Brilliant Things to Do in Auckland This November

In anticipation of being swallowed whole by the clutches of silly season, get ready to exercise those senses one last time. There's plenty to look forward to in the month ahead, including the country’s largest culinary festival, the latest offering from world renowned circus troupe Cirque du Soleil, a music prize recognising up-and-coming Kiwi artists, a multi-genre film festival showcasing work from here and across the Pacific, and one of the greatest bands of all time.

Pollywood

What started out as a short film night has now blossomed into a full-blown, multi-genre festival celebrating the Pasifika film and multimedia industries. For its thirteenth year, Pollywood founder and local director Craig Fasi has hand-picked a diverse blend of nine short films. The opening will take place at the Mangere Art Centre Nga Tohu o Uenuku on November 1 before screenings take place in various locations around the city.

When: Sunday, November 1 - Thursday, November 26
Where: Varies
How much: $12 - 15

Critics' Choice Prize 2015

Established in 2010, the Critics’ Choice Prize recognises up-and-coming Kiwi artists and potential future Tui recipients. Past winners The Naked & Famous and Kimbra are a couple of rather exceptional examples. Three Auckland-based acts are in the running for the prize this year, including psychedelic-rock band Bespin, alt-rock four-piece New Gum Sarn, and electronic pop act Boycrush. On the night each act will be given 30-minutes to wow the judging panel.

When: Thursday, November 5 
Where: Kings Arms Tavern
How much: $10

Hozier

The artist responsible for inescapable ear worm 'Take Me to Church' is stopping by Vector Arena for one show on November 5. Irish songwriter Andrew Hozier-Byrne (best known as Hozier) has been riding a wave of stardom after his break-up, gospel-pop song gained the attention of Columbia Records and Taylor Swift. As well as the smash hit, you can expect Hozier and his band to perform material from his self-titled debut album.

When: Thursday, November 5
Where: Vector Arena
How much: $79

Le Noir: The Dark Side of Cirque

Cirque du Soleil’s latest performance Le Noir: The Dark Side of Cirque is set to take the audiences closer than ever before with 360 degree seating. Billed as old world circus meets the burlesque of Broadway, the extravaganza features death defying pursuits like the ‘Columbian Wheel of Death’, a performance which holds the mantel of most dangerous circus act of all time, and ‘Chilli and Fly’ – the kind of aerial trickery for which Cirque de Soleil has become renowned. As per usual with Cirque performances you can also expect world-class production and some entertaining crowd interaction.

When: Wednesday, October 28 - Sunday, November 8
Where: The Civic
How much: $69.90 - 94.90

A Taste of Auckland

The country’s largest culinary festival will see a lineup of local food professionals set up shop in Western Springs Park to pump out inventive signature dishes and show off their finesse in the kitchen. On board this year, and all vowing to take out the prestigious Best of Taste award, includes: Federal Street institution Depot, travelling slow cookers Miss Moonshine, fine dining experience Bracu and Parnell’s NSP. There will also be hands on workshops, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and the man known as World Pizza Champion.

When: Thursday, November 5 - Sunday, November 8
Where: Western Springs Park
How much: $22.50 - 120

Courtney Barnett

Last in town for Laneway festival in February, Aussie indie slacker Courtney Barnett will return to play the St James Theatre, for what promises to be a slightly more intimate affair. Since releasing her album Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit, the Melbourne native has spent the majority of her time on the road, playing festivals across international waters. She's known for her observational lyrics, modest charm, loose riffs, and a dead pan Aussie twang.

When: Friday, November 6
Where: St James Theatre
How much: $60

LATE At The Museum: Auckland As An Island

LATE At The Museum has reached the final chapter in its smart talk series for 2015. Auckland As An Island will invite leading minds to discuss where Auckland is headed in the next five years and beyond.

Joining moderator Bill Ralston onstage will be international business journalist Rod Oram; Damon Salesa, who is currently working on a social, environmental and technological history of Samoa; Marina Matthews, an expert in government and public policy, and Waikare Komene, the driving force behind a movement aiming to develop opportunities and showcase creativity, innovation and design through environmental awareness. Entertainment will follow from physical comedy troupe White Face Crew.

When: Monday, November 9
Where: Auckland Museum
How much: $20

Project Botanicals

Led by gin brand Bombay Sapphire, Project Botanicals is a pop up bar and restaurant that aims to showcase the aromatic flavours of the spirit in ways other than commonplace unions like tonic and juice. Award-winning bartender Chase Bickerton and O’Connell St Bistro Executive Chef Mark Southon have teamed up to create a menu of ten inventive cocktails and equally mouthwatering dishes. The New Zealand debut of Project Botanicals will be open for two weeks at James, Parnell with two sittings each day.

When: Wednesday, November 11 - Sunday, November 22
Where: James, Parnell
How much: $40

Florence + The Machine

In the midst of a world tour supporting their third studio album, British indie-rock band Florence + The Machine will stop by Vector Arena for an evening of powerhouse art rock. Infested with gold glitter and a sea of swaying flower crowns, the festival-like night will be an insouciant and fantastical night of artistry. Surrounded by Welch’s hauntingly sublime vocals, stirring lyrics and orchestral brilliance, it will indubitably exceed any expectations of what is ordinary.

When: Saturday, November 21
Where: Vector Arena
How much: $99.90

Fleetwood Mac

Legendary British-American group Fleetwood Mac were last scheduled to perform down under in 2013. Now that bass player John McVie has been given the all clear from doctors, the entire 1975 lineup is back together. Joining McVie for two shows will be: Mick Fleetwood (the only original member), Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks and keyboardist Christine McVie, who recently made her return after a 16 year absence. The two Auckland shows will be the last leg of the band's 130-date On With The Show World Tour.

When: Saturday, November 21 - Sunday, November 22
Where: Mt Smart Stadium
How much: $99.90 - 299.90

Tame Impala

Having already performed here as part of Laneway and Rhythm and Vines festivals, Australian psychedelic pop band Tame Impala will jump the ditch for their first ever headline shows in NZ. The performance at Logan Campbell Centre will support their third offering, and one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Currents. They will be joined by Silicon, the futuristic electronica project of Kody Nielson.

When: Tuesday, November 24
Where: Logan Campbell Centre
How much: $74 

Ithaca

For their next act, The Dust Palace will present Ithaca, a cirque cabaret that takes its cue from Homer’s epic classical poem Odyssey. Performers will draw upon the ancient tales of love won and spurned, duelling gods and battles with the wrath of nature, as inspiration for their disciplined athleticism, god-like flight and enthralling choreography. Canapés and a flute of bubbles are included in the ticket price.

When: Thursday, November 26 - Friday, December 11
Where: Q Theatre - The Loft
How much: $115

Our:House 2015

By extending an invite to one of the biggest electronic groups in the world, Our:House has officially sold out of pre-sale tickets. Luckily door sales are still available via registration. Appearing at the day-long EDM festival this year includes all three members of dancehall project Major Lazer, French rapper and disc jockey DJ Snake, British deep house DJ Duke Dumont, Dutch music producer Oliver Heldens, and Swedish duo Galantis. Organisers have also promised several stages, an enormous marquee and carnival rides spread throughout the stadium.

When: Friday, November 27
Where: Mt Smart Stadium
How much: Door sales only