Weekends In The City Centre

Father's Day | 7 SEP

Give dad a day to brag about 

Celebrate Father's Day by curating an unforgettable weekend of activities.

Father's Day Feast | SkyCity

SkyCity serves up a feast fit for every kind of Dad with exclusive menus and mouthwatering specials across its restaurants. From rich, buttery beef Wellington and succulent Peking duck pancakes to a generous all-you-can-eat buffet and smooth Macallan whiskey served with a stunning view—there’s a flavourful experience waiting for every appetite.

BBQ Smoke House & Luxe Spa | Pullman Auckland

Celebrate Father’s Day at Pullman Auckland with two unique ways to spoil dad. Indulge him in a flame-grilled feast at the BBQ Smoke House on Princes Terrace, complete with drinks and family-friendly entertainment. Or let him unwind with a tailored men’s spa treatment, topped off with his choice of whiskey or beer. Click here for more information.

Father's Day Family Run | Good George North Wharf

Ditch the socks this year and give dad what he really wants, a run on the waterfront, a cold brew and quality time with the whanau. Join Good George for a 5km or 10km family-friendly race. It's good vibes only and yes- they have custom prizes for dad! Registration opens at 9am for just $14! 

5 - 7 SEP, 2025

The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight | 7 SEP | $79 - $149

Calling all Coldplay fans... you've been waiting for Something Just Like This! Featuring a spectacular cast of worldclass vocalists direct from the UK and an epic live band, prepare for total Paradise, as you experience Coldplay's biggest hits, like never before.

Between Shores: A Journey Through Time and Sound | 7 SEP | From $22

Immerse yourself in “Between Shores,” a vibrant concert weaving classical brilliance with New Zealand’s modern musical spirit, featuring Rossini, Mendelssohn, and the world premiere of Kuaka. Held in support of the Child Cancer Foundation NZ, this event shines during September’s Child Cancer Awareness Month.

Mother Play by Paula Vogel | 4 - 20 SEP | $30 - $75

Step into the haunting world of Mother Play by Paula Vogel—a bold, intimate exploration of family, memory, and resilience. With piercing honesty and dark humor, this gripping drama lays bare the complexities of motherhood and survival across generations.

Nick Taylor Experience Debut Single release | 7 SEP | $34 - $55

Join renowned bassist Nick Taylor for an unforgettable night of music as he debuts his new single "Good People" live! This special performance will feature a unique fusion of jazz and R&B, showcasing Nick’s soulful sound and dynamic stage presence.

NZSO Mahler 6 | 6 SEP | From $36

Experience the raw power and emotional depth of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Led by a world-class conductor, this monumental work delivers intensity, beauty, and drama in every movement. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of orchestral brilliance.

Culture | 5 SEP | $17

Welcome to Culture, a brand-new artist collective dedicated to celebrating Auckland's epic underground music scene. They are kicking things off at Il Brutto with a curated lineup of Auckland's finest house and UKG DJs, including Vitamin Cos, Mum and Dad, Dishwasher and more. 

12 - 14 SEP, 2025

Paul Kelly | 12 SEP | $99

Australian music legend Paul Kelly returns to Auckland for an unforgettable night of storytelling and song. From timeless classics to new favourites, experience the magic of one of the most iconic voices in Australasia—live on stage.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert | 12 SEP - 4 OCT | $99.50 - $139.50

The critically acclaimed musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert makes its dazzling return to New Zealand! Inspired by the Oscar-winning film, this feel-good journey follows three friends as they set off in a battered old bus in search of love and connection—only to discover a world of friendship, self-discovery, and unforgettable surprises along the way.

Matteo Lane Back Down Under | 12 SEP | $69 - $139.90

Catch the globally acclaimed comedian Matteo Lane live at SkyCity Theatre as part of his Back Down Under tour. With sold-out shows from New York to Carnegie Hall, this is one night of laughter, storytelling, and charm you won’t want to miss.

Urban Cocktail Trail | 13 SEP | $75 - $99

Grab your mates and discover the best bars in The Viaduct & Wynyard Quarter on the self-guided Urban Cocktail Trail! Kick things off with a bite at your starting venue, then make your way around using your cocktail vouchers. Where you go and what you sip is totally up to you.

Checkmate | 13 SEP - 5 OCT | Free

Ready to level up your school holidays? Gather your friends, whānau and fellow grandmasters to experience the immersive installation Checkmate – a giant-sized chess set featuring 14 towering pieces, part of this year’s We The Young children’s festival.

Light+Shade photo exhibition | 5 - 14 SEP | Free

This weekend is your last chance to witness this photographic exhibition featuring Aotearoa's top photojournalists as they come together to fundraise for a colleague's cancer treatment. 70 framed images from 32 photographers who have contributed their work in what will be a special event showcasing their amazing talent and generosity.

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.

Make Days | Spring Sardines | 21 SEP | Free

New Zealand Maritime Museum is o-fish-ally celebrating the beginning of spring! This September, make your very own sparkly sardine.

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.

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.

The Kiwi Icons: A Contemporary Afternoon Tea | 4 JUL - 5 OCT | $70 pp

Bellini Bar at Hilton Auckland invites you to indulge in The Kiwi Icons—a modern afternoon tea experience that honours New Zealand’s most beloved flavours. Enjoy this celebration of local taste alongside artisan teas and panoramic views of Auckland’s harbour.

Pussy Play | 23 - 27 SEP | Various prices

Step into Pussy Play - a sultry, subversive, and surprisingly healing new work that blends puppetry, music, and magic into an unforgettable hour of theatre at Basement Theatre. 

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.

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