You know what would make this sub-par weather actually bearable? A weekend! Not just any old weekend, either. This weekend is full of events so good that you’ll actually be willing to make a trip out in any rain and/or wind Auckland might be throwing at us! For those that aren’t so willing, don't you worry—there’s loads of exciting indoor events that’ll have you white-knuckled with fear, roaring with laugher or giddy with delight (or perhaps even all three?).
From an expo with more healthy food than you can poke your kale at, to multiple edge-of-your-seat circuses, this weekend is full of the good stuff you won’t want to miss!
All Weekend
Auckland Writer’s Festival
Staging more than 180 events gathering together 170 of some of the world’s best writers and thinkers, this year’s Auckland Writer’s Festival is back to delight, surprise and make you smile. Learn what makes The Observer’s restaurant critic and Masterchef judge Jay Rayner tick, or see how you can champion journalism, and even celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter with Quidditch demos, Harry Potter Trivia and more! With its most extensive program yet, get ready to be enlightened!
Where: Various locations
When: Tuesday 16 May—Sunday 21 May
For more info, click here.
Weber Bros Circus
In Auckland after an eight year (!) world tour, circus extraordinaire Weber Bros returns with their brand-new show ‘Adrenaline’. Get ready for the oh-so-nostalgic candyfloss, buttery popcorn, slushies and light-up spinners! That’s not all—Freestyle Motorcross in the Globe of Death, prestigious illusions and The Human Cannonball are all on the agenda at this edge-of-your-seat circus!
Where: Pukekohe Park, Pukekohe
When: Thursday 18 May—Sunday 28 May
For more info, click here.
Till Death Do Us Part: Fifty Years Of Vintage Wedding Style
Bridal fashion wasn’t always mermaid or sweetheart, A-line or tea length as you might see them now. It also wasn’t all Married At First Sight, Bridezilla or Say Yes to The Dress—as hard to believe as that may be! Travel in time all the way back to the 1930’s to the 1970’s, and explore how wedding style has evolved over time and get up close and personal with precious textiles from way back when at this Glory Days event. These one-of-a-kind dresses will be auctioned off at the end of the event if you want to nab a piece of history. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Aunties, an organization, which helps women, and children who have experienced domestic violence.
Where: Highwic House, Newmarket
When: Sunday 14 May—Sunday 28 May, 9am
For more info, click here.
Cirque Grande
This brand new circus is on its very first tour in New Zealand! Be amazed by the skill, dazzled by the beauty and flabbergasted by the strength of these top international performers. Of course, it wouldn't be a great circus without the fall-off-your-seat-laughing clown appearances, which there will be aplenty of. What makes it an extraordinary circus, you ask? Special guest African acrobats will have you holding your breath as they defy gravity in their next-level performances. It's the last weekend to catch this insane performance in action, so make sure you pen it in your diary ASAP!
Where: Avondale, Auckland
When: Friday 12 May—Sunday 21 May
For more info, click here.
Friday 19 May
Hal Cruttenden: Straight Outta Cruttenden
The royal king of the UK Pro Comedy circuit is taking over The Classic with his provocative comedy for his first time in New Zealand. This is going to be a cracker night—he’s performed at the Apollo three times, Royal Variety Performance twice as well as ‘Would I Lie To You’ and ‘Have I Got News For You’! Be in the presence of a comedy king over these 11 days of rib-tickling entertainment.
Where: The Classic, Auckland CBD
When: Tuesday 9 May—Saturday 20 May, 7pm—8pm
For more info, click here.
Breakfast Co-Lab: Orphan’s Kitchen And The Tasting Shed
A double whammy breakkie from the best people in the business? Yes, please! The team at the delightful Orphan’s Kitchen is hosting a breakfast co-lab with The Tasting Shed! Make a booking for a phenomenal two-course meal, one from each of the stunning eateries, paired with coffee and house-made juice! Lunch and dinner course menus are so yesterday, breakfast is where it’s at! What’s better, 10% of proceeds will go to Share The Love Waitakere, who provides meals to West Aucklanders in need!
