Overview
Month-long festival of arts, eats and beats Elemental AKL returns from 14 July to 1 August, this time with 16 free and ticketed events between eateries, bars, theatres, stadiums and public spaces across Tāmaki Makaurau. Now in its third year, the festival is run by tourism agency Auckland Unlimited in an effort to showcase the region's diverse food and culture and encourage visitation outside of peak months.
Returning in 2021 after a sell-out season is much-loved orchestral dance music mashup, Synthony. For its latest outing the event will see the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and a selection of local DJs combine to play the biggest dance tracks of the last 30 years — all set to a spectacular light and laser show.
Food events feature heavily throughout the first lineup, including 2020 highlight An Auckland Food Story, which sees the team from Ahi plate up dishes using regional ingredients. The Butchery and Beer Progressive Dinner involves a guided nose-to-tail lesson and accompanying feast at Churly's brewpub, while Onehunga's Culinary Crawl welcomes diners to roam between venues for a three-course dinner.
For the first this year, Aucklanders can visit an interactive light playground in Takapuna, attend a concert series showcasing emerging and high-profile artists, make an adventurous harbour crossing by kayak at sunset, set out on a hikoi discovering Māori artworks, and attend a major art show at Eden Park.
Further events will be announced in the lead up to the festival.
Elemental AKL will take place across Tāmaki Makaurau from 14 July to 1 August, 2021. For the full program, head to aucklandnz.com/elementalfestival/events.