Another week of fun-fuelled events is upon us.
This week show your support for Kiwi's mental wellbeing, get your hands dirty at a pottery class, take a trip to the Coromandal, indulge in some sweet tunes, unleash your inner child at a LEGO wonderland 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 A Little Messy At A Pottery Class
Mairangi Arts Centre | Monday 8 August
We don't know about you, but we’re always up for learning new things. Get your creative juices flowing at a pottery class at Mairangi Arts Centre. While it may not be like the scene from Ghost that everyone dreams about, it'll certainly be heaps of fun. Don't worry you don't need to have any previous pottery experience—this workshop is all about embracing the new. So, get a little messy and book your pot slot now.
Paint Yourself A Piece Of Art Fit For Your Mantlepiece
Dr Rudi's | Tuesday 9 August
Paint yourself a piece of art fit for your mantlepiece all while sipping on a cheeky vino or two. It's simple, take a brush in one hand, a drink in the other, and create a dream getaway to the Coromandal at Paintvine's Paint and Wine Night this Tuesday. You don't have to be Van Gogh to join in the fun, in fact, no previous painting experience is necessary—so get your creative juices flowing and your brush strokes going.
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.
Unleash Your Inner Child At This Epic Lego Playground
Westfield Newmarket | Wednesday 10-14 August
Aucklanders, you’re in for a treat. LEGO New Zealand will be celebrating 90 years of play by turning Westfield Newmarket into the ultimate playground from 10-14 August. Get amongst the fun and watch as your fave Minifigures come to life and don’t forget to collect your complimentary LEGO sample pack. Who said LEGO was just for kids? Whoever they are, they’re wrong.
Kick Back And Indulge In Some Sweet Melodies
Hoppers Garden Bar | Thursday 11 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.
Experience The Magic Of Tanabata At MASU
MASU | Until 13 August
Tanabata is in full swing over at MASU. The CBD fave has partnered with Haku Vodka to bring the traditional Japanese festival (also known as the star festival) to life. The restaurant underwent a two-day refit to look the part, with thousands of lights, fukinagashi streamers and customary bamboo wishing trees all part of the festivities. Immerse yourself even further with a bite from their new Fuyu (winter) menu, and cocktails created especially for the occasion by award-winning mixologist Akira Ohki. See you there, star lovers.
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+.
Sticky Fingers
The Trusts Arena | 12 August
Australian band Sticky Fingers have been wowing audiences over the past few years with their Indie-Rock fan-favourite anthems and are now set to shake things up with their new album, Lekkerboy, at The Trusts Arena this month. It's their first time performing on NZ soil in years, so it's going to be an absolute blast. So, what are you waiting for? Get amongst the fun and watch the guys work their magic.
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.
The Great Comedy Debate
Q Theatre | 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.
Gentleman—The Best Of Chris Parker
Q Theatre | 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 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
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!
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: KFC, Auckland Museum, Auckland Art Gallery.