Source: Auckland Council
Hanging around Tāmaki Makaurau for the long weekend? Celebrate Auckland’s birthday and make the most of our first long weekend of the year with these free, family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re up for some live music and delicious kai, a dazzling light show, an exciting street performance in the city centre or setting sail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring friends and whānau along for the fun and take your pick:
Tune in to Music in Parks
Say cello to Music in Parks! Make the most of this free entertainment making its rounds around Tāmaki Makaurau’s parks. Next on the schedule is Opera in the Park at Glover Park on Saturday January 25th, featuring talented artists like Joanna Foote, Sarah Mileham, Taylor Wallbank, Joel Amosa, Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono, with pianist David Kelly and MC Kawiti Waetford. If an afternoon of electronic, rock and pop is more your style, be sure to check out the Rifle Range Amphitheatre in Catalina Bay Drive, Hobsonville, for summer vibes with Paul the Kid, Vanessa Tottle, and Ocean Beach.
You’ll be in for a treat of epic performances and delicious kai from food trucks.
Dazzle with Vector Lights
Add some sparkle to your evening with Vector Lights! After enjoying the day activities, head along to one of these favourite viewing spots; Silo Park, Bayswater Marina and Takarunga Mt Victoria to watch the 90,000 LEDs on the Auckland Harbour Bridge come to life with a show that celebrates the culturally diverse city we live in today.
Designed by toi Māori artist Hokimai-anahera Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri) and accompanied with the rich sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau by sound engineer Tawhirimatea Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri), the show will repeat every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight. Listen live at vector.co.nz/lights.
Due to critical maintenance work by NZTA, some of the lights will not appear on the west side overarch of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Completion of the work is expected by 31 March 2025.
Join 2025’s Lunar New Year celebrations
Energise your senses this Lunar New Year. Kicking off this weekend, midtown’s lanes and squares will be alive with a creative buzz inspired by Asian traditions and infused with a unique Auckland flavour.
From Sunday 26 January to 22 February, you can experience the colours, sounds, tastes and beats of Asia, joining millions around the world who celebrate Lunar New Year. Don’t miss Bao and Boba – dine, vote for your top participating shop and be in to win.
And while you’re in the city centre, take a fresh look around. There are new trees, art, design elements, cycleways and spaces popping up every time you venture in.
Marvel at Street Performances in the City Centre
Prepare to be amazed with the Auckland International Buskers Festival gracing our city centre streets this Auckland Anniversary weekend, bringing with it a world-class lineup of street performers.
You won’t want to miss out on this free, family friendly entertainment, with a wide array of extraordinary talent like fire dancers, some serious clowning around by pro’s and hair-raising acrobatics on full display.
Sail-ebrate this Auckland Anniversary Day!
Sail-ebrate Auckland Anniversary Day with friends and whānau by getting into the sailing spirit!
Get crafty at NZ Maritime Museum with more family fun and join in on boat-themed activities, Allow your creativity to flow as you design, build and race your own mini sailboat in the “Raingutter Regatta”.
Or attend the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta for a day of sporting fun marveling at the vast array of boats on display. With several events taking place across Tāmaki Makaurau, there will be something in store for everyone.
