What's On

What’s On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year, 2024

By Lauren Sanderson
25th Mar 2024

This month, there's lots to get amongst like an epic drum and bass gig, Music and Movies In Parks, and heaps of epic, star-studded concerts and looking ahead, the triumphant return of Architects Of Air with their epic new sculpture Arborialis Luminarium. If you're looking for more fun-fuelled events, check out what's on this weekend in our fabulous Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month, and this year. 

What’s On In Auckland This Week

Smashburger Masterclass

Smashed As Smashburgers on Broadway, Papakura | Monday 25 March 

Ever wondered what the secret is behind Auckland’s famous Smashburger? Now you can find out at this epic masterclass

Learn from the pros at Smashed As Smashburgers on Broadway in Papakura. Get your mitts dirty as you prep, cook, and build your own double burger all while learning the intricacies of what makes a great smash technique. 

We all know the key to a good burger isn’t just about the pattie, so you’ll discuss buns, sauces, cheeses, and toppings too. Once you’ve cooked up your feed, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labour and wash it down with a craft brewski from Beer Spot.

Bag Knitting Workshop

RUBY HQ, Grey Lynn  | Tuesday 26 March 

Get a little hands-on this week at a DIY bag knitting workshop hosted by Liam Patterns and Geo Knits Slow. Learn a thing or two as you twist, braid, and thread your very own statement piece while enjoying drinks and nibbles. 

Whether you're a seasoned knitting enthusiast or a beginner looking to explore this fabulous craft, head to RUBY HQ this Tuesday as this event is perfect for you.

Indian Street Food Cooking Class

Green Bay Community House | Wednesday 27 March 

We don’t know about you, but there is always a special place in our hearts for some Indian fare so imagine knowing how to make your own Indian street food at home. Now you can as The World of Cutures Festival is bringing you an Indian street food cooking class and the best part is you get to dig into your tasty creation afterwards. Yum. 

The interactive class will teach you how to create Mumbai-style street food in no time, whilst learning about the fascinating world of spices.

Ladies Who Lunch

Azabu, Mission Bay | Wednesday 27 March 

If you’re craving a good old sesh with the gals then listen up. Ladies Who Lunch is back this week, so head to Azabu in Mission Bay and treat yourself to a two-course meal, drink on arrival and plenty of social fun and networking. Oh, and don’t forget to collect your cheeky gift bag on the way out.

Touch Bass 

Shed 10 | Thursday 28 March 

The colder months are almost here, but that doesn’t mean the party season is over. No siree—so put on your fun pants and embrace the chillier nights at Touch Bass

Warm yourself up at an epic drum and bass gig, featuring the best of dance music. Think KANINE, FLOWDAN, PEEKABO, INFECKT b2b JESSICA AUDIFFRED, SOTA (UK) and more. If you’re looking to kickstart your winter season with a bang then lock this event in, it’s going to be lit.

Treat Yourself To A Night At The Theatre 

Basement Theatre | Tuesday 26 - 28 March 

If you’re in need of a night at the theatre, then book yourself in at our fave inner-city theatre, Basement Theatre this week. Choose from an array of epic shows—whether it's a comedy you're after like Good Breeding, or or something more thrilling like Realm of Tears, never fear Basement has got you covered.

Our Story Is One Exhibition

Studio One Toi Tū | Until 30 March 

A free exhibition organised by the Iranian Women of New Zealand and the New Zealand Baha'i Office of Public Affairs is opening this week at Studio One Toi Tū in Ponsonby. 

Our Story is One showcases the work of nine artists exploring the themes of gender equality, human rights, resilience, and solidarity using art forms such as painting, printing, tapestry, tapa cloth, sculpture, and photomontage. 

Running from 19-30 March, be sure to cast your eyes on the uplifting work created by talented artists from Iran, Fiji, and New Zealand. 

World Of Cultures Festival

Various Locations | Until 14 April

World of Cultures kicks off this week to celebrate the incredible cultural diversity of Tāmaki Makaurau. The 21-day-long festival starts on Race Relations Day (21 March), runs until 14 April 2024, and promises more than 70 free or low—cost activities and events across the Auckland region.

Get a little messy at a Korean Kimchi Class,  learn about the essence of Thai culture, delve into the world of the Japanese art of bonsai, experience the energy of an African drum, and experience more than 60 cultures at CultureFest—a cultural extravaganza with over 100 stalls, food trucks, and activities on 14 April.

Odyssey Sensory Maze

Queen Street | All week  

A brand new, multi-million dollar, totally immersive experience created by Hollywood set designers has opened in Auckland CBD.

With 19 awe-inspiring rooms including a colour maze, an underwater adventure, musical stairs, a miner’s cave, a spaceship room, the interior of an Egyptian pyramid and so much more, this is like a jacked-up old-school funhouse, but better. Open until 9pm every night (and 10pm on Saturdays) this has a fun catch-up with the crew written all over it.

What's On In Auckland In March 2024 

EcoFest

Various locations | Until 14 April 

Green does not mean boring, folks. And, proving they know what’s what when it comes to all things good, EcoFest is happening across Tāmaki Makaurau for a month-long party of all things seriously eco!

From Kumeu to Waiheke Island, there’s a huge line-up of epic events that show all the love for the environment. Learn to art of foraging, help out and get skilled up in organic gardening, light up the streets at a bike rave, and take part in a plant swap. Check out the full list of events here

The Auckland Easter Show

Auckland Showgrounds | 28 March - 1 April 

We all love some Easter fun—after all,  it's a time when we get to fill our faces with chocolate without feeling guilty afterward.

