While much of the city’s population might be heading out of it to make the most of the last long weekend before Christmas, even if you’re sticking around Auckland that doesn’t mean you’ll be at a loss for great things to do.
From fun music gigs to live theatre; movies and tasty food events, here are some suggestions to enliven your Labour Weekend.
Eat some delicious food:
Food Truck Fridays – Britomart
Get the long weekend feeling started early for Friday lunch with a selection of the best street food in town right in the city centre. Find the likes of Double Dutch Fries, The Hungry Swine, Captain Crepes, Miso Ra, Che Lucio BBQ and more down at Takutai Square from 11am – 2pm today, Friday 23rd October.
BabyG Burger pop-up – Grey Lynn
Judging by the length of the queues for BabyG Burger’s last pop-up, you’re going to want to be punctual for this weekend’s pop-up at The Cater Station on Richmond Road. Expect some of the most over-the-top, delicious burgers in town, complete with double smash patties and all the trimmings.
See the details on the BabyG Instagram here.
Check out a new opening:
Despite this year’s challenges for the hospitality industry, there have been no shortage of new openings to bolster the local restaurant scene. Take the long weekend as a chance to pay one of the city’s brightest new bars and restaurants a visit for leisurely long lunch, a laidback dinner or simply to cheers to the long weekend. May we suggest a chilli margarita and a swipe of hummus from cool new hangout East Street Hall, a frosty beer and a steak sammy from brew pub Churly’s, and a visit to Josh Emett’s new venture Onslow for its now Insta-infamous chocolate souffle.
Go for a walk:
Get a nature hit with one of the many fantastic walks in the Auckland area. From easy strolls to more challenging hikes, there’s something for every inclination and level of fitness. Find our round-up here.
Go to a market:
When there’s an extra day tacked onto the weekend, spending a few hours wandering around one of Auckland’s many great markets is even more relaxing and enjoyable. Embrace a road-trip vibe while still staying relatively close to home by heading out to Clevedon Farmers Market on Sunday 25th October, where you’ll find all manner of delicious food and fresh produce. Or, pick up some nifty knick-knacks at the Mission Bay Art & Craft Market on Monday 26th October. From clothing for both children and adults, to jewellery, local art, honey and jams, furniture and more, you could even pick up some Christmas gifts if you’re feeling organised.
Go to a gig:
Soaked Oats at The Tuning Fork
Known for their infectious, upbeat sound, four-piece indie-band Soaked Oats are sure to have the good vibes flowing for their show at The Tuning Fork tonight. The boys will be trying out some new material onstage, and will be supported by a few surprise acts. If you can’t make it to the Friday show but are keen to check them out, they’re also playing up at Leigh Sawmill on 25th october.
Find tickets for The Tuning Fork here, and Leigh Sawmill here.
Pluto at Leigh Sawmill
After almost a decade away, iconic New Zealand rock band Pluto is back. To celebrate the release of their fourth full length album, IV, they have announced an intimate performance at the Leigh Sawmill this Labour Weekend. Luxuriate in the band’s multi-layered sound and high-energy live performance on Saturday 24th October.
Doors open at 8:30pm, find tickets here.
Get cultured:
Mary Poppins – The Civic
Why not take some time out in the theatre this weekend with the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical, showing in an all-new New Zealand-produced season this October. Running through to Sunday, 1st November, find show and pricing details on the Auckland Live website here.
Back on the Big Screen
WIth slim pickings of new movies coming out this year, Events Cinema has brought back old favourites for fans to relive the magic in theatres. Playing this weekend at the Queen Street cinema as part of the Back on the Big Screen series are two action-packed thrillers: Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Friday 23rd October at 8:45pm, and The Matrix on Saturday, 24th October at 8:30pm. You could also catch Baby Done, the much-anticipated new comedy starring New Zealand comedian Rose Matafeo, Christopher Nolan’s new blockbuster Tenet, and the whimsical remake of The Secret Garden.
Night Lights at MOTAT
The whole family will love this stunning light installation at MOTAT this weekend. Designed by both New Zealand and global artists, Night Lights at MOTAT also features live music, aerial performance, food trucks, and much more. Showing from 23rd October – 25th Oct, 7pm – 10pm.
Find tickets here.
