Book for the Writers Festival
Mark your page for the Auckland Writers Festival, which kicks off on Tuesday. As ever, there's a programme full of big-name wordsmiths and talented creatives, including film director Jane Campion, 2021 Nobel Prize-winning writer Abdulrazak Gurnah, and Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty. Between all the book buying, attend workshops on nature writing, and join the festival salon with Sorrow & Bliss' Meg Mason, children's author Michael Rosen, and poet and Beyonce collaborator Warsan Shire. August 23-28. For the full programme, visit Writersfestival.co.nz
Make tracks to a "mega" sale
Fashion designer James Dobson is shifting to Wellington, so (lucky for us) the beloved label is having a big sale, rare for Jimmy D. There's old-season stock, archival pieces (find some of those sought-after hits) as well as fabric for all you crafty folk. 496 Karangahape Rd, Auckland. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
See a play
Today sees the opening of the Auckland Theatre Company's new production, Dawn Raids. Written by Oscar Kightley, the play is set in 1973 and explores the injustices faced by Pacific people in New Zealand at the time. First performed 26 years ago, the production, directed by Troy Tu'ua, comes after PM Jacinda Ardern's formal Dawn Raids apology last year on behalf of the Government, and The Panthers TV series in 2021. On now until to September 3 at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland. For more information, go to Atc.co.nz
Support local business (and Myanmar too)
We love a market day, and Mabel's Community Hall will see makers, retailers and businesses come together to sell their wares and connect with their patrons. There will be hot coffee, great homeware Walk In The Park, Kiosk Store and Dehei Bedding will all be there and a portion of sales will be donated towards relief efforts in Myanmar. Sunday August 21, 10am-4pm. 66 Tory St, Te Aro, Wellington.
Watch some dragons
The most anticipated dragon-filled prequel of the season, House of the Dragon, that firey drama centred on the House Targaryen 200 years before the events that unfurled in Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood, is nearly here. We can say with some certainty that the bloodshed will be high, the CGI will be enthralling, and that Matt Smith (Doctor Who) will deliver a performance. Available to watch on Neon from August 22.
Here's a hot sample sale
Insta-favourite That Looks Shop is hot property, selling sexy fare and cool local designers, and it's having a sample sale this weekend, giving you the chance to pick up archival pieces, samples and seconds, and who knows what else. 312D Karangahape Rd (entrance on East St), Auckland.
Have a pint
The country's biggest beer fest, Beervana, is toasting to 21 years, with a full programme of tastings with breweries from across New Zealand, food stalls (looking at you, Boulcott Street Bistro, Rosie's Cantina, and Pho Mo), a music room and a scavenger hunt. August 19-20. Sky Stadium, Wellington. Tickets are available from Beervana.co.nz
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Go to the cabaret
If it's a little sizzle and comic timing you're after, let Auckland Live's Cabaret Season entertain you. You've got pretty much a month before it starts, so take look at Aucklandlive.co.nz for the full Cabaret season programme and book your tickets now. Showcasing the grandeur of one of Tāmaki Makaurau's grandest dames The Civic Theatre the various shows on offer encourage you to explore this majestic venue. Highlights include the 80s musical mixtape ride from the Modern Māori Quartet: Ngā 80s; a high-octane drag extravaganza from Ru Paul's Drag Race Down Under stars Kita Mean and Anita Wigl'it; an epic rock operatic ensemble from The Soundtrack from Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge; and actor and tarot reader Amanda Leo's inclusion as part of the One-Eyed Jacks showcase, joined by a whimsical cast of poets, gamblers and live musicians. For schedule times and tickets visit Aucklandlive.co.nz
Join a book club
The beloved bookstore Unity Books Auckland is hosting book club events, including a must-attend event with the endlessly talented Coco Solid, as she discusses her new book, How to Loiter in a Turf War. September 25 from 5.30pm-7pm. 19 High St, Auckland. Space is limited so get your tickets quickly at Unitybooksauckland.co.nz