Where: Orphan’s Kitchen, Ponsonby
When: Friday 19 May, 7am—10pm
For more info, click here.
Queen’s Wharf Village Reopening
After a hectic time hosting the World Masters Games, Queen’s Wharf is back in action! Celebrating its return in style, this cultural and foodie destination is welcoming the first 100 visitors with a $10 lunch voucher redeemable at any vendor, so better get there stat! There will be groovin’ sounds from local DJs and celebratory specials galore from the vendors—the return of this waterfront gem is not to be missed. They’re also launching the collaborative Connections—Reflections photography exhibition by seven talented photographers, which will be displayed all along the Queen’s Wharf fence line!
Where: Queens Wharf, Viaduct
When: Friday 19 May—Saturday 20 May, 11:30am—2pm
For more info, click here.
Surf Film Festival 2017
It’s the grand finale event for the 5th Annual O’Neill Surf Film Festival 2017, so you know it’s going to be big. It’s kicking off at the wonderful Crystal Palace Theatre in Mt Eden and if you haven’t been privy to surf cinema, it’s best you make plans for it ASAP—you’ll be hooked! There’s two sessions on the night showing a selection of films from the short film competition, following a feature film including One Shot and Let’s Be Frank. There’ll be food trucks at the ready and a bar stocked with ice cold Coronas for a sick night ahead!
Where: Crystal Palace Theatre, Mt Eden
When: Friday 19 May, 6pm
For more info, click here.
Ladylike: A Modern Guide To Etiquette
This deliciously dark comedy will teach you how to be a woman in the modern age. Starting off with the very important art of passive aggressive Facebook comments, join Louise Beuvink for a masterclass in etiquette and housewifery for ladies in the modern age. One of New Zealand’s most promising young comedians, she will have you in stitches all through the night!
Where: Q Theatre, Auckland CBD
When: Friday 19 May—Saturday 20 May, 10pm—11pm
For more info, click here.
Saturday 20 May
Ponsonby Live Local Lunch
Ponsonby is a fine ‘burb full of foodie delights and more often than not, we’re so spoiled for choice we find it a mish to decide on a lunch spot! Fear not, American Express hears our qualms and is hosting a special one-day event featuring the crème de la crème of Ponsonby eateries! Set in the Old Ponsonby Fire Station, chow your way through a scrumptious five-course lunch and of dishes and bevvies from Ponsonby superstars SPQR, Cocoro, Prego and Saan!
Where: Old Ponsonby Fire Station, Ponsonby
When: Saturday 20 May, 12pm
For more info, click here.
Crafternoon Tea Market
Aren’t New Zealanders just the craftiest? Loads of stallholders come together in this fabulous market for fashion, home wares, stationery and kids’ products. All handmade with love, this travelling craft market will have you giddy with market delight! Plus there’ll be a sumptuous selection of street food, and a designated kids area!
Where: Crafternoon Tea, Kingsland
When: Saturday 20 May, 10am—2pm
For more info, click here.
Heavenly High Tea
Set at the picture-perfect The Officers Mess in Devonport—this is your perfect belated Mother’s Day Gift or just y’know… treat yourself! Your ticket includes a glass of bubbles on arrival, a scrumptious three course high tea, guest speakers, spot prizes, raffles and even a goody bag to top it all off! It’s all to raise money for St Leo’s Catholic School, so get your ladies together and get ready for a perfect wind-down arvo!
Where: The Officers Mess, Devonport
When: Saturday 20 May, 3pm—5pm
For more info, click here.
Healthy Food Guide Live!
Colder months may be kicking in but that’s no excuse to let your health slide. Let the pros show you the ropes at this expo full of cooking and fitness demos, presentations from health experts and showcases of gluten-free and allergy-friendly products! Taking place over two days, with loads of competitions and free samples you’ll come out a new you in no time!
Where: North Shore Events Centre, Wairau Valley
When: Saturday 20 May—Sunday 21 May, 10am—5pm
For more info, click here.
