NZ Upcoming

New Zealand Improv Festival

The New Zealand Improv Festival (NZIF) is set to return to Wellington from October 2 to 10, 2026. This festival features over a week of live, unscripted performances and workshops, primarily based at BATS Theatre, with an expansion into the Hutt Valley for some shows.

Date
Oct 2-10, 2026
Location
Wellington
Status
Upcoming
+ Add ICS
New Zealand Improv Festival

Event summary

Highlights

  • Live, unscripted performances and workshops
  • Features performers from Aotearoa and overseas
  • Expanded programming into the Hutt Valley with Kōrero Paki
Now in its eighteenth year, the New Zealand Improv Festival (NZIF) gathers theatrical minds from across Aotearoa and overseas for a program of spontaneous theatrical magic. Every performance is created live in front of the audience, with no scripts or safety net, ensuring no two shows are ever the same.

The festival's programme showcases the broad scope of improvised performance, encompassing comedy, theatre, music, storytelling, and experimental formats. Audiences can expect to see local performers alongside international artists.

While BATS Theatre serves as the festival's home, NZIF is expanding beyond central Wellington for the first time. It will present Kōrero Paki, an improvised storytelling performance, in the Hutt Valley, aiming to introduce improvised theatre to a new audience and celebrate Māori and Pasifika voices within the improvising community.

Practical details

Location described by the source
BATS Theatre
www.scoop.co.nz
Area for browsing nearby events
Wellington

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.

Sources and further information

Check these references for event announcements and updates before attending.

Location map

Approximate area only; exact venue coordinates are not confirmed.

Keep exploring

Use this event as a starting point for nearby places, matching topics, and calendar paths.

More in Wellington

Events sharing this location or area.

View all

Similar events

More events connected by topic, style, or cultural theme.

View all
Wellington calendar Open local events and dates. More in Wellington Browse the wider area. New Zealand calendar Browse the national event calendar.