Another week of fun-fuelled events is upon us.
This week score a free Havana coffee, explore Auckland Museum after dark, celebrate World Space Week, indulge in the best street kai, learn to focus your mind, get your creative juices flowing and brush strokes going and show your support for Breast Cancer. This month unleash your inner art critic as exhibitions take over the city, add a little greenery to your life at a botanical market and check out the massive Frida Kahlo And Diego Rivera exhibition. Later this year Festival Italiano is back, plus foodie deals, gigs galore, New Zealand’s ultimate wine festival and so much more await you.
Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month and this year.
What's On In Auckland This Week
NZ Cherry Blossom Festival
English Cherry Tree Manor, Hamilton Monday 3 October
It's your last chance to admire the cherry blossoms at the NZ Cherry Blossom Festival which is in full bloom at the stunning English Cherry Tree Manor in Hamilton. Wander the lanes and gardens taking plenty of snaps for the 'Gram, of course. You can also view the local cows and alpacas while you get amongst the food and drink vendors, book a dreamy and delicious High Tea or book a tent for you and the crew under the blossoms. You can even hire costumes to dress up and really go to town. There’ll also be Japanese drummers and Chinese fan dancers to keep you entertained all day long.
Get Your Morning Coffee Fix With Havana
Various Havana Venues | Tuesday 4 October
Get your morning coffee fix this week for free as Havana Coffee Works is shouting New Zealanders a free coffee to encourage people to ditch single-use cups—now that's something we can get behind. In a bid to be more sustainable, Havana is launching a Coffee Cup Library—a system that allows customers to order their takeaway coffee in a returnable stainless-steel cup, just like borrowing a library book. To celebrate its launch, the NZ coffee makers are serving up the goods by hosting a great coffee shout across Aotearoa. All you've got to do is visit one of the 75 participating Havana venues on Tuesday 4 October to receive your complimentary coffee in one of Havana’s new returnable stainless-steel cups. We like this a latte (Sorry, we had to).
Explore Auckland Museum After Dark
Auckland Museum | Tuesday 4 October
If like us, you love an exhibition but hate the crowds, listen up! Auckland Museum is opening its doors on Tuesday evenings so you can explore the whole museum after hours. Take in the relaxed setting and wander around the new Te Ao Mārama South Atrium. Exploring is thirsty work, so grab some dinner and drinks at Tuitui Bistro & Café, and don't forget to finish your evening by checking out the epic sunset over the domain.
Celebrate World Space Week
Saturdays, Britomart | Wednesday 5 October
Houston, we have a problem! If you're a bit of a space geek like us, then unleash your inner astronaut and celebrate all things space for World Space Week. Paint your very own spaceman with Paintvine as they bring you a painting experience like no other—think ultra violet lights and neon nights as you get your creative juices flowing at this glow-in-the-dark paint party. With a paintbrush in one hand and a drink in the other, paint the galaxy red, blue, green, orange—heck any colour you desire! It’s going to be out of this world (pun intended).
Indulge In The Best Street Kai
Takutai Square | Wednesday 5 October
Is there anything better than a good food truck? Basically, a kitchen on wheels, what’s not to love? Spice up your hump day by filling your belly with some tasty grub as Food Truck Collective takes over Takutai Square this Wednesday. Heaps of our fave food vendors will be cooking up a storm, bringing the best street kai to the centre of town.
Learn to Focus Your Mind
The Village | Thursday 6 October
Do you ever feel like it's hard to focus? In this day and age, life is so busy— our minds move at a million miles an hour and our to-do lists are never-ending. Maybe it's time to take a chill pill and learn a thing or two about getting focused and we know just the place. Nab your ticket to Get Focused, an event led by Neuroscientist Sam Dodd and Mindfulness expert Charlotte Ritchie, where you can learn how to really focus and improve your cognitive ability.
Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
The Bridgman | Thursday 6 October
Introducing Stitch and Wine, Paintvine’s newest event that’s got us utterly obsessed. If you’re lucky enough to score yourself a ticket you’ll be guided through using a needle and thread, and a splash of paint, to create stunning line art in a relaxed, friendly setting. Suitable for all levels of artistry (even if that’s zero), come the end of the night you’ll be more than lowkey impressed with yourself. Tāmaki Makaurau’s first official Stitch and Wine will take place at The Bridgman on Thursday 6 October and it couldn’t be a better location—do try their Passionfruit Martini. As is the case with all Paintvine events, Stitch and Wine is sure to sell out quickly so if this sounds like a bit of you, nab your ticket now.
