Located in prime position at 67 Customs Street East, SO/ Auckland occupies the former Reserve Bank and home of the countryâs...
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.
This tucked away cafe on High Street has indoor and outdoor seating and a menu with seriously enticing options.
Your destination for extraordinary, New York Style cookies.
An underground, urban collection of facials, body rituals and massages.
9 - 11 OCT, 2026
Sky High | 9 OCT | $50
Following a sold-out debut over King's Birthday Weekend, Sky High returns to Queens Rooftop this October for another late-night celebration of world-class music, city views and dancefloor energy.
Picasso: Designed by Paul Smith | 10 OCT, 2026 - 1 FEB, 2027 | $21 - $85
Picasso like youâve never seen him before. Encounter the Blue and Rose periods, Cubism, portraits of family and friends, and more in the first solo exhibition of Picassoâs work in Aotearoa New Zealand in more than 30 years.
Eatropolis | 10 OCT | $12 - $32
Food lovers rejoice, Auckland's newest culinary festival Eatropolis is coming to town at Shed 10! Eatropolis is the ultimate tasting menu: Iconic eats, and award-winning flavours all under one roof.
Unmissable We the Young Shows
Motuhake| 8 - 10 OCT | $15 - $65
When a young boy discovers some marionettes in his grandfatherâs attic, the dusty puppets suddenly spring to life! Armed with a magical umbrella and a set of mighty moves, his newfound friends lead him on a transformative journey to overcome his fear and conquer his dreams of being on the stage. Stronger together and best friends forever!
Betsy Balloon and the Very Great Terrible Flood| 10 - 11 OCT | $12 - $45
Welcome to the island of Helium where Betsy lives with her balloon-factory-owning family. Theyâre cheerful, a bit money-mad and life is on the up. But when the tide turns against balloons, their world pops. Betsy must start a new life in a faraway city with her eccentric uncle, Hercules Snark, an inventor of mostly half-finished things. Betsy Balloon is a rambunctious modern fable with original music and illustration based on a story by Bill Manhire.
The Imaginarium | 10 - 11 OCT | $12 - $45
The Imaginarium returns after a sold-out run last year, now expanded into special two-day experience. This year's theme, Our Natural World invites you to forage, adventure, dream, and connect with the beauty and possibilities of the world around us, as you explore interactive sensory environments and hands-on creative experiences.
New in the city
Offering karaoke, private rooms, and a bar, make Bibi your new go-to catch up spot.
Your neighbourhood wellness smoothie and beverage shop with menu items like cold foam drinks, smoothies, high-protein...
An outdoor plaza bar in the heart of the city serving selected wines, beer, cocktails and seasonal nibbles designed for...
Cartier is a luxury brand founded in 1847 specializing in high jewelry, jewelry, timepieces & accessories.
Noel Leeming returns to Queen Street with first concept store featuring expert demonstrations, gaming events, product...
Crusty baguette. Cracking fillings. Vietnamese soul. Simply walk in, order ahead or get it delivered!
Fan-favourite, Maggie Bakery opens on 59 High Street, offering fresh cakes, aromatic coffee, warm bakes and a brand-new space...
At 33 South, the flavors of Aotearoa are inspired by its farms, forests, and fjords.
The Halligan offers a new place to experience Auckland after dark; one shaped by the stories of the city and designed for the...
An intimate cocktail bar and dining experience from the team behind Tony's Steakhouse at Wellesley Street.
Perched 15 levels above the city, Aka is Australasiaâs largest outdoor rooftop dining space,
combining panoramic 260-degree...
Premium European-inspired sandwich deli specialising in artisan sandwiches made with house-baked breads, high-quality...
Lumi cafe is a careâdriven space that serves thoughtfully prepared meals, precisionâcrafted coffee, and premium drinks...
With its central location and relaxed setting, Barrel N Burger is a convenient choice for those looking to enjoy a satisfying...
Good tapas, great cocktails, and a room full of good people.
Eighty Fed is an innerâcity space that delivers the kind of fast cafĂ© experience people working or staying in the CBD need.
A new French bistronomic restaurant located in the heart of Auckland CBD. The food at Angéline is inspired by modern French...
The team at Cracker Bay invite you to experience the best of New Zealand food and wine in an unparalleled location, Bravo at...
Serving fresh coffee and award-winning gelato around the Civic Building.
16 - 18 OCT, 2026
Björn Again |17 OCT | $66 - $91
The only ABBA-endorsed tribute show hits the stage for one spectacular night that is bound to be a Super Trouper celebration of ABBAâs timeless discography. Expect all the classics âSOS, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! âplus ballads like The Winner Takes It All, Fernando, and Knowing Me, Knowing You, performed with incredible musicianship, a cheeky sense of humour, and that signature Björn Again magic.
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.
Get lost in a market
Saturdays, 8AM - 2PM
The weekly Britomart Saturday Market returns every Saturday to Takutai Square.
Second Saturday of each month
Share in the culture, music, dances and food of Latin America at this market taking place in Freyberg Place the second...
FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS | 2 - 11PM
Visit the Silo Park Food Market at Jellicoe Road, open Fridays to Sundays! Bring the family, bring your friends and bring...
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From artisan fares to the best Auckland night markets, enjoy the city centre's diverse outdoor market culture.
23 - 25 OCT, 2026
Viva La Diva | 23 OCT | $145
Join Beast & Butterflies at M Social Hotel Auckland for a high-energy waterfront party packed with unlimited drinks, mouth-watering buffet favourites, a live BBQ station, dazzling performers, upbeat live music, dancing, games, and incredible prize giveaways.
Jesus Christ Superstar | 21 OCT - 15 NOV | $63.72 - $162.61
Live at the Civic, Jesus Christ Superstar explores the biblical portrayal of the extraordinary events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles among Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesusâ disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.
Picasso: Designed by Paul Smith | 10 OCT - 1 FEB | $21 - $85
See over 80 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and ceramics from one of the worldâs most influential artists, Pablo Picasso. The exhibition brings together celebrated works from the MusĂ©e national PicassoâParis in a special collaboration with legendary British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith.
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.
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:
05 October 2026