KEY POINTS:
February is the month of festivals in Auckland and this weekend sees festivities inundate the waterfront on both sides of the bridge.
Shore-side, the Devonport Food, Wine and Music Festival is expected to draw thousand-strong crowds, tempted by the event's array of award-winning wine and culinary
delights.
Entering its 19th year, the Shore's most famous food and wine festival has been rebranded this year, becoming the Devonport Food, Wine and Music Festival.
Alongside the usual award-winning wines and gourmet cuisine, organisers have added award-winners of another variety - including Hollie Smith, Greg Johnson and The Electric Confectionaires.
Two stages will play host to more than 15 acts over the event's two-day duration, at Devonport's Windsor Reserve, from 11am.
Tickets are $40 on the gate with proceeds going to Youthline.
On the city-side, Mission Bay will come to life as the annual Jazz and Blues Streetfest pulls in the punters, while one of Auckland's most colourful neighbourhoods hosts the Cross St Carnival.
Just off K Rd, the Cross St Carnival will see bands, DJs and street artists entertain the crowds, amidst an assortment of craft stalls and workshops.
The free festival will be held at the Cross St Studios from 2pm to 7pm.
From there, head to Mission Bay where the party keeps going at the Jazz and Blues Streetfest, from 6pm till late.
Twenty-six jazz, blues and latin acts will converge around Tamaki Dr, Patterson Ave and Mission Bay beach itself.
There will also be various arts and crafts stalls and bar facilities.
Entry is just $5 on the gate and buses will run from Britomart to Mission Bay every 15 minutes.
Further down the line, reggae lovers won't want to miss the annual Soundsplash festival at Raglan.
Featuring more than 50 local and international artists, the three-day festival is sure to pull in the punters with headlining acts Overproof Sound System (UK), Katchafire, Salmonella Dub, Cornerstone Roots and Ladi6.
Tickets are $145 from motherland.co.nz
DEVONPORT FOOD, WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
SATURDAY
Beach Stage
11.15-12.30: The Electric Confectionaires
1.00-1.45: Nesian Mystik
2.15-3.15: Hollie Smith
3.45-4.45: Greg Johnson
5.15-6.45: Union
Rotunda Stage
11.15-12.15: The Jews Brothers
12.45-2.00: The Septembers
2.30-3.30: 6 up, 9 down
4.00-5.00: The DeSotos
5.30-6.45: Ted Brown
SUNDAY
Beach Stage
11.00-12.00: Corporate Voice Experience
12.30-1.45: Midge Marsden
2.15-3.45: Hello Sailor
4.15-5.45: The Ladykillers
Rotunda Stage
11.30-12.30: Kuhtze Brothers
1.00-4.00: Peter Urlich
4.30-5.45: Riverhead Slide
Info: See the website.
MISSION BAY JAZZ BLUES STREETFEST ACTS
Playing from 6pm-11pm
20/20 Express
Alzarae
Brilleaux
Blue Collar Band
Chris Melville Jazz
CJ & the Sidewinders
Edwina Thorne Quintet
Frank Gibson Jazz
Gahu
Grammaphone
Indigo Blue
Big Belly Woman
Mike Garner
Mitch Golner and Blues Toulouse
Noel Binns Swing Band
Matecito Latin Band
Pugsley Buzzard
Recliner Rockers
Riverhead Slide
Bridge City Jazzmen
Smokestack
Katy Soljak
The Jukes
Street Level
Tuesdays at Morries
Wild Reeds Combo
Zamba Flam
Chris Mason-Battley Jazz
VoxNova
Info: See the website.
