Another week of fun-fuelled events is upon us.
This week show your support for Kiwi's mental wellbeing, find your zen at a yoga class, take part in a hilarious comedy debate, unleash your inner lumberjack, indulge at a boozy life-drawing class, catch a laugh with Chris Parker and be transported to the Amalfi Coast. Further along this year, a 70's themed roller disco is coming to town, check out a massive Frida Kahlo And Diego Rivera exhibition, plus foodie deals, gigs galore, New Zealand’s most spectacular theatrical show and so much more await you.
Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month and beyond.
What's On In Auckland This Week
Get Aligned With Your Zen Guru
Ultimate Surf & Skate | Tuesday 16 August
Release your stresses and breathe those worries away at Ultimate Surf & Skate's weekly yoga class, where you can connect with your inner-self while giving your body a good old stretch. With a focus on strengthening and balance, this class will unleash your inner surfer and have you riding the waves in no time. Even if you’re not a natural yogi, this class is for all levels, so relax in child’s pose or contort into the downward dog—either way, the instructor will help you find your vinyasa.
Dance Away Your Inhibitions At This Sunrise Rave
Cassette Nine | Wednesday 17 August
Party it up with renowned DJ’s ORIKoL and Ana Agiüs at Cassette Nine this Wednesday. 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. A rare two-room Morning People party with the energy of live percussion, this is one not to miss. Don’t worry you won’t go hungry as complimentary fruit, coffee and Club Mate will be served.
Participate In A Hilarious Comedy Debate
Q Theatre | Wednesday 17 August
If like us, you're in need of a good laugh and we're talking about the belly chuckle kind, then head to Q Theatre on 17 August for an evening of comical debate. Two teams of comedians battle it out to argue the age-old debate—Can love save us? Warning: Wild yarns are going to be thrown about the place as Kanoa Lloyd, Hayley Sproull, Dai Henwood, Angella Dravid and David Correos take to the stage. The best part is you as the audience gets to decide who takes home the winning crown. It’s going to be funny as.
Put Your Wood-Chucking Skills To The Test
Sweet Axe Throwing Co | Wednesday 17 August
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Find out by putting your wood-chucking skills to the test and unleash your inner lumberjack at the social axe-throwing league hosted by Sweet Axe-Throwing Co. Blow off some steam this hump day by chucking a few axes at a large wooden target, and don’t forget to aim for the bullseye for gloating rights, of course.
Unleash Your Inner Music Maestro
The Tuning Fork | Wednesday 17 August
If you’re a bit of a music nerd or a karaoke queen, then round up the troops and prepare to take on the quiz of all quizzes. The great tuning fork music quiz is for all you music fanatics that know your 80s classics from your 90s jams. Put your knowledge to the test and be in to win some cracking prizes including bar tabs and tickets to shows both the Tuning Fork and Spark Arena. So, get your thinking caps on and choose your team wisely for the ultimate music showdown.
Get Amongst Some Wild Yarns
Q Theatre | Thursday 18 & 19 August
You know when comedy genius Chris Parker is involved you're guaranteed plenty of laughs. You'll be pleased to hear that he's hitting the road this winter and bringing his best material to Q Theatre on the 18 & 19 August. You're in for a treat as he revives some of his greatest hits as well as testing out something new. So if you're in need of a good laugh and we're talking about the pure belly chuckle kind, then round up your pals and book your tickets asap.
Get A Bit Cheeky At A Boozy Life-Drawing Class
The Zookeepers Son | Thursday 18 August
For all you budding artists out there, listen up! Pencils at the ready as a life drawing class is coming to The Zookeepers Son this Thursday. Get a little bit cheeky as you put pen to paper in a relaxed rooftop setting. There will be models, still-life backdrops and free-flowing bubbles to give you some dutch courage. All you’ve got to do is bring a creative mindset and you’re good to go. Don’t worry, you don't have to be Van Gogh to join in the fun, in fact, no previous drawing experience is necessary.
Support New Zealanders' Mental Wellbeing
Online | From Wednesday 10 August
Attention fried chicken lovers, our fave chicken joint, KFC, has launched the ‘KFC For Good’ foundation, which was created to give back to the communities it serves. This epic new foundation is on an important mission to equip young Kiwis with skills and support to enhance their mental wellbeing. KFC has joined forces with Surf Life Saving NZ and Clearhead—a social enterprise tackling mental health. Together they join forces to raise awareness and provide access to the Clearhead program, so more New Zealanders can work on their mental health journey. Show your support and get amongst their first fundraising initiative here from Wednesday 10 August, where you can get your hands on some mouth-watering KFC merch—think mid-winter Christmas jumpers and vests. The best thing is all proceeds will go to funding Clearhead subscriptions for members of the community—now that's something we can get amongst.
Get Your Slurp On At This Epic Gin Bar
Regatta Bar & Eatery | Until 28 August
Regatta Bar in Takapuna is shaking things up this winter with the Malfy Summer Gin Bar, which is guaranteed to transport you to the Amalfi Coast. Pull up a pew and get your slurp on whilst sampling Malfy's Originale, Limone, Rosa and Arancia gins while enjoying live tunes.
What's On In Auckland This Month
Auckland Restaurant Month
Various locations | Until 31 August
Great food at a great price? That, my friend, is the way to an Aucklander’s heart. Restaurant Month is officially here for 2022, bringing with it culinary creativity in the form of set menus and events from our favourite inner-city establishments. This year, not only are we treated to the epic array we know and love this festival for, but there’s also a huge handful of new eateries getting involved. It doesn’t stop there, the Social Hour category is dedicated to combining the best cocktails and beverages with snacks galore. At a time when restauranteurs need our Aroha, Restaurant Month gives us Aucklanders an opportunity to show the city some love, in the best way we know: by eating left, right, and centre. Here are some of our fave menus at $25, $40 and $55+.
