We’re halfway through August and the party just keeps coming. Soundbathe in Pacifica The Musical, bust a move at a Studio 54-themed disco roller skating party, toast the planet and wake up Jeff. Make a beeline for the Greek Islands—complete with soundtrack—pop into an epic job fair, sign up for a free coffee and feel the feels at Dead Witch. Witness a show-stopping portrayal of the Dawn Raids, weave stories into scarves and suss a coffee treat for the future. All this and more.
Here are 15 epic things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend.
Friday 19 August
Live It Up Under The Civic’s Starry Sky
See the world premiere of PACIFICA THE MUSICAL at The Civic this Friday. A story of love and legend in the South Seas, the musical is choreographed by Hadleigh Pouesi of the award-winning Sweet & Sour Hip Hop crew and set to an epic soundtrack of hits by Hinewehi Mohi, Annie Crummer, Sola Rosa, Che Fu, Hollie Smith, Brooke Fraser and more. With vocal direction by The Lion King’s Nick Afoa and musical direction from Stan Walker and Teeks’ MD Jacob Nansen, expect vibrant colours and incredible energy.
Strap On Your Skates And Get Ready To Boogie
Round up the troops and get your body moving and grooving with a Studio 54-themed disco roller skating turned dance party at Activezone. Think Saturday Night Fever on skates. Lace up and work your magic on the D floor whilst learning some new moves to some funky disco tunes. Dust off your fave 70s attire, it’s going to be groovy baby.
Raise Your Glass To The Planet
When it comes to climate change and biodiversity loss anxiety, sometimes the struggle is way too real. Soothe the ick by befriending some planeteers at People, Planet, Pint at The Clare Inn Irish Pub this Friday. This relaxed networking event by Impact Hub Auckland is for established and aspiring impact entrepreneurs and business owners who want to work in planet-friendly, regenerative ways, and connect and collaborate with like-minded people. Here’s to making a difference.
Saturday 20 August
Get Ready To Wiggle
If your childhood consisted of yelling at the TV in an attempt to wake up a purple-clad man called Jeff, and every time you see ‘fruit salad’ on a dessert menu you feel the need to break out into song, you’ll be elated to know Anthony, Murray, Jeff and Greg are throwing a nostalgic adults-only party at Spark Arena. The OG Wiggles Reunion Tour promises appearances by all four original wiggles plus Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and a bar. Legit.
Chiquitita Hit The Dance Floor
Don’t work all night and all day this weekend (entrepreneurs and side hustlers, we’re looking at you). Instead, get your dancing shoes on for a night of Mamma Mia madness at La Zeppa. Be transported to a heavenly Greek island and unleash your inner dancing queen to some of ABBA’s greatest hits. Round up your dynamos and get amongst this unique dining experience, where you’ll dine on a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner, drink island cocktails, and be serenaded all night long. Now, if like us, you’re thinking Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! a ticket, then forget about the Money, Money, Money and book your spot asap.
Learn To Weave
Learn to weave at this two-day workshop at Wonder Journal, Britomart’s crafting hub. Guided by tutors, Anne and Richard, you’ll learn the basics of weaving including how to set up a rigid heddle loom, then flex your newly acquired skills by whipping up a scarf from pure Aotearoa wool. The workshop takes place over Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning and has just six spots available so if this sounds like a bit of you, you’ll need to score yourself a ticket, stat.
Feel All The Feels With The Not Okays
Five-piece emo revival band, The Not Okays, are playing Dead Witch (for the uninitiated, that’s Ding Dong Lounge’s upstairs venue) with support from nu-punk rockers Holloway and the pop-punk soundwaves of Lost Vessels. Featuring Lauren Kate Borhani, Aaron Prictor, Noriel Wong, Caitlin Clark and Bahador Borhani, two things are certain: these musicians have exceptional names and it’s going to be one helluva night. Arrive early to get amongst some sweet happy hour specials.
Sunday 21 August
Land A Job With A Side Of Freebies
It’s no secret that the last two years have been absolutely dire for hospitality and now many restaurants and stores are having to shut down from lack of staff. This Sunday, some of Ponsonby Central’s most iconic restaurants and retail venues are doing something about it with a massive recruitment drive from 10am-12pm in the Ponsonby Central Sapphire Room. So if you’re in the market for a job be sure to swing by. Aside from a bunch of rad jobs up for grabs, 50 Ponsonby Central vouchers and $1,000 worth of Prezzy cards will be given away. Literally winning.
Find The Artistry In Your Yoga Practice
Yoga meets Picasso in these immersive hatha-style yoga sessions at the Auckland Art Gallery. Surrounded by an ever-changing array of historic and modern artwork this is a yoga class like no other. Taking place every Sunday from 9-10am and led by qualified yoga teacher, Penny Hacking, you’ll be guided through a warm-up, stronger poses, balance and breath work before concluding with some relaxation or meditation. Stretch, strengthen and expand your understanding of self and life in a stunning setting. Namasté to that.
All Weekend
Get A New Perspective On The Dawn Raids
Oscar Kightly’s written a play and it’s an absolute must-see. Set in Central Auckland in the 1970s, Dawn Raids is a contemporary look at the hideous raids that took place from 1974-76. A collaboration between Auckland Theatre Company and Pacific Underground, the work is directed by Troy Tu’ua and Tanya Muagututi’a, and stars Michael Falesiu, Gabrielle Solomona, Talia-Rae Mavaega, Jake Tupu, Italia Hunt, Lauie Tofa and Bella Kalolo-Suraj, and a whole lot of Elvis.
Score A Free Coffee For You And A Friend
After two and a half years of lockdowns and social restrictions (yikes!) it’s time to prioritise our emotional health. Mall giant Kiwi Property wants to help you do just that by shouting you and a friend a free coffee. Stop by Sylvia Park, LynnMall or The Plaza between now and 24 August to scan the associated QR code and then redeem your voucher for two free hot drinks from 25 August until the end of the month.
Spark Your Creativity With Parris Goebel, Benee And More
A 5G-powered augmented reality experience has landed and it won’t cost you a cent. Download the Spark 5G Street Museum app (available on iOS and Android) and discover the secret worlds of your favourite creatives. Dance alongside Parris Goebel, peer into the magical world inside Benee’s head, watch David Dallas’ rise to fame unfold before your eyes, witness the spirituality in Teeks’ creative processes, and experience a story of resilience and rebirth by Askew One.
Get Amongst The Sky Tower’s Birthday Shenanigans
Tāmaki Makaurau’s iconic Sky Tower has just hit its quarter century and they’re taking their birthday month very seriously by throwing a celebration that’s sky high (we had to). Make a beeline for the tower’s base this month to score epic deals on tower entry, coffee and ice cream, SkyWalk and SkyJump, champagne cocktails at The Sugar Club, and a whole lot more.
Banish Hanger With Restaurant Month
It’s that time of year again when eateries all across central Tāmaki Makaurau bust out their most tasty, creative and excellent value-for-money menus at Restaurant Month. From $25, $40 and $55 menus to the popular Social Hour where you can nab two drinks and a sharing plate for $45, you’ll want to eat all the things.
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Image credit: RODNAE PRODUCTIONS.