Elemental AKL's First Lineup of Events, Dining Experiences and Exhibitions in July Has Been Unveiled

Auckland's annual winter celebration of arts, eats and beats Elemental AKL returns this winter from Thursday, July 14 until Sunday, July 31, with over 30 free and ticketed events between eateries, bars, theatres, stadiums and public spaces across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is put on each year by Auckland Unlimited in an effort to showcase the region's diverse food and culture and encourage visitation outside of peak months.

Returning in 2022 after last year's 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. A new musical director is taking up the baton this year, so expect a few surprises.

As with every Elemental AKL festival, food events feature heavily throughout the first lineup. This year's lineup includes a table talk series with top chefs, culinary crawls and mystery dining across some of Auckland's most iconic dining strips. Cosy winter dining igloos The Snugs are returning to Aotea Square after a sell-out season last year, as well as the annual Fried Chicken Festival and a cocktail masterclass at the Cordis' bar, Our Land is Alive.

This year, Aucklanders will also be able to attend a silent disco city walk, be dazzled by a winter light show in Takapuna, attend a riddle-filled secret party quest, stroll an East Auckland art trail and take part in a five-course Pasifika dining ritual.

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 the official festival website.