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Head-bangin' classical musos, fresh and raw comedy clubs, light fests, poetry slams, protein, pasta, and perhaps the cheapest Guinness in all of the land.
Here we go. It's another week. Another assortment of damn good stuff to get up to in this here, our beautiful city—Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
And if five days of fun just ain't enough, then check out what’s on this weekend with my carefully crafted blueprint on how not to waste your precious three days of freedom.
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Jump to:
- Don't Miss
- Free And Budget-Friendly Events
- Food And Drink Events
- Arts And Culture
- Rainy Day Activities
- Uniquely Auckland Experiences
- Coming Soon
Don’t Miss
Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra
26 July | Spark Arena | $$-$$$
Image credit: Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra | supplied
Black Sabbath meets the Double Bass? Metallica by Maestros? Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra is about the most fantastical thing I've ever heard of—a high-octane collision of metal and classical music with a 29-piece orchestra belting out all your favourite head-banging anthems this Saturday. From the teams behind Symphony and Come Together, there’s only one venue that could harness so much classical carnage and that’s Spark Arena. They did say Mozart was the rockstar of his age…
Big Wednesday
Wednesdays 7.30pm Onward | The Classic Comedy Club | $
Image credit: The Classic Comedy Club | Instagram
At The Classic, every Wednesday is a Big Wednesday. What's Big Wednesday, you ask? One guest MC, 12 fresh acts and a quarter century of laughs. Seasoned pros, ep and coming comics, new kids on the block. All raw, rough, unfiltered and f*cking funny. The ultimate tonic for midweek melancholy.
Draw Worser: Cartooning Workshop
23 July | Ellen Melville Centre | Free
In a world of perfection emulating digital onslaught, 100 megapixel cameras, 100 filters and 100 algorithmic reasons to make you seek that without fault, sometimes the best art is the art that looks, well, worse. Illustrator joshprobably reckons drawing doesn't have to be hard, so he's hosting a workshop to help your pen hand loosen up a little, improving your cartooning in the process. Open to everyone and anyone, just bring your favourite thing to scribble with.
Takapuna Winter Lights
24-27 July | Takapuna Central | Free
Image credit: Takapuna Winter Lights | supplied
Central Taka is getting her glow on again with a wonderful, wintery lights fest at the end of the week. From 24-27 July, Hurstmere Green, Potters Park and Waiwharariki Anzac Square will be bright and beautiful. What's more, tech giants Spark and Spotify have collabed for a multi-sensory silent disco. And it’s all free, of course.
Food And Drink Events
Morningside Tavern Monday Quiz Night
Mondays | Morningside Tavern | Free To Enter
Image credit: Morningside Tavern | Instagram
Feeling quizzical on a Monday? Ready to flaunt that big ol' brain of yours? You're in luck. On Mondays at Morningside Tavern, we quiz. Entry is free, and you stand to win up to $250 worth of prizes. Plus, their fries—a much-frothed element of quiz nights—absolutely slap. Oh, and if you want to check out all our other top mid-week quiz night recs, then follow me here.
Negociants Fine Wine Tour 2025 - Auckland
21 July 2025 | The Hilton Auckland | $$
Our tippity-top purveyor of the very best tipples—Negociant New Zealand is on a nationwide road trip. The 2025 Negociants Fine Wine Tour will showcase a selection of the best drops from here and across the ditch at the Hilton, along with the artisans responsible for making them. Tastings included in the ticket price, plus light refreshments and a goodie bag—a bit of a no-brainer.
Nothing Naughty Pop-Up
Pop-Up 24-27 July | Spacefor Britomart | $-$$
Image credit: Nothing Naughty | Instagram
Nothing Naughty were just told they’ve been very, very good. Go figure? Yep, Aotearoa’s hottest (and goodest) dealers in everything clean nutrition were named Highly Commended in the Functional Sports Bars category at the 2025 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards, and, firmly aboard my winter gainz-train, I reckon it's well worth getting the word out. Disagree? Pop down to their pop-up from this weekend at Britomart’s Spacefor to try a scoop of humble pie flavoured protein, or check out their new first flagship in Tirau if you’re down those ways.
