Lanterns, street food, and good music are waiting for you. Photo / Getty Images
Northland’s smokin’ hot celebration of barbecue, music and community returns to the Bay of Islands this March, bringing global barbecue styles, non-stop entertainment and iconic Kiwi music to Kerikeri.
The Fired Up Barbecue Festival will take place at The Old Packhouse, Kerikeri, from 1pm-9pm, Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Fired Up celebrates everything one could love about cooking over flame – from low and slow smoking to charcoal grilling, earth cooking, wood-fired and open-flame traditions. Festival-goers can feast on incredible food from some of New Zealand’s top barbecue vendors, showcasing flavours and techniques from around the world including traditional American low and slow, Greek, South African, Brazilian and hāngī.
The festival also features an extensive EXPO Zone, packed with rubs, seasonings, sauces and the latest barbecue gear, alongside a full programme of live music, entertainment, backyard games, competitions and eating challenges.
One of the biggest parties in New Zealand, the BNZ Lantern Festival has become a family favourite since its post-Covid return in its bigger South Auckland home. Expect hundreds of glowing lanterns lighting up the night, alongside bustling food vendors and live cultural performances. Don’t miss the fireworks, set to light up the Auckland skyline at 9.50pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. In the central city, the Auckland Harbour Bridge will also shine in traditional colours every 15 minutes from 8.30pm until midnight, from February 23 to March 1.
The BNZ Lantern Festival and Harbour Lights runs from February 26 to March 1, from 4pm to 10.30pm, across Manukau Sports Bowl and Auckland CBD. Ticket are limited, but free, from iticket.co.nz.
Follow the aroma of BBQ skewers and fresh dumplings as Adelaide’s Glenelg Foreshore fills with bold Asian street food flavours. Asia Street Food Festival – By the Sea returns with 10 days of coastal night market energy powered by local Asian food vendors and performing arts groups. The event brings together local Asian food vendors serving smoky BBQ, fresh seafood, handmade dumplings, wok-fried noodles, sugarcane juice and coconut ice cream. Visitors can enjoy lion dance blessings, drum processions and traditional firecracker moments to mark Lunar New Year on the coast.
The programme runs from day to night and includes free cultural activities designed for families, food lovers and community groups. A themed cultural photo booth adds an interactive element for visitors. Entry is free and the event operates cashless across all 10 days. For Kiwis planning summer travel, this festival offers an easy way to experience Asian street food culture in a relaxed seaside setting. asiaoasis.com.au
Melbourne’s riverside comes alive as Moomba fills the city with free, high-energy fun. From March 5 to 9, this much-loved festival delivers five days of entertainment for families, thrill seekers and festival fans alike. A highlight of the weekend is the Birdman Rally on Sunday, March 8, at 11am, when brave contestants launch homemade flying machines into the Yarra River for charity and plenty of laughs. The Moomba Parade follows on Monday, March 9, at 10.45am, featuring bold floats, dance troupes and the Moomba Monarchs. Expect epic skate park competitions, thrilling water sports, dance workshops, live music and hands-on activities that keep kids and adults engaged all day. moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Looking for something different between beach days and festivals? You have one last chance to step inside Balloon Story before it closes on February 28. This immersive installation at MCEC in Melbourne runs for its final week, inviting visitors into cinematic worlds built entirely from more than 400,000 natural latex balloons. Wander through jungles, underwater realms, space adventures and winter scenes, then dive into a giant ball pit or snap photos in playful selfie zones. The experience lasts 60 to 90 minutes and welcomes all ages, with children under three entering free. Open daily from 9am and fully accessible. balloonstory.com
Fine dining meets the ocean at Signature Dining at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. This experience invites guests (18+) to enjoy a three-course dinner and a two-hour drinks package while surrounded by hundreds of marine creatures. Private tables sit in intimate locations across four aquarium zones, including the breathtaking Shark Valley Tunnels, where diners sit beneath cruising sharks.
The evening begins with a drink on arrival at Darwin’s Lab, followed by an exclusive guided tour before guests settle in for restaurant style service in a setting unlike any other. Each course unfolds against a living marine backdrop, creating a calm and immersive atmosphere designed for connection and celebration. For Kiwis planning summer escapes across Australia, this offers a fresh way to experience Sydney after dark. visitsealife.com/sydney/tickets-passes/experiences/signature-dining
