Epic Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend
It’s the first long weekend of 2026, so kick off the year with some fun, food and live entertainment in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau.
From live gigs to festivals, pop-up carnivals to family-friendly fun, consider this your guide to making the most of another summer weekend.
Here are the best things to do this weekend.
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What's On Saturday
What's On All Weekend
What's On Saturday 24 January
Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival Brings Family Fun And Live Music
Takapuna Beach is the place to be this Saturday for the Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival. This free, all-ages event is perfect for friends, families, and loved ones looking to soak up the summer vibes.
From 10am, the kids can enjoy giant games, bouncy castles, and a variety of family-friendly performances, with more activities to be announced on the festival’s socials. Then from 3pm to 7pm, live music takes over the stage with plenty of epic local acts.
Grab takeaway from the many ospitality outlets in Takapuna or the on-site food trucks, or explore boutique shops along Hurstmere for a snack or summer finds.
Where: Takapuna Beach, The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland
When: Saturday 24 January, 10am–7pm
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
Round Up Your Crew For Sips And Secret DJs at Club Silver
Auckland’s newest pop-up lawn bar has landed in Parnell. Club Silver has transformed the historic Parnell Lawn Tennis Club into a sophisticated open-air spot perfect for long summer afternoons.
This Friday and Saturday from 2–8pm, grab an ice-cold Heineken Silver, soak up the sun, enjoy polished greens, secret DJ sets, and tuck into bites from the on-site food trucks. Entry is free, so round up your crew and make the most of golden summer vibes in a modern country-club setting.
Where: Parnell Tennis Club, Cnr Maunsell Road and Titoki Street, Parnell, Auckland
When: Friday 23 January – Saturday 24 January, 2pm–8pm
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
Spoil Your Fur Baby At Northcote Doggy Day Out
Bring your furry friends to Puāwai Cadness Reserve on Saturday 24 January for the second annual Northcote Doggy Day Out. This free, family-friendly event is packed with doggie-themed activities, games, and spot prizes for both four-legged visitors and their owners.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer morning in Northcote, meet other dog lovers, and let your pups have a wag-worthy day out.
Where: Puāwai Cadness Reserve, Northcote, Auckland 0627
When: Saturday 24 January, 10am–2pm
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
Ring in the Year of the Horse With Wholesome Family Fun
Ring in the Lunar New Year with a family-friendly afternoon of culture, creativity, and community at Nathan Homestead Pukepuke on Saturday 24 January. Enjoy traditional Chinese practices, hands-on activities, and opportunities to connect with the local community.
Take part in a calligraphy session, experience the calm of a traditional tea ceremony, or watch a Tai Chi demonstration. You can also receive a free health check from a Chinese herbal doctor, try lacquer fan making, or have a go at the traditional pitch pot game.
Where: Nathan Homestead Pukepuke, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa, Auckland
When: Saturday 24 January, 10.30am–2.30pm
Cost: Free entry
Find out more info here.
All Weekend
Auckland’s International Buskers Festival Returns
Get ready for four days of street magic, laughs, and jaw-dropping talent at Auckland’s International Buskers Festival. From Friday 23 to Monday 26 January, the Waterfront and CBD will be alive with incredible acts; we're talking about mind-blowing ball tricks, laugh-out-loud comedy, wild circus skills, and even next-level Double Dutch skipping and dance from Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer winners Haribow.
Buskers will pop up all around Auckland’s Waterfront Harbour and CBD, so grab some mates, hit the streets, and prepare to be amazed. Don’t miss the legendary Night Show on Friday 23 January at 6pm at Te Rimutahi, Ponsonby’s new event space. Remember, performers make their living on your generosity, so if you enjoy a show, consider donating to keep the magic alive.
Where: Wynyard Quarter, 82 Wyndham Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland
When: Friday 23 January – Monday 26 January, 12pm–7pm daily (Friday 12pm–3pm)
Cost: Free admission
Find out more here.
Auckland Folk Festival Brings Music, Dance and Magic to Kumeū
New Zealand’s largest folk music and dance festival is back for its 53rd year at the Kumeū Showgrounds over Auckland Anniversary Weekend. Across multiple stages, you’ll be treated to an incredible lineup of traditional and contemporary folk musicians and dancers, both from Aotearoa and around the globe.
Whether you’re keen to join a blackboard concert or workshop, dance the night away, or simply soak up the jam sessions and sing-alongs, there’s something for every folk fan. Food trucks will keep you fueled with a wide variety of eats and drinks, and the Kids Stage and Zone ensures the little ones are entertained too. For the full experience, camping on-site is encouraged, though Kumeū is close enough to Auckland for a day trip.
Where: Kumeū Showgrounds, Access Road, Kumeū, Auckland
When: Friday 23 January – Sunday 25 January
Cost: Children under 10 free, tickets required for adults
Find out more here.
Park Pop-Up Carnival Returns To Sylvia Park For One Weekend Only
The Park Pop-Up Carnival is officially back at Sylvia Park, bringing flashing lights, classic thrills and big family fun for one weekend only. Leading the charge is the all-new Electric Speedway, New Zealand’s latest ride straight from Europe, featuring smooth, fast, state-of-the-art dodgem cars that seriously level up the bumper car experience.
Fan-favourite rides like the Golden Wheel, Hurricane and Tea Cups are also rolling back into town, alongside classic carnival games and all the nostalgic fair food you’d expect. Entry is free, rides run on a coupon system (so you only pay for what you ride), and it’s the perfect excuse to round up the kids—or your inner child—and lean into some old-school fun.
Where: Sylvia Park, Mt Wellington
When: Thursday 22 January–Monday 26 January
Cost: Free entry (rides require coupons)
Find out more here.
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Main image credit: Sulthan Auliya | Unsplash