Jacuzzi Ponsonby's Happiest Hours
Weekdays 4-6pm, All day Sunday | Jacuzzi Ponsonby | $
Image credit: Jacuzzi Ponsonby | Instagram
Jacuzzi Ponsonby's happy hours have to be some of the best in the city. Not only are they every weekday from 4-6pm, but also ALL DAY Sunday. And that's not where the incredible news ends. No sirree, this is not some stingy dollar-off affair; Jacuzzi Time is $8 across all tap beers—including Guinness—and house wines, plus $15 cocktails. Yep, you read that right... Eight smackaroonies for a delicious pint of the Irish answer to the end of the working day—or week. Could it be the cheapest in the 09? Would anyone fancy a Sunday session?
Harbourside Cocktail Masterclass
Thursdays, Various Slots | Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill | $$
Attention: budding mixologists, bartenders and gals night enthusiasts of the world, Harbourside Ocean Bar and Grill hosts cocktail-making masterclasses led by booze maestro Vish, every Thursday evening. We're talkin' Tiki Tiki Booms and Love Potions, plus freshly rolled sushi, market fish sliders, and house-made macaroons to munch while you mix. How good.
Bar Albert's Pasta Masterclass
27 July, 31 August, 28 September & 26 October | Voco Auckland | $$$
Image credit: voco/Bar Albert | supplied
If you've got a shepherd's pie type of nana, but always wondered what a lasagne type of Nonna might be like, then you're in luck. Bar Albert's exclusive Pasta Making Masterclass, led by Executive Chef Daniel Mueller, is back on for a few special Sundays. It's a three-hour, hands-on kinda deal, and if the prospect of becoming your household’s pasta master isn’t enticing enough by itself, then check out where you’ll be doing it: soaking in the stunning backdrop of Auckland Harbour from the 38th floor of Voco. Spaces are even more scarce this time—seven per session—and for good reason; there'll be champagne on arrival, a gourmet antipasto platter throughout, and a pasta machine to take home. Whatttt?
Winetopia Tickets
Event 3-4 October, Tickets On Sale Now | Viaduct Events Centre | $$
Top-shelf wines without the pomp and elitism? I'm sick to death of bending down to the bottom shelves of the supermarket wine section for $11 worth of cat's p*ss. It hurts my back, my taste buds and my pride. That's why I'm very much fizzed for this year's Winetopia, celebrating a decade of doing exactly what the first sentence says. It ain't 'til October, but securing tickets for the big ten-oh is essential.
Heart of the City Auckland Restaurant Month
Various Booking Times | Various Venues | $$
Image credit: Heart Of The City | B Beattie
Forks at the ready, one of the largest events in Tāmaki Makaurau's culinary calendar is set to return this August. The Heart of the City Auckland Restaurant Month will be dishing up its signature offering of $55+, $45 and $30 menus (the latter being a proverbial middle finger to the recession) plus some swish events you'll want to lock in, stat.
The Great NZ Toastie Takeover
‘Til 5 August | Queens Rooftop | $
With all the cheese melts and McClure’s spicy pickles one can acceptably eat between two pieces of bread in one sitting, The Great NZ Toastie Takeover returns for its eighth year. Created by Cook & Nelson, 2025's iteration has over 200 venues across Aotearoa slanging toasties in all shapes and forms, from brioche-bunned, sesame-crusted, to allll the cheese-pulled and pickle-packed varieties—even prawn toast (pictured above). Make it a great Kiwi toastie road trip and try them all until 5 August.
09 Poetry Slam Regional Heat #1
24 July | SMALL RAVE, 74 Karangahape Road | $
Image credit: 09 Poetry Slam | Instagram
Word wizards, rhyme royals, those who cut close to the bone then lick it clean with prose‚ it's regional heat #1 of the 09 Poetry Slam (the first of two heats) this Thursday. Blow the judges away and you'll book a slot in the finals, so sharpen your pencils and pack your tissues. This will be a humdinger.