Bag Yourself A Bargain
Karangahape Road | Thursday 6 October
If you missed First Thursdays last month, then not to worry as it’s back this Thursday and every first Thursday of the month (hence the name). Cruise along Karangahape Road and watch in awe as the colourful strip is brought to life by night markets and live music. Selling everything from vintage art, zines, homeware, clothes and so much more, you’re guaranteed to find some bargains. Be sure to stop by the Pocket Park stage for some bangin' tunes by local artists. It’s a real community vibe, we dig it.
Get Lost In The World Of Dance
Q Theatre | Until 8 September
Calling all dance lovers! Tempo Dance Festival is now in full swing, so if you haven’t managed to catch a show yet then this week is your last chance. Feast your eyes on an inspiring collection of dance works that weaves together movement, innovation and storytelling. This week, check out 'Body of Work + QWERTY - Double Bill', a unique work that explores the relationship between the physical body and the digital realm.
Treat Yourself To Something Nice
Ponsonby Central | Until 9 October
Ethical shopping bags at the ready, cool concept store This Is Nice is back until 9 October. A local indie brand collective, This Is Nice is a showcase of high-end NZ-made products from local women-led businesses like Velvet Heartbeat, Alyssa Lloyd Design, Clay Moderne, Hey Val Ceramics, Husk and Honey, Kia ora Yulip, Reca, Two Dudes and Words By Wilde Road. Swing by their set-up at Ponsonby Central or do a spot of online shopping here.
Get Involved In Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Various locations | Until 31 October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As you may or may not know already, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and, in fact, 3,500 women and about 25 men, are diagnosed with it every year. Thanks to advances in diagnosis and treatments, the 10-year survival rate is 95% if the cancer is detected by a regular mammogram, which is due to incredible breakthroughs in breast cancer research, a.k.a. the best (and only) way to defeat this far-too-common disease once and for all. There are a bunch of ways you can help this month from volunteering your time to fundraising.
What's On In Auckland In October
KIC Tour
Shed 10 | 9 October
Fitness Gurus and founders of health and fitness app KIC, Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, are back on NZ soil after a 3-year hiatus to talk about all things fitness at their KIC Tour. Be put through your paces with a specialised 30-minute endorphin-boosting live workout, that is guaranteed to get your heart racing and make you feel muscles you didn’t know you had. Cool down with a 45-minute health and wellness panel discussion with Yay Podcast Host, Sarah Davidson and Head of Wellbeing at AIA Australia, Candice Smith. You'll be left feeling refreshed and revitalised and ready to KIC-start your fitness journey.
World Of WearableArt (WOW) Awards Show
Wellington | Until 16 October
New Zealand’s most spectacular theatrical stage production, the epic World of WearableArt™ (WOW) Awards Show, is back baby! WOW is a renowned international design competition that attracts hundreds of entries from around the world and is New Zealand’s largest theatrical production. COVID managed to ruin last year's show, so this year will be bigger and better than ever, with over 100 designers from 20 countries finally getting their moment to shine at the awards ceremony. Each night the stage will come alive with incredible works of wearable art, dancers, aerialists, foot-tapping beats, and insane AV creations created by Executive Creative Director Brian Burke (creative producer of America’s Got Talent, and co-executive producer of American Idol) - alongside Show Director New Zealand’s Malia Johnston. It's going to be a grand affair, so don't miss out on the biggest show of the year and book your tickets pronto.
Art In The City
Various locations | 7-16 October
Unleash your inner art critic at art in the city— a unique exhibition, where you'll get to engage with art like never before. Discover over 100 installations, exhibitions, guided art walks, performances, talks, markets and workshops all over Auckland city centre. Cast your eyes on epic pop-up art in Auckland's Laneways, embark on an outdoor art trail, treat yourself at the late-night art market and learn a thing or two at a mask-making workshop. The city will literally be transformed into a work of art from the 7-16 October, so you don't forget to add these magical 10 days to your calendar.
Show Me Shorts Film Festival
Various locations | 7-30 October
The Show Me Shorts Festival returns to Auckland this October and yep, as you can guess, it’s better than ever. With 92 flicks selected from around the world, you can expect the crème-de-la-crème of short films. There are local as well as international films at more than 30 cinemas around the country. Escape your world, see things differently and enjoy.
