Nine out of ten doctors recommend my weekly roundup to cure a bad case of chronic boredom.

The remaining doctor just hasn't read it yet.

And what a round-up we do have on our hands: late-night jazz in a basement, finding your forever someone in bowling shoes and paying good, hard-earned cash for something or rather, buried inside someone's car boot.

It's another eclectic week of excellent things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and I, most certainly, am here for it.

But as per usual, if you're otherwise preoccupied for these first five days, then check out what’s on this weekend with my scientifically proven selection of the very best things to fill your weekend with.

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Jump to: 

• Don't Miss
• Free And Budget-Friendly Events
• Food And Drink Events
• Arts And Culture 
• Gigs & Live Music
• Rainy Day Activities 
• Coming Soon

Don’t Miss

New Zealand Fashion Week 2025

25-30 August | Shed10 | Various Events & Pricing

Image credit: Mara Sommer | Supplied

The week of all weeks is now upon us, fellow fashion aficionados. New Zealand Fashion Week 2025 returns to a new venue this Monday—the iconic and expansive Shed 10—and will feature every trend-setter from established names like Karen Walker, Zambesi, and Juliette Hogan to emerging talent and a very special Breast Cancer Cure Designer Showcase. There are too many aesthetically pleasing details to go through here, so you might as well head on over to their site and grab your tickets to one or more of the many chic events in this year's programme.

Free & Budget-Friendly Events

Zone Bowling Wairau Singles Night: Swap Lanes

Every Tuesday, 26 August-16 September | Zone Bowling Wairau | $

Image credit: Zone Bowling Alley Wairau | Supplied

I said it before, and I'll say it again: 2025 is the year for ditching the swipes. "But what instead???", you yell from the pitched roofs of Auckland's multitudinous suburbs. "Alas, whither do we take our dates?!" How about Zone Bowling's new singles night: Swap Lanes. Yep, a classic in the realm of budding love—let Zone play cupid and watch the sparks fly between the guide rails (I promise I use them too).

The best part? It's just $29.99 for a 1-hour Swap Lane Bowling session with 5-frame games, a drink, and fries. P.S. There's a themed night on the second Tuesday (2 September), which will be Rainbow Lanes, for the queer community. 'Cause the only thing sexier than nailing a strike in front of your date, is doing so while wearing a rainbow leotard. But make sure ya book!

E ngaro ana koe?

26-30 August  | Basement Theatre | $

Image credit: E ngaro ana koe?/Basement Theatre | Supplied

I'm not sure I'd do this event justice with one of my wee writeups, so let's hear it from the horse's:

"Weaving pūrākau and personal journeys, E ngaro ana koe? highlights seven powerful movement artists as they find communion in confronting their individual and shared taniwha. Guiding us along their sacred awa of shared concerns, joys and dreams—inviting us to reflect, witness, and feel. Each night is a unique experience of movement, poetry, archival film, sculpture, and connection to the virtual ether."

See ya at Basement then.

Grey Lynn Car Boot Market

Last Sunday Of The Month | 1 Francis Street, Grey Lynn | $/Free

Image credit: Grey Lynn Car Boot Market | Instagram

I've spent enough Sundays trawling the mysterious and weird depths of Facebook Marketplace, dispatching countless "Is this still available?" messages into the meta-void. Luckily, that degeneracy can now come to an end thanks to Grey Lynn Car Boot Market. No new stuff allowed (because planet), just pre-loved goodies at prices that'll make both your wallet and Mother Earth smile. Selling spots are car-sized for $30, but book ahead—it’s a popular biz slanging bits and bobs.

