Things to do in Auckland this weekend: Art, comedy and cultural festivals

It’s hard to find better entertainment for little people than the magic of bubbles. Photo / Connor Crawford

One of the perks of living in Aotearoa’s biggest city is that there’s always something to do and this weekend is no exception. Here’s our round-up of the seven best events and activities taking place in Auckland this Saturday and Sunday, two more to plan for next week and one a little further south - Hamilton Arts Festival - that needs to be on your radar. From art to food to trolley racing shenanigans, if you can’t find anything on this list that floats your boat, then it’s time to ask yourself some hard questions.

1) Rhythm & Cuts

Huseyin Sami has been practising art for 30 years and has pieces in public and private collections in Australia and internationally.

The newest exhibition at Sumer Gallery in the central city is by Sydney-based artist Huseyin Sami, who’s showing here in Aotearoa for the first time. Born in the UK, Sami has been practising art for 30 years and has pieces in public and private collections in Australia and internationally. Known for his “cut paintings”, Sami’s work references European modernists, particularly Lucio Fontana. His paintings are playful and whimsical in their experimentation with paint, often using a pastel colour palette. The show, Rhythm & Cuts, is a worthwhile stop for art enthusiasts travelling through the city this month.

When: On now until March 1, Saturdays 11am-3pm, Wednesday-Friday 11am-5pm.

Where: Sumer Gallery, 27 Beach Rd, Auckland Central.

Price: Free.

2) Bubbles and Giggles at Motat

It’s hard to find better entertainment for little people than the magic of bubbles. Motat is hosting one of its ever-popular Ngā Mirumiru Bubbles weekends this weekend and it’s bound to bring some wonder and delight to everyone who attends. Over the years, Motat has perfected the art of bubble entertainment and you’ll find live-action science shows, bubble displays, hands-on activities and more taking place all weekend. They’re also hosting something to wonder and delight the adults next week: Mile High Comedy Club. Part of the Auckland Pride Festival, on Wednesday night comedians David Stuart (2025 Billy T nominee), Abby Howells (Taskmaster NZ), Janaye Henry, and Eli Mathewson (two-time Billy T nominee and double Auckland Fringe Best Comedy Award winner) will be performing in the Aviation Hall alongside drag stars Medulla Oblongata and Hugo Grrrl. There’s even an aviator cocktail available on the night. Motat’s truly serving up good times for young and old this weekend and beyond.

When: Ngā Mirumiru Bubbles: February 8-9, 10am-4pm.

Where: Motat, 805 Great North Rd, Western Springs. Price: Usual Motat entry fees apply.

When: Mile High Comedy Club: February 12: 6pm-10pm.

Where: Aviation Hall, Motions Rd, Western Springs.

Price: Tickets $20 from motat.nz.

3) Iconic Auckland Eats

Nominations for Iconic Auckland Eats 2025 opened this week. Photo / Babiche Martens

This is your call to action to get eating in Tāmaki Makaurau because nominations opened this week for Iconic Auckland Eats 2025. Now in its fifth year, Iconic Auckland Eats is all about identifying Aucklanders’ favourite dishes or snacks on the menus of our fave eateries. Last year, we - the public - nominated more than 1800 bites that got whittled down to a top 100 by public vote. This year, five lucky nominators will win a $500 voucher to be spent at any of the Iconic Auckland Eats top 100 eateries so there’s more in it for you than just the joy of sharing your love of food. There are two dishes - Depot’s Fish Sliders and Sugar’s Strawberry Lamington - that have been on the list every year since Iconic Auckland Eats launched, which is quite a mean feat. Could they be ousted this year by your nomination? This is a great way to get out and support our hospitality industry through difficult times while getting to enjoy some of the city’s best kai.

When: Nominations open now until March 5, 4pm. Visit aucklandnz.com.

4) Afrofest and Lunar New Year in Aotea Square

Afrofest celebrates the growing African diaspora population in Aotearoa. Photo / Auckland Council

Aotea Square is going to be loud with Afro beats and cultural pride this weekend for Afrofest. Taking over the square on Saturday afternoon with live music, dance, food and fashion, the festival celebrates the growing African diaspora population in Aotearoa. Only in its second year, the festival welcomes everyone to get in on the festivities and celebrate the many cultures of Africa. On Sunday, the Square pivots to Chinese cultural celebrations for a Lunar New Year event which will be equally as vibrant. There are dance battles, karaoke competitions and mahjong, along with loads of Asian delicacies to feast on. While you’re there, look out for the giant Lucky Cat in the Town Hall that’s wishing prosperity and good fortune to all - at three metres high, you can’t miss it.

When: Afrofest: February 8, 12pm-7pm, Lunar New Year: February 9, 11am-6pm.

Where: Aotea Square, Auckland Central.

Price: Free.

5) Josh Wolf

Need a good laugh? Look no further than the highly acclaimed comedy stylings of Las Vegas’s Josh Wolf.

If you’re looking for a laugh this weekend, look no further than the highly acclaimed comedy stylings of Las Vegas’ Josh Wolf. This is his third tour of New Zealand and his second in the last two years, after his sold-out tour of the country in 2023. A 25-year veteran of the US comedy scene, Wolf has also sold out headline shows across Canada, the UK and Australia and has appeared on hit television shows such Chelsea Lately, Home Improvement and My Name is Earl, and hosts a popular podcast with his son Jacob, called Hay Maaan: A Father & Son Comedy Podcast. Nothing like a good giggle to perk up your weekend.

