11 Fun Things to Do This Auckland Anniversary Weekend

By Rosie Kelway
Viva
Tame Impala perform at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival this weekend. Picture / Supplied

1. Auckland's most-beloved inner city music event St Jerome's Laneway Festival returns for its eighth year this long weekend, this time at Albert Park, offering a change in scenery from the past few years at Silo Park. The lineup includes Tame Impala, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Floating Points and Purple Pilgrims.
— Albert Park Precinct, Auckland Central, January 30. Visit lanewayfestival.com

2. Celebrate Brazilian culture at the Brazilian Day Festival and enjoy an afternoon of food, music and entertainment – it's also a zero-waste event.
— Rocket Park, Wairere Ave, Mt Albert, January 28. Visit ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

3. Composer and conductor Tan Dun will make his debut with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in a self-titled show, for one night only.
— ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland Central, January 31. Visit apo.co.nz

4. If you haven't made it along to the Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa exhibition yet, time your visit with one of the museum's Sunday gig sessions. First up in the Volume Sunday Sessions are performances from Gareth Thomas, Graeme James and Ciaran McMeeken.
— Auckland Museum, Parnell, January 29. Visit aucklandmuseum.com

5. Performers will gather from all corners of the globe for the Auckland International Buskers Festival this Anniversary Weekend down on the waterfront. Be prepared for fire, acrobatics, stunts and more — just don't forget to take along some spare change.
— Auckland Waterfront, January 27-30. Visit aucklandbuskersfestival.co.nz

6. The Winery Tour returns this summer for its 10th year, featuring Brooke Fraser, Bic Runga, and Benny Tipene. There will be 12 shows around New Zealand with great music and wine held at vineyards and outdoor venues around the country. The first show starts in Tauranga this Friday night, with a show in New Plymouth on Saturday.
— For more information on dates and to book tickets, visit winerytour.co.nz

7. Head along to The Cloud for three days of music, markets and children's activities at the Cloud Market Auckland Anniversary Weekend. There will also be a large navy ship docked up alongside the Cloud, plus cruise ships are expected to be in.
— The Cloud, Queens Wharf, CBD, Auckland, January 28-30. Visit eventfinda.co.nz

8. Get your raceday outfit ready and head to Ellerslie Racecourse this Sunday for the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million. There will be lots of on-course activity to celebrate the long weekend and the start of the Chinese New Year, including performances from traditional Chinese lion and dragon dancers, the G.H Mumm Garden Party, and a fireworks display.
— Auckland Racing Club, 80 Ascot Ave, Remuera, January 29. Visit ellerslie.co.nz

9. Enjoy a wide range of folk music at the Auckland Folk Festival, from contemporary through to bluegrass, Irish and traditional. Artists will be there from all over the world, with both local and international musicians taking part in all-night jam sessions and offering workshops. Make a weekend of it and take your tent so you can enjoy the whole event from start to finish.
— Kumeu Showgrounds, 35/41 Access Rd, Kumeu, January 27-30. Visit aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz

10. Get outdoors this weekend and head over to Waiheke Island for the biennial Headland Sculpture on the Gulf event. There will be 35 artists with sculptures on show, stretched along a 2km section of headland from Church Bay towards Te Atawhai Whenua Reserve and Matiatia.
— Matiatia Wharf, Ocean View Rd, Waiheke Island, Auckland, January 27 to February 19.Visit sculptureonthegulf.co.nz

11. Also on Waiheke, Kiwi favourites Fly My Pretties are playing a show as part of their national tour at Cable Bay Vineyard this Sunday. They'll perform songs from their new album String Theory, as well as their classics.  
— 12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa, Waiheke Island. January 29, Visit eventfinda.co.nz

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