone tickled or get your groove on to some live music; if you’re craving a cinematic outing or are simply wanting to soak in some artistic talent, the month of June has all cultural bases covered. To shine a guiding light in the right direction, we’ve handpicked some of the best goings-on to take note of in the first month of winter.

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Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman

Best known as stubborn sourpuss Ron Swanson in NBC Sitcom Parks and Recreation, actor Nick Offerman is demonstrating how his comedic knack extends far beyond his fictional character with new show All Rise. Described as an evening of ‘deliberative talking and light dance,’ this is a cackle inducing discussion that’ll be worth carving out time for.
For more information and tickets, click here.
22nd June

The Monkees

The Monkees

The Monkees

The Monkees

The remaining two members of rock collective The Monkees, Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz, are joining forces once again to bring the band’s effervescent jingles to Aucklander’s ears. With a musical repertoire that spans over half a century, and classic hits like ‘Hey Hey We’re The Monkees’ and ‘I’m A Believer’ bound to be played, this is a reunion you won’t want to miss.
For more information, click here.  
9th June

Black Swan, White Swan

Black Swan, White Swan

Black Swan, White Swan

Black Swan, White Swan

In a daring nod to a timeless treasure, Mario Radacovsky’s Black Swan, White Swan takes the traditional Swan Lake tale and strips it down to an enigmatic, elemental masterpiece. With Tchaikovsky’s original score combined with the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s modernistic choreography, this is ballet’s enduring classic at its most beguiling.
For more information and tickets, click here.
31st May – 6th July

 

Cabaret Season

Cabaret Season

Cabaret Season

Cabaret Season

Don your sequins and dust off your bustiers, because the roaring razzmatazz that is the Auckland Live Cabaret Season is back at The Civic. Now in its 90th year, the grand dame of cabaret and musical theatre has had a conveyor belt of show-stopping divas ever since Freda Stark first took to the stage in the 1920s — but this is one season really set to leave a lasting impression. This year will see nine eclectic shows delivering cabaret, musical theatre and unprecedented immersive experience, kicking off The Civic’s birthday with a serious, celebratory bang.
For more information on the lineup, and tickets to each show, click here
11th June – 16th June

Queenstown Winter Festival

Queenstown Winter Festival

Queenstown Winter Festival

Queenstown Winter Festival

Needless to say, winter isn’t winter without Queenstown’s annual Winter Festival. Taking place between Thursday 20th and Sunday 23rd June, this year’s festivities will see a plethora of live musical entertainment, skiing and snowboarding, food stalls and more set against the snow-capped vistas of our adventure capital.
For more information, click here.
20th June – 23rd June

The Barber of Seville

The Barber of Seville

The Barber of Seville

The Barber of Seville

Brought to life by the talented New Zealand Opera, The Barber Of Seville is an Australian production that’s finally making its way to our shores, after being tremendously well received in both Queensland and Seattle. Directed by Lindy Hume and designed by Tracy Grant Lord, this energetic work of opera comprises captivating voices and incredible acting skills to make a hilarious masterpiece that is vibrant from beginning to end.
For more information and tickets, click here
6th June – 15th June

Rocketman

Rocketman

Rocketman

Rocketman

Another year, another epic cinematic release focusing on one of the world’s most profound musical talents. The latest biopic brimming with rousing medleys and touching scenes, Rocketman, follows Elton John (played by Taron Egerton) as he navigates his tumultuous breakthrough years. Directed by the same mastermind who completed the work on Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, we have no doubts this will be nothing short of a corker.
In cinemas 30th May

Auckland Festival of Photography

Auckland Festival of Photography

Auckland Festival of Photography

Auckland Festival of Photography

Bringing together photographers, curators, students, amateurs and professionals from all walks of life, it’s at the Auckland Festival of Photography that you can expect to find a conglomeration of images that speaks to any and all. This year’s stream of talent sees photo exhibitions displayed at the city’s major galleries, project spaces and public sites, depicting everything from epic portraits in India to climate change focused landscape photos.
For a better look at what to expect, click here
On now until 18th June

Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour

Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour

Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour

Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour

One of the UK’s greatest funnymen, BAFTA-awarded Michael McIntyre, will be coming to Auckland late June as part of his all-encompassing Big World Tour. Starting in late 2017, the tour has already won over the crowds in all corners of the globe (he currently holds the record for the biggest selling comedy shows in South Africa and Norway) with New Zealand sure to be equally as bowled over. 
For more information and tickets, click here
20th June – 21st June

Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4

Everybody’s favourite childhood movie franchise is back with its fourth instalment, rounding up Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang for another delightful adventure. This time sees a road trip lead the group to new toys and unexpected reunions… prepare to be hit with a serious wave of nostalgia. 
In cinemas 27th June 

War Horse

War Horse

War Horse

War Horse

Based on a timeless classic, this National Theatre of Great Britain’s Tony Award-winning performance of War Horse is set to be a landmark theatrical event. There will be stirring music and enthralling songs, but it’s the galloping, life-sized horse puppets crafted by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company that will really bring the powerful drama to life.
For more information and tickets, click here.
From 21st June

The Documentary Edge Festival

The Documentary Edge Festival

The Documentary Edge Festival

The Documentary Edge Festival

The International Film Festival, now returning for its 14th year, will be collating some of the year’s most gripping and groundbreaking documentaries from New Zealand and beyond. No matter what your predilection — whether that be investigations of crime or uplifting tales about dogs — you can rest assured that this year’s captivating line up has something for everybody. 
For more information on what’s on, click here
On now until 9th June

NZSO Winter Daydreams

NZSO Winter Daydreams

NZSO Winter Daydreams

NZSO Winter Daydreams

Conductor Fawzi Haimor returns to the NZSO with talented violinist Carolin Widmann in tow (above) to wow concertgoers with Angel at Ahipara from Northland Panels, Christopher Blake’s award-winning work for string orchestra. Based on New Zealand photographer Robin Morrison’s renowned image of an angel at the head of a grave in a churchyard at Ahipara in Northland, the work is a hauntingly beautiful piece that will leave you moved beyond measure. 
For more information and tickets, click here
21st June

Wild Valley Cinema

Wild Valley Cinema

Wild Valley Cinema

Wild Valley Cinema

Winter and quality cinematic offerings go hand in hand, and no one knows this better than Mission By The Beach. This season the beachside eatery has us throwing Netflix to the curb in favour of a divine $40 package, where the hand-selected movie comes with a glass of Wild Valley on arrival, an expertly crafted dinner box and some classic popcorn. With a range of gripping documentaries and brilliant movies — like Kusama Infinity, The Breaker Upperers, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Studio 54 —there’s plenty of chance to get in on the action. 
For more information and tickets, click here.  
7th June – 5th July 

Culture

We talk to sailor Blair Tuke on the 37th America’s Cup, his storied career, and his desire to give back to the world’s oceans
Denizen’s Definitive Guide to the 37th America’s Cup
Auckland’s (un)official home of the America’s Cup — we look at Viaduct Harbour’s history with the Auld Mug