Is the news of New Zealand going into red getting you down? We feel yah, but let's look at the bright side—we can still see and spend time with loved ones, eat at our fave restaurants and even go to some epic events (of 100 people).
So, shake of the blues and get amongst some of the fun-fuelled events that are happening in the city of sails this week.
Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month and beyond.
What's On In Auckland This Week
Auckland Shakespeare In The Park
The PumpHouse Outdoor Amphitheatre | 22 January—19 February
Feel like doing something a little more cultural this week? The PumpHouse Amphitheatre returns this year with Shakespeare in the Park with all shows capped at 100 seats. For their annual Auckland summer shows, the dedicated cast and crew have been working hard and will remain true to Shakespeare’s vision with professional performances of The Merchant of Venice and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Grab a blanket and BYO treats, as well as some good company. The show kicks off at 7:30pm this week.
Catch A Show At Basement Theatre
Basement Theatre, CBD | 25-29 January
Our fave inner-city theatre spot is back and we couldn't be more excited! If you've been missing live theatre then book yourself in for a night at Basement Theatre this week. Operating at 50% capacity, choose from an array of epic shows—whether it's a comedy like Harlequeen-Abby Howels that you're after or something more thrilling like The Kamasutra Chronicles, never fear Basement have got you covered. We're so happy you're back in action, see you this week!
Channel Your Summer Vibes At This Film Fest
The Hollywood | Academy Cinemas | 19 January—3 February
Film buffs will want to snaffle tickets to In The Shade, an epic 50 films from over 20 countries screened across rad cinema palace, Hollywood Avondale, and the gem of the CBD, Academy Cinemas and limited to 100 tickets per session. To channel the summer vibes, the Hollywood will be treating attendees to a beer garden with occasional cocktails from Scapegrace, so pull up a pew and grab a tipple or two and get amongst.
Realase Your Stresses In The Great Outdoors
Auckland Botanic Gardens | Until 3 April
As the whole of New Zealand returns to red light, we know this can be stressful, but we also know the great outdoors is a great stress reliever, so breathe in that fresh air and cast your eyes at some epic artwork at Sculpture in the Gardens. Held at the beautiful Auckland Botanic Gardens, there will be views for days as you walk the 1.7km self-guided tour filled with stunning blossoms and 20 eye-catching sculptures. The exhibition happens every two years, so make sure you don't miss it this weekend.
See What's Tucked Away In The Basement
Auckland Musuem | Until December 2022
We see new exhibitions come and go to the Auckland Museum all the time, but what about their hidden treasures that are kept in the basement? If you missed it last year, never fear, now's your chance to explore the underground world where many precious artefacts are stored. Take a tour to see something you've never seen before in Auckland Museum's basement, your guide will reveal how they look after their priceless collections and how they are kept safe for future generations. This is a rare opportunity to see some of the incredible objects that aren’t on display in the galleries and exhibitions, so don't miss out!
What's On In Auckland In January
Sculpture In The Gardens
Auckland Botanic Gardens | 10 January—3 April 2022
Head outdoors, breathe in that fresh air and cast your eyes at some epic artwork at Sculpture in the Gardens. Held at the beautiful Auckland Botanic Gardens, there will be views for days as you walk the 1.7km self-guided tour filled with stunning blossoms and 20 eye-catching sculptures. The exhibition happens every two years, so make sure you don't miss it this summer.
Michelangelo — A Different View
Aotea Centre | 3 - 30 January 2022
Take a trip to Rome this January as Michelangelo's beautiful ceiling frescoes of the Sistine Chapel are making their way to the Aotea Centre—okay, so they're not the original, but close enough. Under license from the Vatican Museums, the Michelangelo — A Different View exhibition offers the most complete and authentic reproduction of Michelangelo's work. A transformative experience that allows you to look down on ‘The Genesis’ that is enshrined on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel rather than up…. hence the exhibition’s name A Different View.
