.jpg?auto=format,compress&h=52){kind=logo}
Here we go. Another week. Another buffet of damn good stuff to get up to in this beautiful city.
Fried chicken speed dating? Check. A quest to discover the best toastie in all the land? Yep. A winter Yacht Club lock-in with an Alice In Wonderland twist that's gonna end up with you partying on a rooftop... wait, what?
Anyway, here are the best and dandiest things to get up to across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this week. And if five days of fun just ain't enough, then check out what’s on this weekend with my carefully crafted blueprint on how not to waste your precious days of freedom.
Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Auckland again—get us in your inbox here.
Jump to:
- Don't Miss
- Free And Budget-Friendly Events
- Food And Drink Events
- Arts And Culture
- Rainy Day Activities
- Uniquely Auckland Experiences
- Coming Soon
Don’t Miss
Turf Games FITTEST IN THE CITY Auckland '25
19 July | Auckland Showgrounds | Free/$
Image credit: Turf Games | Instagram
Welcome to the Salty Spitoon, how tuff are ya? Anyone? Anyone… Anyyyway, Turf Games Fittest In The City (FITC) is coming to Auckland’s shores for the very first time this July, and if you reckon you're fit enough, then grab your crew, a couple of sweatbands and get after it. May the odds be ever in your favour… *ominous birdsong in the distance*.
MFY Studio—Sustainable Sewing & Repair Sessions
16 July | Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre | $$
I’ve always fancied myself as a fashion designer. I can't sew. Not even a stitch. But this Wednesday, that's all about to change with Made For You Studio’s pop-up sustainable garment sessions... Well, maybe I'll just start with this massive split in my pants and see how I get on from there.
Ambient Life Drawing With Summer Knight
17 July | Goblin | $
You, me, a few sticks of charcoal and a few hours of letting ourselves melt to the ambient sounds of Psychic Glands, as we sketch the night away. Goblin is hosting a life drawing session with Summer Knight this Thursday from 6.30pm (doors @ 5), where all skill levels are welcome and all materials are provided. Bliss.
Aotea Square Ice Rink
'Til 20 July | Aotea Square | $-$$
It’s not winter until Aotea Square has her ice rink out. And just like that, it's almost gone. That’s right, this is the last weekend for you to get red in the palms and face as you Bambi your way through a first date at our world-famous-in-Auckland Aotea ice Rink. Although with beats from a live DJ on Groovy Fridays, your attempt at skating may just about pass for some kind of interpretative dance…
Food And Drink Events
Takapuna Surf Club Quiz Night
Wednesdays | Takapuna Surf Club | Free To Enter
Image credit: Takapuna Surf Club
You'll have to flex your ninja skills to snag a table at Takapuna Surf Club's weekly quiz night. The all-seasons rooftop garden bar runs a quiz every Wednesday from 7pm with bookings available from 6pm so you can get in early and make a night of it (may I suggest a pizza or three?). Plus, there are pinball machines, arcade games and automated dart lanes to get amongst, too. And as a bonus, if you're elbow-deep in Dry July, you can summon any of their schmick cocktails, minus the booze. Oh, and if you want to check out all our other top mid-week quiz night recs, then follow me here.
What’s Your Flavour?
17 July | Brew’d Hawt Chicken | $
Image credit: Brew'd Hawt Chicken | Instagram
Fried chicken and speed dating? A plate of wings with a side of finger-lickin' you? I guess that’s one way to spice up the dating game. This Thursday, thursday (the big-brained team behind this ingenious idea) are taking over Brew’d Hawt Chicken for a midweek dating night where each chicken flavour matches your dating energy. Yopros 35 and under only tho...
Heart of the City Auckland Restaurant Month
Various Booking Times | Various Venues | $$
Image credit: Heart Of The City | B Beattie
Forks at the ready, one of the largest events in Tāmaki Makaurau's culinary calendar is set to return this August. The Heart of the City Auckland Restaurant Month will be dishing up its signature offering of $55+, $45 and $30 menus (the latter being a proverbial middle finger to the recession) plus some swish events you'll want to lock in, stat.
The Great NZ Toastie Takeover
‘Til 5 August | Queens Rooftop | $
With all the cheese melts and McClure’s spicy pickles one can acceptably eat between two pieces of bread in one sitting, The Great NZ Toastie Takeover returns for its eighth year. Created by Cook & Nelson, this year has over 200 venues across Aotearoa slinging toasties in all shapes and forms, from brioche-bunned, sesame-crusted, to allll the cheese-pulled and pickle-packed varieties—even prawn toast (pictured above). Make it a great Kiwi toastie road trip and try them all until 5th August.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
15 Jul-9 Aug | ASB Waterfront Theatre, Parnell Village | $$
Image credit: Ross Brown
Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love and tragedy gets a bold, 1960s makeover in this atomic production of Romeo and Juliet. Directed by Benjamin Kilby-Henson, Theo Dāvid and Phoebe McKellar star as the star-crossed lovers in a world of Missoni prints and Pucci glamour. A fresh, stylish take on a classic that’s as relevant today as it was back when they were all into their frilly clothes and the word ‘doth.’