World Press Photo Exhibition
26 July-24 August | 131 Queen Street (New Venue Due To Smith & Caughey's Closure) | $/$$
New venue, same dates, same jaw-dropping imagery. The prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition is returning to Queen Street this week, showcasing photojournalism from 42 international photographers. Featured stories include conflict, climate, and community, and proceeds support Rotary youth charities and the PHAB disability charity. Tickets are available online via Eventfinda or at the door. And take it from me: it's well worth the price of admission, and then some.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
'Til 9 Aug | ASB Waterfront Theatre, Parnell Village | $$
Image credit: Ross Brown
Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love and tragedy gets a bold, 1960s makeover in this atomic production of Romeo and Juliet. Directed by Benjamin Kilby-Henson, Theo Dāvid and Phoebe McKellar shine as star-crossed lovers in a world of Missoni prints and Pucci glamour. A fresh, stylish take on a classic that’s as relevant today as it was back when they were all into their frilly clothes and the word ‘doth.’
Turua Gallery Presents: Homebody
'Til 30 July | Turua Gallery | Free
Image credit: Turua Gallery | supplied
I’ve never been a season snob. Nope. However much I rate hot days and long nights, I've always firmly believed there’s beauty to be found every season, not least winter, and Turua Gallery wholeheartedly agrees. Opening this Friday and showing ‘til the end of the month, Homebody is a group exhibition that brings together "ten esteemed artists, each exploring themes of domesticity, stillness, and the essence of home". Get down to opening night and don’t forget about the online presale, commencing 6pm Thursday.
The Art of Banksy
'Til 3 August | Hunua Rooms, Aotea Centre | $$
Image credit: The Art of Banksy | Auckland Live
In my younger and more vulnerable years, forever fighting acne, teenage angst and rumours of ‘The Man,’ I would've given up my whole $13.75/hour paycheck to catch an exhibition from this street-art titan. Better yet, I’m now older and wiser and can enjoy the celebrated, definitive works of one of the greatest guerrilla artists to ever pick up a paint can, with a properly developed frontal cortex. It's The Art of Banksy.
Doc Edge Film Festival
'Til 25 August | Various locations | $-$$$
If documentaries are your schtick, you’ll want to deep dive into Doc Edge Festival, which, this year, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Always packed with high-calibre films from Aotearoa and around the world, plus immersive exhibitions, industry events, and a schools programme, Doc Edge is essential viewing.
DIVA at Auckland Museum + DIVA Relaxed Sessions
'Til 19 October | Auckland War Memorial Museum | $/$$
Image credit: DIVA/Auckland War Memorial Museum | supplied
My favourite building in all of the land is getting her slay on. Developed by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, DIVA is now exhibiting at Auckland War Memorial Museum to celebrate icons of eras who challenged norms and changed the world through the power of performance. Over 280 objects, including fashion, photography, costumes, music, and design, featuring trailblazing performers, theatrical staging, and an immersive musical soundtrack experience. It's all I could ever have asked of an exhibition and more, more, more. (Pro tip: If you fancy a more relaxed viewing experience away from the crowds, then check this out.)
Rainy Day Activities
Get Dad Spaced Out To Pink Floyd
Various Screenings | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium | $$
Image credit: Bob van Aubel
If you've ever lived with anyone north of sixty who enjoys their tunes (boomers, I'm looking at you), then you've probably witnessed an iconic rainbow prism vinyl jacket emerge in the hands of someone three-too-many-gins in and a few years your senior. And god help the neighbours. But if you've never had a psychedelic uncle, or didn't own a soundsystem worthy of cranking The Dark Side of the Moon—or maybe you're just tired of all the noise complaints—then visit Epsom's Stardome Observatory & Planetarium sometime before the end of August for a sonically infused journey through the stars.
Hairy Maclary's Greatest Hits
26 July | Bruce Mason Centre | $$
Hercules Morse as big as a horse, Bottomley Potts covered in spots, Muffin McLay like a bundle of hay and Jackie Clarke backed by a 29-piece orchestra … is that how it goes? Auckland Philharmonia are bringing Lynley Dodd’s loveable scuffs to life with the greatest children's concert I’ve ever heard of—Hairy Maclary’s Greatest Hits. For one morning only at Bruce Mason Centre, it’s an interactive show celebrating New Zealand’s beloved canine icon, and you can find tickets here and your yearly dose of cuteness here.
