The Topp Twins Grand Ole Topp'ry, touring the country, is one heck of a hootenanny of country and western, bluegrass, comedy and gospel, with special guests.
Tonight 8pm, Sunday 4pm. Bruce Mason Centre.
Play that funky music
Auckland's first ever Soulfest - the best of RnB and funk join forces with the newest neo-soul, jazz and hip-hop artists. Seven spectacular international artists and soul food.
Tomorrow, 1pm-10pm, Western Springs Stadium.
Bricking it
The Auckland Brick Show - the largest fan-created Lego display in the country. Models include a 4 metre-long Love Boat, planes, castles, Star Wars and more. Or for calming constructions in white Lego, check out Auckland Art Gallery's Cubic Structural Evolution Project. Brick Show, today until Monday, 9am-5pm. ASB Stadium, Kohimarama.
Party hearty
The Ellerslie racing season kicks off today with a London Calling theme. Flutter on the pretty ponies and go in the draw for a fabulous Contiki 10 day Europe Summer Tour. Plenty of entertainment between the races. Today, gates open 11am, Contiki Whips n Spurs opens 12.30pm.
Pedal east
Pump up the tyres, polish the helmet and pile everyone on to their bikes for an off road cycle. Our favourites include the Rotary Trail in Pakuranga, which takes you all the way to the boardwalk and beaches of Half Moon Bay and Bucklands Beach (shared with walkers, so be kind) or around Mangere Bridge to Ambury Park and the Stonefields. Maps from aucklandtransport.govt.nz
Hike a hill
Pick a mountain - any mountain, Auckland has 48 volcanoes to choose from - and take a hike to the top. Or march around a crater and imagine the size of the bang to make a hole like that (try Onepoto or Lake Pupuke on the Shore).
Dip into the bush
Make yourself explore rural or bush spots, right in your own city. Pop a pin in a map to find a place you've never been before, then head to the nearest patch of bush to immerse yourself in birdsong, cool greenery, maybe even a stream and waterfall. Best thing, whereever you emerge, there'll be a coffee or icecream shop nearby. Because that's how we rock in Auckland. Check aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for maps and instructions.
To market, to market
Make the most of a leisurely weekend to do your food shopping at a farmers' or local produce market. Challenge yourself to cook with what's local, in season, indulge in the home-baked goodies, meet the people who grow food locally. Then head home to cook, together. For markets, check aucklandnz.com and for recipes, bite.co.nz
Beach babes
It is summer, sort of. So pull on the togs and take an icy dip. Or at least run along the beach and find an ice-cream or fish and chip stop to re-capture that old summer vibe. It's been a while.
