What's on this weekend

Diwali Festival is on this weekend at Auckland's Aotea Square. Photo / Natalie Slade

Handpicked, the best activities for your weekend agenda.

Who knows if we'll have sunshine or rain or wind. Probably all three is a good bet. But at least, hopefully, everyone will have power so that's a good thing. Line up your weekend like this...

1. Let there be light

In odd old Auckland style, we've morphed the Indian family festival of Diwali, usually just a private thing, into a weekend of full-on partying. Head to Aotea Square for over 100 performances from classical dance and music to the cheesiest Bollywood, art workshops, video, story telling, even an Indian wedding expo (minimalists may best avert their eyes). Oh, and did we mention food, fabulous vegetarian dishes assembled from all the best places around town. Grand finale fireworks on Sunday night.

Details: Saturday and Sunday, noon until 9pm.

2. Frame up

Whatever the weather, you can still browse the NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year outdoor exhibition of large format, high-quality prints. These are the very best images from the competition's last five years - including some of our very own Herald photographers. Vote in the People's Choice awards.

Details: Until October 30, 10am till 6pm. Karanga Plaza, Waterfront.

3. Bend and stretch

The Tempo Dance Festival is a week of dance in all its forms and styles from full length works to smaller showcases and shared programmes, from ballet to Bharatanatyam, contemporary and hip hop, African and Fijian, the puzzling edge to children's shows. There's even a chance to check out dance reviewing.

Details: Until October 19. Q Theatre.

4. Eyes spy

Auckland Art Week has walking and cycle tours, pop up spaces, public artworks, the chance to sneak behind the scenes to check out what sort of art you could collect if you were a corporate fat cat. Plus plenty of masterclasses and workshops, artist talks and more. Join our own TJ McNamara around the Parnell galleries, or check out the exciting street art in the inner city lanes.

Details: Until October 19, all over Auckland.

5. Blow away the cobwebs

If you hadn't checked out the amazing developments on the northern edges of the city, join the Long Bay Spring Step Out from Long Bay College, through the Long Bay Regional Park, right up to Piripiri Point above the Okura River (choose from 6km or 13km walks). It's a Rotary fundraiser, complete with a sausage sizzle for the Well Foundation, but a great chance to explore some of our prettiest coast. Try to keep up with basketballer Tom Abercrombie.

Details: Sunday, 8.30am -12.30pm Long Bay College.