Concrete Playground

music The Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2011

Thursday, 3rd November - 4AM
@ Vector Arena

No punches are pulled, no words left unsaid and no bottle left unfinished.

music Bic Runga

Monday, 21st November - 7PM
@ Franklin Baptist Church

Tis the season to be jolly, folks, and it doesn't get much better then hearing this set of pipes and some of the finest tunes to be etched into the country's consciousness.

play The UP FM Solar Series 2012 - Phase One

Sunday, 22nd January - 12AM
@ Western Springs

Ah summer parties – you'd be forgiven this year for thinking you haven't had a summer, that a vengeful, wrathful god has in fact stolen it. And you'd be correct. However, there are cures to all things that ail you, and the UPFM Solar Series is always an excellent start.

art Whizbang Pop

Saturday, 3rd September - Saturday, 31st March
@ Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

Watch as moving images flicker, lights glow fluorescent, sculptures burst into motion, artworks lift off walls, and colours explode and retreat.

music Summer Sounds: Tim Finn

Sunday, 18th March - 2PM
@ Three Kings Reserve

Free music by the ever epic Tim Finn, a forecast for no rain and a bacon butty for just $3. Get it in ya.

think Urbis Designday 2012

Saturday, 24th March - 6AM
@ Auckland-wide

Everything from temporary architectural pavilions to interactive exhibitions, Urbis is the hot spot for New Zealand's top creative talent.

play 2012 Raw Comedy Quest

Monday, 26th March - 8PM
@ The Classic

People trying out for comedy shows, come on, how could this not be awesome?

play Laphroaig And Bowmore Whisky Tasting

Wednesday, 21st March - 7PM
@ Wine Chambers

Ahhhh, whiskey - the drink of choice for gentlemen and scholars. Here's a chance to sample the finest drink in the world, and learn a thing or two about it.

Big Picture Wine Tasting

Sunday, 15th April - 10AM
@ Big Picture Wine

Big Wine Picture will take you on a virtual 'tour' of New Zealand wine, selected by region, before moving to the Aroma Room where you'll put those nostrils to good use.

art Japanese Art Festival

Sunday, 1st April - 10AM
@ Aotea Centre - Auckland

More than 240 Japanese modern art works, including animation, illustration, origami, oil painting, paper cutting and stuffed toys, have come from Japan for the 2012 Japanese Art Festival.

play Wine, Cheese & Astronomy

Tuesday, 3rd April - 8PM
@ Stardome

Space, the final frontier. It's a big universe out there amongst the stars, and the Stardome is an often overlooked way to get that little bit closer.

Mean as Monday

Monday, 16th April - 3PM
@ Rakinos

Hate Monday? Yeah we do too. So why not take the edge off with Mean as Mondays at Rakinos. Chilled beats and a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy that hair of the dog you no doubt need with the Monday special of $10 fish'n'chips.

music KRS-One

Saturday, 21st April - 6PM
@ The Cloud

KRS-One is often considered the unofficial spokesperson of Hip Hop, his performances are legendary - if you have any appreciation of hip hop or rap, this is an essential gig for you.KRS-One is literally one of the most profilic writers in hip hop history, having twenty published albums to his credit. To make it sweeter, he established hip hop at the United Nations as an international culture, and remains a kingpin of hip hop culture globally. Consider him the king.To put the icing on the cake - this single night only show will be taking place at The Cloud in the Viaduct. Don't think - just go.

art John Walsh: I Can’t Stop Loving You

Wednesday, 18th April - Saturday, 12th May
@ Gow Langsford Gallery

As we move into a turbulent political time, Walsh's display is a unique way to examine some of today's big issues through a unconvential medium.

play 7 Days LIVE

Saturday, 5th May - 7PM
@ SkyCity Theatre

The popular TV3 show is taking their on-set shenanigans straight to the people. With Jeremy Corbett taking his usual spot in the quizmaster’s chair, team captains Dai Henwood and Paul Ego will be ready at the helms - they will be flanked on tour by...Ben Hurley, Steve Wrigley, Jeremy Elwood and 2011 Billy T Award nominee Urzila Carlson.

play Whitianga Scallop Festival

Saturday, 15th September - 10AM
@ Whitianga Marina Reserve

One of New Zealand's most popular seafood festivals, the Whitianga Scallop Festival is an excellent excuse to head out of the concrete playground and up the Coromandel to sample some of New Zealand's finest delicacies. All the while, drowning it down with the array of craft beers and quality New Zealand wines on display and funking it down to the entertainment on hand.

play Aotea Square Ice Rink

Sunday, 24th June - Sunday, 5th August
@ Aotea Square

Embrace the spirit of winter at Auckland's latest attraction - the Aotea Square Ice Rink. Skate in rain, snow or sun and make the most of some CBD excitement.

music play The Highlife & A List Winter Social

Saturday, 14th July - 6PM
@ The Wharf

On Saturday July 14th 2012, The Highlife & Alist Winter Social will take place once again in the luxurious surroundings of The Wharf venue situated on the waterfront of Auckland's North Shore.

play Bastille Day Street Festival

Saturday, 14th July - 10AM
@ Remuera Road Village

Ahhh France, we've forgiven you for the Rainbow Warrior after the RWC, so it's all fun and games as we celebrate the finest of French culture (the food and wine!) at the Bastille Day Street Festival in Remuera. The street will be transformed with food, music, mime artists and street entertainers to bring the Parisian joie de vivre to Auckland.With French street decorations including an Eiffel Tower, Can-Can dancers, copious amounts of wine and food, Remuera will brighten your day in true French style.Also, you can click here for more details on how to win a limited-edition Pardon My French scarf as part of our essential Guide to Bastille Day in Auckland.