From foodie adventures to drink festivals, and dancing to electronic music…Auckland offers a range of upcoming events to boost our excitement for the new year ahead. We’re calling all the self-proclaimed foodies, beer drinkers, music lovers and creatives, to attend 12 of the greatest upcoming and unmissable festivals in Auckland.
1. Plane Sailing Festival 2023
This epic festival will take place on January 6, 2023. Music lover can bop to tunes by Diplo, Elderbrook, 1991 and plenty more. The perfect day festival to attend this summer. Sadly, it’s already sold out but maybe you’ll get a ticket second hand because it’s one of the most unmissable festivals in 2023.
📍 Victoria Park, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
2. Golden Lights Music Festival 2023
This hot new one-day festival on January 7 is sure to impress music lovers. Dance to the likes of international headliners such as Alison Wonderland, UK Grime rapper Dizzee Rascal, Friction, alongside some local performances.
📍 Trust Arena, 65-67 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland 0610
3. Auckland International Buskers Festival
From January 27 to 30, the 23rd annual Buskers Festival will brighten up the city after being cancelled last year due to COVID. Expect a host of exciting entertainers, from across the globe, such as The Secret Circus from America, South Korea’s Charming Jay and plenty more.
📍Various Locations
4. Gardens Music Festival 2023
Another fantastic new music festival promising outdoor inner-city fun at Victoria Park on January 29, 2023. The full festival lineup is yet to be announced but visitors can expect Fatboy Slim and friends to take over the park, bringing you some nostalgic dance and rap tunes spanning over four decades.
📍 Victoria Park, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
5. Auckland Gin Festival
Dress is your best summer attire for the ultimate gin experience on February 3 and 3. Explore over 40 boutique Australian and New Zealand gin distilleries around The Cloud. Learn how your favourite gins are made, sip diverse cocktails and indulge on gourmet food trucks along the way. The perfect girls weekend!
📍The Cloud, 89 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
6. Ending HIV Big Gay Out
As part of Auckland Pride 2023, this LGBTQ+ festival plans to make a return after the pandemic on February 12. Enjoy queer music, lovely markets and the gayest dance party you’ll ever attend.
📍Coyle Park, 528 Point Chevalier Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
7. Indulge Auckland
Prepare for four days of fun between March 2 and 5 at New Zealand’s largest food, wine and design festival. Taste the best wine from renowned wineries such as Cable Bay Vineyards and Two Rivers, indulge on delicious dishes, learn a thing or two from epic masterclasses with talented New Zealanders, all while rocking out to the best entertainers and DJ sets.
📍Viaduct Harbour, Wynard Point & Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland
8. Auckland Arts Festival 2023
From March 9 to 26, this 18-day arts and culture festival returns offering the perfect place to create unforgettable memories for creatives and likeminded individuals. From musical theatre, circus, art exhibitions, films and poetry, foodie experiences and everything in-between…you won’t be bored.
📍Various Locations
9. Auckland Craft Beer & Food Festival 2023
On March 18, Spark Arena will be transformed into New Zealand’s largest beer garden after a two-year break. The 2021 event boasted more than 3000 attendees, with organisers claiming 2023 will be its biggest event yet. Expect more than 60 vendors from across New Zealand, as well as plenty of live entertainment to keep the atmosphere alive.
📍42/80 Mahuhu Crescent, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
10. Auckland Vegan Food Festival 2023
Food Truck Collective will bring together the biggest selection of plant-based street food eats that Auckland has ever seen. Indulge on the best sweet treats, savoury dishes and plenty more on April 2. Tickets cost $5 while kids go free. Certainly, one of the most unmissable festivals for vegans in Auckland.
📍 Victoria Park, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
11. Beauty Nation
On May 6 and 7, beauty gurus can head to New Zealand’s first-ever beauty festival. It will exhibit six different zones, with more than 80 exhibitors, and an expected crowd of 10,000 people to attend. From retail pop-ups to beauty experts giving revealing all their tips, an immersive Drag zone and lots more…you won’t be bored at one of the most unmissable festivals in 2023.
📍Shed 10, Auckland
12. Beers In The Park 2023
This festival was cancelled in 2022. But they plan an epic comeback in 2023. Picture this: your best festival gear, paired with cold craft beers, mingling on the lawn, while jamming to live music in the summer sunshine. There’ll be plenty of delicious street grub to satisfy the hunger while you’re on the beer. Get tickets via the website.
📍 Victoria Park, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
SEE MORE: The Best Festivals In Asia Worth Travelling For