10 Of The Best Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
I'm sorry, how is it already September? In any case, the weekend is packed with enough goodness to distract you from the fact there are only four months left in 2026.
From the dreamy vintage-type vibe of Hiatus Kaiyote to a rather spicy journal, an excuse to skip the laundry, and food trucks battling it out for your fork of approval. Plus loads of matcha, and your last-minute cheat sheet to slaying Father's Day.
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
Soundbathe In Hiatus Kaiyote
Melbourne-based band Hiatus Kaiyote is gracing The Powerstation with its dreamy, genre-fluid sonic this Friday night and it might be just the energy you’re after to unwind out of work mode and dial into that sweet, sweet weekend feeling. The gig celebrates the launch of their latest album, Love Heart Cheat Code, and promises to deliver the band’s iconic love for complexity and maximalism.
The Details
Where: The Powerstation, 33 Mount Eden Road
When: Friday 4 September 2026
Cost: $81.46
Find out more here.
Smut Up Your Life
For the uninitiated, Folly Journal is a print-only anthology of collectable art, commentary, essays, short stories and poetry produced in Te Whanganui-a-tara, and this weekend they’re releasing a new issue called Smut. The launch location? None other than Enamoured Books. (Has there even been a more perfect match?) Described as “an X-rated issue about want and wetness, power and tenderness, the sacred and the profane” I’m sure you’ll agree, this one’s essential-reading.
The Details
Where: Enamoured Books
When: Friday 4 September 2026
Cost: Entry is free
Find out more here.
Outright Refuse To Do the Chores
If doing your laundry is lowkey the bane of your existence, you’ll want to go all-in on ecostore’s No Laundry Day. Back for its fourth year, it’s one helluva good excuse to put the washing off until tomorrow and instead take a moment to reflect on your everyday habits and consider how you could make them more sustainable, for a healthier planet. This year the spotlight is on the Rewear Chair, or ladder, or pile on the floor–whatever you use to stretch that t-shirt just a little bit further before it goes in for a wash cycle. It might seem like a small habit but, put on repeat, it really makes a difference.
The Details
Where: Everywhere
When: Friday 4 September
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Saturday
Take On The Delectable Responsibility Of Crowning The Queen Of The Food Truck
It’s the battle of the kitchens this Saturday as sixteen crowd favourites from Food Truck Collective vie for the highly coveted Street Food Award. At Shed 10, every bite counts, so hightail it down to the waterfront to wrap your mouth around the best of the best and find out who’ll be crowned ultimate champion. This year’s contenders: The Flying Rib, Roti Bros, Hapunan Filipino Kitchen, Karaage Boy, Sambal Bali, Mizzoni Woodfired Pizza, Hash n Smash, Smoking Shack, Roaming Flamingo, Woodspirit Turkish Pide, Double Dutch Fries, Grownup Donuts, Bear Gelato, Butter Baby and Bon Appetit Creperie.
The Details
Where: Shed 10, Queens Wharf
When: Saturday 5 September 2026
Cost: $7 early bird or $12 general admission (all tickets include a drink token); no walk-ins
RSVP here.
Cut Shapes, Sip Matcha
For a dancefloor that’s fuelled by matcha, you’ll want to hit Daylight Socials’ latest gig. The Matcha House Rave takes L-theanine (the caffeine-like ingredient in matcha) to new heights, with freshly-spun house beats for a daylight dance party with all the good vibes. Prepare to dance from midday right through to 5pm.
The Details
Where: Wharfside Bar & Eatery, Shed 19/137 Quay Street
When: Saturday 5 September 2026
Cost: $22.80 per person or $18.93 each for a group of five
Find out more here.
Hibernate At Kemuri Hi-Fi
The finale of the Collekt Winter Series is landing at Kemuri Hi-Fi this Saturday from 9pm through to the early hours of Sunday morning and if you’re hopped up on all that matcha, this is the next logical gig to hit to keep that weekend energy going. Featuring Shipwreck’s own Logan Baker, with support from Connor Tomoana and Raine, you’ll have to act very quick if you want to get in on this because at the time of writing, there are only eight tickets left.
The Details
Where: Kemuri Hi-Fi, 1 Queen Street Basement, Commercial Bay
When: Saturday 5 September 2026
Cost: $15
Find out more here.
What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Sunday
Celebrate Your Old Man This Father’s Day
Father’s Day is this Sunday and while not all of us have a father we almost certainly all have someone who’s unabashedly cracked dad jokes with reckless abandon. So whether it’s your Work Dad, your House Dad, your Chosen Dad, your uncle, grandad or friend, or the one whose blood runs in your veins, Father’s Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation. And if you’re stumped for something to do, right this way.
The Details
Where: Varies
When: Varies
Cost: Varies
Find out more here.
Get Your Mitts On A Brand New Sin In A Bun
Cinnamon bun-slingin’ royalty, Hill House Cafe, have just dropped their September sin-in-a-bun limited edition flavours and you’ll want to drop everything and run straight for the buns. So without further ado, this month’s lineup newcomers are mango sticky rice and loaded almond croissant. Also sticking around is the people’s choice from last month, apple pie (which just screams cosy winter), plus their iconic original.
The Details
Where: Hill House Cafe, 72 Hillsborough Road
When: All September
Cost: Varies
Find out more here.
The Best Things To Do This Weekend
Forget To Breathe For A Whole Hour
I can’t emphasise how astonishing Cirque Alice is (and not just because I share its name). This gig’s off the actual chain. And I mean that literally as well as figuratively because at one point an acrobat was being spun around on a chain and you bet I haven’t fully processed that yet. It feels like death is defied every single second. The performers’ talent is unrivalled. It’s the stuff that really must be seen to be believed. And this weekend is your last chance to see it.
The Details
Where: The Civic, Cnr Queen Street & 269-287 Wellesley Street West
When: All weekend
Cost: $55-$119
Find out more here.
Treat Yourself To A Matcha-Infused High Tea
If you’ve been playing along at home for quite some time now you’ll know that here at Urban List, we’ve got a bit of radar for really freakin’ good high tea so when Enna and May from matcha label, Thea, teamed up with chefs Gareth Stewart and Kenji Yoshitsuka at Advieh to create a matcha-inspired high tea, well, I couldn’t gatekeep. Launching this week, the high tea features ten incredible creations plus complimentary bottomless tea, coffee and Thea matcha. Rejoice.
The Details
Where: Adveih, 1 Queen Street, Commercial Bay
When: Thursday-Sunday from 3 September-11 November 2026
Cost: $85 per person
Find out more here.
Want more? Check out:
- All The Essential Food News (So You Can Be In The Know And Eat It Too)
- What's On In Auckland This Month And This Year
- Tāmaki Makaurau's Best Restaurants To Feast At
The Best High Tea In Auckland in 2026
The Best Breakfasts In Auckland And Where To Find Them
Where To Find The Very Best Bars In Auckland
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