Food And Drink Events

Pici x Artigiano Imports: Italian Wine & Food

26 August | Pici | $$

Image credit: Pici Wine Bar | Supplied 

Pici’s Head Chef Jono and Richard from Artigiano Imports are bringing the second instalment of their Italian Wine & Food event this Tuesday. Spend your evening sipping on hand-picked Italian wines from Richard, to match five dishes from Chef Jono—made right in front of you with a live cooking demo at Pici Wine Bar (next door to Pici). Plus you’ll get the recipe cards to recreate the dishes at home too. With only 10 seats at the table, make sure you book your spot here. - Vicki Young

Vegan Night Market (Last Thursdays) At Garage Project Kingsland

357 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland

Image credit: Vegan Night Market (Last Thursdays)  | Facebook

Gone are the days when your vegan friends only get the choice of a salad at a group dinner out. Cue the Vegan Night Market, which takes place on the last Thursday of every month at Garage Project Kingsland. Not only can you pop in for a cool pint, but you can eat all the delicious plant-based goodies to your heart’s desire. They’ve got new stall holders this year, including Fresh Soy Tempeh, and you can load up on all your snacks from The Vegan Shop while you make a very hard decision on what to eat for dinner. Come hungry (and thirsty). - Vicki Young

Daffodil Day @ Bossi

29 August | Bossi Restaurant & Deli | $

Image credit: Bossi Restaurant | Supplied

Bossi Restaurant—serial do-gooders, who always champion a worthy cause—have created two bespoke menu items for Daffodil Day this Friday, with 100% of sales being donated to the Cancer Society. Namely: a cocktail starring gin, lemon and passionfruit (pictured, of course) and a lemon Cannoli filled with silky lemon curd and ricotta, infused with fresh lemon zest, and finished with lemon candy. How zesty. But, naturally, available for one day and one day only...

Arts And Culture

Josh Davison ‘’In Colour’’ Exhibition

'Til 3 September | Turua Gallery | Free Entry

Image credit: Josh Davison/Turua Gallery | Supplied

Following the sold-out success of his debut exhibition, Auckland-based contemporary artist Josh Davison joins Turua Gallery with a very highly anticipated second solo exhibition—In Colour. Opening night was last Friday, and the exhibition is now running 'til 3 September at ever-bustling Turua Gallery. Painting and sculpture, traditional oil techniques and methods favoured by Renaissance masters—this fantastic peek into the beautiful world of high art invites us lucky folk into Davison’s evolving world of sculptural painting and vibrant natural forms.

MARY: The Birth of Frankenstein

'Til 7 September | ASB Waterfront Theatre | $$

Image credit: Andi Crown | Instagram

Step into the dark, wicked world of MARY: The Birth of Frankenstein, a gripping reimagining of the night Mary Shelley penned her iconic novel. Unsettling, lust-drenched, and utterly captivating. It's the latest in a series of damn good shoes down at ASB Waterfront Theatre, and it's once again thanks to the very great Auckland Theatre Company.

By The Fire

All August | Viaduct Harbour | $-$$$

Image Credit: By The Fire | Website

Winter is seriously bringing the vibes to Viaduct Harbour this August with By the Fire—a glowing celebration of all things warm, toasty, and delicious. Think glowing light installations, fire-grilled eats, spiced cocktails, and soul-soothing wellness moments, all set against Auckland’s dreamy waterfront.

Expect fiery art from light maestro Angus Muir (yes, including a giant sculptural bonfire), free outdoor wellness sessions like dynamic yoga and HIIT Pilates with SALA every Saturday morning, and flame-grilled skewers served street-side by Hello Beasty. Meanwhile, Viaduct Harbour's restaurants like Esther, Frida Cocina, Grape & Olive, Bivacco and more are dishing up limited-edition fire-licked menus and cocktails with a kick.

Need a proper winter wind-down? Hit Sofitel for a hot stone massage or level up your staycay with QT’s wintery Nama-stay package. More details here.

Gigs & Live Music

INFINITY SESSIONS

Bonus Date 26 August | Roundhead Studios Online | Free To Stream

Image credit: INFINITY SESSIONS/Dave Dobbyn | Instagram 

Deep down in the grey doldrum of midwinter, you might be aching for a pick-me-up of sorts. Who could blame you? Kiwi muso icon Neil Finn and Roundhead Studios have sensed as much and, as such, have gathered together a big bunch of friends to bring you INFINITY SESSIONS... which should have come to an end last week, but lucky for all of us, there's a bonus session this Tuesday featuring Tami Neilson with Delaney Davidson.

Unknown Sounds Presents: Jazz & Hip-Hop Night Vol. 2

28 August | Neck of The Woods | $

Image Credit: Allan Carpenter | Supplied

Basements aren't just for storing junk and raving. They also happen to be pretty well-suited to a seven-piece conception jazz band, particularly when it closely follows a mastery in hip-hop selection, and is transmitted through the fable 'Ghost' sound system, and, of course, the basement happens to be none other than Neck of The Woods. What a Thursday night.

