What's On at Southwards
There’s always something happening at Southwards. From live performances and community gatherings to special exhibitions and family-friendly experiences, our calendar is packed with events that make the most of our one-of-a-kind setting. Whether you're a local looking for a great night out or a visitor exploring the Kāpiti Coast, Southward Car Museum offers something for everyone.
Many of our events take place in the same spaces available for private hire. If you’re interested in hosting your own event here, head over to our Venue Hire page to learn more.
Coffee & Cars
16 Nov 2025, 14 Dec 2025, 11 Jan 2026, 8 Feb 2026, 8 Mar 2026
FREE EVENT - Coffee & Cars is back for Season 8!
We’re rolling into our eighth season of Coffee & Cars at Southward Car Museum!
Bring your pride and joy, check out an incredible mix of classics, customs, hot rods, and modern favourites - or just come along to enjoy the atmosphere.
Operatunity - Rodgers and Hammerstein & Friends
Tuesday, 27 January · 11:00am - 12:45pm
We invite you to a magical morning: Rodgers and Hammerstein & Friends, celebrating the timeless music of Rodgers & Hammerstein, the legendary duo behind some of Broadway’s most beloved musicals plus songs from some of their contemporaries. This unforgettable concert will feature a dazzling lineup of artists led by Westend star Russell Dixon, performing iconic songs from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Carousel, The King and I, and more.
Experience the sweeping romance of Some Enchanted Evening and People Will Say We’re In Love, the joyful spirit of Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ and Oklahoma and the heartfelt power of Climb Every Mountain, all brought to life by these stellar voices. Our concert promises to be a glorious tribute to the golden age of musical theatre.
Australia’s Thunder From Down Under (R18)
Monday, 16 February 2026 · 7:30pm
Hold onto your hats, New Zealand! Australia’s Thunder from Down Under is hitting the road, and we’re packing more heat than a scorching Aussie summer!
From the South Island to the North Island, Thunder’s sizzling-hot Aussie exports will be showing you how they party down under. Whether you’re in Dunedin, or Auckland or anywhere in between, get ready for a night that’ll have you saying ‘G’day’ to pleasure and ‘Hooroo’ to your inhibitions.
Kāpiti Classic
Saturday, 14 March 2026 · 11:00am - 7:00pm
🎸🌞 Set in the outdoor amphitheatre at Southwards Car Museum, we’re bringing you a day packed with incredible music, and good vibes for a second year!! Bring your friends and a picnic blanket and get ready to create some more summer memories!
Early Bird tickets on sale NOW!
Menopause the Musical
Friday, 20 March · 7:30pm - 9:30pm
The global hit Menopause The Musical returns to New Zealand after 10 years in a lather of sweaty fun!
Set in a department store, four women meet while shopping for a black lace bra. Though strangers, they quickly bond over memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and more. What follows is a hilarious, heart-warming journey celebrating “The Change”, set to parodies of classic hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.
With over 17 million fans worldwide and performances in more than 500 cities, this laughter-filled 90-minute musical continues to delight audiences. Women leave as friends, men laugh along, and everyone joins in the fun.
See what millions of women (and brave men) have been laughing about for 18 years. It’s the hilarious celebration of women and The Change.
Grab your tickets today before the fog descends!
Operatunity - Operatunity 25th Birthday Bash
Tuesday, 31 March · 11:00am - 12:45pm
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime musical celebration in Operatunity’s 25th Birthday Bash!, honouring the past 25 incredible years — and the songs that defined them! Our dazzling birthday concert brings together a show-stopping lineup of our favourite artists performing the most beloved hits across a wide range of genres.
We feature the sweeping elegance of classical and the soul-stirring melodies of musical theatre, to the foot-stomping energy of country, the electric pulse of 50s and 60s hits, the vintage glam of Gatsby-era, and everything in between.
Featuring unforgettable performances of iconic songs and a few special birthday surprises, our 25th Birthday Bash! is a joyous tribute to the power of music to bring back memories and connects us all.
Operatunity - Hoedown Showdown
Tuesday, 12 May · 11:00am - 12:45pm
Get ready for a rootin’-tootin’ show of frenzied fiddling, toe-tapping tunes, and pure country magic in Hoedown Showdown. From the heartfelt ballads of John Denver and the timeless charm of Dolly Parton, to the classic sounds of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson, this concert is packed with the greatest hits that defined a genre and stole our hearts.
Bringing the barnstorming energy to life is our phenomenal live country band, and great artists including the electrifying Marian Burns lighting up the stage with her world-famous, foot-stomping fiddling, and the incredible Karl Perigo wowing the crowd with his signature yodelling and powerhouse vocals.
This is an all-out country hoedown you won’t want to miss, so dust off your cowboy boots, grab your hat, and get ready to dance and sing along.
