10 Of The Best Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
This weekend’s shaping up to be an iconic one and not least because it includes National Pickle Day. If there’s any time to recognise your affinity to the tiny preserved cucumbers, it’s this Saturday. Pickles aside, we’ve got an opportunity to get creative, free from the usual hangover similar situations normally demand, a wildly cheap pop-up op shop (say that quickly), rosé for days, and a biblical level of cheese. All this and more.
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
Star Walk Out Of Your Work Week
If there’s anything that’ll shake off the stress of your 9 to 5, it’s taking to the dance floor for one helluva hit of dirty bass. Specifically, bass that’s freshly spun by American DJ and record producer, Star Monster. His Aotearoa debut and part of The Crunch Down Under tour, it’s promising equal parts raw energy and introspective depth.
The Details
Where: Neck Of The Woods, 155B Karangahape Road
When: Friday 13 November 2026, 9pm-3am
Cost: $20
Find out more here.
Channel A Different Kind Of Energy This Friday Night
While there’s a sanctity in work debriefs over wines, if you’re looking to switch things up a bit, Co-Create’s a great place to start. A social, guided evening designed to unlock your creativity (even if you don’t feel like you have a single creative bone in your body), you’ll get amongst collaborative canvas painting, with snacks, non-alcoholic elixirs, and maybe a new friend or three.
The Details
Where: Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
When: 13 November 2026
Cost: $88
Find out more here.
What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Saturday
Raise A Pickle
It’s National Pickle Day and if you head over to Churly’s you’ll find yourself among more eats and activities than you can shake a pickle at. Stop by to sip on Picklebacks or a limited-release Pickle Lager while cheering on Pickleballers (or flexing your own talents) and chowing down on Heartland pickle chips with pickle-spiked dip, fried pickles, and pickle hot dogs along with a Heritage Cellar Charcuterie board curated by A Lady Butcher herself. All set to live music by Olivia Bones.
The Details
Where: Churly’s Brewpub, 1a Charles Street, Mount Eden
When: Saturday 14 November 2026
Cost: varies
Find out more here.
Thrift Up A Storm
(Almost) nothing compares to someone complimenting your ‘fit and being able to casually drop ‘Oh this? It cost me $2’. So whether you’re giving your wardrobe a bit of a spring clean, or you want to get your Christmas gifts on lock early, you might just like to pop along to The Thrifted Sister’s off-the-chain pop-up thrift shop where every piece costs just $2. Word has it there’ll be thousands of clothes, shoes, accessories and vintage to peruse so you do yourself a solid and pop next door to Bria, or down the road to Mother, to fuel up before hitting the racks.
The Details
Where: Grey Lynn Community Centre
When: Saturday 14 November 2026, 9am-1pm
Cost: $2 per item
Find out more here.
Fight Thunder And Lightning With Queso
The Tāmaki Makaurau weather gods have been serving their signature on again-off again this week and, if you’re anything like me, that’s got you craving some sort of cosy carb situation, preferably one that’s loaded with cheese. Luckily for us both, Tacoteca, as part of Auckland Feast, is hosting a Mexican Cheese Masterclass (like, could the universe be any clearer?) Snag a ticket and you’ll find yourself in a wonderland of queso and smoky mezcal.
The Details
Where: Tacoteca, City Works Depot, 1/90 Wellesley Street West
When: Saturday 14 November 2026, 12pm
Cost: $95
Find out more here.
Get A Little Rose-Tinted This Weekend
If your signature tipple is a crisp, dry rosé, this Rosé Market Day is going to make you swoon. Sip through seven of France’s key rosé regions with 20 different pink drops to taste test, pausing only to wolf down a raclette sandwich or nibble on crêpe while brushing up on your Château Roubine history. Soundtracked to live music from Impressions Quartet, and with a French clown on hand to entertain the kids, consider this your slice of French paradise in the heart of Newmarket.
The Details
Where: Maison Vauron, 5 McColl Street, Newmarket
When: Saturday 14 November 2026, 11am-3pm
Cost: $10 tasting fee
Find out more here.
Treat Yourself To Christmas In The Lanes
Sorting all your Christmas gifts before December is something to feel smug about in its own right. Add the fact you won a cheeky gift for yourself, made use of some seriously good deals, and received styling advice in the process, and you’ve taken your spree to the next level. That’s exactly what’s in store for you this Saturday when you shop some 52 stores across Teed Street, Osborne Street and Kent Street stores.
The Details
Where: Select Teed Street, Osborne Street and Kent Street shops
When: Saturday 14 November 2026, 10am-5pm
Cost: varies
Find out more here.
What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Sunday
Put A Lil’ Soft Pop In Your Sunday
Australian singer-songwriter, Amy Shark, is hopping across the ditch to share her latest album soft pop live, alongside fan favourites like six-time platinum single Adore and multi-platinum singles I Said Hi and Everybody Rise. The ridiculously talented musician has won eight ARIA awards, four APRA Awards and has snagged a Logie so regardless of whether you’re a long-time stan or just looking for something to spruce up your Sunday, you’re guaranteed a good time.
The Details
Where: The Tuning Fork, 42/80 Mahuhu Crescent, Parnell
When: Sunday 15 November 2026, 7.30pm
Cost: $61.67
Find out more here.
Discover A Charming New Play Realm
Basque Park has scored a brand new play area and to mark its opening, the park is transforming into a magical woodland adventure. Stop by for a whimsical morning infused with fairy magic. Think: live music, a treasure hunt, creative colouring activities, and an enchanting storytelling session.
The Details
Where: Basque Park, Eden Terrace
When: Sunday 15 November 2026, 10am
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
The Best Things To Do All Weekend
Witness One Of The Most Disastrous Races In Olympic History
Maybe you ran the Auckland Marathon last weekend and need something to fill the void. Maybe you revelled in spectating from the comfort of your deck chair, feeling validated in your resolve to never even think about strapping on your own running shoes. Whichever camp you fall into, you might just like to witness Nic Sampson’s mainstage theatre debut, Marathon. Starring Brynley Stent, Steffany Silva De Lautour, Chris Parker, Brett O’Gorman, Kura Forrester, and Brayden Cresswell, it’s St. Louis in 1904, and nothing’s going to go well.
The Details
Where: Q Theatre, 305 Queen Street
When: 12 November-6 December 2026
Cost: $65-72
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
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The Best Breakfasts In Auckland And Where To Find Them
Where To Find The Very Best Bars In Auckland
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