Photo credit: Darryl Morgan Photography
The annual Auckland International Buskers Festival returns in 2027, bringing world-class street performance, laugh-out-loud comedy and jaw-dropping talent to Tāmaki Makaurau, from 29 January – 1 February 2027. Auckland’s waterfront and CBD will come alive with everything from spectacular circus skills and mind-blowing body contortion to comedy, magic, fire, and unexpected moments of street theatre.
Celebrating its 27th year, the festival gives families the perfect free summer outing. Taking place across four days during Auckland Anniversary Weekend from 12PM daily, the city will be transformed into a stage with lively performances which will wow audiences of all ages.
The iconic Night Show returns once to Ponsonby on Friday 29 January, offering up a showcase with a taster of every act in the festival. Expect big laughs, impressive skills, audience interaction and plenty of surprises as performers take to the stage for an entertaining night out in Ponsonby.
The full line-up of jaw-dropping acts from across the globe are:
Samora Squid (Australia) – Samora combines jaw-dropping contortion, sword-swallowing, daring stunts and quirky comedy into a truly unforgettable street show.
Mercury the Magician (Canada) – Did you just stumble down the rabbit hole? ... Because this old-style magic show will make you feel as though you have fallen into a story.
Performer SYO! (Japan) – Combining incredible juggling, daring Chinese pole acrobatics and impressive rolla bolla balancing skills, get ready for non-stop action with SYO!
Zak Takular (New Zealand) – With slick circus stunts and precision timing, master juggler and acrobat Zak Takular offers unforgettable and unique moments every time.
Secret Circus (USA) – Agents Honeymoon and Butterfly are on a mission: save humanity with laughter, one show at a time, complete with spectacular fire juggling and the world’s only bow and plunger.
Cesco, (Italy & Thailand) - Bringing the art of mime to life, Cesco combines hilarious physical comedy, playful mischief and imaginative storytelling in a wonderfully interactive street show full of surprises and laughter.
Bubble Man (France) – Former Cirque du Soleil artist and European diabolo champion Mister F combines magic, juggling, mind-bending illusions and playful comedy in a wonderfully entertaining show, culminating in a spectacular finale where he is swallowed by a giant balloon.
The full festival schedule of performance times and maps will be available online in early January at www.aucklandbuskersfestival.co.nz and via the festival’s Facebook and Instagram.
Don’t forget some cash; our performers make a living from street performance, and donations are greatly appreciated!
www.aucklandbuskersfestival.co.nz
AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL BUSKERS FESTIVAL 2027
Dates: Fri 29 January – Mon 1 February 2027
Shows running: 12PM – 7PM daily (Friday 12PM – 3PM)
Locations: Te Komititanga Square, Lower Queen Street; Eastern Viaduct, Viaduct Harbour; Karanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter
Auckland International Buskers Night Show in Ponsonby
Date: Friday 29 January 2027
Time: 6PM– 830PM
Location: Te Rimutahi, 254 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
The Festival is proudly supported by Auckland Council, Waitemata Local Board, ILovePonsonby and Crackerjack Events.
