Your summer of great Auckland events November 2007 to January 2008

From City Scene, published on 28 October, 2007

Events in November 2007

Events in December 2007

Events in January 2008

Welcome to summer and a season of great Auckland events, proudly brought to you by Auckland City Council. The council is involved in nearly everything that goes on in our city. From organising and sponsoring, to supporting and facilitating events, we're giving Aucklanders plenty of choice about how they spend their leisure time.

November 2007

November's fantastic opportunities to get into the spirit of summer start with the free Parnell Festival of Roses on Saturday, 10 and Sunday, 11 November. Auckland's oldest suburb will come alive during the exciting, family focused weekend, with craft stalls, exhibitions, music and entertainment, guided heritage walks, and the Parnell Market Day.

The New World Netball World Championships sees 16 international teams compete for the title in Auckland from 10 to 17 November at Waitakere's The Trusts Stadium. Aucklanders also have the chance to get involved, with lots of fun activites in the CBD during the tournament.

Centred in the Viaduct is the finish of the Harbour Crossing - Auckland on 25 November, the first event in the annual Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series, and the only time all of Auckland's marine traffic is stopped to allow competitors to swim across our harbour.

The start of Christmas celebrations also brings fun for the whole family, with the Farmers Santa Parade on 25 November, Onehunga Christmas Lights on 30 November, and Christmas in the City bringing seasonal cheer to the heart of Auckland from 23 November.

December 2007

Christmas festivities spread across Auckland in the lead up to the big day, with six free Carols by Candlelight events from 9 to 16 December giving people the chance to come together and sing their hearts out.

Everyone's favourite family event, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park on 8 December will see Auckland Domain come alive with songs, fireworks and of course, a visit from Santa.

Auckland City Libraries have events to keep you cool in December, including Real Gold, an exhibition featuring historic treasures and the Hot Summer, Cool Books kids' reading programme.

Auckland Zoo is also celebrating Christmas on 16 December with ASB Christmas at the Zoo - a chance to unwind and enjoy Christmas with the animals. Towards the end of the month, local and international female tennis stars come to town for the ASB Classic, which continues into January.

December also has some exciting art exhibitions on show around our city. Artstation hosts Home Sweet Heart, while Auckland Art Gallery has Likeness & Character and Making Worlds, featuring the free Big Day Art event for families.

January 2008

Our parks are alive with the sound of music in January thanks to the council's popular Music in Parks series, with 13 free concerts during the month - and continuing into February and March - to suit all musical tastes. Auckland Zoo's Wild Bean Cafe ZooMusic series also starts in January and continues into February.

The Heineken Open, from 7 to 12 January gives Aucklanders the chance to catch some world-class men's tennis action - and on 28 January, our city's unique maritime heritage is celebrated with the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on our Waitemata Harbour.

A range of indoor activities is also on offer during January, including Auckland Art Gallery exhibitions, activities at Auckland City Libraries, and Artstation holiday workshops and summer school art classes.

Colourful characters provide entertainment on our streets from 31 January, when the Auckland International Buskers Festival hits town. Don't miss the AkActive Parks Programme, in full swing across Auckland, with fun activities to keep the whole family fit.

Make the most of what our city has to offer this summer by:

visiting our website for comprehensive events information
signing up for a free weekly email with the latest events information by texting ak to 351
checking out City Scene each week to find out what's coming up.

In January, look out for a calendar covering events from February to April 2008.