Dates
FRI, SAT & SUN

The city centre is your one-stop-shop for all things fun and fabulous!

Maximise your weekend with pop-up markets, live music, free events, family fun and more happening throughout our city centre, read on to see what's not to be missed this weekend. 

Your guide to the perfect city centre weekend

Whatever the occasion, the city centre is packed with ways to indulge. Check in for a night of luxury at SO/ Auckland, then ease into the day with brunch at Chuffed, where great coffee and vibrant murals set the scene. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat from Coco Lane, before returning to unwind with a blissful treatment at SO/ SPA. Round off your weekend with dinner at Bossi, where the famous Parmesan wheel pasta delivers the perfect finale.

13 - 15 NOV, 2026

Urban Art Village | 13 - 14 NOV | FREE

This November, Urban Art Village is back and bringing the buzz to its exciting new location: Te Komititanga! Step into a vibrant pop-up village filled with 16 imaginative and interactive structures, designed and built by talented students & graduates from the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Unitec, Whitecliffe and Victoria University, to explore themes of sustainability, technology, culture and community.

Flyte | 13 NOV | $60

Acclaimed UK indie band Flyte will bring their signature blend of heartfelt lyricism and melodic craftsmanship to Auckland for a special performance at The Tuning Fork. Renowned for their emotionally resonant songwriting and rich harmonies, Flyte have built a reputation as one of the UK’s most compelling contemporary acts

TAYLOR: A Tribute to the eras of Taylor Swift | 14 NOV | $59

Calling all Swifties - make a ‘sweet escape’ to the world of Taylor Swift with The Unofficial Tribute Show - TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music! Salute ‘Tay Tay’ and the indelible impact she’s had on Pop music with this joyous, effervescent concert experience, complete with sparkly costumes, cosmic stage production and over 20 exquisite renditions of Taylor’s biggest hits from every era of her career

Flyte
TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift SkyCity Theatre
UAV
Playing with Plants: kids' workshop | 14 NOV | FREE

Bring your whānau to the Emily Place Reserve for an interactive kid's workshop exploring the versatility of plants. Guided by Gardening the City facilitator Dorestie Liew (Āiotanga Trust), participating tamariki will learn about the properties of different plant life across this urban garden, and experiment with different forms of artmaking to create thoughtful impressions of their local environment.

Marathon | 12 NOV - 6 DEC | $25 - $80

Breathless. Sweaty. Hunched over and losing it. The crowd goes wild. It’s St. Louis, 1904, and the Olympic Games are still figuring out what the heck they’re doing. Thirty-two athletes get set at the start line. Drawn by the promise of glory, redemption and a medal awarded by the First Daughter, Alice Roosevelt, they have no earthly idea what they’ve signed up for. What follows is a perfect storm of incompetence, stupidity, betrayal, cheating, wild dogs and rat poison. Six of the best, boldest – and hopefully somewhat athletic – actors and comedians unite to run head-first into the chaos.

NZSO - Enigma | 14 NOV

Edward Elgar’s greatest masterpiece remains swathed in mystery. His Enigma Variations, a set of 14 variations on a theme you never actually hear, has been the subject of both intense scrutiny and great love, thanks to the compositional genius and throbbing heart pulsing in these compelling variations.

marathon
NZSO - Enigma
PLAYING WITH PLANTS

Your last weekend to see

20 - 22 NOV, 2026

Courtney Barnett | 20 NOV | $81.46 - $101.85

More than five years since her last sold-out New Zealand tour, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett brings her live show to Aotearoa, celebrating her newly released fourth studio album 'Creature of Habit’. Best known for her intimate storytelling and witty, anecdotal lyrics, Courtney uses music as her outlet to share her raw emotions and perspectives.

Asian Comedy Takeover | 20 NOV | $20 - $30

Get prepared for a night of laughs as The Asian Comedy Takeover returns for its final show of 2026! Featuring new, emerging and pro diverse voices from the Pan-Asian diaspora in New Zealand, these comics are here to take centre stage and thrive. Whether you're a comedy lover or looking for something different for your Friday night, gather your friends and prepare to be entertained!

80s Rock Night | 21 NOV | $15

Ding Dong Lounge is turning the clock back to the decade of big guitar solos, power ballads, hairspray and hard rock anthems with 80s Rock Night. Featuring live performances from Auckland 80s hard rock and glam metal tribute band Maskara, DJs spinning classic rock hits all night, 80s karaoke 12am to 2am, and prizes for the best 80s rock outfits, this is one not to be missed!

Flight of the Conchords | 21 NOV | $77 - $169

New Zealand’s favourite comedy duo, Flight of the Conchords, are coming home for their first national tour in 14 years. Bringing their brilliantly understated songs, unforgettable characters and uniquely Kiwi sense of humour home, expect an evening filled with laughs.

 

Courtney Barnett
80s Rock Night
Flight of the Conchords
Film | Pollywood Pasifika Film Festival 24 2026 | 21 NOV | Free

Celebrate 24 years of Pasifika storytelling on screen as the Pollywood Pasifika Film Festival returns to the Gallery for an afternoon of short films, conversation and connection. Expect thought-provoking storytelling that challenges perspectives, sparks conversation and stays with you long after the credits roll.

Whittaker's Christmas Workshop | 21 & 22 NOV | $20

This year, Whittaker’s is releasing its very own limited-edition Chocolate Lover’s Christmas Calendar, available exclusively at the Whittaker’s Christmas Workshop. Fill your own calendar with all your Whittaker's favourites for $20, with all proceeds donated to City Missions across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch to help those in need this festive season. Stock is limited, so make sure to get in quick!

CHI CHI After Dark | 21 NOV | $59.90

Sabrage Bar is bringing 70s disco flair with CHI CHI After Dark, a one-night-only disco celebration in partnership with CHI CHI Vodka. Featuring a martini on arrival, alongside cocktails and gourmet canapés served throughout the evening. With a live band, vinyl DJ and a dedicated CHI CHI photo booth, expect a night of music, style and celebration from start to finish.

Pollywood Film Festival
CHI CHI After Dark
Whittaker's Christmas

Get lost in a market

27 - 29 NOV, 2026

Two Door Cinema Club | 27 NOV | $130 - $233

An unmissable event for Indie music fans, take a trip back to a defining era of music as indie darlings Two Door Cinema Club perform their iconic debut album Tourist History in full, alongside their greatest hits. Their lineup includes special guests The Vaccines, who will also be performing their top hits.

Tunes 4 Tamariki: Kirihimete | 28 NOV | $15

Gather the family for some festive fun! Toi Time’s Jojo & Buzz are back to join the Auckland Phil for Tunes 4 Tamariki Kirihimete and this time they’re on the hunt for the perfect Christmas song! Join them as they sing, shimmy and shake through a live show brimming with festive singalongs, funky dancing and some silly surprises that will have you and your little ones bouncing in their seats!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid | 2 & 29 NOV | $35 - $66

Based on Jeff Kinney's internationally bestselling book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical is a witty, heartwarming and energetic production that captures the humour, awkwardness and triumphs of growing up. Featuring an outstanding cast of talented young performers from across the Auckland region, infectious songs and vibrant choreography, this delightful musical celebrates resilience, friendship and finding your place in the world.

Tunes 4 Tamariki Auckland Philharmonia
Farmers Santa Parade | 29 NOV | Free

Experience the magic of Christmas at the beloved Farmers' Santa Parade! This year’s Parade will feature grand floats, lively marching bands, treasured characters, and dazzling costumes. Plus, everyone’s favourite bear! Paddington, a brand-new Grinch float, bringing the mischievous spirit of Christmas to life, and the jolly man himself – Santa Claus!

Knead Pop-up Store | Until end of 2026

Knead at Britomart is a new pop-up from Knead on Benson. Included is a takeaway counter with pastries and sweet treats delivered from their Remuera bakery daily, alongside breakfast and lunch items made daily on site. An all-day menu will be served in the garden courtyard off Te Ara Tāhuhu for moments you want to soak in the sun.

Saturday Games Meetup | Every Saturday

Head to Dice & Fork for a relaxed board game session in Auckland, where enthusiasts, newcomers, friends, and families can all pull up a seat. Learn new games, enjoy a fun afternoon, make new friends, and create family memories along the way.

Knead at Britomart
Dice & Fork cafe

More to see, do and love...

Auckland Theatre Company

Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 season is a thrilling showcase of storytelling, blending iconic works like Macbeth and Murder on the Orient Express. With seven dynamic productions spanning mystery, history, comedy, and drama, this programme promises to captivate and challenge audiences throughout the year  

Auckland Philharmonia

The Auckland Philharmonia's 2026 season is a vibrant celebration of musical diversity, featuring world-class debuts, returning maestros and a rich blend of classical masterpieces and cinematic scores. From nostalgic music from Wizard of Oz to the magic sounds of John Williams, this programme promises unforgettable experiences for every kind of music lover. 

The Royal New Zealand Ballet

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2026 programme is a bold fusion of tradition and innovation, showcasing timeless classics like The Sleeping Beauty and Macbeth. Be swept away by an irrepressible current of inspiration, power and possibility. Under the visionary direction of Ty King-Wall, this season promises to enchant, challenge, and connect audiences through world-class artistry and uniquely Kiwi storytelling.

Auckland Philharmonia 2025
Auckland Theatre Company presents Macbeth
The Sleeping Beauty Royal New Zealand Ballet

Hey Weekend Lover!

Check back in with us regularly as we keep this Weekender page up to date with all of our top picks for your weekend want-to-do lists, from events through to markets this is your ultimate planning guide to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

With our finger on the pulse for the best parking rates and tips, plus details on public transport, click here to learn more. 

Last updated: 09 November 2026