And now, back to your regular scheduled programming of the very best things to do with your week.

Whether you're on track to becoming your group's weekly quizmaster, or just want to master sourdough—I've got you sorted with what's going on out there in the big wide world.

And if you're flat out this working week, then check out what’s on this weekend with my expertly selected smorgasbord of good sh*t to do.

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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

By The Fire

August | Various Venues | Various Pricing

Image credit: Grape & Olive  | Instagram

Things are getting heated at Auckland's Viaduct this month, with the launch of the first-ever By The Fire festival. Described as 'a curated, precinct-wide celebration of warmth, ritual, and connection, all inspired by the elemental power of fire,' this festival runs throughout August and features themed eats and drinks from many of the area's best dining destinations. Look out for Hello Beasty's food cart, serving dishes hot off the hibachi grill—an ember-charred, flame-grilled, smoke-infused lunch courtesy of Esther—and warming winter cocktails from the likes of Grape & Olive (pictured), Bivacco, and Frida Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar. Don't forget to also check out the incredible bonfire sculpture complete with log seating, crafted by local lighting genius, Angus Muir. —Kathryn Steane

Free & Budget-Friendly Events

Tafatolu

12–16 Aug | Basement Theatre | $

Image credit: Basement Theatre | supplied

Two best mates upset a pantheon of Polynesian gods. What could possibly go wrong? This mythic mash-up of music, mischief, and mighty warriors is a brand new physical theatre piece that dives into Pasifika mythology, friendship, and identity and is inspired by the traditional Samoan theatre style of fale aitu. "Avisceral, musical, and physical adaptation of the stories passed down from our tupuna, tuaā, and fanga-kui", it's got a whole lotta heart, and it's courtesy of a bunch of some very inspiring creatives showcasing their talents at the one and only Basement Theatre.

Live Comedy at Saint Alice

13 August | St Alice | $

Image credit: Saint Alice | Instagram

Saint Alice on a Wednesday? Live comedy at Saint Alice? Live Comedy at Saint Alice on a Wednesday? When did school nights get so damn good? I'll tell ya when: next week.

Food And Drink Events

Easy Everyday Sourdough Workshop

12 August | Ora aroha Studio | $$

Image credit: Amy Humphries

Every weekend, I say I'm going to have a crack at some homemade sourdough. Every weekend, I'm told it's much harder than I think. What's all this nonsense about starters from ancient Egyptian yeast, anyway? I guess I'll just check out Ora aroha Studio's Easy Everyday Sourdough Workshop to save myself a bit of breadache...

Revelry's Tuesday Night Quiz Nights

Tuesdays | Revelry | Free Entry

Image credit: Revelry | Facebook

Here's another good shout for a schoolnight brain buster: Revelry’s Tuesday Quiz Night. Kicking off at 7pm, the quiz runs for about two hours, but we recommend heading straight there after work to get amongst their delish happy hour cocktails. Oh, and if you want to check out all our other top mid-week quiz night recs, then follow me here.

Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café's Diva High Tea

Now Running | Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café, Auckland War Memorial Museum | $$

Image credit: Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café | Vicki Young

If you haven’t been to the immersive glam and star-studded Diva exhibition at Auckland Museum, then this is your sign to go. Even better, go on late night (date night) Tuesdays and treat your inner diva with the Diva-themed high tea beforehand at Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café inside the museum. Enjoy three tiers of treats, with our fave bite from Chef Billy and the team being their super soft, eggy truffle mushroom roll—plus a tipple of choice, like house bubbles or a classic cocktail (say less). Bring yourself and the bestie, it’s $89 for two people (excluding your Diva exhibition ticket). Book here. - Vicki Young

Auckland Restaurant Month

August | Various Locations | $$-$$$

In case you hadn't already heard, August is Restaurant Month here in Auckland. In foodie speak, that means a whole lot of exclusive events to sink your teeth into along with menus at three price points ($30, $45, or $55+), each designed to deliver serious bang for your buck. As usual, eateries around the city are pulling out all the stops, with some of my fave offerings including a noodle crawl (why hasn't anyone thought of this sooner?), a 1920's speakeasy-style takeover of La Zeppa, and a collab between SOUL and Aussie Restaurant Bar of the Year 2024, Icebergs. — Kathryn Steane

Arts And Culture

Explorers - The Age of Discovery

13 August | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre | $$$

Image credit: James May | Instagram

You don't have to be a Top Gear fanatic to appreciate the understated brilliance of James Way. Similarly, you don't have to be a history buff to enjoy his latest live tour: Explorers - The Age of Discovery. From wandering hunters and gatherers to obsessive adventurers, May is set to theatrically present some breathtaking tales of humankind from Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre. And it's this Wednesday!

