First Thursdays on Karangahape Road

Overview

Karangahape Road's streetwide celebration of local music acts, markets, art exhibitions and some damn good happy hour specials is making its much-hyped return this month.

First Thursdays occurs (as the name suggests) on the first Thursday of every month, and sees popup music stages and markets take over one of the city's most famous stretches of road for one night only. This month's iteration is taking place on Thursday, August 3 from 4.30–9.30pm.

To catch some local music acts, make your way down to the corner of Pitt Street and Karangahape Road, where the Pocket Park stage is set to have a slew of local acts and DJs, including Aunty Bev (4.30pm) Big Sur (6pm), Pocket Money (7pm) and Kylie (7.30pm).

If you're in the mood to browse some local homewares, fashion, jewellery and gifts, there will be markets aplenty. The famous Karangahape night market will be running at Beresford Square from 5–9pm, bursting with around 25 stalls of goodies.

Then head to the St Kevin's Arcade Market from 6.30–10pm — live DJs will be on the decks while you browse the goods on offer, with late-night shopping on throughout the arcade.

If you're keen for a few giggles, head to Muck Around Comedy hosted by Eli Matthewson at Whammy Bar, featuring a handpicked lineup of great comedians accompanied by Luke Boyes (of Dick Move) on the drums.

Grab some friends, start the eve with a cocktail and make your way down the newly $30 million revamped road this Thursday.

Top image: France Hémon @doux.voyage.visual