Peeping into people’s car boots, doing my best Bambi and listening to a life-sized piglet complain to her parents, but only after I've learnt to make my very own bacon...

Boy oh boy, if this isn't a weekend for the books. And yes, you’re most welcome to come along.

Here are 16 super-duper ways to have fun in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and all weekend.

Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Auckland again—get us in your inbox here.

Friday 27 June

Dust Off Those Skates

Fridays & Saturdays 10am-11pm, Sundays 10am–1opm | Aotea Square, Auckland CBD | $-$$

Image credit: Auckland Live | Instagram

It’s not winter until Aotea Square has her ice rink out. That’s right, the time has come again for you to get red in the palms and face as you Bambi your way through a first date. Although with beats from a live DJ on Groovy Fridays, your attempt at skating may just about pass for some kind of interpretative dance…

Grab A Plate Of Salad-Funk

Doors @ 8pm, Gig From 9pm | Whammy Bar, Karangahape Road | $/$$

Image credit: @courtney.co.nz | Instagram

Formed is a line for the loo at a Pōneke watering hole and setting grooves ever since (14 years to be exact), Tahini Bakini are the neo-soul, funk-inspired soundtrack your weekend so desperately needs. They’re jamming at good ‘ol Whammy Bar this Friday night, with support from rising Māori artist Taylah, and tix are cheap as chips.

Sink Your Teeth Into A Bloody Good Time

Friday & Saturday From 8pm | The Civic, Auckland CBD | $$$ 

Image credit: Dracula's | supplied

There comes a time when you realise your soul is yearning for a vampire pulling off gravity-defying contortions in silks. And fortunately, this week, the universe is delivering. Yep, cult-favourite cabaret Dracula's is coming to Tāmaki this Friday and Saturday night.

Saturday 28 June

Weave This Into Your Weekend

9am-1pm | Rose Centre, Belmont (Devonport) | Free

mage credit: Rose Centre | Humanitix

In the spirit of Matariki—togetherness, reflection, and reconnection—the Rose Centre is hosting a raranga (weaving) workshop. Four hours of slowing down to create, sharing something meaningful and perhaps even discovering an ancient art form. And… It’s all absolutely free.

Bring Home The Bacon, Literally

10am-12pm | Churly’s Brewpub + Eatery, Mount Eden | $$$

Image credit: Churly's Brew Pub + Eatery | Eventbrite

Ever dreamed of crafting your own crispy, smoky bacon? Ever just dream of bacon sometimes? (Me too). Churly's Brewpub + Eatery has teamed up with A Lady Butcher, who will be hosting a hands-on ‘Bacon Making 101’ workshop on Saturday morn, where you'll learn to break down a free-range pork belly, create your own custom dry rub, and cure the tasty meat to perfection. Leave it with them to smoke, or take on the challenge at home—either way, you'll be bringing home the bacon, honey. And because all that crispy deliciousness is gonna make you thirsty, you'll finish the workshop with a gorgeous charcuterie platter and a Behemoth beer or NZ wine. Tickets include 1-1.5kg of your bacon, the platter, a drink and limitless heaven-worthy wafts of the good stuff.

Meet The Welder’s Daughter

3-3.15pm | Enamoured Books, Remuera | $$$

Image credit Isabella Spinosa | supplied

If you’ve been keeping up with these weekend drops, then you’ll be well aware that Enamoured Books is currently dominating the world of cozy things to do in winter. This Saturday kicks off a permanent jewellery pop-up from The Welder’s Daughter, but you gotta book a slot, and there's only one left!

Brew of Islands 2025

12-4pm & 6-10pm | Bay of Islands | $$

Image credit: Brew of Islands | supplied

Craft beer bros have been copping some heat in recent times. Almost as much heat as I cop for obsessing over what I like to call 'craft tap water'. It's my private hunt for the best tasting household tap water in all the land and isn't really relevant right now, but to answer all the allegations and throw one heck of a partying in doing so, Brew of Islands 2025 is commandeering the Bay of Islands for one last, crafty, tasty, sing-songy hurrah before dry July.

