This weekend is going to be a fun-fuelled one, so clear your calendar to make way for some exciting activities.
Unleash your inner art critic at Eden Park's very first exhibition, sink your teeth into some tasty kai at the Grey Lynn food market, celebrate everything that is exceptional about Auckland with Elemental AKL, chomp down on a hot dog or two at Brewport's hot dog challenge, party it up at a morning rave like no other and head on an epic kayaking adventure.
So, without further ado here are the best things to do in Auckland this weekend.
Art In The Park
Unleash your inner art critic at art in the park—a unique art exhibition, where you can discover 100 of New Zealand’s best contemporary artists and take home the art that inspires you. Cast your eyes on original paintings, sculptures, photography, prints and meet the talented artists behind the masterpieces. The legendary Eden Park will literally be transformed into a work of art as they swap out athletes for artists in this magical weekend of creativity where you can engage with NZ art like never before.
NZ Biggest Hot Dog Challenge
Hot diggity dawg! NZ's biggest hot dog challenge is coming to Auckland this Sunday. Prepare your chops as Brewport in Ponsonby is launching the Jumbo Dog and a weekly Death by Dog Challenge every Sunday. Take on the jumbo dog, which is a 61cm bad boy, combining seven of The Flying Dog’s gourmet hot dogs; the Konnichiwa, Danke, Mariachi, Cheesy Chilli, Crunchy, Yankee Doodle, and the BBQ Brisket dog. WOW! There is something for everybody, so if you're more of a sharer, that's totally cool, but if you're up to the challenge then you must devour this mighty dog all on your own to be in with the chance of gaining a place on the wall of fame. Are your taste buds up to the challenge?
Morning People's Fifth Birthday
If you haven’t yet experienced the epicness of a morning rave with morning people, then now is the time. Ditch the booze and bust some moves at Morning People, a rave that will leave you feeling fresh and ready to take on your day. Join them in celebrating their 5th birthday at Auckland Town Hall on 24 July as they’ll be throwing the mother of all morning parties featuring electro-world phenomena Weird Together and Sambora from the legendary Shapeshifter. So, dress to sweat and dance away your inhibitions at this sunrise rave, where you’re guaranteed to leave with feel-good endorphins pumping through your body. Don’t worry you won’t go hungry as complimentary fruit, coffee and Club Mate will be served.
Aotea Square Ice Rink
Whether you’re a born figure skater or one of those people who fall on their butt, the Aotea Square Ice Rink will provide the perfect entertainment on a winter’s day in the City of Sails. Lace up and work your magic on the ice and don’t forget to tackle the 35-metre, multi-level ice slide. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t be an ice queen and get amongst the fun this week.
Elemental AKL
Auckland, get excited because this weekend Elemental AKL will take over the city with all sorts of sensational cuisine, mesmerising light installations and cultural inspo. Elemental AKL will transform eateries and bars, theatres, parks, galleries and public spaces into immersive experiences for you to enjoy. Celebrate arts, eats, and beats and everything that is exceptional about Auckland. Featuring delectable feasts, musical delights and spellbinding tales of our wonderful city of sails—what’s not to love?
The Art Of Degustation
Ah, the mighty degustation. Not only is it a chance to sample the crème de la crème of a restaurant’s dishes, it’s probably the only time you’ll be encouraged to eat many, many courses in one sitting. Yes! Spice up your Friday by tucking into a five-course degustation at Rothko, where fine dining and art come together to unlock the imagination, fuel creativity and ignite the mind. Five of Auckland's best chefs will create a course each inspired by a work of art at the Sculptureum. The stellar line-up includes Thibault Peniarbelle from Andiamo, Lesley Chandra from Sidart, Jason Kim from Gochu, Nico Bonnaud from Honest Chocolat, and Rothko's very own Josh Hazel. So, what are you waiting for? Book your spot and dig in this weekend.
Grey Lynn Art And Food Market
Who doesn’t love a good food truck? Basically, a kitchen on wheels, what’s not to love? Start your weekend off the right way, by filling your belly with some tasty grub and feasting your eyes on some top-notch art at Grey Lynn’s Art and Food Market. Featuring some epic food trucks that will represent cuisines from all around the world, you can enjoy a taste of travel without going very far at all. Experience food, music and art, a fabulous buffet for the senses that will pay homage to the diverse cultures found within Tāmaki Makaurau. Count us in!
Kai By Kayak
If you're keen for an adventure this weekend then hit up the crew from Auckland Sea Kayaks and paddle across the Waitematā Harbour to Devonport with their kai by kayak trip. Kayaking is hungry work, so once you reach land pull up a pew at Corelli’s Café where you’ll be treated to a hearty home-style dinner. Fuel up and head back to the water where guides will lead you on a beautiful paddle back underneath the stars. What better way to stimulate the appetite—the ultimate kai-yak adventure.
Planning your month ahead? Scope out all the events you need to get amongst this July.
Image credit: Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández