Unmissable Family-Friendly Fun this Winter

Whanau-Friendly at Auckland Writer's Festival

A New Light | Various Locations | 16, 17 & 18 May | Free

To celebrate the city of stories that Tāmaki becomes during AWF, award-winning designer Marcus McShane will weave his bike-bound projector through the city’s streets and alleyways, casting on to its architecture Festival writers’ words that capture the beauty of daybreak and nightfall, each Festival day.

This is a cycle-led projection route around the inner city that can be followed at walking pace. The full route will last about 1 hour, and attendees are welcome to join for its entirety, or drop in/out. Starting Aotea Square and clockwise loop through the city centre. 

The Tiny Show | 17 & 18 MAY | The Herald Theatre | $16

Welcome to The Tiny Show! Meet a quiet clown and her troupe of toys as she recounts fables and tales. This clown can sing, dance and eat pink wafers like no one else.

Encounter a jealous witch, a lonely wolf and a very sorry piggy. Be dazzled with sassy looks and spine-tingling harmonies. Grab a teddy and lean in close for a tiny, intimate theatre show for the whole family to enjoy.

Pukapuka Adventures | Aotea Centre | 17-18 MAY | Free

Auckland Writer's Festival have a jam-packed programme of free events for families to share magical moments and ignite imaginations! With action stations, weaving workshops, storytelling in the reading caves, craft tables, prizes and more, it's the perfect spot for kids big and small to get their creativity and craft on, all weekend

Get Your Groove On for Music Month

Music In The City Centre | All month, various times | Free

Local talent is taking over the streets with live performances every Wednesday and Friday afternoon in the city. Catch Rumpus Machine outside JB Hi-Fi and smooth jazz tones from Joe Kaptain and Fruju Peak in Vulcan Lane. New Zealand bands will play in Real Groovy and local singer-songwriters will pop up across Elliott Street, Wellesley Street, Queen Street and more. Join on Wednesdays and Fridays 12 – 1:30pm and 4:30 – 6pm.

Mighty | 27–30 May | Free

Step into Mighty - a 10-foot container transformed into an intimate theatre in the heart of Te Komititanga. With a ticket booth, red carpet, and velvet-draped interior, this pocket-sized venue sets the stage for unforgettable one-song performances.

The lineup is stacked with some of Aotearoa’s most talented musicians, but there’s a twist—you won’t know who you’re seeing until you step inside. With space for just a handful of people at a time, Mighty offers a rare, up-close encounter with live music in its purest form. Line up, step in, and experience the magic of music in a whole new way.

Rhythm Nation with Te Whare Kairoi  | Every Saturday in May, 11am - 12pm | Free

Join us every Saturday in May at Te Wharekura and surrounding Te Wānanga for a vibrant, interactive performance celebrating Māori music and movement as part of NZ Music Month. Led by Te Whare Karioi, from the heart of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, these free, whānau-friendly events invite you to connect with Tāmaki Makaurau’s rich whakapapa through live performance and hands-on experiences. Feel the pulse of the haka, hear the call of ancient instruments, and move to the rhythm of poi.

Festivals & Street Parties

Africa Day | The Bases, Wynyard Quarter | 24 MAY | 10AM - 6PM | Free

The bright colours and irresistible beats of Africa are coming to The Bases Wynyard Quarter! Each year, the African Communities Forum Inc (ACOFI) coordinates Africa Day. With a packed lineup of talented artists with strong connections to Africa, dance, markets and some of Tāmaki Makaurau's tastiest food stalls, you won't want to miss this chance to immerse in all things Africa.

Midtown Street Party | Elliott Street, Darby Street & Strand Arcade | 15 MAY| 5PM-9PM | Free

This May, Midtown is throwing a street party for everyone with fresh tracks and the best of Auckland’s homegrown musicians on repeat. Celebrate NZ Music Month with live DJs spinning slick beats in the Strand, an epic merch market and a rare exhibition of archival photography from some of NZ's most popular artists from the 80s to present day. Don’t miss special sets from Jack Moser, Club Ruby, Hales, Sandy Mill & DJ Dean Webb, Joshua Duting and more across the night.

Streetside | Takutai Square | 9 MAY | Free 

This year, mark your diaries for Friday 9 May as Tāmaki Makaurau’s writers, storytellers, musicians and more take over BRITOMART for a riotous evening of words and creativity and declare the city ‘open’ for the packed bookish days ahead. It’s energetic, it’s surprising, it’s fun, and it’s a dedicated celebration of our city’s incredible artistic scene that’s free and open to all to be part of.