We may not yet be on the other side of the rainy season, but that doesn't mean you're bound to boredom. No sireee.

This week, you can catch a rave before breakfast, have high tea for lunch and still have time to attend a street party after work. Cause this is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and when one lives here, there is simply no excuse.

Still, if you're flat out this working week, then check out what’s on this weekend with my expertly selected smorgasbord of good sh*t to do.

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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

INFINITY SESSIONS

20-24 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 the INFINITY SESSIONS. This week it's Tami Neilson with Delaney Davidson, the legend that is Dave Dobbyn, plus Lawrence Arabia, Bic Runga with CHAII, Tiny Ruins with Jazmine Mary and Sunday's grand finale—Troy Kingi. And although the limited in-studio tickets are all gone, the good news is, you can sit back in the comfort of your own couch and stream all these legendary sounds for free.

Free & Budget-Friendly Events

Morning People Feat. Body Ocean

21 August | Neck of The Woods | $

Image credit: Morning People/Body Ocean | Instagram

Our fave morning rave is hitting our fave basement venue for an extra special 360 stage experience this week. From 6.30-8am, you'll bounce, shimmy and groove all around underground house heavyweights Body Ocean, offering their brand of kinetic sonics. Start your day right with a solid dose of big basslines, plus complimentary Altezano Brothers Coffee, All Good bananas and Karma kombucha, but not before you snap up tickets to Morning People here.

Ponsonby Central Vintage Market

23 August | Ponsonby Central | $-$$$

Image Credit: Ponsonby Central Vintage Market | Instagram

For the vintage vultures, get your mitts on some seriously cool finds at the latest iteration of Ponsonby Central's Vintage Market. This Saturday, you can unearth a treasure trove of pre-loved goodies, from retro threads and funky furniture to quirky homewares and handmade art, at what is a monthly affair. Doors fling open at 10am, entry is free, and the rummaging goes 'til 4pm. Make a day of it and refuel at one of Ponsonby Central's many gorge-worthy eateries afterwards—’cause treasure hunting is hungry work.

Food And Drink Events

Little 'Lato's Mystery Gelato Month

All August | Little 'Lato | $ 

Image credit: Little ‘Lato | supplied 

Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café's Diva High Tea

Now Running | Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café, Auckland War Memorial Museum | $$

Image credit: Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café | Vicki Young

If you haven’t been to the immersive glam and star-studded Diva exhibition at Auckland Museum, then this is your sign to go. Even better, go on late night (date night) Tuesdays and treat your inner diva with the Diva-themed high tea beforehand at Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café inside the museum. Enjoy three tiers of treats, with our fave bite from Chef Billy and the team being their super soft, eggy truffle mushroom roll—plus a tipple of choice, like house bubbles or a classic cocktail (say less). Bring yourself and the bestie, it’s $89 for two people (excluding your Diva exhibition ticket). Book here. - Vicki Young

Arts And Culture

Midtown Street Party: NZ Fashion

21 August | Atrium on Elliot outside Bed Bath & Beyond, The Strand Arcade & Darby Street | Free

Image credit: OurAuckland | website

The hottest midweek street party of the month is back next Thursday, and it's all about NZ Fashion. Packing out The Strand Arcade, Elliott Street, and Elliott Stables are an expert selection of local live DJs, a makers market, cosy crochet workshops and the opportunity to don your boldest jumper and join the Jump(er) on a Bike parade along Victoria Street’s new cycleway, finishing with hot drinks and a few cheeky prizes. Free entry, free bike valet, and plenty of midwinter magic.

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 great Auckland Theatre Company.

By The Fire

All August | Viaduct Harbour | $-$$$

Image Credit: Hello Beasty | supplied

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.

World Press Photo Exhibition

'Til 24 August | 131 Queen Street (New Venue Due To Smith & Caughey's Closure) | $/$$

Image credit: Tomek Dersu Aaron

It's the very last week for the prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition, which has returned to Queen Street, showcasing photojournalism from 42 international photographers. Featured stories include conflict, climate, and community, and proceeds support Rotary youth charities and the PHAB disability charity. Tickets are available online via Eventfinda or at the door. And take it from me: it's well worth the price of admission, and then some.

Rainy Steamy Day Activities

An Evening Of Boudair

24 August | Enamoured Books | $$

Image credit: Tease Me Boudair | Instagram

This will be the most seriously sexy Sunday you've had in recent times, I'm sure of it. Enamoured books—the ever-steamy merchants of romantic fiction are welcoming Sophie White AKA Tease Me Boudair, for "an afternoon of connecting to your sexual self through learning about the art of boudoir." It all kicks off from 4.30pm, but be sure to snag your tickets early in the week, as this is one of the last workshops Sophie will run before she calls a bittersweet end to TMB come November.

Coming Soon

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.

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 next week then.

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

Event 3-4 October, Tickets On Sale Now | 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 doing exactly what the first sentence says. 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: OurAuckland | Website.

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