10 Of The Best Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
Rejoice, the long weekend drought has finally ended. And in true holiday style, we're jamming in all the good stuff–from festival energy to saucy arts and crafts, live music, and cute pups–knowing that come Monday there'll be enough time to rest up. Magical, really.
But this long weekend is extra special because Sunday is your last opportunity to enrol to vote or update your details for the upcoming election so if you've been dragging your feet, now is the time to get that on lock.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this weekend.
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What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Friday
Party In A Forest
If your ideal long weekend involves a giant forest festival full of dancing, dope music and a whole lot of bass, you’ll want to snag some last-minute tickets to Octoblast. Set at Te Arai, the three night four day festival will materialise across three stages plus a workshop area, as a beating heart of all art, techno and psytrance, with plant-based kai to keep energy levels high.
The Details
Where: Te Arai, 186 Atkins Road, Te Arai, Wellsford
When: 23-25 October 2026
Cost: $349
Find out more here.
Paint A Yoni
If you’ve ever looked at your fridge magnet lineup and thought 'that’s mighty fine and all but it could really do with more yoni,' this one’s a bit of you. Pop along to Enamoured Books to paint two of our own fruit-inspired ceramic vulva magnets to a girlie pop soundtrack, thanks to The Phallus Picasso. BYO drinks.
The Details
Where: Enamoured Books, 346 Remuera Road, Remuera
When: Friday 23 October 2026
Cost: $69.69
Find out more here.
What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Saturday
Collekt Sessions
The final Collekt Sessions for the year, head to Kemrui Hi-Fi for a 9pm start and spend the night soundbathing in Ben M and Josh Lawrence, Jack Masters and Niva Mose with Collekt resident Connor Tomoana. Act fast and you’ll score a 2-for-1 early bird special.
The Details
Where: Kemuri Hi-Fi, 1 Queen Street Basement, Commercial Bay
When: Saturday 24 October 2026
Cost: Early bird special $15 for two, general admission $15 per person
Find out more here.
Eat Your Fill
If you’re in need of a serious feed this weekend, you’ll want to hightail it to Great South and Avenue Road in Ōtāhuhu. Coming together for the Ōtāhuhu Food Festival, the streets will be lined with over 150 stalls and food trucks slingin’ some top-tier kai from 10am ‘til 4pm.
The Details
Where: Great South x Avenue Road, Ōtāhuhu Town Centre
When: Saturday 24 Octobr 2026
Cost: Entry is free
Find out more here.
Pat, Chat And Probably Definitely Accidentally Adopt A Greyhound
The weekend just got super cute, thanks to local non-profit, Greyhounds As Pets NZ. Gather at Devonport Stone Oven Bakery & Cafe from 10am to meet the greyhounds and chat adoption, fostering, and life with these adorable long dogs. Pups and brunch? Say less.
The Details
Where: Devonport Stone Oven Bakery & Cafe, 5 Clarence Street, Devonport
When: Saturday 24 October 2026
Cost: Entry is free
Find out more here.
Thrift Up A Storm
If you love a bit of a bargain, the Friday Flamingo Curvy Market which is, in fact, happening on a Saturday will be setting up racks of pre-loved and new clothing (from both their label and other favourite plus-sized brands). Head on over to rummage through the lucky dip bags and get in on Christmas styles early.
The Details
Where: Te Manawa Community Hub, 11 Kohuhu Lane, Westgate
When: Saturday 24 October 2026
Cost: Entry is free
Find out more here.
What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Sunday
Raise A Glass To 10 Years Of Caretaker
Tāmaki Makaurau’s original hidden cocktail bar has been around for ten glorious years and this Sunday the crew are throwing a Las Vegas-themed party to celebrate. Excitingly (if, like me, you’re in your 30s and really need events to start before 11pm to have any sort of chance of making it) the festivities kick off at 6pm. Swing by for live music, dancing, performances and an Elvis Chapel, you know, just in case.
The Details
Where: Caretaker, downstairs, 40 Customs Street East, Auckland
When: Sunday 25 October 2026
Cost: Entry is free
Find out more here.
Bass Rongoā x FILTH Presents: Mana Up
Ten hours of pure, unadulterated dancefloor await you at MANA UP! Presented by Bass Rongoā and FILTH, the gig takes two forms–a koha entry whānau-friendly edit from 2 ‘til 6pm and a ticketed 18+ event follows with some seriously epic light and sonic. Plus, there’ll be people on hand to answer any questions about enrolling to vote (this Sunday’s the last day to get it done).
The Details
Where: The Hollywood Avondale, 20 Saint Georges Road, Avondale
When: Sunday 25 October 2026
Cost: $25
Find out more here.
The Best Things To Do This Weekend
Baask In Some Well-Deserved You-Time
If you’re making the most of the long weekend and going on a roadie, you’ll want to add Waihī Beach to your itinerary–Baask, to be specific (yep, that wasn't a typo). The brand new private infrared and traditional sauna and ice bath studio could just be the recharge you’ve been holding out for. They’re open all through the weekend, with a complimentary ritual (think Two Islands creatine hydration, Sansceuticals or Activist Manuka honey) for all those who book a sauna or contrast session over the long weekend, and 15% off selected bookings on Monday, too.
The Details
Where: 14/58 Wilson Road, Waihī Beach
When: Whenever you like
Cost: varies
Find out more here.
Experience Pablo Picasso In A Totally New Way
If you've been meaning to hit Auckland Art Gallery's exhibition, there's no time like the present. Centering on cubist god, Pablo Picasso, the exhibition isn't 'just' a collection of the artist’s paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and ceramics. It’s also a collaboration with legendary British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith who has meticulously designed the spaces around the artworks providing an even fuller, immersive experience.
The Details
Where: Auckland Art Gallery, 1 Kitchener Street, Auckland CBD
When: now ‘til 1 Feb 2027
Cost: From $30 (or free for art gallery members)
Find out more here.
Want more? Check out:
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