What's on this week

Celebrate NZ Music Month at Auckland City Libraries free live music events. Throughout the month of May, there's a stunning line-up of great kiwi music on offer at your local library. From jazz to salon orchestra, hip hop to indie rock and choirs to ukulele, the fantastic range of music ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.   

Write on - More than 100 acclaimed national and international writers will take part in the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival at the Aotea Centre from 14 to 18 May. Lucky Ak@Play readers have the chance to win a double pass to the end of show blast, Books Left on Buses on 18 May. Just tell us the name of one of the authors taking part in the show by 12 May. Remember to include a postal address.

The last laugh - Don't delay, the New Zealand International Comedy Festival wraps up this week. Luckily, there's still a host of great acts guaranteed to make you laugh. Check out Australia's Umbilical Brothers with their inventive use of puppets at Sky City on 9 May.

Drum for fun - In honour of National Percussion Day and NZ Music Month, the APO is hosting eight full-day percussion workshops at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre on 9 May. The workshops cover drum maintenance, rock drumming, jazz, African drums, marimbas and samba, as well as a performance by a top international jazz musician.

Top talent - The University of Auckland's popular Graduation Gala is back. The free concert at the Auckland Town Hall on 9 May celebrates the success of the University's new graduates and is also part of the University's 125th anniversary celebrations.

Piha's heroes - Get an insight into the life and times of the men commemorated on the WWI Roll of Honour at Piha's Lion Rock. Join Sandra Coney in her free presentation, Gone West; Piha's Kauri Bushmen and the First World War on 8 May at Lopdell House in Titirangi.

A wine of a time - Become a connoisseur of European wines at the Langham Hotel's  European Wine Experience on 10 May. Featuring more than 150 wines accompanied by delicious cheeses, this is an event no wine lover should not miss.

For a fun night out - Don't miss the catchy pop-rock indie tunes of New Zealand's Phoenix Foundation at Galatos on 9 May. With support for local band Cassette, this promises to be a great night of music and revellry.  

Only the best for mum - Celebrate mum's special day by taking her to the Heritage Hotel's special Mother's Day Heritage Auckland High Tea on 11 May. The luxurious rooftop afternoon tea is in support of The Breast Cancer Research Trust.

Beast unleashed - Keep an eye out for roving dance performers My Heart is a Beast in the CBD this week. Evoking the wild spirit of the human-stag creature, this thought provoking performance is part of the council's Living Room series.  

Festive pics - Check out the best images from the Grey Lynn Park Festival's photo competition in an exhibition at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on until 11 May. The photographs capture the community sprit of one of Auckland's favourite festivals.

Island icon - Experience the beauty of Rangitoto Island, Auckland's largest and youngest volcanic cone. Walk to the summit or along the shoreline through coastal and forest walks. With more than 200 species of native plants and the largest pohutakawa forest in New Zealand, there's no better excuse to jump on a ferry this weekend.

Get moving - Take part in Auckland City Libraries free Active Movement sessions at your local library. Kids will learn fun skills they can practice at home every week.

Kids love mum - Auckland Art Gallery's Kids' Club on 11 May will see them create newspaper headlines so everyone can read about how great their mums are. What better gift could you receive for Mothers' Day?

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.