Designed as an urban slice of coastal paradise, Sienna invites locals and
travellers alike to enjoy zesty comfort food...
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.
Silly season's here!
21 - 23 NOV, 2025
The Giant Christmas Tree Is Lighting Up! | 23 NOV | Free
Te Manaaki — Auckland's giant Christmas tree is ready to illuminate Te Komititanga in lower Queen Street with over 10,000 sparkling LED lights for the second time!
The free festive event kicks off with an exciting lineup featuring Sharyn Casey, Drax Project and the Auckland Youth Choir — each bringing their own special touch to the evening. Families, friends and whānau are encouraged to get in early to experience the entertainment and enjoy an evening out in the city.
There will be plenty of great vantage points to view the tree and be part of the event, both within Te Komititanga square and Commercial Bay.
Pixies | 23 & 24 NOV | $109 - $119
Alt-rock legends, Pixies performs two consecutive nights at Auckland Town Hall. 35 years since their groundbreaking Platinum-certified album Doolittle catapulted the band into the UK Top Ten, and 20 years since their celebrated reformation at Coachella, Pixies are deep into their second act, and in the midst of a creative purple patch.
Bubbles and BLUSH | 22 NOV | $95pp
Step into an enchanting afternoon where petals meet bubbles and creativity blooms. Join Huami's Perrier-Jouët Garden Bar for an unforgettable celebration where art, nature, and flavour intertwine with champagne and fresh florals. Ticket includes a guided fresh floral workshop, take home gifts, a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne and a hand-crafted dim sum basket.
Black Grace | 21 NOV | $45 - $99
Black Grace celebrates 30 years of groundbreaking dance with a compelling double bill that bridges generations. Witness the world premiere of If Ever There Was A Time by Founding Artistic Director Neil Ieremia, ONZM, paired with Paul Taylor’s iconic Esplanade, marking its 50th anniversary in a tribute to legacy and innovation.
Femmes and Thems Comedy | 18 - 22 NOV | Choose what you pay
After a sold-out hit at the Best Foods Mayo NZ International Comedy Festival, Femmes & Thems Comedy is back at Basement Theatre—showcasing an electrifying lineup of women and gender-nonconforming comedians from across Aotearoa. Expect bold, brilliant, and boundary-pushing laughs all night long.
Stitching Anew | 22 & 23 NOV | Free
Join Prairie Hatchard-McGill in crafting a fabric collage, inspired by Louise Bourgeois’s work with textiles and her efforts to process difficult emotions through the act of stitching.
Wood carving workshop with Chevron Hassett | 22 NOV | $25 - $40
Using salvaged totara floorboards as an extension of Hassett’s sculptural installation in The Changing Room, this hands-on workshop will explore how to engrave and stain wood, allowing participants to take a piece of the exhibition Aroha Ki Te Tangata home with them.
Your foodie journey starts here
28 - 30 NOV, 2025
ARTT-CITO | 30 NOV | Fom $17pp
Cine Foro Society's combining Latin American art with New Zealand flair in ARTT-CITO, a blend of art and tea in Spanish. What to expect - an art exhibition of wonderful pieces of works by talented artists based in Auckland, a music line up with sounds from Aotearoa and beyond, delicious pizzas by Lollo’s, and a signature refreshing iced tea.
Black Abstraction and the Politics of Joy | 29 NOV | Free
As part of Pop to Present, this special conversation brings together three dynamic Black artists and scholars — Elizabeth Freeman, Kainee Simone, and Erykah Jennette as they explore resistance and repair in abstraction, examining how Black artists have shaped and expanded post-war movements through acts of imagination, defiance, and joy.
Good vs Wicked Brunch | 29 NOV | $79pp
To celebrate the release of Wicked: For Good, Saint Alice is hosting a wicked brunch down at the Viaduct for just $79pp. Expect two hours of roaming live entertainment (think live Glinda and Elphaba), themed teapot cocktails, bubbles or beer, with pastries & fruit on arrival, followed by your choice of our wickedly good brunch dishes.
The Wizard of Oz | 28 - 30 NOV | $25 - $52
The National Youth Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz, an enchanting musical adapted from the classic MGM screenplay — celebrating its 86th birthday. Featuring beloved songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score including Somewhere Over the Rainbow, We’re Off to See the Wizard and If I Only Had a Brain, this is the perfect event for the whole family.
Christmas Jewellery Workshop | 29 NOV | $95pp
Get into the holiday spirit and join in an exclusive Christmas Jewellery Workshop at Paname Social. This one-of-a-kind event is the perfect way to create beautiful, handmade jewellery pieces while sipping on a festive cocktail and enjoying delicious desserts.
