Best of the weekend

BEST FOLK FEST

For those of you who aren't "in the know" about folk music, take it from us, this weekend's Auckland Folk Festival offers the finest selection of international and local folk musicians. The three-day festival includes singing, dancing (including the Morris variety) and instrument workshops, concerts, and a continuous flow of jam sessions. Based just half an hour from Auckland, you can head out for the day, or buy a weekend pass and camp at the showgrounds.

Auckland Folk Festival, Kumeu Showgrounds, today and tomorrow, 8am-11pm, tickets from $20 or $70 for weekend pass


BEST SHOW OF FAITH

With top-selling artist Brooke Fraser headlining this year's Parachute festival, it's sure to draw one of the biggest crowds to date. The three-day festival will play host to a variety of both local and international Christian bands and speakers, including Third Day, Audio Adrenaline, Grits and Day Of Fire. To ensure a fun time is had by all, there's also a skate park, rollerdisco and amusement rides.

Parachute 05 festival, Mystery Creek, Hamilton, today through to Monday, day pass $49, weekend pass $140

BEST OUTDOOR VIBE

Tomorrow marks the return of Auckland's original (and some might say best) free summer music series. The 95bFM Summer Series is an institution, not least because the inner-city liquor ban is suspended during the seven-hour set. Featuring the stellar line-up of Tha Feelstyle, SJD, Jakob, The Fanatics, Batucada Sound Machine, The Unusuals and Fang, it's worth not going out tonight just to save yourself for tomorrow.

95bFM Summer Series, Albert Park, Princes St, noon-7pm, free

 

BEST BEACH BEATS

If something more soulful or street is your scene, why not head down to the Mai FM Rhythm Nation Summer Beats concert in Okahu Bay. The concert features established artists Katchafire, Adeazeand Aaradhna, as well as four Rhythm Nation contest winners. With last year's concert attracting more than 18,000 people, the rising popularity of Kiwi hip-hop means this year's is set to be even bigger.

Rhythm Nation Summer Beats 05, Okahu Bay, Auckland, today, free