This week in Auckland
Second week of the school holidays! I hope you’re all enjoying the reduced traffic.
Also its the final phase of Matariki, if you wanted to see anything in regards to the festival/event this is your last chance! ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events
Categories
Editors Picks
University of Auckland Three Minute Thesis Finals
Fri 17 Jul · 5:00–7:00pm · Sir Owen G Glenn Building, Grafton · Free
Doctoral candidates get exactly three minutes to present their research — one slide, no exceptions. Vote for your favourite in the People's Choice Award. Genuinely entertaining and free to attend.
Arts and Entertainment
Vampire Disko — Whammy Bar
Fri 17 Jul · 9:00pm to 2:00am · Whammy Bar, K Road · Sold out
Auckland's first ever goth and dark synth night — Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, Siouxsie, Depeche Mode, The Cure and cutting edge dark artists. Dress as a vampire, the more dramatic the better. LGBTQIA+ friendly. Worth keeping an eye on for future dates.
The Odyssey — Christopher Nolan
Opens Thu 16 Jul · Various Auckland cinemas · Ticketed
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic brings Homer's Odyssey to the big screen for the first time, shot entirely on brand new IMAX film technology. Starring Zendaya, Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson. 172 minutes. Best seen on IMAX.
Outdoors and Active
Auckland Trail Series — Totara Park
Sun 19 Jul · From 9:00am · Totara Park, The Gardens · Ticketed
Four distance options from 7km to 21.5km through one of South Auckland's best kept secrets — fast hard packed trails, rolling bush and plenty of fresh air. Run or walk, all abilities welcome. Register at trailrun.co.nz.
Family Friendly
Free Weekend Art Making Sessions
Sat 18 to Sun 19 Jul · 11:00am to 3:00pm · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, CBD · Free
Drop in and get creative with your whānau in the gallery spaces. No booking required, runs every weekend and throughout the school holidays.
Matariki Festival 2026 — Final Weekend
Sat 18 to Sun 19 Jul · Various locations across Auckland · Varies by event
The final weekend of Matariki Festival 2026 with events, exhibitions and cultural experiences across the city. Check the full programme for what is on near you.
Sales
Fill a Bag Sale — Mercy Hospice Shop Ellerslie
Sun 19 Jul · 10:00am to 2:00pm · 188 Ladies Mile, Ellerslie · $10 per bag
Fill a bag with as many clothes as you can fit for $10, additional bags $6. Bags provided. Runs on the third Sunday of every month going forward.
Lil Comic Market — Arkham City Comics
Sun 19 Jul · 10:00am to 1:00pm · Arkham City Comics, 885 Manukau Rd, Royal Oak · Free entry
Four to five sellers of comics and collectibles including back issues, trade paperbacks, hardcovers and CGC graded books. Budget range from $1 comics through to investment level key issues.
Free Stuff
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Sun 28 Jun to Sun 23 Aug · Auaha Ātea Nui, Auckland War Memorial Museum · Free with museum entry
61 years of the world's most celebrated nature photography competition, produced by the Natural History Museum London. Exceptional images capturing hidden animal behaviour, rare species and the natural world at its most breathtaking.
Coming up:
Doggie Day Out — Queens Wharf
Sun 26 Jul · 10:00am to 1:00pm · Queens Wharf, Auckland CBD · Free
A free day out for dogs and their owners with a professional dog photographer, agility course, doggie speed dating, paw print art and a silly dress up parade. Register free online so they can keep you updated on weather changes.