Open now, 10am-5pm. Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain. Free with museum entry.
Musical cheers
Imported From Italy - Italian Baroque Music
If you are after a little culture, this performance of Baroque chamber music with an Italian connection should fit the bill, especially in the historic Pah Homestead. Performer of Hausmusik NZ, a professional chamber music ensemble, are sure to wow.
Today, 5.15pm-7pm. Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, 72 Hillsborough Rd, Auckland. Entry $30 ($20 for seniors and $10 for students) at door. Cash only.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Seven ukuleles, 14 hands, 28 strings, 16 million minutes, one billion seconds. The all-singing, all-strumming, original ukulele orchestra is back and celebrating "30 Plucking Years" of transforming music by everyone from Beethoven and David Bowie to Nirvana.
Tonight, 7.30pm at ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre and tomorrow, 7.30pm at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna. Tickets from $59.
Gals 'r' us
Going strong since 1992, Gals is a gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and LGBT-friendly community choir, known for their musical diversity. Sit back and let their joyous interpretation of old favourites - and some unexpected ones as well - make your fingers click and toes tap.
Today, 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Freemans Bay Community Hall, 52 Hepburn Rd, Auckland. Entry $30 and $10 for kids. On Facebook.
Bloc party
Bloc Party on Queens Wharf
On the east side of New York City in the 1970s, communities congregated, city blocks were cordoned off, and block parties began. Now it's Auckland's turn. This free mini art and music festival, with artisan markets, breakdancing battles and everything in between, to mark the nearing of those long summer nights.
Today, 4pm-8pm. Queens Wharf, 99 Quay St, Auckland. Free.
Festive cheer
Red and green
Christmas cheer is definitely in the air this weekend. Like an old-time fairy tale, Highwic's Christmas Garden Festival (today and tomorrow, 10am-4pm) sees the historic home and its beautiful garden transformed into a holiday wonderland, with guided tours and carol singers.
Country rambles
In Karaka, some of the area's stunning homes are opening their well-decorated doors. Starting at Te Hihi School in Papakura today from 10am, the Christmas in Karaka Home and Garden Ramble is sure to get you in the festive - and home decorating - spirit.
West is best
Santa is sure to be busy this weekend, too. The jolly guy in the red suit will join the face-painters and bouncy castle, when he swings by the Henderson Christmas Festival on Great North Rd, today from 10am.
Icy blast
Then it's a quick trip in his helicopter - where he'll be joined by children from Ronald McDonald House - to Snowplanet at 11am, to take up residence at his Magic Castle and hit the slopes for some family tubing fun.
Get trolleyed
Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix
If you fancy watching 50 wannabe speed demons test their metal, this is for you. Cheer on your favourite home-made trolley vehicle - and its driver - as the brave souls speed down the 605m track with nothing but bravado and a helmet spurring them on. Carnage is a foregone conclusion.
Tomorrow, 10am-4pm. Auckland Domain, Park Drive, Grafton. Free.
Mangere Bridge Trolley Derby 2015
Not to be outdone, this fun family day out is sure to be packed with thrills and spills as kids big and small race for pride and place. Bring your togs for the Slip-N-Slide afterwards.
Tomorrow, from 9.30am. Taylor Rd, Mangere Bridge. Free.
Jump for joy
Matakana Magic Show Jumping
Show jumpers will roll into Matakana for a weekend of top-quality competition. The action, in the picturesque grass oval, will culminate in the main event - the Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon - and there is a whole lot of fun to be had elsewhere, with an adventure playground, petting zoo, indie market and charity auction to raise funds for the Well Foundation.
Today and tomorrow, from 8.30am. Matakana Country Park, 1 Omaha Flats Rd, Matakana. Free.
Be in to Win ...
Hey kids! Do you want to be a part of the Farmers Santa Parade this year? If you're between the ages of 7 and 12, enter the draw for you and a friend to win a spot on the New Zealand Herald Santa Parade float - you'll both get to ride in the parade and get Christmas T-shirts to wear on the day and keep afterwards.
The Farmers Santa Parade will be held in Auckland City on Sunday, November 29 (rain date December 6).
Winners will be drawn and notified on Monday, November 23. To enter, go to nzherald.co.nz/santaparade
