The Unitec 'Think Do' Experiment
Calling all budding scientists, business leaders and artists. Take a step into the future with this interactive, virtual reality demonstration of what hands-on learning really is. Prepare to be wowed.
Today 10am-8pm and tomorrow 10am-6pm. Takutai Square, Britomart. Free.
Queen of tarts
Tea and Tarts! Alice in Wonderland 150th anniversary
Fall down the rabbit hole for this delightful tea party, honouring Lewis Carroll's beloved tale. Alberton's garden and veranda of the Victorian-era home will be transformed, with visitors enjoying traditional jam tarts and tea from the home's collection of vintage china tea sets, before a quick game of croquet on the lawn. Don't be late for this very important date!
Today and tomorrow, 10.30am-3.30pm. 100 Mt Albert Rd, Mt Albert. Tickets $6, entry to the house $10, children free. heritage.org.nz
Moonlight stroll
Walking Stars
It's a half-marathon, but not as we know it. Starting at sunset, the 21km route takes in the vibrant inner-city nightlife. Cheer on the crowds taking part - or even dress up in glow-in-the-dark accessories and pound the pavement yourself to raise money for cancer patients, with all the cash raised going to the Cancer Society, Auckland Cancer Research and Look Good Feel Better.
Tonight from 8pm. Auckland Domain. Free, with limited walker entries on the night for $85.
Pasifika party
Urbanesia at Silo Park
Auckland's lively contemporary Pasifika festival comes to a close with a bang. On Saturday, enjoy a special screening of The Orator (O Le Tulafale) with something delicious from a collection of street food vendors. The next afternoon, the waterfront park will be packed with a special edition of Silo Markets, with a distinctly Pasifika theme.
Today 5pm-10.30pm and tomorrow 12pm-6pm. Silo Park, corner of Beaumont St and Jellicoe St, Auckland. Free.
Talanoa
Before the weekend winds up, be sure to catch this performance - spanning theatre, dance, discussion, poetry and visual arts - featuring performances of Toa Fraser's Bare, and Makai, devised in collaboration with Cat Ruka.
Tonight, 7pm. Mercury Theatre, 9 Mercury Lane. Entry $15.
Star Maps
Be a part of Niuean artist Chris Van Doren's creation - a large-scale navigation star map through workshops with participants, before he uses it in his storytelling.
Today, 10.30am-2.30pm. Pacifica Arts Centre, Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Free.
Naughty or nice?
Farmers Santa Parade
Santa is coming to town - but this time he's riding a Kiwiana-themed float, complete with dancing Kiwis, dolphins and pohutukawa trees. Be sure to get there early to secure the perfect vantage point for seeing St Nick, as well as other floats including a celebration of Auckland's diversity, and old favourites Charlie Brown and Snoopy.
Tomorrow, from noon. Central Auckland. Free.
Santa and his helpers are also set to make appearances at the Manurewa Christmas Parade, in the Manurewa town centre today from 9.45am, and the parade in Westgate Centre from 10am. Onehunga Mall's Christmas celebration kicks off at 11am, while Wellsford starts their Santa parade at the railway station from 11.30am.
APO 4 Kids Christmas
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with your pre-schoolers with this sing-along, dance-along, conduct-along celebration featuring favourite carols and Christmas songs performed by Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Today 10am and 11.30am at Auckland Town Hall, and tomorrow 10am and 11.30am at Massey High School Performing Arts Centre. Tickets $15.
Santa's Wonderland
Head to the Waiuku Memorial Hall for the ultimate enchanting moment. This annual transformation is sure to delight lovers of all things Christmas, with twinkling trees, a snow tunnel entrance and a symphony of sights and sounds - as well as Santa, of course!
Today and tomorrow, 10am-8pm. Waiuku Memorial Town Hall, cnr Queen St and Victoria Ave, Waiuku. Entry $6 adults and $2 children, on the door.
Grey Lynn Park Festival
This one-day festival in the heart of Grey Lynn is full of things to see, eat, listen to and stuff the Christmas stockings with. Now in its 31st year, the stage is set for this local festival to deliver the best one yet. Performers include Unity Pacific, Batucada Sound Machine and Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes and there will be plenty of tasty food and clever local arts and crafts stalls to keep the whole family entertained.
Today, 10am-6pm. Grey Lynn Park. Free.
Live green
Bay of Plenty Times Down to Earth Sustainability and Lifestyle Expo
Ever wondered how to make a worm farm? Or which supplements to take to increase your energy and wellbeing? With more than 100 exhibitors, this is the one-stop-shop to learn about all the sustainable living options you could ever need to create a healthier home and lifestyle. And the kids will be entertained with loads of free activities, including workshops by the Craft Collective team.
Today and tomorrow, 10am-4pm. ASB Arena, ASB Baypark, 81 Truman Lane, Mt Maunganui. Adults $5, under-12s free.
