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.
Mary Potter Hospice Fundraising Event A Night under the Stars Gala Dinner
Wednesday, 27 August · 6:15pm
A fundraising event for Mary Potter Hospice to help renovate the Kāpiti Community Base.
All funds raised from this event will stay in Kāpiti.
About the evening
You’ll savour a delicious three course plated dinner by Relish Cafe and Catering, accompanied by award winning Spy Valley wines and beer from DVB. Enjoy entertainment from some of Kāpiti's up and coming musical talent and be blown away by Stew Darling’s incredible stories, all whilst supporting Mary Potter Hospice to renovate the Kāpiti community facilities. In addition, you will have a chance to bid on a collection of exciting auction items.
Event Timings
6.15pm – 7pm: Canapés and welcome drinks
7pm: Event commences
10.30pm: Event wraps up
Operatunity Presents - Last Night of the Proms
Tuesday, 9 September · 11:00am - 12:45pm
Many of our favourite artists present this flag waving, mad, musical mayhem, promising Gilbert and Sullivan, war songs, ballads, singalongs, jokes and much frivolity!
Featuring: Susan Boland, Alex Foster-Winder, Cameron Barclay (TBC), Benjamin Makisi, Amanda Atlas, Derek Hill, Tracey Collins, Penny Dodd
Legally Blonde The Musical
Thursday, 2 October - Saturday, 11 October
Coasters Musical Theatre is proud to present Legally Blonde The Musical
Tickets $35.00, with a mid-week Bruisers Bargain performance of $30.00 on Wednesday 8th October.
Two NZSL-Interpreted performances Sat 4th, 7.30pm & Sun 5th October, 4pm.
This fabulously fun award-winning musical is based on the hit movie, Legally Blonde, which follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes & scandals in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed & exploding with memorable songs & dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
Elle's life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, , Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
This original, energetic, hilarious show is not to be missed!
Queen - It's A Kinda Magic - Paraparaumu
Monday, 20 October · 7:00pm
Touring in 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody!
Immerse yourself in the spectacle, grandeur and energy of the world’s greatest Rock band with Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic, celebrating the legacy of Queen and Freddie Mercury.
Operatunity Presents - Fabulous 50s
Tuesday, 21 October · 11:00am - 12:45pm
Our singers and band present hit songs from the 50s, a decade where music defined the optimism, romance, coolness and charm of the era, with simply the best songs!
Featuring: Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua, Alex Foster-Winder, Cameron Barclay (TBC), Matt Pike, Grant Winterburn
Kapiti Women's Expo 2025
Sunday, 2 November · 10:00am - 3:00pm
Kapiti Women's Expo
Get ready for a vibrant day out at the Kapiti Women's Expo – a fantastic community event where businesses come together to showcase their products and services. Just in time for your Christmas shopping, this is the perfect chance to discover unique gifts, connect with makers and service providers, and support your local economy.
From art and beauty, to fashion, food and drinks, health and fitness, homeware, pet care, and a wide range of professional services – there's something here for everyone, for every occasion. For a full list of exhibitors go to our website www.KapitiWomensExpo.co.nz
TINA: The Ultimate Tribute to The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll
Thursday, 6 November · 7:00pm
Get the electrifying concert experience of Tina Turner, brimming with iconic hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s. Featuring the powerful, raspy vocals, high-intensity dancing and thrilling stage presence of South African Caroline Borole (as seen on South African Idols) live on stage, complete with her international band, brass section, backing vocalists and dancers to make this SIMPLY THE BEST tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner.
TAYLOR - A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift
Wednesday, 12 November · 7:00pm
It was the biggest concert tour in history, and now you can re-live the hype when TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift comes to Southward Theatre, Paraparaumu on Wed 12 Nov 2025!
Join us as we salute 'Tay Tay' and the indelible impact she's had on Pop music with this joyous, effervescent concert experience, complete with sparkly costumes, cosmic stage production and over 20 exquisite renditions of Taylor's biggest hits from every era of her career, including Shake It Off, Anti-Hero, Cruel Summer, You Belong With Me, Love Story, I Knew You Were Trouble, Blank Space, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, Bad Blood, Our Song, Lover and more.
This is a tribute show and is not associated with Taylor Swift Productions.
Operatunity - It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Tuesday, 2 December · 11:00am - 12:45pm
Christmas, Santa, surprises, carols, songs, singalongs, fun, jokes, laughter, fiddling, madness and love to celebrate the end of another great year of music!
Featuring: Karl Perigo, Russell Dixon, Marian Burns, Charlotte West, Kate Lineham, Paul Carnegie-Jones.
Taste Kāpiti
Saturday, 20 December · 12:00pm - 5:00pm
With successful events in Whanganui, Kāpiti, and now Tauranga, each Taste Festival is thoughtfully curated to bring together local producers, food trucks and live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Founded and run by event professionals with a passion for local culture and connection, Taste K`apiti is a high-quality food and drink experience in a vibrant and relaxed setting that doubles as a perfect end-of-year celebration for friends & families, teams & businesses.
Want to elevate your Taste experience? Check out our VIP/Corporate tickets/tables.
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, 21 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! Artist Line Up revealed July 2025!