Overview
Month-long festival of arts, eats and beats Elemental AKL returns from 1–31 October, this time with more than 30 free and ticketed events from Matakana to Mangere, Onehunga to Oneroa. Now in its second year, the festival is run by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) in an effort to showcase the region's diverse food and culture and encourage visitation outside of peak months.
This year Aucklanders can visit an interactive light playground in Albert Park, sample a variety of fire-cooked food at Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae, attend a concert series showcasing emerging and high-profile artists, head to a 1920s-themed degustation, and join a roaming silent disco.
With only two weeks until kick off, ATTED has announced nine new events and experiences on the 2020 lineup. Three of the new events expand the festival's presence in the Matakana region, with a wine-fuelled river cruise, wine and oyster pairings at four locations, and a rosé long lunch.
Concert promoters Live Nation have also added another event to their Elemental Nights concert series, with up-and-coming rappers Church & AP performing at Hollywood Avondale on 10 October.
In Auckland central, an edible garden dinner complete with edible earth and flowerpot cupcakes will pop up at Cordis Auckland, a dumpling festival will take over Dominion Road, and a one-day street food festival will land in Britomart's Takutai Square.
The Auckland Farmers' Markets With… series will see hospitality personalities, including Rewi Spraggon, Lauraine Jacobs and Geoff Scott, take small groups through their favourite farmers' markets, before settling down for lunch at a local venue.
ATEED has advised that planning continues for the festival starting 1 October, with many events able to proceed even if Auckland is under COVID-19 Alert Level 2 restrictions.
Elemental AKL will take place across Tāmaki Makaurau from 1–31 October, 2020. For the full program, head to aucklandnz.com/elementalfestival.
Top image: Brick Bay Wines.