When: February 8, 7.30pm.

Where: Q Theatre, 305 Queen St, Auckland Central.

Price: Tickets $49.90 and $69.90 + booking fees from qtheatre.co.nz.

6) Auckland Pride

If you’re in the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, without doubt, you can find something fun to do this weekend that champions love in all its iterations.

Pride celebrations continue this weekend and throughout the month all over Tāmaki Makaurau and if you’re in the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, without doubt, you can find something fun to do this weekend that champions love in all its iterations. Feeling creative? Join in the HB Pride Temporary Tattoo workshop, DIY rainbow jewellery workshop or Rainbow Walls, an afternoon of activist graffiti. Feeling bookish and peckish? Then Taste This! A Tantalising Potluck might be for you. Feeling active? Join the Pride Ride or take a “gay walk” through Birkenhead War Memorial Park. There are also performances, bingo, a social and many other Pride events across the weekend that could give your weekend both a bit of fun and some meaning.

When: Until February 28.

Where: Various locations throughout Tāmaki Makaurau. Visit aucklandpride.org.nz for more information.

7) Waterworld

Giant inflatable courses are great for the whole whānau.

You’ve probably seen the giant inflatable obstacle courses in the water at one or more of your favourite beaches over the past few years. They’re hard to miss: not just enormous, they’re usually covered with kids (and adults) having the time of their lives running, sliding, bouncing and jumping, not to mention hooting and hollering. It’s a great time for the whole whānau, whether you join in with the kids’ shenanigans, or sit back with a good book and let your partner look after the young’uns while you soak up some me time. Suitable for children 5 years and older, children under 10 must be supervised by a paying participating adult and all participants must be able to swim.

When: February 5-9, 10am-6pm (4pm close on Sunday).

Where: Mairangi Bay, Auckland.

Price: Tickets $25. Visit wipeout.co.nz for more information. Bookings essential.

8) Plan ahead: Red Bull trolley Grand Prix

The Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix at Auckland Domain is back after 10 years. Photo / Graeme Murray, Red Bull Content Pool

Here’s one to put on the schedule for next weekend: the Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix at Auckland Domain is back. It’s been 10 years since this supremely fun and slightly chaotic family-friendly event was last held. There are 50 teams of five from all across the country set to design and build a legendary trolley that they’ll race with just gravity, the wind and positive thoughts to propel them. The more creative the better, the teams will be judged on things like showmanship and wow factor as well as their speed on the New Zealand-themed course. If the crowd goes wild for their invention, they’re probably onto a winner. It’s a very entertaining day out for the whole whānau.

When: February 15, 12pm-6pm.

Where: Auckland Domain, Park Rd, Parnell.

Price: Free.

9) Plan ahead: Auckland Lantern Festival

The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival kicks off on Thursday with over 500 handmade lanterns illuminating the Manukau Sports Bowl. Photo / Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

A true highlight in the Auckland event calendar, the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival kicks off on Thursday with over 500 handmade lanterns illuminating the Manukau Sports Bowl. No longer in the central city, AT offers free public transport to travellers with tickets to the festival and there’s a free shuttle bus to the venue running from Westfield Manukau and the Manukau Train Station. Along with mesmerising lanterns, there are 60 stalls selling food, 26 retail stalls, a cultural courtyard where visitors can buy traditional and contemporary art and find traditional clothing for hire and an outdoor movie screen courtesy of Cathay Pacific showing short films from Disney+. As BNZ is a sponsor, there’s also a basketball court with guest appearances, skills sessions and giveaways. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, the evening will conclude with a fireworks display. It’s free entry though you need a ticket, which helps the organisers manage crowds. Celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Wood Snake at the Auckland Lantern Festival - let’s hope this year brings the wisdom, intuition and positive transformation that is symbolised by the snake.

When: February 13-14, 3pm-10pm and February 15-16, 1pm-10pm.

Where: Manukau Sports Bowl, 1 Boundary Rd, Manukau.

Price: Free tickets available from https://www.aucklandnz.com/lantern.

10) Plan ahead: Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa

There are loads of free and family-friendly events at the Hamilton Arts Festival. Photo / Mark Hamilton

Consistently one of the best arts festivals in the country, Hamilton Arts Festival starts in two weeks and the programme is flush with events that will make it well worth a trip if you’re not a Kirikiriroa local. Opening night kicks off with a large-scale orchestral performance of Carmina Burana by Hamilton City Brass and the Festival Chorus and the first Saturday night features the Sunset Symphony by Trust Symphony Waikato Orchestra, both on the glorious Rhododendron Lawn. Also on opening weekend, you can catch acting royalty and real-life wonder couple Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst in their two-hander, In Other Words, about dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and, for the first time, HamLit - a mini readers and writers festival within the festival. As always, the resplendent Hamilton Gardens will be the festival hub with additional venues throughout the city. There are loads of free and family-friendly events along with ticketed performances like Katchafire and NZ Opera’s The Elixir of Love, among many others. Spend this weekend poring over the programme and we bet you’ll find something to get excited about.

When: February 21-March 2.

Where: Various locations in Kirikiriroa Hamilton. Visit hamiltonartsfestival.co.nz for more information and the full programme.