Operatunity - Waltz of My Heart
Tuesday, 30 June · 11:00am - 12:45pm
Step into a world of sweeping melodies, soaring voices, and the graceful rhythm of the waltz in this unforgettable concert Waltz of My Heart, a celebration of one of the most beloved musical forms in history.
From the iconic Viennese waltzes of Johann Strauss to modern interpretations such as The Anniversary Waltz and The Tennessee Waltz, this enchanting programme showcases the enduring beauty and emotional power of the waltz across generations and genres. Whether heard in grand ballrooms or intimate theatres, this music continues to captivate and enchant.
Taking centre stage are our four magnificent tenors whose rich, expressive voices breathe new life into classic and contemporary waltzes alike. Joining them is fabulous baritone John Bayne plus stunning Amanda Atlas, whose powerful soprano and magnetic presence bring depth and drama to every note.
This is a concert of melody, magic, and masterful singing — where every phrase is infused with passion and every performance is unforgettable. Let yourself be swept away by the romance, elegance, and enduring charm of the waltz.
Operatunity - Rat Pack and Marilyn: Vegas Legends
Friday, 24 July · 11:00am - 12:45pm
Step back in time to the golden age of glamour, charm, and smooth sophistication as we pay tribute to the unforgettable icons of the Rat Pack era. This stylish and swinging concert: Rat Pack and Marilyn - Vegas Legends features timeless hits made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., as well as the dazzling allure of Marilyn Monroe and other legendary performers who defined an era of melody and memories.
Our sensational trio of outstanding vocalists: Bonnie, Russ and Matt bring the wit, warmth, and charisma of the Rat Pack to life, capturing the essence of Vegas cool and classic crooner charm — all backed by a sizzling live band that delivers every note with flair.
Adding a touch of elegance and star power is audience favourite Leanne Howell, whose captivating voice and stage presence honour the great women of the era, from Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee to Judy Garland and, of course, the iconic Marilyn Monroe.
Expect swinging standards, velvet ballads, and show-stopping numbers that blend nostalgia with dazzling live performance.
Operatunity - Stars of Stage and Screen
Tuesday, 8 September · 11:00am - 12:45pm
Come with us on a magical musical journey as we shine a spotlight on the stars and unforgettable songs that lit up the stages of Broadway and the silver screens of Hollywood in Stars of Stage and Screen.
This elegant and heartwarming concert features outstanding vocalists bringing to life the golden era of musicals and classic films — the songs that made us laugh, cry, dream, and sing along. With lush arrangements and stunning harmonies, this is an experience filled with melody, nostalgia, and timeless charm.
From the silver screen, we will be swept away by beloved favourites such as Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, As Time Goes By from Casablanca, The Way We Were, Que Sera, Sera and the unforgettable My Heart Will Go On from Titanic.
These iconic melodies are paired with cherished songs from the golden age of musical theatre, including songs from classics like Hello Dolly, and more modern musicals like Cats, Phantom and Les Mis.
With special ensemble numbers like There’s No Business Like Show Business and Do-Re-Mi, this show is designed to delight our audiences who grew up with these unforgettable tunes in their hearts.
Join us for a morning of great singing, beautiful melodies, and fond memories — a true celebration of music’s most magical moments.
Operatunity - Let's Twist Again
Tuesday, 13 October · 11:00am - 12:45pm
You’re invited to a high-energy, feel-good 60s dance party: Let’s Twist Again! that’s all about fun, freedom, and the fabulous music that defined a generation! Step back into the swingin' sixties — a time of bold fashion, big hair, and even bigger dance moves — and get ready to twist!
With a sensational live band, powerhouse vocals, and a cast of fabulous artists, this show brings the spirit of the Twist craze and 60s dance floor classics to life. From the sock-hop stompers to the Motown movers, this is a show full of infectious rhythms and carefree fun.
Get ready to dance and sing along to iconic hits like Twist and Shout from The Beatles, I Feel Good - James Brown, Aretha Franklin’s Respect, You Can’t Hurry Love from The Supremes, Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker and These Boots Are Made for Walkin’, made famous by Nancy Sinatra.
Whether you're dancing, clapping, or just grooving in your seat, this show promises non-stop entertainment, nostalgic joy, and a whole lot of rockin’ and rollin’.
So tease up that beehive, dust off your go-go boots, and get ready to twist again!
Operatunity - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Friday, 27 November · 11:00am - 12:45pm
Get ready to step into a world of holiday cheer as Santa and his jolly little helpers bring the magic of Christmas to life in a spectacular show: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, filled with famous carols, festive favourites and plenty of fun and frivolity!
Featuring a lineup of favourite artists known for their heartwarming voices and sparkling stage presence, this delightful Christmas concert is packed with beloved seasonal classics, joyful singalongs, and moments of pure festive magic.
With gorgeous costumes, playful banter, and heartwarming moments, this show has something for everyone — from nostalgic classics to modern Christmas hits.
Bring your holiday spirit and your singing voice — Santa’s on his way!

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