Rainy Day Activities

CRUSHES SOCIAL CLUB MEET: Knitting Club

Last Saturday Of The Month | Crushes, 25 Karangahape Road | Free

Image credit: Crushes | Website

It's soon to be the last Sunday of the month. You know the drill: for those with a bit of a knack for needles and hooks who are keen to make a few new friends (along with whatever cosy little thang you’re working on), Crushes Knitting Club back, baby. Part of Crushes Social Club, a seasonal event programme built to create community and creativity on Karangahape Road, Knitting Club is free, but make sure you register online so the gals have an idea of numbers. And be sure to peruse their Karangahape Road shop for some ethically sourced and NZ-made goods while you’re there.

Coming Soon

Upcycled Leather jewellery

6 September | Titirangi Community House | $$

We know what's hiding in your closet. Deep down in that one dark, devilish corner—it's that leather jacket you spent a bucket on one time, with hopes of entering your edgy era. Well, this neat wee workshop at Titrangi Community house is offering a very convenient way to escape long-term buyer's remorse. On 6 September, you can give old leather a brand-new life with a hands-on, eco-friendly session learning to transform discarded leather into stunning, one-of-a-kind jewellery—from earrings to pendants.

Ethel & Bethel’s Comedy Bingo Night—Fundraiser For The Kidney Society

12 September | Freemans Bay Community Hall | $$

Image credit: Ethel And Bethel | Instagram

Something about 'R18 Bingo Night' just gets me hyped. Maybe it's my competitive side, or maybe I just love taking seemingly innocuous events to the extreme—like that one mishap I had with Pin the Tail at my nephew's fifth birthday. Anyway... Ethel & Bethel's Comedy Bingo Night in September has me genuinely intrigued. It's a night with a mission—raising $30,000 to support people with kidney disease, with every ticket making a real difference. Beyond their sharp wit and chaotic energy, prizes, drinks, snacks, and a fair bit of community-inspired chaos await. No door sales, so grab your tickets now.

Winetopia Tickets

3-4 October | Viaduct Events Centre | $$

Top-shelf wines without the pomp and elitism? I'm sick to death of bending down to the bottom shelves of the supermarket wine section for $11 worth of cat p*ss. It hurts my back, my taste buds and my pride. That's why I'm very much fizzed for this year's Winetopia, celebrating a decade of providing exactly what the first sentence asks for. It ain't 'til October, but securing tickets for the big ten-oh is essential.

Cirque du Soleil: Corteo

30 Oct-2 November | Spark Arena | $$$

Image credit: Cirque du Soleil | Maja Prgomet

Cirque du Soleil is returning to Aotearoa this October, with the Auckland debut of Corteo. Directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, Corteo is a festive parade imagined from a clown’s perspective, set on a double-sided stage. Expect grace, power, and comedy played out in a liminal space between heaven and earth. Tickets are live.

TIRI: TE ARAROA WOMAN FAR WALKING

4-23 Nov | ASB Waterfront Theatre, Parnell Village | $$

Closing out the 2025 season is TIRI: TE ARAROA WOMAN FAR WALKING, a groundbreaking adaptation of Witi Ihimaera’s epic tale. For the very first time, the play will be performed in both English and te reo Māori. Directed by Katie Wolfe and starring Miriama McDowell, this two-part production follows Tiri Mahana, a 185-year-old matriarch, from the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi to modern-day Aotearoa.

RÜFÜS DU SOL

29 November | The Outer Fields, Western Springs | $$$

Image credit: RÜFÜS DU SOL | Instagram

The most mind-bending, dimension-transcending electro experience known to humankind—RÜFÜS DU SOL—will light up the expansive Outer Fields of Western Springs this November. The Australian purveyors of electronic music-meets-legendary-lights-extravaganza-times-unholy-soundscapes are just too good not to feature. So here's a very, very early heads up that they're coming to town.

Not in Auckland? Check out what's on in Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown this year.

Main image credit: Konrad Rolf.

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