Firefighters showing the danger of kitchen fires are part of the events at the Kamo Touch a Truck at Hurupaki Primary School this Sunday. Photo / NZME
Firefighters showing the danger of kitchen fires are part of the events at the Kamo Touch a Truck at Hurupaki Primary School this Sunday. Photo / NZME
The very best of Northland talent, art and food will be on display this long weekend, as the region marks Auckland and Northland Anniversary weekend 2025.
From circus skills to heavy machinery, from market bargains to top Kiwi music, there is something for everyone.
What’s on for families with kids
The young and young-at-heart will get a chance to get up close to trucks, emergency vehicles and big machinery at the Kamo Touch a Truck on Sunday.
More than 90 trucks are registered for the Truck of the Show trophy, making this year’s display one of the biggest.
It will be held at Hurupaki Primary School, 20 Dip Rd, Te Kamo, from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, with entry by gold coin donation.
At least 90 trucks will be on display and competing for the coveted Truck of the Show trophy at the Kamo Touch a Truck event this Sunday.
If keeping children entertained over the summer holidays has been a juggle, the Northland Circus Festival could be the best thing for them.
An annual event run by Circus Kumarani, this year’s festival will be held at Mangakahia Sports Complex in Poroti all weekend with workshops, markets and live performances.
Highlights include a 6pm Friday youth show, a 7pm Saturday gala show, an evening fire and glow show from 8.30pm on Saturday, and the “Cirolympics” from 10am on Sunday.
Circus Kumarani performers Lisa Lu, Savanah Erdos and Tiree Gilroy show off skills sure to be on display at the Northland Circus Festival’s fire and glow show from 8.30pm on Saturday. Photo / NZME
Plenty of colour will be brought to the centre of Whangārei on Sunday with Ratha Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots.
It starts at the Water St carpark at 11am on Sunday and will include a colourful procession of deities through town, finishing with a market and free feast at Cafler Park Rose Gardens from 1pm.
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat - a live stage show featuring the world’s best known and most loved cat - will have performances at two Northland venues this weekend.
The lively adaptation of the classic book will be performed at Whangārei’s Forum North on Saturday and at Kerikeri’s Turner Centre on Sunday, with shows at 10.30am and 1pm both days. Go to catinthehatlive.com for tickets.
What’s on for Northland music fans
Music fans will be spoilt for choice with two unique concerts in Northland this weekend.
L.A.B, Stan Walker & Friends will be performing at Whangārei’s Semenoff Stadium on Saturday.
L.A.B will bring their talent to Semenoff Stadium on Saturday with a festival-worthy line-up. Photo / Ian Cooper
The unique concert will feature Wellington-based soul vocalist AJA, classic Kiwi musician Aaradhna, reggae-inspired band Corrella, Stan Walker’s iconic voice and finish with L.A.B’s smooth reggae vibes.
The fun starts at 3pm but tickets are fast selling out. Go to loop.flicket.co.nz for tickets.
An evening of Rock, Soul and R&B is also on offer on Saturday night at Tahamoana Angora Goat Farm in Waipu.
Featuring classic rock from Sirrah, the bluesy tones of local band the Black Dog Blues Band and the high-energy, horn-driven soul and R&B from local band Beats Workin, the evening promises a great party.
The fun starts at 7pm, with tickets available from Eventfinda, Waipu Hammer Hardware and at the gate, 566 Cove Rd, Waipu.
What’s on in Northland for market lovers
Great food, bargains and locally made items will be on offer in abundance in Northland this weekend with a number of great markets.
Bargain-hunters and foodies alike will be able to seek out goods at a range of markets this weekend, including Whangārei’s Artisans Market (pictured). Photo / NZME
It all kicks off with The Canopy Night Market in Whangārei on Friday, where people can indulge their taste buds with an unforgettable culinary experience.
The monthly food-truck market runs from 5pm to 8pm on the Canopy Bridge.
The Extravaganza Fair 2025 has a creative and sustainable focus, and offers live music, magic and circus shows, stalls, food, plus plenty of hang-out zones.
Held at Whangārei’s William Fraser Memorial Park on Riverside Drive on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the fun runs from 9am to 5pm each day. Entry is gold coin for adults, free for kids.
Also in Whangārei, The Artisans Market on Saturday boasts goods from 100 local artisans and producers.
Held at the Town Basin’s Pūtahi Park and Canopy Bridge from 9am to 1.30pm, on offer is everything from fine art to pottery, jewellery to nature’s balms, clothing items to garden decor.
Further afield, there are also two regular Saturday markets in the beach town of Mangawhai.
The Mangawhai Tavern Market includes tasty food, unique goods for sale and live music at the tavern’s grounds on Moir St from 8.30am to 1pm.
The Mangawhai Community Market will sell everything from fresh juices to dog fashion. It is held at Mangawhai Beach School on Insley St from 9am to 1pm.
The Waipu Street Market is only held three times a year, so it lives up to its catchphrase of “the big market in the little town”.
More than 160 stallholders are expected, offering everything from food, clothing, art, produce, hair braids, jewellery, pottery and furniture. It will be held on Sunday from 9am to 2pm at The Centre, Waipu.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
