Best of the weekend

BEST STREET RACE

With $10,000 prize money at stake, the Trolley Grand Prix is more than just a fun family day out. Selectors had to whittle down more than 600 entries to 80 for tomorrow's Red Bull-sponsored event. Competitors will be judged on creativity, performance and finish time, so expect to see all sorts of outrageous designs on the track. Celebrity racers include Miss New Zealand Amber Peebles, Greg Murphy and Jo Cotton.

Trolley Grand Prix, Domain Dr, Auckland Domain, tomorrow, 11am-5pm, free

BEST OPERA OUTING

Set in the beautiful Arylies Gardens in Whitford, tomorrow's Summer Opera at Arylies will be a treat for music lovers. Performing a variety of popular opera by Puccini, Verdi, Mozart and Bizet, the event will showcase the talents of Gina Sanders, Carla Parry, Carmel Carroll, Kate Spence, Grant Dickson, Benjamin Fifita Makisi and Geoffrey Hughes. A word of caution - this is a grown ups' day out. Children under 11 are not permitted because of unfenced ponds.

Summer Opera at Arylies, Arylies Gardens, 125 Potts Rd, Whitford, tomorrow, 2pm, tickets $50

 

BEST DOGS DAY OUT

Find out why dogs are man's best friend at today's SPCA Open Day. With dog agility and obedience displays, police dog displays and sheepdog trials, it's a great day out for all the family, while supporting a worthwhile cause. Kids can learn about the SPCA's work, see their animals, and enjoy other fun activities, including face painting and a bouncy castle.

Auckland SPCA Open Day, Auckland Animal Village, Westney Rd, Mangere, today, 10am-3pm, free

BEST ZOO DOO

If cats and dogs aren't exotic enough for you, head to tomorrow's Zoo Music concert with Nathan Haines. Listen to Haines' brand of acoustic jazz as he is joined by acoustic funk singer-songwriter Karen Hunter, double bassist Brendon Turner, and jazz pianist Nicholas Rogan. Tomorrow's concert is the first in the Zoo Music series, which will feature, Katchafire, goodshirt and Nesian Mystik in coming weeks.

Zoo Music - Nathan Haines, tomorrow, Auckland Zoo, Western Springs, 6-9pm, tickets $20 from Ticketek