Auckland's Waterfront set to turn on the lights with Bright Nights

One of the installations on display at Bright Nights in Auckland this weekend.

A major light festival is set to illuminate Auckland's Waterfront this weekend.

Bright Nights begins this Friday, a free event that includes more than a dozen installations displayed between the New Zealand Maritime Museum and finishing at Waitematā Plaza.

Bright Nights will light up Auckland's Waterfront this weekend.

The event includes a giant wishing well installation in Market Square, projections onto America's Cup boat KZ1, as well as a silent disco and the waterfront harbour completely lit up.

One of the installations on display on Auckland's Waterfront this weekend.

The event is curated by lighting artist Angus Muir, who has contributed several installations to the vent.

"The waterfront means a lot to Auckland City, and creating a light art experience that interacts with the water itself was always the goal," he said.

"The opportunity to use Viaduct Harbour as a canvas to launch a full-scale lighting festival for everyone to enjoy is pretty much a dream come true."

On 11 - 13 May Spark and Spotify are supporting Bright Nights Festival, a waterfront lighting experience in our very own Viaduct Harbour! Text BRIGHT to 332 for your online festival guide, standard rates apply. pic.twitter.com/CVZgOG2Vgo

— Spark NZ (@SparkNZ) May 2, 2018

The event mirrors Sydney's much larger Vivid festival, which runs for three weeks and stretches from Darling Harbour to the Opera House and Botanic Gardens, and includes performances by major international stars and cultural events.

Bright Nights kicks off at 6pm on Friday and runs until Sunday night. It is suitable for all ages.

For more information, visit www.brightnights.co.nz