Best Christmas Comedy Show on Earth | 28 NOV | $40 - $70
100’s of jokes, 1000’s of laughs, your favourite Festival line up show is back with a Christmas twist! Kick off your silly season with a selection of top Comedy Fest acts at this festive stand-up showcase hosted by the delightful Chris Parker!
5 - 7 DEC, 2025
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens | 2 - 7 DEC | $30 - $250
Shake & Stir’s award-winning stage spectacle A Christmas Carol is coming to town for the very first time. Journey with Ebenezer Scrooge, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future in a magical, music-filled family spectacle. A heartwarming tale of redemption and festive cheer that will light up your season.
Jimmy Rees | 5 DEC | $79 - $139
This December, for the very first time, Jimmy Rees brings his hilarious antics to Aotearoa – and it’s going to be In Reel Life! Whether you know him from TV, TikTok, or just love a good laugh, Jimmy’s quick wit and lovable energy are guaranteed to leave you grinning.
Two Another | 6 DEC | $49.90
Two Another, the Sydney-born duo of Eliot and Angus, weave electronic textures, alt-RnB grooves, and soulful melodies into a kaleidoscopic soundscape that resonates worldwide. With over a million monthly Spotify listeners, their music has become a global soundtrack.
New in the city
Fresh, healthy Mexican street food — every bite inspired by Mexico's vibrant food culture.
Escape the bustle of High Street and step into Holiday — where every sip feels like a getaway.
Nourish your body and energize your day with Fresh Roots, your new favourite spot for cold-pressed juices, smoothies...
New Zealand’s first-ever hotpot train — where sizzling broths and fresh ingredients glide past your table on a sleek conveyor...
ONGI offers Korean flavors reinterpreted with a modern, sophisticated twist, blending tradition and innovation in every dish...
Wander through Bar Ziti and you'll find Flush Golf, an urban golf club where you can sharpen your swing, share a meal, or...
Perfect for a pick-me-up, find EBIKEN on Wellesley Street serving up premium Japanese-inspired Takeaways.
Discover your new go-to for Italian flavours—relaxed bites, refreshing drinks, and now, Britomart’s latest hotspot for...
Step into TAIER for delicious Suancai & Fish (Sauerkraut Fish), and all kinds of classic Szechuan cuisine!
Taikin dishes out Takoyaki, Teppanyaki, and cold beer in a laid-back, interactive setting that invites you to join the fun.
Pie Rolla's crafts authentic, hand-made pies with rich all-butter pastry, blending time-honored recipes with a fresh, modern...
Check out this cosy capybara-themed ramen shop, where delightful decor meets delicious, flavorful bowls of ramen.
Your destination for extraordinary, New York Style cookies.
12 - 14 DEC, 2025
Come Together Big Bash | 12 DEC | $99 - $149
One stage. Two nations. One unforgettable night of rock. For one massive night, a supergroup of Aotearoa’s best rock musicians will unleash the biggest hits from both sides of the Tasman in an all-out end-of-year rock fest.
A Christmas Celebration with Auckland City Brass | 13 DEC | $25 - $45
There's nothing more festive than a brass band at Christmas, so get in to the spirit with Auckland City Brass - all in the beautiful surrounds of historic St Matthew-in-the-City.
My African Christmas Featuring Thabani Gapara | 14 DEC | $39
Join award-nominated saxophonist Thabani Gapara for My African Christmas — a joyful celebration of the festive season through the vibrant sounds of Africa.
Christmas of a Down | 13 DEC | $8 - $30
The rumours are true! Banana Terracotta Pie, New Zealand's preeminent gentle metal acoustic tribute trio, is back! Hayley Sproull, Jack Buchanan and Nicko Vella are here this silly season to spread their own type of Christmas cheer by playing the only Carols that count...downbeat acoustic covers of System of a Down songs.
Handel's Messiah | 14 & 15 DEC | $10 - $83
With its beautiful melodies that transcend its biblical text, Handel's Messiah speaks to us of hope and rebirth and renewal amidst life's trials and tribulations. Auckland Choral is delighted to bring you this work of dazzling soloists, rousing choruses and instrumental fireworks, celebrating with hope and inspiration for the coming year.
Made for your whānau
Get lost in a market
Article
From artisan fares to the best Auckland night markets, enjoy the city centre's diverse outdoor market culture.
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
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.
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Last updated:
26 August 2024