So many free events on this week, including a revised Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival hosted by the 19 iwi of Tāmaki Makaurau, free gigs and movies at Silo Park, and more.
Silo Cinema: The Farewell
One of our favourite films of 2019, The Farewell follows Chinese-American Billi as she flies back to China to say goodbye to her grandmother, whose family has decided to keep her terminal illness a secret from her. It’s funny, it’s sad, and if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s free to see under the stars.
Friday 31 January | Silo Park
Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival
For the first time, performances on land and water will weave the story of Tāmaki Makaurau and the first waka that sailed here. Expect a waka showcase, toi (art) and kai markets, kapa haka, and a water stage. The festivities go on well into the night, teling Auckland’s rich waka history and how it shaped who we are today.
Friday 31 February | Captain Cook Wharf
Auckland Pride Festival
Pride is back for 2020, recharged and with a new slogan – Our Liberation, Our Celebration, Our Pride. It kicks off with opening party OurGala (Saturday 1 February), followed by central event OurMarch, which replaces the Pride Parade and is free to attend. For the full line up of events, take a look at their website – there’s plenty on, including outside of central Auckland.
Saturday 1-16 February
Jack Whitehall
Affable British comedian Jack Whitehall (Travels with my Father, Good Omens) performs at one of the biggest venues in Auckland, Spark Arena, determined to fill it with laughter. Well, presumably.
Saturday 1 February | Spark Arena
Hannah Gadsby
For a couple weeks in 2018, anyone who saw Hannah Gadsby's Netflix special Nanette would not shut up about Nanette. In it, she mulls over the use of self-deprecating humour in stand-up comedy and its pain when employed by already marginalised people. Her conclusion: stop doing stand-up comedy. Her conclusion after the outpouring of acclaim for her (very good) special: continue doing stand-up comedy.
Saturday 1 February | The Civic
Silo Sessions: The Phoenix Foundation
The New Zealand’s only live Auckland show this summer will be free for everyone to attend, surrounded by food trucks and general merriment.
Sunday 2 February | Silo Park
Noa Records Presents – Pacific Mystery
Another free gig in the heart of the city, Auckland Live’s Summer at the Square and Noa Records presents “sonic artists from varying geo-spiritual positions within the Polynesian diaspora”.
Thursday 6 February | Aotea Square
Basement 2020 opening party
Our favourite central independent theatre venue is ready to open their doors to a new decade, with some previews of what’s up ahead, plus drinks and nibbles.
Friday 7 February | Basement Theatre
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