Best of the weekend

Best homecoming

This weekend is a rare chance to catch British-based MC Tali, back home for the holidays. The drum'n'bass MC's first album, Lyric on my Lip, was produced by breaks meister Roni Size. Her first single sold out on its first day of release. Currently working on her second album, she is an official crew member of Full Cycle. Now that's got to be worth a look.

MC Tali, Fu Bar, 166 Queen St, tonight, from 10pm, door sales $35

Best early new year

Though technically the New Year doesn't begin until February 9, the Auckland Chinese Community Centre is holding its Chinese New Year Festival today. Welcoming in the Year of the Rooster, there will be more than 170 stalls and colourful displays of traditional lion dancing. Prime Minister Helen Clark is due to show up.

Chinese New Year Festival, Auckland Showgrounds, today, 10am-3pm, parking $5

Best ball game

This weekend's More FM International Beach Volleyball Open offers an alternative to the usual summer cricket with perhaps one of the most underrated sports in New Zealand. Featuring both men's and women's sides, six New Zealand teams will take on six international sides to claim the title. At only $10 a ticket, what better way is there to spend a mid-summer's afternoon?

More FM International Beach Volleyball Open, ASB Tennis Centre, Parnell, today and tomorrow, tickets $10 from Ticketek

Best shore thing

Organisers have outdone themselves with tonight's Shore Sounds concert line-up. Featuring the phenomenal talents of Rick Bryant and the Jive Bombers, and fiddler Marian Burns, the concert will be held on the sprawling lawns of the Lake House at Barry's Point Reserve. To complete the night, former Royal New Zealand Army Big Band Power Play will take the stage, performing a variety of jump, jive, swing and other genres.

Shore Sounds Concert, the Lake House, Barry's Point Reserve, Takapuna, tonight, 6-9pm, free