Brilliant Things to do in Auckland This October

Now that the mercury is on an upward trajectory, the volume of great things happening in Auckland has tripled tenfold. If you thought last month was hectic, then wait until you see what lies ahead in October.

As well as being National Pizza Month, National Sausage Month, American Cheese Month, and the host of a public holiday weekend (fist pump), October has stuff happening like an 18-day tribute to dance, a showcase of our best underage thespians, a festival dedicated to music in its purest form, one of the most exciting acts in modern-day hip hop, an international cycling phenomenon, an allusive masked producer performing a solo headline show, the biggest film-making event in New Zealand, and heaps more things to distract you from the imminent presence of all things Christmas.

Tempo Dance Festival

Tempo Dance Festival is an 18-day tribute to all genres of dance: contemporary, ballet, jazz, tango, musical theatre and dance on film. Atamira Dance Company are set to kick off the festival with Mitimiti, a multimedia installation that aims to break the mould of traditional performance through a combination of film, live kapa haka and surround sound. Further highlights include a piece mixing traditional principles with aerial circus, body percussion and Pacific folklore; a boundless fusion of hip hop; a science-fiction comedy dance thriller; lunchtime yoga classes, and an all male showcase that hints at being the perfect activity for a ladies night out.

When: Thursday, October 1 - Sunday, October 18
Where: Q Theatre
How much: Varies

Rae Sremmurd

Confusingly pronounced US hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd (ray shrim-er) are playing in NZ for the first time. The pair, composed of brothers, Khalif "Swae Lee" and Aaquil "Slim Jimmy" Brown, first rose to prominence after appearing on a televised music competition. Their youthful vocal style has since earned them a #1 debut album and singles that have sold beyond one million units. They're one of the most exciting acts in modern-day hip hop.

When: Thursday, October 1
Where: The Studio 
How much: $55

SBTRKT

Having only ever performed on this side of the world before surging festival crowds, masked producer SBTRKT will finally perform his own solo headline show. The Brit's forthcoming appearance at Auckland's St James Theatre comes off the back of releasing his eclectic second studio album Wonder Where We Land. Arriving on the heels of extensive tours throughout US and Europe, expect to witness a polished performance and some top notch visuals. Support from The Drax Project.

When: Friday, October 2
Where: St James Theatre
How much: $50

Sunday Best Ride

The international cycling phenomenon known as a tweed run is taking place in Auckland this month. The activity involves a large group of people dressed in tweed and classy Sunday riding outfits cycling around the streets of a bustling city. Auckland's all-ages, all-stages ride will span a leisurely 15km, starting from the Auckland Domain and making it's way past the Rose Gardens, via Ponsonby and the waterfront, before returning back to the beginning.

When: Sunday, October 4
Where: Auckland Domain
How much: $5

Young and Hungry 2015

Youth theatre festival Young and Hungry will take place at the Basement Theatre this month. Showcasing the best underage thespians and two acclaimed playwrights, the festival will feature Uther Dean's self-explanatory piece: The Presentation of Findings from My Scientific Survey of the First 7500 Days of My Life Done in the Interest of Showing You How to Live Better Lives, and writer Sam Brooks' shorter-titled, The 21st Narcissus, which manages to tip its hat to Avril Lavigne while exploring the "implications of social media, self-reflection and homicidal tendencies."

When: October 9 - 24
Where: Basement Theatre
How much: $10 - 25

Otahuhu Ethnic Food Festival

There's no question that one of the greatest things about living in Auckland is the incredibly diverse range of food on offer. Otahuhu's Ethnic Food Festival is here to celebrate exactly that. On Saturday 10 October, the suburb's main strip between Mason and Hall Ave will host over 50 stalls of cuisine from cultures around the globe, including everything from Korean fusion, Dutch chips, American street-food, New York-styled Chinese buns, Canadian poutine, Brazilian savouries and Fijian curry. A lineup of local hip hop and reggae acts will also perform throughout the day.