Nikki Glaser: Alive and Unwell Tour
17 July | Aotea Centre | $$$
Image credit: Nikki Glaser | Instagram
Comedy Queen, podcast empress and purveyor of the no-holds-barred variety of hilarity, Nikki Glaser, makes her way to Auckland this week for one night and one night only. 'Unlive & Unwell' will rock the red seats of Aotea Centre from 7.30pm on Thursday, and if you miss it, well, that's just not okay really.
Turua Gallery Presents: Homebody
18-30 July | Turua Gallery | Free
Image credit: Turua Gallery | supplied
I’ve never been a season snob. Nope. However much I rate hot days and long nights, I've always firmly believed there’s beauty to be found every season, not least winter, and Turua Gallery wholeheartedly agrees. Opening this Friday and showing ‘til the end of the month, Homebody is a group exhibition that brings together "ten esteemed artists, each exploring themes of domesticity, stillness, and the essence of home". Get down to opening night and don’t forget about the online presale, commencing 6pm the night before.
The Art of Banksy
'Til 3 August | Hunua Rooms, Aotea Centre | $$
Image credit: The Art of Banksy | Auckland Live
In my younger and more vulnerable years, forever fighting acne, teenage angst and rumours of ‘The Man,’ I would've given up my whole $13.75/hour paycheck to catch an exhibition from this street-art titan. Better yet, I’m now older and wiser and can enjoy the celebrated, definitive works of one of the greatest guerrilla artists to ever pick up a paint can, with a properly developed frontal cortex. It's The Art of Banksy.
Doc Edge Film Festival
'Til 25 August | Various locations | $-$$$
If documentaries are your schtick, you’ll want to deep dive into Doc Edge Festival, which, this year, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Always packed with high-calibre films from Aotearoa and around the world, plus immersive exhibitions, industry events, and a schools programme, Doc Edge is essential viewing.
New Zealand Fashion Week 2025
25-30 August | Shed10 | Various Events & Pricing
Image credit: Mara Sommer | supplied
The week of all weeks will soon be upon us, and if you keep on the beat with our Weekendly Drop (and frankly, why wouldn’t you?), then you’d remember I fancy myself as a bit of a young Tom Ford. That’s why I’m fizzing over New Zealand Fashion Week announcing their first wave of designer shows, featuring established names like Karen Walker, Zambesi, and Juliette Hogan alongside emerging talent and a very special Breast Cancer Cure Designer Showcase.
DIVA at Auckland Museum + DIVA Relaxed Sessions
'Til 19 October | Auckland War Memorial Museum | $/$$
Image credit: DIVA/Auckland War Memorial Museum | supplied
My favourite building in all of the land is getting her slay on. Developed by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, DIVA is now exhibiting at Auckland War Memorial Museum to celebrate icons of eras who challenged norms and changed the world through the power of performance. Over 280 objects, including fashion, photography, costumes, music, and design, featuring trailblazing performers, theatrical staging, and an immersive musical soundtrack experience. It's all I could ever have asked of an exhibition and more, more, more. (Pro tip: if you fancy a more relaxed viewing experience away from the crowds, then check out this.)
Rainy Day Activities
Pinot & Picasso Midweek Special: City Meets Sea
17 July | 4 Antares Place, Rosedale | $$
Image credit: Pinot and Picasso NZ | Instagram
There’s nothing quite like beating the midweek blues with a glass of booze and a bunch of colourful paints. Never tried it? Then this is your week. Pinot & Picasso are putting on a mid-week special sip and paint session at their Albany Studio. BYO creativity; they'll handle everything else.
Continual Store x Fever Vintage Ponsonby Central Pop-Up
'Tul 3 August | Ponsonby Central | $-$$$
Image credit: Continual Store | Instagram
Another week, another opportunity to rummage through some retro gold. Mark my words, 2025 is the beginning of the end for retail therapy (all my homies hate fast fashion), and Continual Store & Fever Vintage wholeheartedly agree with a neat little pop-up in Ponsonby Central 'til 3 August. Bad day to be a pair of baggy jeans.
Unique Auckland Experiences
Gin Palace—Through The Looking Glass
18 July | VYC & Rooftop at QT | $$
Image credit: Gin Palace | Instagram
Canapes, platters, drinks and a cosy winter yacht club lock in with an Alice in Wonderland twist. Yup, that’s a bitta me. Gin Palace are putting on another one of their uber popular and uber cool parties with ‘Through The Looking Glass’, where the dress code is optional, but grooving to DJ ‘The Mad Hatter’ Ulrich is royally mandated. Otherwise, it’s off with ya head. P.S. Catch ya at the Rooftop at QT afterparty if you aren’t partied out by then.
Writerfest 2025
19 & 20 July | Toi Tu Studio One | $$
It’s all a bit strange and weird being a writer in today’s wacky world… I should know, I wrote this whole thing all by myself, so suck on that Chat GPT. Anyway, venting aside, Writefest is an annual collaboration of tutors and wordsmiths from throughout the land, and if you’re keen on putting pen to pad or fingers to keys, then ya better snag a ticket.