Diwali Festival
Aotea Square And Queen Street | 8-9 October
Auckland Diwali Festival celebrates Auckland's vibrant Indian culture. From October 8-9, heaps of events and experiences will be taking over Aotea Square and Queen Street. Join in the free festivities, with an exciting array of live music and dance, whilst sinking your teeth into the delectable range of Indian cuisine on offer. Explore the vibrant market filled with art and craft stalls and finish off your weekend with a bang (literally) as a stunning firework display will light up the sky. Be sure to get amongst the fun.
Late Night Lego
Auckland Art Gallery | 13 October
Who said LEGO is just for kids? Whoever they are, they’re wrong. Let your imagination run wild at this adults-only Late Night Lego event at Auckland Art Gallery, where you can indulge in a glass of wine whilst challenging your inner designer. Grab some inspiration from their current exhibition, Walls to Live Beside, Rooms to Own: The Chartwell, as you sit back, relax and design your dream city or home—after all, there are over 900 million different ways of putting together six Lego bricks, so the possibilities are endless.
A Huge Frida Kahlo Exhibition Comes To Town
Frida Kahlo And Diego Rivera: Art And Life In Modern Mexico
Auckland Art Gallery | From 15 October
Art lovers unite! An exciting new exhibition is coming to Auckland Art Gallery this October. Explore the fascinating collection and discover the art of cultural icons Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Cast your eyes on over 150 artworks, including Kahlo's stunning self-portraits, and learn all about their drive to articulate a new Mexican art. Alongside beautiful paintings, you can expect drawings, murals, photography and work by other leading artists.
Auckland Plant Market
Goodside, Smales Farm | 16 October
Who doesn’t love a good plant, after all, they not only brighten our rooms but also our mood. For all you crazed plant people out there, you’ll be pleased to hear that Aucklands got its very own Botanical Market in Smales Farm this month, full of lush green goodness such as Indoor plants, Palms and cacti. So, whether you want to introduce greenery into your house, or start adding a little sass to your garden, this plant-astic event will certainly fuel your addiction.
Rosé All Day
East Street Hall | 23 October
Is there anything better than a glass of ice-cold rosè? If like us, you just can't get enough of the pink stuff then you'd be pleased to hear that our fave one-day wine fest, rosè all day, is back—bringing with it 50 different varieties of rosè from New Zealand and all over the world. As well as sipping on rosè all day, you can learn a thing or two with a variety of masterclasses including a food pairing class.
Winetopia
Shed 10 | 28-29 October
Vino drinkers, it’s time to raise a glass or three and say cheers because the ultimate wine event is coming to Auckland—Winetopia. Now in its seventh season, the much-loved event is back for two days of wine celebration and we can't contain our excitement. 60 prestigious wineries from all over Aotearoa will showcase their wines serving everything from Albarino to Syrah and plenty of Pinot too. So, round up your pals and get ready for two days of tasting all of the best drops in the country.
What's On In Auckland In November
Urban Wine Walk
Ponsonby | 12 November
Wine, need we say any more. Whether you’re into red, white, rose, the sweet kind, the dry kind — you name it Urban Wine Walk will have it, that’s right a walk where you can drink wine (dreams do come true). Stroll along the streets of Ponsonby and Grey Lynn and join in the fun as the neighbourhood's best bars transform into an Urban Cellar Door for you to visit on a self-guided wine tasting trail and the best part is you don’t even have to leave the city.
The Largest Italian Festival In NZ Is Back For 2022
Festival Italiano
Newmarket | 13 November
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 13 November. 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, Italian cars and scooters plus an Italian-style market with over 40 stalls. The list goes on, live music, entertainment, you name it, they’ve got. Magnifico!
ZM Friday Jams Live
Western Springs Stadium | 13 November
Clear your calendars as New Zealand’s hottest party of the year is here and joining in the fun is reggae legend Shaggy, Macklemore, Akon, Craig David, TLC— and that’s to just name a few. Illusive Presents, Frontier Touring and ZM are bringing the nation’s colossal concert series, Friday Jams Live, back to Auckland for one show only. Western Springs is where the party’s at and it’s going to be a day to remember with all these legends under one roof. Get involved.
Farmers Santa Parade
Queen Street | 27 November
We’ve waited all year for this event and it’s finally arrived. You know Christmas is just around the corner when the Farmers Santa Parade hits Queen street. In its 89th year running, this Xmas festivity continues to put a smile on people’s faces and bring joy to Auckland with the amazing array of floats, giant inflatables, musicians, and entertainment galore. After the parade, bust out those elf-ish moves at the Santa’s party, you never know, you may even get to meet Saint Nich yourself. Don’t be a grinch and be sure to check out the party.
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Image credit: Cassidy Phillips, Auckland Art Gallery, Josh Hild.