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's Cantina's 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.
18 - 20 SEP, 2026
Poumatua Festival | 17 - 19 SEP | $10
A three-day celebration of the birth of TÄmaki Makaurau Auckland. Experience spectacular kapa haka, inspiring stories, vibrant markets, authentic MÄori culture and unforgettable entertainment as we celebrate Aucklandâs past, present and future
Bach Musica NZ - Rhythm and Repose | 20 SEP | $45.88 - $91.76
A celebration of French music spanning three centuries, from the elegance of the Baroque era to the lyrical beauty of the early 20th century. Conducted by Vincent Hardaker, it promises an evening of captivating music and outstanding performance.
JOB | 3 - 20 SEP | $25 - $75
Sheâs a tech girlie with a heavy tote bag. Heâs the therapist deciding if sheâs safe to go back to work. She says sheâs fine. He says heâs listening. What should be a simple psych evaluation spirals into power, panic, and doubt. JOB is funny, devastating, and impossible to walk away from without wanting to argue about it.



Emerson | 18 SEP | $18 - $23
Fresh from a run of Australian shows and the release of her debut EP Leap!, Auckland alt-pop artist Emerson returns home for a headline show at The Tuning Fork. Blending infectious pop hooks, honest songwriting and a high-energy live show, Emerson is quickly emerging as one of Aotearoaâs most exciting new pop voices
Celebrate 50 years of Porsche | 20 SEP | Free
Celebrate 50 years of Porsche in NZ with a showcase of more than 200 remarkable vehicles. From the iconic Gulf-liveried 917 KH, flown in from the Porsche Museum, to the all-new Cayenne Electric, the event brings together five decades of Porsche history, innovation and performance.
Sounds Fun For Kids with Suzy Cato & Loopy Tunes | 20 SEP | $12 - $45
Celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo MÄori with a fun-filled morning of waiata, kanikani, and family entertainment. With craft activities for kids after the show and pastries and snacks available from the Tuning Fork barista, it's a fantastic outing for the whole whÄnau.



25 - 27 SEP, 2026
Cabaret | 22 SEP - 18 OCT | $45 - $145
One of the most iconic musicals of all time, with eight Tony Awards, Cabaret is spectacularly remade for the ASB Waterfront Theatre stage with a dazzling cast of New Zealandâs finest musical theatre performers.
The Pearl Fishers | 23 SEP - 10 OCT | $40.27 - $264.05
From the composer of Carmen, Bizetâs early masterpiece The Pearl Fishers returns to New Zealand stages for the first time in 24 years. In a bold new co-production between NZ Opera and State Opera South Australia, this striking staging is set at an exclusive resort, where image, influence and ambition shape every decision.
POPS! | 25 SEP - 11 OCT | Free
A colourful interactive art installation filled with quirky characters, vibrant patterns and larger-than-life personalities. Wander among the glowing POPS, snap a photo with your favourite and experience the joy of play, day or night.



Joseph & The Technicolor Dreamcoat | 26 SEP - 10 OCT | $58 - $80
A vibrant reimagining of the beloved musical classic, featuring an all-Kiwi cast, exhilarating choreography and powerhouse vocals. Packed with colour, optimism and iconic songs, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a joyful celebration of hope, resilience and the power of dreams.
Chocolate and Coffee Festival | 26 - 27 SEP | $10 - $15
New Zealand's biggest celebration of chocolate, coffee, and tasty treats is back and better than ever at the Viaduct Events Centre! Join 6,500 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 producer
Jason Derulo | 27 SEP | $166.93 - $412.75
Global pop sensation Jason Derulo brings The Last Dance World Tour to New Zealand, delivering hit songs, spectacular choreography and unforgettable live entertainment. Expect an action-packed show from one of the most dynamic performers in contemporary pop.



More to see, do and love...
Auckland Theatre Company
Auckland Theatre Companyâs 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 Balletâs 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.



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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