Big Thursdays At Hoppers
Hoppers Garden Bar | Every Thursday in August
Hoppers Garden Bar in Ponsonby has got a treat for you—every Thursday in August they'll be hosting a variety of live music sessions featuring a variety of DJs and musicians from 8pm. So, if you're looking to spruce up your Thursday with a little sesh, be sure to add Hoppers to the line-up. There will be a bespoke gin cocktail menu for you to slurp on and plenty of tasty grub to choose from. Kick back, drink in hand and listen to some sweet melodies.
Drop-in Drawing
Auckland Art Gallery | 12, 19 & 26 August
For all you budding artists out there, listen up! Pencils at the ready as drop-in drawing classes are taking place at Auckland Art Gallery every Friday this month. Get your creative juices flowing as you put pen to paper in a relaxed setting. Develop your artistic ability while working with a professional life model and watch your masterpiece come to life with the help of the tutor. All you’ve got to do is bring your own supplies and a creative mindset and you’re good to go.
Get Your Skates On
Studio 54 Roller Disco
Activezone | 19 August
Round up the troops and get your body moving and grooving with a Studio 54-themed disco roller skating turned dance party on Friday 19 August—think Saturday Night Fever on skates. Lace up and work your magic on the D floor whilst learning some new moves to some funky disco tunes. Dust off your fave 70s attire, it’s going to be groovy baby!
The Dancing Queen: Dining Experience
La Zeppa | 20 August
Ladies and gents get your dancing shoes on for a night of Mamma Mia madness. Be transported to a heavenly Greek island and unleash your inner dancing queen to some of ABBA'S greatest hits. Round up your dynamos and get amongst this unique dining experience, where you will dine on a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner, drink island cocktails, and be serenaded all night long. Now, if like us, you're thinking Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie a ticket then forget about the Money, Money, Money, and book your spot asap.
Auckland Writers Festival
Various locations | 23-28 August
Calling all budding writers! Auckland Writers Festival is back with a bang. With over 200 events hosted by over 230 of the world’s best writers, you’re in for a real treat. The Festival brings the very best local and international writers of contemporary fiction and non-fiction, scientists, economists, poets, journalists and public intellectuals together with audiences to explore ideas, share stories and experience brilliant conversations. They’ve even got a virtual line-up for those talented writers that reside overseas, so you don’t have to miss a thing. So, get your nose out a book and tune into live readings, talks and much more this month.
Matariki Season At Basement Theatre
Basement Theatre | Until 27 August
Our fave inner-city theatre spot has just launched its Matariki Winter season and let’s just say it’s got a stellar lineup. If you’re in need of a night at the theatre, then book yourself in at Basement Theatre this week. Choose from an array of epic shows—whether it's a comedy you're after or something more thrilling, never fear Basement has got you covered.
A Real And Rare T.Rex Is At Auckland Museum
Auckland Museum | Until 4 September
When we heard that an 11-metre long and three-metre-tall T.rex was coming to Auckland we were stoked. Auckland Museum is home to the first real T. rex fossil ever to be exhibited in Aotearoa this month and is one of a small number of almost complete fossil Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world. Get up close and personal with Peter the T. rex and learn about the incredible anatomical features of one of the largest land predators of all time, with extra points for coming in cool black due to the carbon the bones were preserved in. Read the full report here.
What's On In Auckland In September
Auckland Fringe Festival
Various locations | 30 August-17 September
If you’re a fan of the arts then you’ve got to get amongst the fun at Auckland Fringe. The quirky arts festival is certainly an event you want in your social calendar as it sets out to showcase the weird and wonderful and the best of Auckland’s incredible arts scene. There’s something for everyone at this sassy fest, so be sure to fill up your days and nights with theatre, comedy, dance, poetry, cabaret and circus this month.
Culley's Smoke And Spice Festival
Shed 10 | 3 & 4 September
Can’t wait for the hot and heady days of summer? Culley’s Hot Sauce is bringing the heat and the beats to you. Satisfy your taste buds at Auckland’s Smoke & Spice Festival, with plenty of barbecues, booze, live music, and events on the agenda. Expect free tastings, masterclasses galore, foodie competitions, live music and so much more.
Snow Machine
Queenstown | 7–10 September
Clear your calendars an epic four-day ski festival is coming to Queenstown this September and you're going to want a spot. Ski the stunning Remarkables and Coronet Peak by day, partying it up with your fave DJs at the two epic mountain après stages and then shredding down the mountain to continue the party in Queenstown by night. Can life get much better? We think not. The Avalanches, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Sneaky Sound System and The Presets are just some of the awesome acts that will be taking to the slopes and that's just to name a few. So if it's sick beats and views of Queenstown's idyllic peaks that you're after then be sure to book pronto. Après awaits!
Art in the Park 2022
Eden Park | 8-11 September
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.
Auckland Live Cabaret Season
The Civic | 14-25 September
Spice up your month with a spot of Cabaret as Auckland Live’s Cabaret season is brought to life— the raunchy season promises to light up our city and social calendars with splendour. With everything from live performances to much-loved flicks like Moulin Rouge, live music from Holly Smith, and everything in between. There’s a tantalising line-up of acts in store to delight all, so sit back, grab a cocktail at the secret piano bar and prepare to be blown away.
World Of WearableArt (WOW) Awards Show
Wellington | 29 September–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 is going to be bigger and better than ever before 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.
What's On In Auckland In October
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 exhibition 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.
Image credit: Chester Wade, Hey Macarena, KFC, Auckland Museum, Auckland Art Gallery.