The Best Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend
Tāmaki Makaurau is absolutely stacked this weekend, with markets, music, food trucks and festivals popping up from the North Shore to the CBD and beyond.
Spend your days browsing handmade stalls in Mt Eden, Kumeu and Takapuna, digging through vinyl in Browns Bay, or catching live comedy, theatre and NZ Music Month gigs across the city. Add in waterfront food truck nights, cultural markets in South Auckland and a few big-name shows in town, and you’ve got a pretty solid choose-your-own-weekend situation.
Here are the best things to do in Auckland this weekend.
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What's On Friday
Eat Your Way Through Catalina Bay’s Neon Food Truck Night This May
Catalina Bay is lighting up this May with a neon-themed food truck night packed with street eats, sweet treats and waterfront vibes. Happening alongside EBRC’s Neon Night Run for Pink Shirt Day, the evening will bring together a stacked lineup of food vendors serving everything from pizza and rice burgers to gyoza, Korean hot dogs and loaded desserts.
Round up your crew, grab dinner under the lights and settle in for an easy Friday night by the water with plenty of good food and community energy on offer.
The Details
Where: 1/3 Boundary Road, Hobsonville
When: Friday 15 May 2026, 5pm–8pm
Cost: Free entry
For more information, click here.
What's On Saturday
You Can Party and Watch Rugby At The Same Time
Image Credit: Eden Park | Supplied
Fun fact: you can boogie at the exact same time you watch a try get scored on Eden Park’s field. We kid you not, the Blues VS Hurricanes game this weekend has a non-stop party zone in the stadium, The Corner, where Kings take the DJ decks all game long.
It’s a double-header game: Blues Legends XV vs Pacific Legends. XV are up first before Blues vs Hurricanes take the cake. That’s not before a huge lights and laser show takes place mid-event, of course.
For the younger kids, a LEGO Kids Zone full of bouncy toys and giveaways awaits. Now, don’t; go thinking that it’s all over when the final whistle is called, okay? The post-game “Fans on Field” session lets you jump on the iconic Eden Park turf and nab a photo and autograph from the players.
The Details
Where: Eden Park
When: Saturday 16 May 2026, 7pm-9pm (gates open at varying times from 3:30pm)
Cost: Tickets vary
For more information, click here.
Celebrate Culture At The Filipino Market At Manurewa
South Auckland’s Filipino Market is back with another celebration of Filipino food, culture and community. Taking over the Manurewa Recreation Centre, the market will bring together food trucks, bakers, coffee and bubble tea stalls, plus plenty of proudly Philippine-made products to browse between bites. Expect everything from comforting hot food and sweet treats to handmade goods and pantry staples, all served up with a welcoming community feel.
The Details
Where: Manurewa Recreation Centre
When: Saturday 16 May 2026, 11am–3pm
Cost: Free entry
For more information, click here.
Get Around K Road's Food Art Market
Spend Your Saturday Browsing Markets And Live Music At K’ Road’s FAM
Karangahape Road is turning up the volume this May with a special NZ Music Month edition of FAM Food.Art.Market. Expect a full day of live music, street performances, local makers and market stalls bringing plenty of energy to one of Auckland’s most creative neighbourhoods.
From vintage finds and art to food vendors and pop-up performances scattered throughout the precinct, it’s the perfect excuse for a Saturday wander through K’ Road. Start at Beresford Square and follow the music from there.
The Details
Where: Karangahape Road
When: Saturday 16 May 2026, 10am–2pm
Cost: Free entry
For more information, click here.
What's On Sunday
Go Market-Hopping At Kumeu’s Monthly Market
Kumeu Showgrounds is transforming into a bustling market hub this Sunday with more than 120 stalls, local makers, street eats and family-friendly fun all in one place. From handmade goods and homewares to art, gifts and delicious food trucks, there’s plenty to browse while soaking up the relaxed market-day atmosphere.
Little ones are in for a treat too, with Spider-Man making a special appearance from 10:30am to 11:30am for some superhero fun. Add in kids activities, free parking and plenty of room to wander, and they're ticking all our boxes.
The Details
Where: Kumeu Showgrounds
When: Sunday 17 May 2026, 9am–2pm
Cost: Free entry
For more information, visit here.
