Twelve of the Best Events to Check Out at Elemental AKL Festival

Head on a wine and oyster-fuelled river cruise, listen to dance music in an underground ballroom and sample a variety of fire-cooked food.

Stephen Heard
Published on September 30, 2020

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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 sample a variety of fire-cooked food, attend a concert series showcasing emerging and high-profile artists, head on a wine and oyster-fuelled river cruise, and listen to dance music in an underground ballroom.

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Event
Dumplings on Dominion

Sun, 15 Nov, 2020
Dominion Road, Auckland

This self-guided dumpling crawl will hop between Dominion Road food stalls.

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Event
Winetopia 2020

Fri, 30 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct 2020
Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Auckland

Two days of wine quaffing.

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Event
Synthony - A Generation of Dance Music 2020

Fri, 30 Oct, 2020
Spark Arena, Auckland

The Auckland Symphony Orchestra performs 30 years of dance floor bangers.

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Event
Mary Poppins: The Musical

Fri, 16 Oct - Sun, 1 Nov 2020
The Civic, Auckland

The supercalifragilistic production is back after breaking an eight-year box office record.

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Event
Catacombs 2020

Fri, 30 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct 2020
The Civic, Auckland

A subterranean concert in Auckland's 1920s-era ballroom.

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Event
Giapo Behind-the-Scenes Experience

Sat, 10 Oct and Sat, 24 Oct 2020
Giapo, Auckland

Hear the story of Auckland's inventive ice cream makers and see how they create everything from selfie cones to the world-famous Colossal Squid.

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Event
Elemental Nights

Thu, 1 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct 2020
Auckland Various, Auckland

This concert series will showcase both emerging and high-profile artists across four venues.

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Event
The Butcher and the Brewer

Sat, 17 Oct and Sat, 24 Oct 2020
Churly's Brewpub & Eatery, Auckland

If you've wondered what goes into preparing a whole lamb or brewing a hoppy IPA.

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Event
Black Pineapple Foraged Cocktails

Sat, 17 Oct, 2020
Kelmarna Gardens, Auckland

Head to Herne Bay's organic community gardens for this wild cocktail adventure.

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Event
Te Ahi Komau - Food, Fire, Festival

Fri, 30 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct 2020
Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae, Auckland

Discover authentic fire-cooked food at this free family-friendly event.

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Event
Matakana River Tours and Heron's Flight

Sat, 10 Oct - Sun, 11 Oct 2020
Sandspit Marina, Sandspit

This river cruise experience will fill you up with oysters, wine and maritime information.

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Event
Street Kai on Takutai

Fri, 12 Feb, 2021
Takutai Square, Britomart

A one-day street food festival in the heart of the city.

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