Head to the Auckland Easter Show at the Auckland Showgrounds this month to fill your bellies with some tasty grub from your fave food trucks. You can also do a spot of shopping as there will be plenty of handmade crafts to buy.

Get up close and personal with some ponies, lambs, and goats at the mobile barnyard, get your adrenaline fix on the carnival rides, and don't forget to check out the BMX demo, strongman competition, and Medival combat. 

What's On In Auckland In April 2024

The Rainbow Games 

Trusts Arena | 4-8 April 

On your marks get set... go! Clear your calendar as The Rainbow Games are transforming the Trusts Arena into an athletics arena this month. 

The Rainbow Games is a multi-sport event that celebrates inclusivity, and diversity in sexual orientation, sex characteristics, and gender identity and uses the power of sport to unite communities. Now that’s something we can get behind. 

Featuring 12 sports across five days, from over 700 participants from more than 20 countries. Get amongst the fun and watch an array of sports from basketball, badminton, roller derby, running, swimming, tennis, you name it this inclusive event has something for everyone. 

Arborialis Luminarium

Aotea Square 13-28 April

Someone wanders the meandering maze at Arborialis Luminarium.Image credit: Architects Of Air, John Owens | Supplied 

After its sell-out success here back in 2015, the Architects of Air is returning to Auckland this April with its newest inflatable multisensory experience.

Arborialis Luminarium is an astounding walk-in, colourful inflatable labyrinth created by Alan Parkinson of Architects of Air, which echoes aspects of being lost in a forest with canopies of leaves that stretch overhead and vibrant tree trunks rising from the ground. As you wander the twists and turns highlighted by dazzling lights, you'll be accompanied by an immersive music score by Irish composer Dr Michael Morris. It's like forest bathing on steroids.  

For all ages and fully accessible, now it's Tamaki's turn to see what all the fuss is about after it wowed global audiences from the Guggenheim in Spain to Australia's Sydney Opera House.

Can't wait? Tickets are on sale here from Tuesday, March 19.

Aotearoa Art Fair

Viaduct Events Centre | 18-21 April 

Unleash your inner art critic at the Aotearoa Art Fair—a unique art exhibition, where you can discover over 180 of the best contemporary artists exhibited by over 40 galleries all under one roof.

Cast your eyes on original paintings, sculptures, photography, and prints and meet the talented artists behind the masterpieces. So, whether you're interested in painting, photography, sculpture, moving image, ceramics, drawing, or performance, Aotearoa Art Fair has something for everyone.

The Viaduct Events Centre will literally be transformed into a work of art in the magical four-day fair where you can engage with NZ art like never before.

Niall Horan 

Spark Arena | 26 April 

Girls love him and guys want to be him, pop-legend Niall Horan is coming to Auckland on Friday 26 April (cue screams). Get ready to shake ya tailfeather as the Irish sensation is set to shake up Spark Arena, in a showstopping one-night performance. Expect a slew of hits like Slow Hands, Heaven, Meltdown, and plenty of other bangers. It’s about to go down.

What's On In Auckland In May 2024

NZ International Comedy Festival 

Various Locations | 3-26 May 

2024 is the year of laughter. After all, we all know how good it feels to have a good laugh, and what better way to get that much-desired jaw-aching laughter than going to a comedy festival filled with some of the most hilarious comics?

The NZ International Comedy Festival kicks off in May and we can't contain our excitement.  The program is jam-packed with much-loved favourites and some new faces that are guaranteed to leave you howling. With over 100 shows at your doorstep, you're truly spoilt for choice. Get planning now! 

Auckland Writers Festival 

Various locations | 14-19 May 

People at the Auckland Writers Festival.Image credit: Auckland Writers Festival | Supplied

Calling all bookworms and aspiring writers... Auckland Writers Festival is back with a bang. With over 200 events hosted by over 40 of the world’s best writers, you’re in for a real treat. 

The Festival brings the very best local and international writers of contemporary fiction and non-fiction, scientists, economists, poets, journalists, and public intellectuals together with audiences to explore ideas, share stories, and experience brilliant conversations.

This year, Bonnie Garmus comes to NZ for the first time to discuss her six million-copy-selling debut novel Lessons in Chemistry, Sam Neill joins fellow actor Robyn Malcolm to discuss his memoir Did I Ever Tell You This? in his first New Zealand book appearance, celebrated US Author Ann Patchett (Bel Canto, Tom Lake) chats with fellow bestselling author Meg Mason (Sorrow and Bliss) and the latest Booker Prize winner, Paul Lynch, sits down with Kim Hill to discuss winning the literary world’s most prestigious award for his novel Prophet Song—to name just a few.

So, get your nose out of a book and tune into live readings, talks, and much more this month. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday March 15.

What's On In Auckland In 2024

Coldplay 

Eden Park | 13 & 15 November 2024

Chris Martin of Coldplay on stage in Perth.Image credit: Coldplay | Anna Lee Media

Coldplay has just confirmed stadium shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland for their record-breaking world tour which has electrified audiences in their sell-out shows in Perth, Tokyo, Kaohsiung and Jakarta. 

​The band will be performing in Auckland for the first time since 2016 at Eden Park on Wednesday, November 13 and on the newly added dates of November 15 and 16, 2024.

​Since the first Music Of The Spheres World Tour date in March 2022, the band have sold over 9 million tickets—the most for any tour over the last two years. The tour has also received rave reviews from fans and critics alike, picking up accolades including Favourite Touring Artist at the 2022 AMAs and Tour of The Year at the 2023 iHeartRadio Awards. ​Sound like a bitta you? Register for presale tickets from 10am on Wednesday, 29 November here.

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

Main image credit: The Easter Show | Facebook 

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.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.