Western Springs Bowl has confirmed the first concert of its new era, with UK pop star Olivia Dean to perform on Saturday 17 October, 2026. 

The concert will be the first at the Bowl following its $2.5 million transformation and the launch of its new name and identity in July.  

Dean’s headline show is being moved from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Spark Arena across the city to Western Springs Bowl following exceptional ticket demand.  

Dean will be the first artist to perform on the newly installed semi-permanent stage at Western Springs, with work due to be completed on venue upgrades in early October. 

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director Auckland Stadiums James Parkinson says: “We can’t wait to welcome Olivia Dean back to Tāmaki Makaurau as the debut show at the new and improved Western Springs Bowl.  

“After hosting a successful Auckland Rugby NPC match on Saturday, our team are now hard at work preparing the venue to be ready for the summer concert season. This announcement shows the important role that Western Springs Bowl can play in Auckland’s stadium network and we hope that it is the first of many over the coming years at the venue.” 

Every arena date on Dean’s Australia and New Zealand “The Art of Loving” tour has sold out – so this show represents a rare opportunity for fans across the Tasman. 

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Destination Annie Dundas says: “Auckland’s music scene is thriving, and the new Western Springs Bowl adds an exciting new option for event promoters as we head into an incredible summer of music in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“This event alone is forecast to generate 17,000 visitor nights and contribute $2.6 million GDP to the regional economy, supporting our hotels, hospitality and other local businesses.  

“This is set to be a huge weekend for Auckland, with Auckland FC kicking off their season at Go Media Stadium the afternoon before Dean’s concert in the evening. A strong calendar of major events gives people more reasons to visit Auckland, stay longer and spend across the region, while adding to the vibrancy that makes Auckland a great place to live and visit.” 

Campbell Smith, venue partner at Western Springs Bowl says: “Olivia Dean is on top of the world right now and is exactly the kind of act that we were hoping to attract to perform at the Bowl.  

“Dean’s trajectory from an afternoon appearance at Laneway Festival to a headline concert for 30,000 people is remarkable and shows the journey that we want this venue to support.” 

David Benge, Head of Touring at TEG Aotearoa says the huge demand for the show made moving the Auckland concert to the Bowl a natural decision. 

“The demand for this tour has been phenomenal, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer even more Olivia Dean fans the opportunity to watch this incredible performer at the top of her game. The Tāmaki show at Western Springs Bowl is shaping up to be the tour's "jewel in the crown" moment. 

“From Laneway Festival to Kendrick, Bowie to AC/DC, so many memories have been made at Western Springs over the years. It is now Olivia Dean's turn to be the first chapter in a new story for this iconic, legendary and proudly Auckland venue.” 

Work on the Western Springs Bowl concert configuration will conclude in October, with the installation of semi-permanent concert staging and two new hospitality spaces. 

American rock icons Foo Fighters are the next act scheduled to perform at Western Springs Bowl in January 2027. 

The new Western Springs Bowl website is now live, featuring venue information, upcoming events, and an option to sign up for event announcements and ticket information.