Education

Our lineup of shows for schools and students aims to reach tamariki and adult learners throughout the motu, making the arts accessible and fostering a desire to learn, appreciate and participate.

To learn more about our FREE schools tickets, matinees, pre/post-show talks, outreach/workshop opportunities, or education packs to link to your curriculum, read more below or email your queries to:

2026 sees the return of our FREE tickets initiative for schools, providing the best opportunity for your students to attend the Festival and experience world-class artists and performances in the heart of city’s arts precinct.

With yet another fantastic lineup of international and Aotearoa-produced shows, we encourage schools to come along and enjoy all that the Festival has to offer — especially to those interested in the creative and performing arts. 

• For information on all schools shows in our programme, see below or view/download our Creative Learning flyer. 

For some shows, there is a limited capacity for FREE school tickets. Book your tickets using the form below to avoid disappointment:

Make the most of our FREE tickets initiative for schools by requesting tickets to the following Festival shows in 2026:

Tickets to Macbeth and Waiora are discounted for schools. Click the corresponding links below to enquire or book through Royal New Zealand Ballet and Auckland Theatre Company:

Every March, the Festival transforms Tāmaki Makaurau into a vibrant hub of extraordinary theatre, dance, visual art music and storytelling from Aotearoa and around the world. These experiences can be formative for students, leading to  career or creative inspiration through exposure to bold, world-class artistry and performances.

As Auckland’s leading arts and culture festival, AAF creates a standout annual moment for schools to engage and discover through the richness of the arts.

For educators, the Festival offers learning that extends far beyond the classroom. Live arts experiences:

• Build critical thinking, inviting students to explore ideas and themes of national and global relevance.
• Grow empathy, imagination and confidence, helping young people understand themselves and others in new ways.
• Support curriculum-aligned learning, with school-friendly performances, workshops, talks and masterclasses for direct connection with artists and resources to deepen engagement.

Together, let’s spark curiosity, ignite conversation and experience the power of the arts together.

We are also incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to our Donate a ticket, be a hero of the arts campaign. By contributing to the cost of reserving seats at the 2026 Festival, our team is able to get even more young people into our city’s iconic venues and in front of incredible local and international artists, who might just change the way they think and feel about their place in the world.

Main image: students leaving a schools performance at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Square, 2025. Image by Jinki Cambronero.