Brilliant Things to Do in Auckland This January

If you're struggling to come up with resolutions for the new year, make one to tick off at least a couple of the great things happening around the city in January. There's everything from the country's largest tennis carnival, one of last year’s most talked about artists, the perfect summer party, a jizz-jazz songwriter and some free stuff in local reserves.

ASB Classic

The ASB Classic will once take centre court at ASB Tennis Arena in January. As well as the action on the turf, the tournament will include a full entertainment hub offering everything from music, fashion and food. Highlights include the new addition of an oyster and clam bar, a lounge pairing dishes with champagne, an on-court four-course degustation, and performances from The Peacekeepers, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Latinaotearoa.

When: January 4 – 16
Where: ASB Tennis Arena
How much: $13.50 - 103.50

Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges’ throw back appeal made him one of last year’s most talked about artists. Hailing from Texas, the singer performs a brand of gospel-soul that tips its hat to the pioneers of ‘60s rhythm and blues. This January will see Bridges perform his first-ever show in New Zealand at Auckland’s St James Theatre. He will be joined by his full band to perform two-chord wonders, oozing soul ballads, silky doo-wop, elemental rock’n’roll and big-band numbers.

When: Saturday, January 9
Where: St James Theatre
How much: $81.50

Pusha T

With a career spanning over 20 years, its about time Virginia emcee Pusha T made his way to New Zealand. As the rapper’s second solo album sees the light of day he will perform concert dates in Auckland and Wellington. Beginning his career as a performer at drug dealers’ birthday parties, Pusha has since penned a deal with Kanye West’s GOOD Records, and collaborated with the likes of Pharrell, Hudson Mohawke, and Kendrick Lamar.

When: Saturday, January 9
Where: Studio, K’Rd
How much: $65

Anno Domini

Inspired by popular rooftop events overseas, Anno Domini promises to deliver a social experience the city has never seen. Held on the East Terrace of the Auckland Art Gallery across four Sunday afternoons, Anno Domini will feature performances from DJ Seven Davis Jr and Dam Funk, alongside specially curated menus from Coco’s Cantina and burger pop-up Bearded Clam. Cocktails will also be flowing courtesy of Ponsonby’s Mea Culpa.

When: January 10 - February 14
Where: East Terrace, Auckland Art Gallery
How much: $38

Mac deMarco

Jizz-jazz songwriter Mac deMarco was last in town for Laneway Festival in February where he played an afternoon set in the sweltering heat. Originally scheduled to perform at Echo Festival (RIP), deMarco will now play not one but two headline shows at the Kings Arms Tavern, spreading the word of second hand get ups, late night musings, and cheap cigarettes.

When: Thursday, January 14
Where: The Kings Arms
How much: $65

Music in Parks

For 22 years, open air concert series Music in Parks has been a highlight of the summer event calendar. This year’s program features 26 free gigs, spanning genres from hip-hop to rock, electronica, jazz, opera and country. Expect pop-songwriter Benny Tipene at Takapuna Beach Reserve, country diva Tami Neilson at Myers Park, and The Black Seeds at Freemans Bay’s Western Park.

When: January 15 - March 26
Where: Various parks and reserves
How much: Free

Movies in Parks

From January 15 through to March 26, a total of 24 big ticket blockbusters and family friendly flicks will play out underneath the stars of Tamaki Makaurau. Local residents will have the opportunity to load up the chilly bin, roll out a picnic blanket and enjoy silver screen favourites like: Shrek at Brains Park in Kelston, Grease at Mt Eden’s Takahi Reserve and Ghostbusters at Coyle Park beside Pt Chevalier Beach, among plenty of others.

When: January 15 - March 26
Where: Various parks and reserves
How much: Free

Six60

Dunedin’s favourite sons will return from their new home in Los Angeles for an outdoor show at Auckland’s Villa Maria Winery. The show will be the band’s first in Auckland since selling out Vector Arena in 2015. Honouring their ‘live and massive’ mantra, the band has promised “a few things to make sure there’s a really festive vibe.” You can also expect tracks from their new album and all the anthems from their breakthrough debut. Support will be provided by local party starter P-Money, vaudevillian act Weird Together and Cambridge rapper Diaz Grimm.

When: Saturday, January 16
Where: Villa Maria Estate
How much: $82

Flamingo Pier

Through a combination of street food, booze and open-air disco jams, Flamingo Pier aims to be the perfect summer party. The second outing will see returning elements like tree-hung hammocks and cocktails served from a boat, as well as new introductions like a dance floor under the forest canopy. Entertainment will be provide by Berlin house DJ Ian Pooley, Weird Together Soundsystem, North Shore Pony Club, and the Flamingo Pier resident DJs.

When: Saturday, January 23
Where: Rangihoua Estate
How much: $50

Auckland Seafood Festival

Over three days this Anniversary Weekend the Auckland Seafood Festival will celebrate the country’s rampant relationship with fare from the sea. More than 100 seafood dishes will be on offer across 50 stands; fishing celeb Graeme Sinclair will be on hand to give tips on how to bring in the big one; there will be a fish filleting competition, and a lineup of classic Kiwi acts including Tiki Taane, Anika Moa and Che Fu will be on hand to entertain the crowds.

When: January 29 - February 1 
Where: Halsey Wharf
How much: $20 - 120