Coming Soon
Nothing Naughty Pop-Up
Pop-Up 24-27 July | Spacefor Britomart | $-$$
Image credit: Nothing Naughty | Instagram
Nothing Naughty were just told they’ve been very, very good. Go figure? Yep, Aotearoa’s hottest (and goodest) dealers in everything clean nutrition were named Highly Commended in the Functional Sports Bars category at the 2025 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards, and, firmly aboard my winter gainz-train, I reckon it's well worth getting the word out. Disagree? Pop down to their pop-up from 24-27 July at Britomart’s Spacefor for a scoop of humble pie flavoured protein, or check out their new first flagship in Tirau if you’re down those ways.
Takapuna Winter Lights
24-27 July | Takapuna Central | Free
Image credit: Takapuna Winter Lights | supplied
Central Taka is getting her glow on again with a wonderful, wintery lights fest at the end of the month. From 24-27 July, Hurstmere Green, Potters Park and Waiwharariki Anzac Square will be bright and beautiful. What's more, tech giants Spark and Spotify have collabed for a multi-sensory silent disco. And it’s all free, of course.
Samsung x Spy Bar Revival Party
25 July | The Cellar Bar
Just when you thought clubbing was officially deceased, Samsung is here to give the scene some desperately-needed CPR. Yessireee, they’re celebrating the launch of their most iconic foldable phone range yet, by flipping us all back to the flip phone era with the help of club legend DJ Grant Marshall. Only bangers, only vibes and only one night back at one of Auckland’s most iconic venues: Spy Bar.
Hairy Maclary's Greatest Hits
26 July | Bruce Mason Centre | $$
Hercules Morse as big as a horse, Bottomley Potts covered in spots, Muffin McLay like a bundle of hay and Jackie Clarke backed by a 29-piece orchestra … is that how it goes? Auckland Philharmonia are bringing Lynley Dodd’s loveable scuffs to life with the greatest children's concert I’ve ever heard of—Hairy Maclary’s Greatest Hits. For one morning only at Bruce Mason Centre, it’s an interactive show celebrating New Zealand’s beloved canine icon, and you can find tickets here. So long as Slinky Malinki doesn't scare you away.
Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra
26 July | Spark Arena | $$-$$$
Image credit: Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra | supplied
Black Sabbath meets the Double Bass? Metallica by Maestros? Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra is about the most fantastical thing I've ever heard of. A high-octane collision of metal and classical music with a 29-piece orchestra belting out all your favourite head-banging anthems. From the teams behind Symphony and Come Together, there’s only one venue that could harness so much classical carnage and that’s Spark Arena. They did say Mozart was the rockstar of his age…
World Press Photo Exhibition
26 July-24 August | 131 Queen Street (New Venue Due To Smith & Caughey's Closure) | $/$$
New venue, same dates, same jaw-dropping imagery. The prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition is returning to Queen Street this month, showcasing stunning photojournalism from 42 international photographers. Featured stories include conflict, climate, and community, and proceeds support Rotary youth charities and the PHAB disability charity. Tickets available online via Eventfinda or at the door. And take it from me: it's well worth the price of admission, and then some.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet: Home, Land & Sea
31 July-2 August | Aotea Centre | $$
Image credit: RNZB | supplied
The ever-graceful and pointy-toed badasses over at The Royal New Zealand Ballet are back for a groundbreaking new season with Home, Land & Sea. Choreographed by acclaimed NZDC artistic director Moss Te Ururangi Patterson is this historic, first-ever collaboration with The New Zealand Dance Company stars six hand-plucked stars from each side and will be visiting Aotea Centre come 31 July.
Chicago the Musical
31 July-3 August | Bruce Mason Centre | $$-$$$
A scintillating tale of fame, fortune and jazz-age glamour—the award-winning, globally adored Chicago the Musical is making its way to little ‘ol Auckland at the end of the month. Directed by Kiwi creative institution Michael Hurst, this brand-new production boasts a professional cast of international and New Zealand singers. So grab a ticket and get ready for the cushy seats of Bruce Mason Centre, and all the razzle-dazzle you can handle.
MARY: The Birth of Frankenstein
19 August-7 September | ASB Waterfront Theatre, Parnell Village | $$
Step into the dark, drug-fueled world of MARY: The Birth of Frankenstein, a gripping reimagining of the night Mary Shelley penned her iconic novel. Unsettling, lust-drenched, and utterly captivating.
Ethel & Bethel’s Comedy Bingo Night—Fundraiser For The Kidney Society
12 September | Freemans Bay Community Hall | $$
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.
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 first time, the play will be performed in both English and te reo Māori, celebrating the enduring spirit of Te Ao 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. A powerful, history-making theatrical expert.
Not in Auckland? Check out what's on in Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown this year.
Main image credit: Auckland Live | Instagram.
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like, too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.