10 Of The Best Things To Do In Auckland This Weekend

We’re in the thick of NZFW so you can bet your bottom dollar that this weekend’s edit is packed to the hilt with FASHUN, but there’s plenty of other shenanigans on offer too. From lightscapes and burlesque, to what happens when two of Tāmaki Makaurau’s culinary legends put their heads together, plus the latest from Melitta Skin.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this weekend. 

Jump to: 

• What’s On This Friday
• What’s On This Saturday
• What’s On This Sunday
• Things To Do All Weekend

What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Friday

Put A Ring On It 

New Zealand jewellery brand HEIREST is materialising in all its glory at Britomart’s SpaceFor for a limited-edition NZ Fashion Week pop-up. RSVP (or try your luck at a walk-in) to walk amongst dazzling finery. Make use of the digital configurator to design your dream jewels and they might just bring your design to life. 

The Details

Where: SpaceFor Pavilion, 10 Te Ara Tahuhu, Britomart, Auckland CBD
When: 19-22 August 2026
Cost: Entry is free 
Find out more here. 

Support Fashion For A Cure 

In case you missed it, Breast Cancer Cure is the official charity partner of NZFW, and at 1pm this Friday all eyes will be on the Fashion For A Cure Runway as ‘fits by Augustine, Coop, Cooper, Curate, Trelise Cooper, Bendon, Federation, Kathryn Wilson, Knuefermann, Mochi, NOM*d, Repertoire, RUBY, Storm, Superette, TUESDAY LABEL, Untouched World and Zambesi will be strutting down the runway to raise funds for breast cancer research in Aotearoa. 

The Details

Where: Shed 10, 89 Quay Street, Auckland Waterfront
When: Friday 21 August 2026
Cost: $79.93-$246.84
Find out more here.

Mess With The Bull, Feel The Rush 

When the clock strikes 10pm, panic—you’re late to Bullrush and you better pray there’s no lockout. But seriously, get your act together and skip on over to Basement Theatre to see some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most hilarious people doing ridiculously impressive and bizarre things, all in the name of eliciting a giggle. Dubbed ‘Bullrush’ you can never quite know what to expect, except that it’s going to be one helluva vibe. 

The Details

Where: Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Avenue
When: Friday 21 August 2026
Cost: Choose what you pay 
Find out more here. 

What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Saturday

Dive Into The World Of Underground Fashion 

For something a little bit different, drop into Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa. Renowned for being a platform for emerging fashion designers and artists, every Āhua show packs a serious punch. This Saturday, the runway will riff on the first moments of consciousness “when a world begins to notice, connect and ultimately understand itself” in a show they’ve dubbed Becoming. 

The Details

Where: Raynham Park, 145 Karangahape Road
When: Saturday 22 August 2026
Cost: $35-80
Find out more here. 

Take To The Waters, Decked Out In GLOWGUARD

Women’s Day Out is a day on the sea, in great company (and with a bangin’ party afterwards). Open to both newbies and seasoned sailors, it’s a chance to meet new people and have a rip around the harbour as part of a crew. Better still, it’s sponsored by Melitta Skin, so you’ll get to douse yourself in GLOWGUARD which, for the uninitiated, is one of Aotearoa’s most gorgeous sunscreens. 

The Details

Where: Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
When: Saturday 22 August 2026
Cost: Varies 
Find out more here. 

Feast Up Large 

Michael Meredith and Sam Low are joining forces to whip up a modern Chinese feast at Mr Morris. Snag a spot and you’ll score four snacks, two entrées, a main, two sides and a dessert with an optional cocktail or wine match add on. And if you love a bit of food with flair, you’ll want to pull up a pew at the Chef’s Counter, for a front-row view of the action. 

The Details

Where: Mr Morris
When: Saturday 22 August 2026
Cost: $165 per person 
Find out more here. 

What’s On In Tāmaki Makaurau This Sunday

Spice Up Your Sunday

The reigning queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese, is bringing her enchanting show, Nocturnelle, to Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre. Snag a last-minute ticket for an exquisite blend of old-Hollywood allure, theatrical magic, and the high-art “Stripscapes” she is known for, all inspired by the magicians of the 19th century.

The Details

Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive
When: Sunday 23 August 2026
Cost: $101.85-$203.80
Find out more here. 

Rummage Through All The Vintage Threads 

If your heart is taken by all things vintage, you’ll want to hightail it to Alexandra Park this weekend for the Auckland Vintage Textile Fair. Promising clothing, hats, handbags, shoes, fabric, buttons, trims, books, patterns, costume jewellery, linens, lace, passmenterie, upholstery fabric and haberdashery–with strictly no upcycling–it’s set to be quite the dreamy market to while away the hours at. 

The Details

Where: Alexandra Park
When: Sunday 23 August 2026
Cost: $12 entry 
Find out more here.

The Best Things To Do This Weekend

Experience Lightfields: Maungarei 

Stonefields might once have been a quarry but it’s now a humming neighbourhood and community, and for this weekend only it’s transforming into a magical theatre of light. Part light installation, part cinematic soundscape, it’ll make for a cute first date, a wholesome evening escapade with the whānau, or a whimsical moment just for you.  

The Details

Where: Stonefields Maungarei Springs Wetlands 
When: Friday 21-Sunday 23 August 2026
Cost: Free
Find out more here. 

Immerse In Forever Tomorrow: Chinese Art Now

It’s your last chance to see Forever Tomorrow: Chinese Art Now, a mixed media exhibition of photography, digital works and a giant sculpture that might just be sentient. The exhibition, which started back in May, traces the evolution of art in China, highlighting works that comment on rapid change and societal shifts. Check it out then don’t leave without popping into the gallery shop to pick up a gorgeous lil’ print to commemorate your trip, from local artist Bobo Doodles' darling pop-up print machine. 

The Details

When: Sunday 23 August 2026
Where: Auckland Art Gallery, Wellesley Street East, Corner Kitchener, Auckland Central
Cost: $22.50-32.50
Find out more here.

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