CRUSHES SOCIAL CLUB MEET: Knitting Club

10.30am-12.30pm | Crushes, 25 Karangahape Road | Free

Image credit: Crushes | website

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 is returning for another last Saturday of the month instalment. 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.

DIVA at Auckland Museum

Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm | Auckland War Memorial Museum | $/$$

Image credit: Auckland War Memorial Museum | supplied

My favourite building in all of the land is getting her slay on at the end of the month. Developed by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, DIVA opens 28 June 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.

Sunday 29 June

Grey Lynn Car Boot Market

8.30-11.30am | Grey Lynn Returned Services Club Car Park, 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, slinging 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.

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE!

Saturday & Sunday 1pm or 4pm | SkyCity, Auckland Central | $$

Image credit: Peppa Pig Live | website

My two nephews', and just about every human two feet and below's favourite lil piggy will be filling SkyCity with songs, dance, muddy puddles, and all manner of wholesome delights. That's right, Peppa, her family, and her friends go to the zoo and the beach for a special party this weekend in Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE! And if you're out of town, you'll be stoked to know she's on tour with additional shows in Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton throughout July. Tickets live.

Upcycled Necklace Making Workshop

9-11am | Lost and Led Astray, 482 Karangahape Road | $$

Image credit: DIY Daisy | supplied

Self-care, slow fashion and sustainable fun? Yes, yes and yes. DIY Daisy is on a wee tour across Aotearoa, spreading her feel-good crafts to conscious consumers. She’s popping into Lost and Led Astray this Sunday and will be running a two-hour upcycled necklace-making workshop, where guests can rummage through a lovely little stash of second-hand beads to design their own bespoke statement necklace—all while sipping tea, snacking, and soaking up the vibes. Sign. Me. Up.

Belt Out Bingo

6-9pm | The Pav, Wynyard Pavilion | $/$$

One for the deadset Divas among us—if your crew still knows every word to Single Ladies and will, at any moment's notice, scream their hearts out to Since You've Been Gone, then The Pav is the place you’ll want to finish off your weekend. It's Beats Bingo–Total Divas Edition, a one-night-only musical bingo event that's all about energy. Doors at six, songs at seven, and you’ll be crowned champions by nine, with the whole night still stretching ahead of you. Did somebody say Sunday sesh?

All Weekend

Give Fast Fashion The (Retro Cowboy) Boot

Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 9am-6pm & Sunday 11am-5pm | Ponsonby Central, Ponsonby | $-$$$

Image credit: Continual Store | Instagram

Another weekend, another prime 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 for the next few weeks. Bad day to be a pair of baggy jeans.

Gift Your Kids A Core Memory

5-8.30pm | Auckland Zoo, Western Springs | $

Pick two things that make a kid’s head explode. I’ll go first: dinosaurs & the zoo. Combine both and you’ve got the greatest core memory of a 10-year-old’s life happening every night (bar 28 June & 8 July) for the next few weeks at Auckland Zoo. P.S. A ‘Silent Dino Disco’ at the Dinosaur Tent is on offer for those wanting to get their dino groove on.

Find Out What Happens When Chaos Meets Love

7-8pm | Q Thatre, Auckland Central | $$

Image credit: Victor Rodger | Instagram

Victor Rodger is the hero we both need and deserve. After witnessing young people marching in a Destiny Church rally against same sex marriage, he thought, “at least one of those kids will be gay and feeling quite wretched about himself”, and decided to do something about it. Black Faggot is the riotous result—a funny, filthy play, that’s raw, emotional and full of love—showing everynight this weekend from 7-8pm at Q Theatre.

All that weekend planning left you hangry? Check out The Feed.

Main image credit: OurAuckland | Website.

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.