Annual New Zealand Hot Sauce Festival
Get ready to crank up the heat! More than 100 hot’n’fiery sauces from thirteen iconic New Zealand brands are ready to hit you with their best shot! Taking place at Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen, some producers to look out for at the Annual New Zealand Hot Sauce Festival include (but not limited to!) The Lucky Taco, Fire Dragon Chillies, Gringo Killer and Hottt Ass Chillies. This fiery line up will get even hotter thanks to the inclusion of six World Hot Sauce Award Champion winning sauces. You’ll be able to buy all of the hot sauces on offer that your heart desires (and your belly can stomach), and your ticket will also include a 60ml bottle of Fire Dragon Hot Sauce made exclusively for the festival! For all you extra-hot chili heads, there’ll also be a homemade hot sauce competition, and watch the final of the 2017 Chili Eating Champs, starring the world’s hottest chili—the Carolina Reaper! Brace yourself for the eye-watering heat!
Where: Sweat Shop Brew Bar, Freemans Bay
When: Saturday 20 May, 12pm—6pm
For more info, click here.
Sunday 21 May
BarberCraft
Where boys turn into men! Kicking off at Shed 10, BarberCraft is New Zealand’s premier barbering and male grooming event. Lads, we’re sure you’re over the girls going off to Ladies Expo or the Girls’ Festival so this one goes out to you. Watch live barber battles (it’s a thing, and we know you’re intrigued!) and chill out with the live entertainment. Featuring the best of men’s fashion, lifestyle and grooming brands, become the best version of yourself all in the space of a weekend!
Where: Shed 10, Auckland CBD
When: Sunday 21 May, 9:30am—6:30pm
For more info, click here.
Turning The Tide Fundraising Walk
Show solidarity and support for a violence-free northwest Auckland on this 15km walk along the idyllic Muriwai Beach. We all love a Sunday morning beach walk, so why not give back to the community whilst doing exactly that! Ending with a BBQ brunch, all funds raised will go to employ a new advocate at the women’s refuge, Kia Timata Ano Trust.
Where: Muriwai Beach, Muriwai
When: Sunday 21 May, 7:45am—12pm
For more info, click here.
Last Laughs Hosted By Jesse Griffin
The International Comedy Fest is going out with a bang at one of their final shows. There’s a cracker line up with five Billy T Award nominees, three Fred Award finalists (best NZ show) and some extra surprise guests on the night! Join the festival comedians in the crowd, as the Fred Gumboot and Billy T Yellow towel will be also awarded on the night! Make a night of it for one last hoorah (and a ha ha ha)! Proceeds from Last laughs will be invested by the NZ Comedy Trust into the future development of the comedy industry—long live the laughs!
Where: SKYCITY Auckland, Auckland CBD
When: Sunday 21 May, 7:00pm—9:30pm
For more info, click here.
Mixing It Up With Deco Eatery
Deco Eatery is one of our top picks for some Turkish perfection. They’re coming together with Mixing It Up for a two-hour guided painting experience for that elusive me-time after a hectic week! Grab a paintbrush, a glass of wine and get inspired. Located in the historically heavenly Lopdell House, you’ll be transported into an easy breezy end to the weekend.
Where: Deco Eatery Café, Titirangi
When: Sunday 21 May, 4pm—6pm
For more info, click here.
NZ Trio Loft Series
Q Theatre’s loft space is transforming to something seriously stunning! Part one of three shows, NZTrio’s Loft Series pairs wonderfully different musical styles into a single concert. It’ll be the end of an era for the remarkable NZTrio at this final public appearance of the original group together, as they farewell violinist Justine Cormack after a whopping 15 years together. It’s playful, daring, nostalgic and comforting—all rolled into one performance and you’ll be taken away with the top caliber musical talent on offer.
Where: Q Theatre, Auckland CBD
When: Sunday 21 May, 5pm
For more info, click here.
Image Credit: Weber Bros Circus