Young Gallery Night

15 August | Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | Free

Image credit: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki | website

Who says galleries are just for the gentile? Young Gallery Night at Auckland Art Gallery Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki flips the script with free entry, cool vibes, and a chance to soak up some serious creativity without feeling like you need a degree to understand it. Catered to 16-25 year olds, it's a night of full immersion featuring a screenprinting workshop, fashion showcase, dance performances and a couple of top-notch food trucks.

By The Fire

All August | Viaduct Harbour | $-$$$

Image Credit: Hello Beasty | supplied

Winter is seriously bringing the vibes to Viaduct Harbour this August with By the Fire—a glowing celebration of all things warm, toasty, and delicious. Think glowing light installations, fire-grilled eats, spiced cocktails, and soul-soothing wellness moments, all set against Auckland’s dreamy waterfront.

Expect fiery art from light maestro Angus Muir (yes, including a giant sculptural bonfire), free outdoor wellness sessions like dynamic yoga and HIIT Pilates with SALA every Saturday morning, and flame-grilled skewers served street-side by Hello Beasty. Meanwhile, Viaduct Harbour's restaurants like Esther, Frida Cocina, Grape & Olive, Bivacco and more are dishing up limited-edition fire-licked menus and cocktails with a kick.

Need a proper winter wind-down? Hit Sofitel for a hot stone massage or level up your staycay with QT’s wintery Nama-stay package. More details here.

World Press Photo Exhibition

'Til 24 August | 131 Queen Street (New Venue Due To Smith & Caughey's Closure) | $/$$

Image credit: Tomek Dersu Aaron

New venue, same dates, same jaw-dropping imagery. The prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition has returned 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.

Rainy Day Activities

Enamoured Books x Turua Gallery: Between the Lines

'Til 18 August & 14 August | Enamoured Books | $-$$$

Image credit: Enamoured Books | Instagram 

Enamoured Books are seriously killing the events game this year, and the next couple of weeks are no different, with a double-header of events embracing the nude form. First up is a collection of ink figurative works from Dominique Marriot, showing 'til 18 August, with works also for sale on Turua Gallery's website. Next is a life drawing class with Dominique on 14 August, with limited spaces available and all materials provided.

Coming Soon 

Marble Cinematic Universe

19 & 20 Aug | Basement Theatre Studio | Free

Image credit: Basement Theatre | supplied

One man. One marble. One overhead projector. This wordless hero’s journey will be brought to life with lo-fi magic, live illusions, and enough charm to keep the whole whanau entertained. It's another totally grassroots and totally free (thanks, Auckland Council), piece of creativity (thanks Adam Rohe) showing at our most favourite venue (thanks Basement). But seats are limited, so get a bookin'.

MARY: The Birth of Frankenstein

19 August-7 September | ASB Waterfront Theatre | $$

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.

Midtown Street Party: NZ Fashion

21 August | Atrium on Elliot outside Bed Bath & Beyond, The Strand Arcade & Darby Street | Free

Image credit: OurAuckland | website

The hottest midweek street party of the month is back next Thursday, and it's all about NZ Fashion. Packing out The Strand Arcade, Elliott Street, and Elliott Stables are an expert selection of local live DJs, a makers market, cosy crochet workshops and the opportunity to don your boldest jumper and join the Jump(er) on a Bike parade along Victoria Street’s new cycleway, finishing with hot drinks and a few cheeky prizes. Free entry, free bike valet, and plenty of midwinter magic.

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.

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 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.

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: OurWhisky Foundation.

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