What's on this Waitangi weekend

Prime Minister John Key with the ladies during the Big Gay Out held at Coyle Park in Pt Chevalier. Photo / File

A handpicked selection of our favourite things happening around Auckland this long weekend.

Waitangi 175

Celebrate Tamaki Makaurau

Ngati Whatua o Orakei festival on at Takaparawhau (Bastion Point) is hosted by one of Tamaki Makaurau's (Auckland's) earliest and most important iwi. Join over 30,000 people for this free community party. There's live music with The Black Seeds, Billie TK Jnr, Hollie Smith and 1814. This is a family friendly, smoke and alcohol free party for all ages, with food, market stalls, kids' rides plus manu tukutuku (kite) displays. Join Auckland Museum's Tamaki Tales for stories, design weaving and more. Check out historic photographs of Day 507 - the eviction of Bastion Point.

Details: Today (Friday February 6) 10am - 5pm. Bastion Point, Orakei. Free.

The Treaty in history

Auckland Museum's 175th anniversary programme includes talks and a gallery trail where visitors can learn more about the treaty and discuss its significance.

Details: Sunday until September 1, 10am-5pm. Auckland War Memorial Museum, Domain Drive. Free.

Southern Family Celebrations

A free, family-friendly concert of music, arts, culture and education with Annie Crummer, Moana and the Tribe, Tama Waipara and Whenua Patuwai, hosted by comedian Mike King. Welcome and kapa haka by Manurewa Marae's very own Te Tai Tonga.

Details: Today (Friday, February 6) 10am-5pm. Barry Curtis Park, 169 Ormiston Road, Manukau. Free. See aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information.

Plus this weekend's five:

1. Out and proud in Pt Chev

This is the weekend of the LYC Big Gay Out, kicking off the Pride Festival with the usual flamboyant style. Watch desperate politicians (we see you John, Len) cosy up for their photo ops with Buckwheat NZ, Buffy and Bimbo and Miss Ribena. Amazing bands and entertainers and, natch, the annual dog show and parade to find out who'll take out the Top Dog title.

Details: Sunday, 12-7pm. Coyle Park, Pt Chevalier.

2. Masked ball

Experience Marine Reserves, part of the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust is hosting Community Guided snorkels this weekend as part of Sea Week. Discover all sorts of amazing things beneath the surface with experienced snorkel guides. Even kids can join in (five years and up). Bring your own gear or take advantage of free equipment hire.

Details: Saturday, 9am - 12pm. Whangateau Estuary, Leigh Rd, Matakana. Sunday, 10am-3pm, Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve, Reotahi, Whangarei Heads.

3. Let the games begin

Head on down to QBE Stadium tomorrow and meet the Auckland Blues at the Season Launch (yip, people, forget summer, it's footie season already). There's an action-packed two hour skills and drills session, face painters, a kicking competition, free cold Milo and The New Zealand Herald will be there with giant games. And don't forget to bring your autograph book for the signing session.

Details: Sunday, 10am-12pm. QBE Stadium, Albany.

4. See you in the south

Stampede Music Festival is a country music festival with a little bit of rock n roll, some jazz and some blues. Artists moving from venue to venue around Pukekohe and Tuakau, there's busking on the streets, a recycled instrument competition, a musical market and plenty of dancing too.

Details: Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

5. Defying gravity

You may not have heard of this, but the New Zealand National Parkour Gathering is coming to Hamilton this weekend and it's open to everyone. You'll spot crazy people doing street acrobatics - walking on walls, running, jumping and, swinging between buildings, rolling, vaulting and everything in between. Marvel at the experts in action.

Details: Saturday and Sunday, from 10am. All over Hamilton city.

- nzherald.co.nz