We're in the know about all the best things to do, see, eat, and drink this weekend!
The Beer Festival Takes Over The Cloud
The Beer Spot's Auckland Beer Festival is this weekend, kicking off at lunchtime Friday at The Cloud in Downtown Auckland. Tickets are still available, allowing you entry to the 4-hour session of your choice, an automatic $25 loaded onto your wristband, a speciality tasting glass and sling so you don't lose it, and the chance to try plenty of beers, wines, and ciders from some of the country's best local producers. There will also be an abundance of fabulous food truck vendors, to keep you going for the full four hours. Grab your last minute tickets here, and drink responsibly!
An Adults-Only Gelateria Is Debuting
The LF Seltzer pop-up scoop shop is setting up at Sweat Shop this weekend, scooping up adults-only scoops with Island Gelato. There'll be three flavours available from 4pm onwards, including Yuzu, Mint & Cucumber, Pear & Ginger, and Strawberry & Hibiscus, all spiked with LF's alcoholic New Zealand seltzer. There'll be a tropical wonderland set up all weekend long, so head along for some scoop shop fun.
Late Nights At La Cigale
End your work week with a relaxing session at La Cigale French Markets during their Friday late nights. The Parnell markets will have pizzas, platters, wine, beer, and cocktails – perfect to unwind with and only a stones-throw from the bustling Parnell or city-centre to continue the night. Opening from 4:30pm Friday until late, make it your after-work spot this Friday.
Meadowbank Night Markets
One of the most popular Auckland night markets is back this Friday at Meadowbank Shopping Centre on St John's Road. The evening starts at 4pm, with an impressive lineup of food truck vendors, and an array of quality artwork, jewellery, and produce so you can get a head start on Christmas shopping. There'll also be live music and entertainment for all ages, this Friday only!
Marina Cantina's DOTD Bottomless Lunch
Join Marina Cantina for Day Of The Dead festivities with their bottomless lunch package this Saturday. For $50 per ticket, you'll get to indulge in bottomless sangria & Estrella Cerveza (or Mexican mocktails), a two-course Mexican feast, sugar-skull face painting, a live DJ, and a bloody good 2-hour session with your friends. Grab your tickets for the 12pm or 2:30pm session here!
Festival Italiano – NZ's Largest Italian Festival
The country's largest Italian Festival hits Auckland this Sunday, setting up shop on the streets of Newmarket. Osborne Street, Kent Street, Rialto Centre, and Lumsden Green will be filled with authentic Italian food stalls, a pop-up Italian bar, free activities, live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, a degustation area, workshops, and exhibits. If that wasn't enough to entice you, there'll be Italian cars, scooters, spot prizes, and special guests on the day too. Festival Italiano is not-for-profit, organised by the volunteers of Dante Alighieri Society of Auckland, so head along to Newmarket on Sunday from 11am to 5pm and indulge in a healthy fix of Italy.
MASU Yum Cha
MASU By Nic Watt is introducing their new Sunday Japanese yum cha sessions, complete with Champagne Perrier-Jouët. Chef Nic Watt has put together the Perrier-Jouët Yum Cha trolley featuring dishes such as their signature sushi and sashimi, cold plates, and maki rolls. There'll also be the option to order hot plates such as MASU's lamb cutlets and black cod croquettes from the a la carte menu, all prepared in the open kitchen right in front of your eyes. Bookings can be made here for this Sunday.
