The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up and there’s an exciting end-of-year buzz all around Auckland city. The summer season is just beginning but the events scene is already feeling hot. November brings a brilliant mix of local and international acts to some of our best venues and, of course, Abstract Hotel is the ideal place to stay so you can make the most of it all. Check out the Abstract guide to what’s on this month, book your stay and get busy!
Summary
This November, Auckland’s arts and culture calendar is packed with major events including Iron Maiden and Flight of the Conchords at Spark Arena, Robbie Williams at Eden Park, and theatre, orchestral and literary events at Q Theatre and the Aotea Centre. K’ Road also hosts its regular First Thursdays and FAM markets throughout the month. Abstract Hotel offers a central base for exploring the full spread of events.
First Thursdays (Guy Fawkes)
5 November, Karangahape Road
On the first Thursday of every month K’ Road is the place to be, with fun free events taking place along the strip between 5pm and 9pm. This month it coincides with Guy Fawkes Day, making it a great night to go out and spark your creativity. You’ll find market stands, DJs and live music, light installations, pop-up art exhibitions and much more. Come down for a firecracker of an evening.
Iron Maiden World Tour
7 & 8 November, Spark Arena
Heavy metal royalty Iron Maiden return to our shores to rock out for two epic nights at Spark Arena. Last time they played here in 2024, devoted fans travelled from across the country and braved torrential rain and storms to witness the British legends in person. This year’s Run for your Lives World Tour celebrates their 50th anniversary and is receiving rave reviews from attendees around the globe. Party hard then crash out at Abstract afterwards.
Art in the Park
12–15 November, Eden Park
Come and see New Zealand’s national stadium transformed into a world-class art gallery. The major exhibition at Eden Park brings together emerging and established artists and their work, from all over the country. It features large-scale installations, sculptures, paintings, carvings and immersive experiences all housed in what is traditionally the home of sport. It’s the ideal place to make a new purchase, or add to your art collection.
FAM: Food. Art. Market
14 November, Karangahape Road
Every mid-month Saturday, K’ Road is full of music, stalls, tasty food options and activations that make it a vibrant, family-friendly scene to come and enjoy. Stroll along from Abstract or step off the train at the Beresford Square exit of the Karanga-a-Hape station and into the good times from morning till mid-afternoon.
Back to the 80s – Auckland Philharmonic
14 November, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Want to hear your favourite 80s power ballads performed by a full-piece symphony orchestra? Of course you do! This is a retro party night like no other. While the music is accompanied by incredible guest vocalists, you’ll be forgiven for singing along to old-school hits like ‘Material Girl’, ‘Time After Time’ and ‘Addicted to Love’.
Ashanti: Rock Wit U Tour
16 November, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Grammy-winning R&B artist Ashanti is on her way to once-again delight Kiwi fans with a set list packed with nostalgia. This is your chance to enjoy her massive club classics live in person. Better still, bring the whānau as it’s an all-ages event. Abstract has studios for two or suites that sleep four.
A Kind of Fury
17–21 November, Q Theatre
Kiwi actor and playwright Alice Pearce has penned this new theatrical work that reimagines The Furies – the Greek mythological trio of goddesses who enacted retribution on the world – as a modern-day group of women. It investigates power, female rage and the dynamics of justice and bureaucracy. It’s bound to lead to big discussions, so grab a cocktail at Abstract and settle in.
Flight of the Conchords
18, 19 & 21 November, The Civic & Spark Arena
The boys are back! It’s been 14 years since Brett and Jemaine last cracked us up at a live concert in Auckland. This month our “fourth most popular folk-comedy duo” make a hugely welcome return with their uniquely Kiwi blend of deadpan humour and delightful music.
An Evening with Mary Beard
19 November, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Bestselling author and renowned scholar Mary Beard is known for bringing ancient Roman history to life for modern audiences. Soon the celebrated classicist will be in Aotearoa to share lively stories and curious facts as she demonstrates how we still have much to learn from this early civilisation – perhaps now more than ever.
Robbie Williams: BRITPOP World Tour
24 November, Eden Park
The one and only Robbie Williams is guaranteed to set hearts thumping and feet jumping at Eden Park at the end of this month. The spectacular concert will include songs from his latest album, BRITPOP, which is inspired by the 90s, but there will be plenty of his original bangers too. Let Robbie entertain you then let Abstract take care of the rest.
Cross Street Music Festival
28 November, Cross Street, Karangahape Road & Mercury Lane
Kick off your festival season with this annual must-do for local music lovers. Celebrating the creative culture and independent spirit of the K’ Road precinct, the programme starts at midday with family-friendly music, art installations, performances and activations. Then from 4pm it becomes a ticketed event (with R18 restrictions applying later in the evening) and will feature some excellent homegrown bands and acts including Sola Rosa, MELODOWNZ and more. Dance the night away then rest your weary head (and feet) at Abstract when you’re done.
Frequently asked questions
What’s on in Auckland in November 2026?
November brings a mix of local and international acts, including Iron Maiden, Flight of the Conchords and Robbie Williams, plus Art in the Park at Eden Park, theatre at Q Theatre, orchestral and literary nights at the Aotea Centre, and K’ Road’s First Thursdays, FAM and Cross Street Music Festival.
Which big concerts are on in Auckland this November?
Iron Maiden play Spark Arena on 7 and 8 November, Ashanti is at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre on 16 November, Flight of the Conchords play The Civic and Spark Arena on 18, 19 and 21 November, and Robbie Williams plays Eden Park on 24 November.
What’s on at K’ Road in November?
First Thursdays runs on 5 November, FAM: Food. Art. Market is on 14 November, and the Cross Street Music Festival takes over Cross Street, Karangahape Road and Mercury Lane on 28 November.
Are there any free events in Auckland this month?
Yes. First Thursdays on K’ Road on 5 November is free, with events along the strip between 5pm and 9pm, including market stands, DJs and live music, light installations and pop-up art exhibitions. FAM on 14 November is also free and open to all ages, and the Cross Street Music Festival on 28 November has free music, art, installations, performances and kids’ activities in Cross Street from 12pm to 3.30pm, before it becomes ticketed from 4pm.
What’s on in Auckland for families?
Ashanti’s show on 16 November is an all-ages event, FAM on K’ Road on 14 November is a family-friendly scene of music, stalls and food, and the Cross Street Music Festival on 28 November starts at midday with family-friendly music, art installations and performances.
What art, theatre and talks are on in Auckland this November?
Art in the Park is on at Eden Park from 12 to 15 November, A Kind of Fury runs at Q Theatre from 17 to 21 November, and An Evening with Mary Beard is at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre on 19 November. Auckland Philharmonic’s Back to the 80s is at the same theatre on 14 November.
Where should I stay to enjoy November’s events in Auckland?
Abstract Hotel is a central base for exploring the full spread of events, with studios for two and suites that sleep four. K’ Road events like FAM are a stroll from the hotel, or you can step off the train at the Beresford Square exit of Karanga-a-Hape station.
Ready to explore K’Road for yourself?