Plane Sailing Festival
Victoria Park | 8 January 2022
Summer is now in full swing, and with that comes more festivals. Hit up the CBD this summer and get ready for Plane Sailing—the first major music festival to take place at Victoria Park. Party it up with the likes of Shapeshifter, electronic music duo Chase & Status (DJ), Hybrid Minds (DJ) and heaps more epic acts. It’s going to be lit, so make sure you don’t miss out.
L.A.B
Western Springs | 22 January 2022
If you’ve not managed to see Kiwi legends L.A.B do their thang yet, now’s your chance—and it’s a chance worth taking, trust us. The reggae band are taking over Western Springs Stadium this summer playing their largest show ever. This year gets a super-charged tune-up with the addition of some epic tour buddies— Sir Dave Dobbyn, Ladi6, The Black Seeds, Katchafire, JessB & RIIKI. Wow, what a line-up. Western Springs is where it’s at this summer.
What's On In Auckland In February
Auckland Pride Festival
Various Locations | 1 – 27 February
Get ready as our favourite iconic Auckland Pride Festival is back in full swing this month. Show your pride, join in the fun and celebrate the unique mix of cultures, sexualities and gender identities in our diverse city. Pop the vino and put on your disco pants—there are epic festivities to be had. From the iconic Pride March on the 26th featuring theatre, cabaret, comedy, dance, art, live music, film, literature, poetry, drag, burlesque—you name it they’ve got it and we can’t forget about the Pride Party in Aotea Square. Get involved, it’s going to be fabulous.
Morning People
Queens Wharf | 10 February 2022
Start your morning off the right way by partying it up on Auckland’s Queens Wharf. 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. 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.
Sunsetter Food, Wine & Music Festival
North Harbour Domain | 19 February 2022
Food…Wine… and Music—could you ask for a better trio? We think not. If you like munching on tasty grub, sipping on the finest wine and listening to some quality beats whilst frolicking in the sun, then Sunsetter Food, Wine and Music Festival will certainly be up your alley. Some of the best acts, New Zealand wineries, craft breweries and food vendors are joining forces to bring the party this summer.
Splore Festival
Tapapakanga Regional Park | 25-27 February 2022
Mosh to the beat by day, get down and dirty camping at night and see out the last of the summer sun at Splore Festival. This three-day festival/giant dress-up party is in a league of its own with everything from music and performing arts to workshops, installations, wellness centres and a whole lot of love. Settle in on the beautiful shores of Tapapakanga Regional Park, put on your party pants and prepare for a three-day entertainment extravaganza.
Wicked
SkyCity Theatre | 4-24 February 2022
Dratted COVID may have postponed its September plans but the longest-running musical on Broadway, Wicked, will now be flying into SkyCity Theatre for a limited season in February 2022. Take a trip along the yellow brick road and prepare to be amazed by an all Kiwi cast as they transport you to Emerald City and back.
Auckland Lantern Festival 2022
Auckland Showgrounds | 10-13 February 2022
New Year is possibly the best holiday in existence. There’s something incredibly freeing about the idea of a year ticking over—particularly the one we've just had—making us feel like we’re ready to face anything. And of course, there are all the festivities which come with the occasion. Well, lucky for us Aucklanders, we can celebrate the occasion once more in February thanks to the Chinese Calendar and the annual Lantern Festival. Having been cancelled for the last two years due to the COVID fubar, the Auckland Lantern Festival will be back bigger and better.
New Zealand Fashion Week
Auckland Town Hall | 7-12 February 2022
Calling all fashion gurus. After being cancelled last year due to COVID, New Zealand Fashion Week is back with a bang, showcasing fresh, bold and brilliant designs from the country’s top creatives. Prepare to be amazed by the talent of our wee country and the jaw-dropping designs on offer. NZFW features the best the industry has to offer with in-season shows and seminars offering an early glimpse at key spring/summer trends and the latest ranges from NZ’s most beloved brands. So, put on your glad rags and get amongst the glitz and the glam that is New Zealand Fashion Week.
