What's on this week

Rock the ice with Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour, a high-energy, live show on ice. The colourful extravaganza stars a cast of world-class skaters in a show the whole family can enjoy.  Lucky Ak@Play readers have the chance to win a family pass (four tickets) to see the show, which is on at Vector Arena from 29 May to 2 June. Remember to include your postal address. Entries must be received by 19 May.  

Readers' insight - Listen to and question authors on their works, inspirations and challenges at this years Auckland Writers and Readers Festival. More than 100 acclaimed national and international writers are taking part at the event at Aotea Centre from 14 to 18 May.

Real life on film - Don't miss the powerful films showing as part of the Human Rights Film Festival at the Rialto Newmarket from 15 to 23 May. On 18 and 19 May, New Zealand documentary maker Peter Marra, in collaboration with East Timorese filmmakers tells a story of displaced East Timorese children in Children of a Nation.

House proud? - Get down to the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre from 16 to 18 May for the Manukau Home and Garden Show. With over 200 exhibitors, free seminars, fine food and top quality art for the home on offer, it's a must for those looking for fresh and creative ideas for their home.

Boaties dream - For four days of marine fun, excitement and bargains, get along to the Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show from 15 to 18 May at the ASB Showgrounds. You'll learn everything you need to know about boats - and maybe you'll even be lucky enough to win one!

Oily good fun - Join in the fun at Dairy Flat's Olive Estate and Café Olive Harvest Celebration Weekend on 17 and 18 May. Be part of the whole process, from picking the olives to pressing and tasting - bookings essential.

How many dudes? - Catch Scribe and friends busting out the beats at Galatos on 16 May. In celebration of NZ Music Month, it promises to be a great party also featuring local favourite P-Money on the decks.

Bargains galore - You've got to love a good garage sale, with all those bargains waiting to be snapped up! Don't miss Titirangi's Rudolf Steiner School's Annual Giant Garage Sale on 17 May. You're guaranteed to find a treasure or two.

An installation with a difference - Check out Artstation's crafty installation Shelter from 15 to 31 May. The architectural construction is created from handmade blankets that will be donated to the Red Cross and given to refugees.

Window surprise - Exciting performances continue this week in the CBD with My Heart is a Beast. Watch put for the second phase with visual projections appearing in windows around the CBD. My Heart is a Beast is happening as part of Auckland City Council's Living Room series.

The art of fashion - Take a stroll along Quay Street between Princess Wharf and the Auckland Ferry Building from 15 to 29 May to see the work of six renowned international contemporary artists. Commissioned by fashion store Montblanc, The Art of Shopping exhibition brings giant shopping bag sculptures, already exhibited all over the world, to Auckland's CBD.

Go the Blues! - Support the local boys at Eden Park on 16 May as the Blues take on the Hurricanes in an Eden Park match that promises to be full of excitement and action.

Way up there - Not for the faint hearted, the Harbour Bridge Climb takes you under, around, up and over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. It's a safe, fun and adventurous way to experience Auckland from a new perspective.

Oasis in the city - Weave through the network of tracks on the Tahuna Torea walking trails this weekend. Stretching along a sandbank out into the Tamaki Estuary, the area is rich in Maori history and abundant with native wildlife and vegetation.

Ultimate exposure - List your event for free on the Auckland City website.

Wedding bells - If you are planning on having a beachy wedding or just taking some sandy wedding pics contact Auckland City and we can give you some more information about weddings.