The best events for this Auckland Anniversary Weekend

Aucklanders: if you’re still reminiscing about your summer holiday, never fear! Your next long weekend is only a couple of days away.

Celebrate the City of Sails at one of many events – with plenty of delicious food – happening over this birthday weekend.

Brazilian Day Festival: Sat 26 Jan
The 5^th Brazilian Day Festival is bringing a ‘Brazil Carnival’ vibe to Rocket Park in Mount Albert on Saturday. Brazilian Divas will bring the party to life with their giant headpieces and their dazzling dance steps – alongside the lineup of market stalls, workshops, competitions, amusement rides, Brazilian bites and good vibes. Keep the kids busy at an art and craft workshop or treat them to some sweet treats, before letting them loose on the playground. Don’t forget to try some of the Brazilian favourites – there are brigadeiros (rich chocolate balls), mandioca frita (fried cassava), coxinha (chicken drumstick), tapioca and so much more. Bring your friends, family and be prepared for some Brazilian flair.

Ports of Auckland’s SeePort Festival: Sat 26 – Mon 28 Jan
Although the festival isn't hugely focused on food, we think a delicious bite and an ice cream, or two, from one of the vendors will make the experience so much better. Captain Cook Wharf is hosting a weekend of festivities to honour the city’s beautiful waterfront and maritime history. Enjoy the port from land, sky or sea: there are carnival rides, simulators, concerts, air shows, helicopter rides, open ships, and of course, lots of delicious food! Watch an array of tugboats in action, explore the latest in robotics, and gaze at the Royal New Zealand Navy zipping around the wharves. Sunsets by the sea are a magnificent sight, so stick around for the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and The Ladykillers on Sunday night where you can BYO alcoholic beverages from 5pm, then finish the night with a bang by watching the fireworks finale!

Ice Cream Sundae: Sun 27 Jan
Been at work for only a few days and already need to cool off? You’re not alone. Head down to Silo Park this Sunday from 12pm to lap up some frozen treats. There are more than 20 ice cream brands offering new flavours, family favourites, dairy-free, gluten-free options and so many more! A selection of Auckland’s hottest food trucks and coolest DJs are also lined up, as well as some cheeky surprises at the 18+ Silo bar. There’s no cooler way to spend this Sunday.      

A Truly Bottomless Brunch: Sun 27 Jan
Finish the last Sunday of the month in style trying the Gusto at the Grand's brunch. Enjoy two hours in Italian heaven with their beautiful share menu – featuring risotto pea and pancetta, bucatini puttanesca and for satisfying your second stomach, a salted caramel popcorn semifreddo. Keep the buzz going with bottomless glasses of Ora Prosecco, Bellinis and an assortment of non-alcoholic drinks. Be sure to make a booking!

DeBretts Kitchen High Tea: Mon 28 Jan
Fancy an afternoon of glitz, glamour and delectable treats? Travel back in time to the 1920s at DeBrett’s special anniversary weekend high tea. Enjoy an “Easy Street” Cocktail on arrival; tickle your taste buds with their delightful prawn cocktail, chicken salad and their divine range of cakes and tarts; and tap your toes to the soundtrack of The Roaring Twenties. The dress code is ‘Flappers and Dappers,’ plus Hotel DeBrett’s is providing 1920s inspired packs from $15 per person for all the extravagant add-ons you may need.