It's that time again to start planning your weekend, but don't have a clue what to do? Never fear, the city of sails never disappoints and has a whole range of events to keep you entertained, from sustainable art, cheese tastings, painting with puppies and munching on some delicious Italian fare. If that hasn't got you hyped, then check out some other cool things to do in Auckland this weekend.
All Weekend
Artweek Auckland
Have you managed to catch anything at Artweek Auckland yet? If not, never fear as the ten-day festival continues to paint over the city this weekend. So, what are you waiting for get amongst free walking tours, workshops, exhibitions and even painting with puppies—need we say more.
Auckland Heritage Festival
Get cultural this weekend at the Auckland Heritage Festival. This years theme is Journeys—exploring the stories of how our people travelled to Tāmaki Makaurau by sea, by air or by land, to create a shared future together. There will be a huge range of fun events for everyone, from exhibitions, walks, talks and tours, it’s a must.
[email protected]
Visit Devonport for a unique free art experience created by Unitec’s school of architecture students. With the planet in mind, [email protected] hosts a range of architectural light pavilions, made with a zero-waste / zero-budget brief. Now that’s what we love to hear. Adding to that sustainability theme, Vector will be lighting up the installations with power converted from two Nissan Lead Electric Cars. Oh did we forget to mention, you could also be in with a chance to win an electric scooter. Damn!
Friday 18 October
Dining In The Dark
Challenge your taste buds to a dining experience like no other this weekend. Dans le Noir? (French for ‘in the dark’), are bringing their 'Dining In The Dark' concept to Rydges hotel. Give up your sight for the night and let your tongue do the tasting during this sensual dining adventure. There’s no such thing as having eyes too big for your belly here.
Te Atatu Night Market
Who doesn’t love a good night market? Start your weekend off the right way, by filling your bellies with some tasty grub from Te Atatu’s Night Market, with their HUGE line-up of food trucks and street-food vendors, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can also do a spot of shopping as there will be plenty of handmade crafts, vintage treats, clothes, plants, jewellery—you name it, they’ve got it.
Saturday 19 October
Painting With Puppies
Ermm yes, you read it right, painting with puppies is a thing and we are beyond excited! What better way to spend your Saturday afternoon than learning to paint whilst playing with adorable pups. Don’t worry the event is for absolute beginners, so that means no pressure at all, plus we think you’re going to be pretty distracted by the cuteness overload.
Paint Your Date
Hang on a minute… there seems to be a theme going on here. Now, if you don’t want to paint with puppies (why the hell not), then why not paint your date at Garage Project's brand new event of the same name. Get up close and personal with your tinder date as you transform them into the day of the dead with guidance from body paint pro Yolanda Bartram. It’s sure to be a date to remember.
Farro Cheese Tasting Day
If you didn’t know, October is New Zealand cheese month. A whole month dedicated to cheese? YUM. To celebrate this glorious month, Farro supermarkets all over Auckland are hosting a tasting day, filled with some of New Zealand’s best cheese. If you like to think yourself a cheese connoisseur, then head to your local Farro for a gouda time.
Sunday 20 October
ASB Auckland Marathon
Whether you’re running in this year’s ASB Auckland Marathon or not, take to the streets and join in the fun with New Zealand’s biggest, cultural, colourful, running celebration. If you’re running/ walking the event then be prepared to take in some of the best sights as you cruise along the harbour bridge. There’s plenty of options to choose from, with a full marathon, a half, 11km and a family 5k, or if you simply just want to show your support, then that’s sweet too.
Festival Italiano
Pizza, pasta, vino, formaggi, gelato… Have we caught your attention? And no, this isn’t our shopping list, but a list of delicious Italian delicacies that will be at Festival Italiano this weekend. New Zealand’s largest Italian festival (and rightly so) returns to Newmarket bigger and better than ever before, with a range of pop-up restaurants, a festival bar and car displays, plus an Italian style market with over 40 stalls. The list goes one, live music, entertainment, plus the chance to win a holiday of all holidays to Italy.
General Collective Market @ Ambury Farm Day
There is no better way than spending your Sunday afternoon exploring a market filled with home-made gifts, tasty grub and sheep shearing…. Wait what? Yep, you heard us right, General Collective have paired up with Auckland Council to bring you Ambury Farm Day. A day of farm-yard fun. So, get your gumboots ready for a day of animal petting, wood chopping and farm rides.
Want to peek ahead to what's happening for the rest of the month? It's all here.
Image credit: Christian Smith