What's On All Weekend
Dig Into Paperbacks At The Auckland Writers Festival
Book lovers, this one’s for you. Auckland Writers Festival is back this week with a huge programme of more than 170 events featuring some of the biggest names in literature, journalism, politics and pop culture from Aotearoa and around the world.
This year’s lineup includes literary heavyweights like Maggie O'Farrell, Fran Lebowitz, Roddy Doyle, Yann Martel and Jacinda Ardern, alongside homegrown icons including Witi Ihimaera, Bill Manhire and Pax Assadi.
Expect thought-provoking talks, panel discussions, live performances, workshops, family-friendly events and a brand-new youth-focused programme, Plot Twist, taking over Q Theatre with spoken word, BookTok meetups, zine-making and more.
The Details
Where: Aotea Centre and various Auckland venues
When: Tuesday 12 May to Sunday 17 May 2026
Cost: Mix of free and ticketed events
For more information, visit Auckland Writers Festival
Catch Big Laughs Across The City At The New Zealand International Comedy Festival
The NZ International Comedy Festival is back in full swing, bringing a packed lineup of local legends, international acts and laugh-out-loud live shows to venues across Auckland. From stand-up and sketch comedy to cult favourites and rising stars, it’s basically a city-wide excuse to have a good laugh.
One of this weekend’s big shows sees comedy icon Heath Franklin return as his infamous alter ego Chopper with GOLD; a greatest-hits style set celebrating 20 years of outrageous one-liners, classic sketches and crowd-favourite moments. Expect zero subtlety and plenty of chaos.
The Details
Where: Aotea Centre and various Auckland venues
When: 1-24 May 2026 in Auckland, before hitting Wellington and the rest of Aotearoa
Cost: Various ticket prices
For more information, click here.
Discover Eco Brands, Wellness Finds And Sustainable Living Ideas At The Go Green Expo
Whether you’re looking to live a little greener, renovate more sustainably or simply stock up on wellness goodies, the Go Green Expo is back with a huge weekend dedicated to conscious living. Taking over Eventfinda Stadium this May, the expo will feature more than 150 eco-friendly brands spanning food, beauty, homewares, health, EVs and sustainable products.
Alongside plenty of expo-only deals, expect free yoga classes, seminars, food stalls, electric bikes, kids activities and the chance to win prizes throughout the weekend. It’s an easy one-stop shop for anyone wanting to discover new ways to live a little lighter on the planet.
The Details
Where: Eventfinda Stadium
When: Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May 2026, 9am–4pm
Cost: Free entry from 2pm, free tickets available online
For more information, visit here.
Sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau
Various locations across Auckland
Auckland is turning up the volume this May with the launch of Sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau, a city-wide celebration of local music as part of NZ Music Month. With more than 40 free events on offer, this new programme is all about championing homegrown talent—spotlighting everyone from emerging artists to established names across community venues and local arts spaces.
From live DJ sets on Queens Wharf to kapa haka performances, intimate showcases and even a Tiny Desk-style concert series, there’s plenty to discover across the month. Whether you’re keen to find your next favourite artist or just soak up the city’s creative energy, this is your sign to get amongst it.
The Details
Where: Various locations, check site for more details
When: Throughout May 2026
Cost: Free events
For more information, visit here.
What's Coming Up
Roll Up Your Sleeves For This Gnocchi Cooking Class
If your idea of a good night involves carbs and prosecco, this hands-on gnocchi cooking class is calling your name. Hosted by the beloved Mirella at ARTA Della Pasta, the evening will guide guests through the art of making pillowy gnocchi from scratch, complete with plenty of eating along the way.
Expect a share plate of fresh tagliatelle, pasta tastings, a glass of prosecco on arrival and tiramisu for dessert, plus a goody bag to take home. Whether you’re levelling up your kitchen skills or just here for the pasta, it’s set to be a seriously delicious evening.
The Details
Where: ARTA Della Pasta, 21C Remuera Road, Newmarket
When: Wednesday 20 May 2026, from 5:30pm
Cost: $95 (includes goody bag)
For more details and to book, click here.
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Main image credit: Sulthan Auliya | Unsplash
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