Unique Auckland Experiences
Samsung x Spy Bar Revival Party
25 July | The Cellar Bar
Image credit: Kira
Just when you thought clubbing was officially deceased, Samsung is here to give the scene some desperately-needed CPR. Yessireee, they’re celebrating the launch of their most iconic foldable phone range yet, by flipping us all back to the flip phone era with the help of club legend DJ Grant Marshall. Only bangers, only vibes and only one night back at one of Auckland’s most iconic venues: Spy Bar.
Coming Soon
The Royal New Zealand Ballet: Home, Land & Sea
31 July-2 August | Aotea Centre | $$
Image credit: RNZB | supplied
The ever-graceful and pointy-toed badasses over at The Royal New Zealand Ballet are back for a groundbreaking new season with Home, Land & Sea. Choreographed by acclaimed NZDC artistic director Moss Te Ururangi Patterson is this historic, first-ever collaboration with The New Zealand Dance Company and if you wanna witness greatness, then get down to Aotea Centre come 31 July.
Chicago the Musical
31 July-3 August | Bruce Mason Centre | $$-$$$
A scintillating tale of fame, fortune and jazz-age glamour—the award-winning, globally adored Chicago the Musical is making its way to little ‘ol Auckland at the end of the month. Directed by Kiwi creative institution Michael Hurst, this brand-new production boasts a professional cast of international and New Zealand singers whom you can enjoy from the cushy seats of Bruce Mason Centre.
MARY: The Birth of Frankenstein
19 August-7 September | ASB Waterfront Theatre, Parnell Village | $$
Step into the dark, drug-fueled world of MARY: The Birth of Frankenstein, a gripping reimagining of the night Mary Shelley penned her iconic novel. Unsettling, lust-drenched, and utterly captivating.
New Zealand Fashion Week 2025
25-30 August | Shed10 | Various Events & Pricing
Image credit: Mara Sommer | supplied
The week of all weeks will soon be upon us, and if you keep on the beat with our Weekendly Drop (and frankly, why wouldn’t you?), then you’d remember I fancy myself as a bit of a young Tom Ford. That’s why I’m fizzing over New Zealand Fashion Week announcing their first wave of designer shows, featuring established names like Karen Walker, Zambesi, and Juliette Hogan alongside emerging talent and a very special Breast Cancer Cure Designer Showcase.
Ethel & Bethel’s Comedy Bingo Night—Fundraiser For The Kidney Society
12 September | Freemans Bay Community Hall | $$
Image credit: Ethel And Bethel | Instagram
Something about 'R18 Bingo Night' just gets me hyped. Maybe it's my competitive side, or maybe I just love taking seemingly innocuous events to the extreme—like that one mishap I had with Pin the Tail at my nephew's fifth birthday. Anyway... Ethel & Bethel's Comedy Bingo Night in September has me genuinely intrigued. It's a night with a mission—raising $30,000 to support people with kidney disease, with every ticket making a real difference. Beyond their sharp wit and chaotic energy, prizes, drinks, snacks, and a fair bit of community-inspired chaos await. No door sales, so grab your tickets now.
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo
30 Oct-2 November | Spark Arena | $$$
Image credit: Cirque du Soleil | Maja Prgomet
Cirque du Soleil is returning to Aotearoa this October, with the Auckland debut of Corteo. Directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, Corteo is a festive parade imagined from a clown’s perspective, set on a double-sided stage. Expect grace, power, and comedy played out in a liminal space between heaven and earth. Tickets are live.
TIRI: TE ARAROA WOMAN FAR WALKING
4-23 Nov | ASB Waterfront Theatre, Parnell Village | $$
Closing out the 2025 season is TIRI: TE ARAROA WOMAN FAR WALKING, a groundbreaking adaptation of Witi Ihimaera’s epic tale. For the very first time, the play will be performed in both English and te reo Māori. Directed by Katie Wolfe and starring Miriama McDowell, this two-part production follows Tiri Mahana, a 185-year-old matriarch, from the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi to modern-day Aotearoa.
Not in Auckland? Check out what's on in Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown this year.
Main image credit: Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra | Supplied.
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