Opera On The Harbour
The Viaduct | 11-14 February 2022
Calling all Opera fans, boy have we got a treat for you. The Viaduct is hosting the first-ever Opera on the Harbour event this summer, featuring New Zealand’s beloved entertainer Suzy Cato. So grab that special someone and spend an evening under the stars this Valentines weekend. Picture this—an evening of romantic music set against the backdrop of the stunning harbour and a spectacular fireworks display to round off the night. Can Valentines get much better than that? We think not.
What's On In Auckland In March
Red Bull Flugtag
Wynyard Quarter | 5 March 2022
Red Bull’s Flugtag is coming to Wynyard Quarter. The world-famous flying competition, which means ‘flight-day’ in German, sees challenge competitors attempting to be birds as they launch human-powered flying machines like ‘Flying Jab’ and ‘Great Kiwi BBQ’ off a 6m high ramp in the hope of out-flying the other teams. They’ll scoop up points for creativity, distance and flair, plus, this year rugby union star Beauden Barrett has set a bonus distance of 55m. Any team managing to beat this will score themselves a year’s supply of Red Bull. Will they crack it? Head along to catch the highs (and the inevitable lows) for free.
Beers In The Park Festival
Victoria Park | 5 March 2022
There’s nothing better than kicking back and sipping on some brewskies in the sun, so we couldn’t contain our excitement when we heard that Beers in the Park Festival is taking over Victoria Park on Saturday 5 March 2022. Showcasing the best craft breweries, local wineries, street food and music, so round up the troops sit back, relax and listen to some fine ass tunes.
Synthony
Spark Arena | 12 March 2022
If you're yet to experience the magical world of Synthony then be sure not to miss this extraordinary event that celebrates the best dance tracks of all time, but with a twist—it's all performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, vocals, guest musicians and DJs. So, if you're a fan of the old-school dance classics, then get your dancing shoes on and tune into Spark Arena on the 12 March for a showstopping, unforgettable night of bangin' beats.
The Chocolate & Coffee Festival
The Cloud | 26 & 27 March 2022
We all love a good cup of coffee, right? There’s not much that a cup of coffee can’t solve, so pair that with chocolate and you’re onto a winner. Head to The Cloud during the 26-27 of March to celebrate all things chocolate, coffee and tasty treats. Now that’s something we can get amongst. Experience epic masterclasses with NZ’s leading chocolate and coffee gurus and the best part is there will be plenty of samples to fill your face with. Yum!
Auckland Arts Festival
Various City Centre Locations | 10-27 March 2022
Auckland Arts Festival is back for its fourteenth glorious year. Bringing acts and artists from all corners of the world, the festival promises to light up our city and social calendars with splendour. With performances ranging from physical theatre to cabarets, circus to live music and everything in between, there’s a tantalising lineup of acts in store to delight festival newbies and seasoned culture-vultures alike.
Festival Italiano
Newmarket | 20 March 2022
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 on the 22 March— 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, you name it, they’ve got. Magnifico!
Auckland Craft Beer & Food Festival
Spark Arena | 19 March 2022
We have two words for you: Beer. Festival. Yes, you read that right—a whole festival dedicated to your fave tipple. Count us in. Spark Arena will be transformed into NZ's biggest urban beer garden on 19 March. Quench your thirst, and get your hop on at The Craft Beer & Food Festival, where you can sample a variety of brewskies and mingle with the local brewers to learn the secrets to a good pint. Satisfy your hunger with delicious eats from some of Auckland's best food vendors and if you think you've got what it takes, brew up your beer and be in to win the chance to become the official festival brew of 2023. So, whether it’s a good old pint you’re after or you want to sample the goods first, then this beer fest has something for everyone.
Image credit: Auckland Botanic Gardens, Júlia Borges, Through the Looking Glass by Brit Bunkley and Andrea Gardner, Red Bull.