Stan Walker announces first headline show in six years - with a full orchestra

Presented by Fabrik and Mai FM, ‘Stan Walker - A Symphonic Experience’, pairs Walker’s storytelling prowess and his full live band with a 30+ piece orchestra. Every song will be reimagined, rearranged and performed live in a way audiences have never experienced before. As one of the most powerful voices and celebrated artists in Aotearoa, Walker says the show comes after years of waiting for the right time to create something of this scale. “Creatively, this is the best I’ve ever been. I have mana motuhake - complete independence and autonomy - and that has allowed my creativity to flow like never before. I want to give my fans an experience unlike any they’ve ever had, and for them to leave forever changed. It’s going to be an epic musical, cinematic, emotional, spiritual and cultural journey,” he says. ‘Stan Walker - A Symphonic Experience’ has been years in the making. Walker has spent the past six years performing as a featured artist and headline guest, knowing that when it came time to do his own show, he wanted it to be unique. “This show is for everyone. For the fans who’ve been there from the beginning, and for those who have joined at any point along the way. It’s a reintroduction to the songs they grew up with, their favourites, alongside my favourites and my new music too. People think they've heard Black Box, but they haven’t heard Black Box with an orchestra. They think they’ve heard I Am, Māori Ki Te Ao or Take It Easy. But they haven't heard them in this way. Even I haven't, to be honest. And that is so exciting to me." The October show comes in close proximity to a milestone Walker says he’s never properly stopped to mark. November 2026 marks 17 years since he won Australian Idol as an 18-year-old. That moment was instrumental in launching his enduring career. “Idol is where it all began for me. In developing this show and reimagining all the songs, it’s reminded me of how far I’ve come and of how much I have to share.” Walker will be joined on stage by special guests including collaborators and artists who have been part of his success across the years. For the fans who have also been part of the journey, the opportunity to experience Stan Walker as never seen before should not be missed. Event details: What: Stan Walker - A Symphonic Experience When: Saturday 17 October 2026 Where: The Trusts Arena, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland Presale registration: https://arep.co/p/stanwalkerpresale-26 Tickets: https://fabrik.flicket.co.nz/events/82d8c5b7-3229-4981-b63f-f71724775901 Ticketing: SIGN UP FOR PRESALE: https://arep.co/p/stanwalkerpresale-26 Wednesday 15 July, 5:30pm - Presale registrations open via Audience Republic Wednesday 22 July, 7:00pm - Presale begins via Flicket Thursday 23 July, 7:00pm - General on sale via Flicket Tickets from $119 NZD.