When: Saturday, October 10
Where: Mason and Hall Ave, Otahuhu
How much: Free

The Big Screen Syposium

Known as New Zealand's filmmaking event of the year, the Big Screen Syposium is two jam-packed days of debate, discussion, workshopping and inspiration; a must attend for directors, writers, producers, musicians, actors, students, and anyone wanting to get up close and personal with the important people in showbiz. Speaking of, industry veteran and the man behind of the two highest grossing films of all time, Jon Landau, is signed on to appear at this year's event, as well as acclaimed screenwriter Anthony McCarten, renowned filmmaker Jane Campion, Chilean writer and director Sebastián Silva, and plenty more.

When: Saturday, October 10 - Sunday, October 11
Where: Auckland University
How much: $185 - 335

Image Nation

Image Nation is the country's foremost photography event and a must for both emerging and established photographers. Returning for a two-day run, the event will feature ten inspirational presentations by renowned photographers and industry experts. On hand to share methods and motivations behind their work includes: accomplished fashion photographer Fiona Quinn, industry veteran Peter Bennetts, in-demand photographer Sean Izzard, and multi-disciplinary Maori artist Lisa Reihana.

When: Monday, October 12 - Tuesday, October 13
Where: Q Theatre - Rangitira
How much: $139 - 189

LATE: Auckland Eats Itself

Auckland enjoys an ever-changing relationship with food. The next edition in Auckland Museum's LATE series is set to examine the cross section of flavours, cuisine and kitchens which runs throughout the city and reflects our diverse cultural landscape. Panel moderator Noelle McCarthy will be joined by local dining expert Connie Clarkson, Maori Television presenter Te Kohe Tuhaka, well-lauded chef Benjamin Bayly, and Massey University's Paul Spoonley. Following the discussion, the owners of K'Rd institution Coco's Cantina will illustrate their style of rustic Italian food, drawing on influences from across the Mediterranean.

When: Tuesday, October 13
Where: Auckland Museum
How much: $20

Russell Brand

With his latest show Russell Brand will attempt to change the world through stand up comedy. The comedian/actor/author/activist, who now has 15 years experience under his belt, has decided the only way to change for the better is to be part of a mob. Trew World Order is a "rabble-rousing stab at creating, through the power of the crowd," and also promises to be inappropriate, unpredictable, slightly confusing, and consistently over the top.

When: Wednesday, October 14
Where: Vector Arena
How much: $89.90 - 129.90

Auckland Jazz Festival

30 events make up the second ever Auckland Jazz Festival this year. The festival dedicated to music in its purest form will be held over 12 days and as many venues across the city. Making their way back home to headline the event will be Prodigal Sons, comprising two of New Zealand's finest jazz musicians Steve Barry and PJ Koopman. Further highlights include celebrated pianist Jonathan Crayford and his band the Electric Trio, The Benny Lackner Trio from the US by-the-way-of Berlin, and Wellington eight-piece The Jac.

When: Wednesday, October 14 - Sunday, October 25
Where: Various locations around the city
How much: Varies

Soulfest

Following last year's inaugural run (which attracted 9000-odd music lovers), Soulfest is back. After stopping by Sydney and Melbourne, the Soulfest road show will once again make its return to Auckland, and just in time to round off Labour Weekend. Over 20 live acts and DJs will feature throughout the 10-hour day across two main stages including the queen of hip hop and soul, Mary J. Blige, nine-time Grammy nominee Charlie Wilson, hip hop trio De La Soul, Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli, Detroit soul singer Dwele, R&B duo Floetry, neo-soul songwriter Eric Benet, Grammy Award-winning singer/model/actress Jill Scott, Los Angeles R&B artist Jhené Aiko, jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington and soul crooner BJ The Chicago Kid.

When: Monday, October 26
Where: Western Springs
How much: $147 - 327