Weekends In The City Centre

19 - 21 SEP, 2025:

The Monster in the Maze | 19 - 20 SEP | $25 - $45

The myth of the Minotaur is an ancient storytelling itself, but with The Monster in the Maze, Jonathan Dove and Alisdair Middleton have unearthed rich, new life from this classic. Under the bold direction of Anapela Polataivao, this groundbreaking opera reimagines the legend like never before and you will not want to miss it!

Park Hyatt Auckland's 5th Anniversary Celebration | 15 - 21 SEP | Various prices

Park Hyatt Auckland celebrates five years of exceptional luxury and local connection, and you're invited! Join in on the celebration this September featuring exclusive events and curated experiences across multiple venues, all overseen by Executive Chef Brent Martin, who leads the culinary vision across every outlet.

Pirate For a Day Sailing | 20 SEP | From $20pp

Don your finest pirate attire and climb aboard Ted Ashby, where Captain Jean the Pirate Queen will be leading her scurvy crew on a high-seas adventure. Channel your inner Jack Sparrow and learn to natter like a salty sailor as we set sail on the Waitematā in search of treasure.

Bar Albert Celebrates Three Years of Elevated Cocktails | 2 - 21 SEP | Free entry

Bar Albert marks three years of sky-high cocktails and unforgettable nights — and you’re invited to join the party. One lucky guest each evening will get the chance to unlock one of their legendary liquor cabinets. Behind those doors? Think beyond whiskey — you could unlock Sydney staycays, Queenstown escapes, and luxe Auckland city getaways.

Solstice at Commercial Bay | 18 - 21 SEP | Free

Solstice returns to Commercial Bay with four days of fashion, music, food, and summer celebrations — a vibrant festival of style, flavour, and energy.

Running into the Sun | 16 - 20 SEP | $17 - $30

It’s graduation night. Ash and Mary discover they are pregnant. A flash flood hits their hometown. The war crimes overseas accelerate and become more horrifying. Don't miss this high-octane performance with two actors, a three-piece jazz band and four contemporary dancers.

26 - 28 SEP, 2025:

We The Young | 16 - 28 SEP | Free

This inclusive festival celebrates young people and their loved ones and will feature over 19 live performances, creative workshops, interactive art experiences and FREE outdoor fun over the September school holiday period.

Negroni Week in the City Centre | 22 - 28 SEP | Various prices

Sip, savour, celebrate - Negroni Week is taking over the heart of the city with classic pours, bold twists, and an unforgettable cocktail experience.

Chocolate and Coffee Festival | 27 - 28 SEP | Various prices

New Zealand's biggest celebration of chocolate, coffee and tasty treats is back at Viaduct Events Centre. Join 6,000 fellow foodies for a flavour-packed festival where you can taste, shop and discover the latest creations from New Zealand's finest craft, artisan, and boutique producers.

Club Twilight | 27 SEP | $16.73 - $22.91

Whether you're Team Edward or Team Jacob, get ready to relive the saga with Call Me Maybe DJs spinning tracks from the iconic soundtracks and era-defining hits all night long. Plus, enjoy food and drinks to keep the party going.

Mixology Masterclass | 26 SEP | $70pp

Learn how to shake, stir and pour three signature cocktails with the Tapestry Bar team. Be guided step-by-step through the art of cocktail making, from selecting ingredients to garnishing and serving your drinks. Led by an expert bartender, you’re guaranteed a blend of knowledge, fun and plenty of laughs.

A Century of Modern Art | 26 - 28 SEP | $70pp

The last weekend to immerse yourself in the special winter exhibition at The Auckland Art Gallery, offering a sweeping survey of visionary painters who transformed modern art.

3 - 5 OCT, 2025:

Checkmate | 3 - 5 OCT | Free

Step onto a giant chessboard in Aotea Square and take your school holidays to the next level with Checkmate – an immersive installation featuring 14 towering pieces. Part of this year’s We The Young festival, it’s a vibrant, larger-than-life experience that invites friends, whānau and visitors of all ages to play, connect and create memories in the heart of the city.

Ocean Odyssey: Cruising the Pacific | 3 OCT | $5 per child

All aboard for a school holiday adventure at the New Zealand Maritime Maritime Museum. Step back in time and explore the Pacific through fun, hands-on activities. Craft a colourful garland lei, plot your course across Pacific islands, hunt for souvenirs, and discover the world of old-school cruise ship fun, right here on shore. Perfect for ages 5–10.

Winetopia | 3 & 4 OCT | from $45

Winetopia returns for its 10th birthday, bringing together 50 of New Zealand’s finest wineries for the ultimate two-day celebration. With tastings, winemaker stories, live music, and plenty of laughter hosted by Ben Hurley, it’s a vibrant party no wine lover will want to miss.

Tami Neilson | 4 OCT | $89-$139

Country powerhouse Tami Neilson brings her Neon Cowgirl tour to Auckland this October, fresh off a whirlwind year of global festivals, a European tour, and the release of her acclaimed new album. With her soaring voice and electrifying stage presence, Neilson promises an unforgettable night that cements her place among country music’s greats.

High Tea at Sea | 5 OCT | from $50pp

Savour a relaxing journey and a delicious afternoon high tea as you take in the beauty of the Waitematā Harbour aboard heritage vessel Nautilus. With a maximum of just six guests, this intimate experience offers a rare opportunity to explore the water in style aboard a vintage vessel.

Weta Workshop Unleashed: Heroes & Villains Sculpting | 3 - 5 OCT | $29-$45pp

Calling all young adventurers! This spring school holidays, join a thrilling The Bad Guys-inspired workshop at Wētā Workshop Unleashed—packed with creativity, imagination, and epic fun.

10 - 12 OCT, 2025:

HIYOGA Party Pilates | 10 OCT | $28.92

Kick off your Friday with a mood-boosting sweat session at HIYOGA. HIYOGA's Party Pilates blends low-impact, high-intensity moves with energizing beats—all in the warmth of a heated studio.

BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival | 11 - 12 OCT | Free

The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival returns on 11–12 October 2025, transforming Aotea Square, Queen Street and Rutland Street into a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and community. Enjoy live performances, delicious vegetarian food, workshops, and a spectacular fireworks finale in this family-friendly, smoke-free and alcohol-free event.

Written by Wolves | 11 OCT | from $15-$25

Written By Wolves mark 10 years with their biggest show yet at Auckland’s Q Theatre, promising a night of high-energy performance, storytelling and celebration. With a live string section, backing vocalists and world-class production, this all-ages event will be a milestone moment in the band’s history - tickets are limited.

Rob Beckett - Giraffe | 10 OCT | $79.90 - $89.90

Rob Beckett hits the road in 2025 with his brand-new stand-up tour Giraffe, taking his quick wit and cheeky humour worldwide. Star of Rob & Romesh Vs, Smart TV, and hit podcast Parenting Hell, he promises a night of laughs that’ll leave you happier than when you arrived.

Dracula | 10 - 11 OCT | $65 - $130

Dracula delivers ballet at its darkest, set to Tchaikovsky, Bach, Stravinsky and Rachmaninov in a haunting tale of desire, torment and immortality. Choreographed by Joel Burke, it features a powerhouse cast from world-renowned ballet companies - an unmissable two-hour performance destined to be love at first bite.

More to see, do and love...

Auckland Theatre Company's 2025 Programme 

Auckland Theatre Company’s 2025 season is a thrilling showcase of storytelling, blending iconic works like Romeo and Juliet and Murder on the Orient Express with bold new voices and Kiwi narratives. With six dynamic productions spanning mystery, history, comedy, and drama, this programme promises to captivate and challenge audiences throughout the year  

Auckland Philharmonia 2025 Programme

The Auckland Philharmonia's 2025 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 the fiery drama of La traviata to the sweeping sounds of Hans Zimmer, this programme promises unforgettable experiences for every kind of music lover. 

The Royal New Zealand Ballet's 2025 Programme

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2025 programme is a bold fusion of tradition and innovation, showcasing timeless classics like The Nutcracker alongside powerful new works rooted in Aotearoa’s stories and landscapes. 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