This Weekend: A diverse city on offer

Tonight is the final Silo Park twilight movie night for the summer.

We love how diverse Auckland is, from raging, busy hip urban corners to extreme outdoors, great ethnic food, creative music and edgy sports. This weekend sums it up perfectly.

1. Last of the summer fling

Final Silo Sessions

Ahhh summer, why are you leaving us so soon? We're not ready for our creative un-coupling, so this is one huge hurrah for the Silo Sessions. Lord Echo and his fresh fusion of soul-reggae, afro-disco and latin-boogie. Listen out for Ria and Electric Wire Hustle too. Have a brew, good food and a browse of the Silo Markets and a boogie in the sunshine on the last Saturday of summer. And tomorrow Silo Sessions presents Salsa dancing from 3pm.

Today, 12pm - 6pm. Silo Park, Corner of Beaumont and Jellicoe Street, Wynyard Quarter. Free. silopark.co.nz

2. Climb every mountain

The Hillary Ultra and 34/16km Trail Runs

You don't need to head to the South Island for the hard-man (and woman events) because this year we have our very own. For the first time you can run the Waitakere Hillary Trail in an 80km ultra-marathon (seriously, run from Arataki to Muriwai Beach - the walk is usually four to five days). There are 34km and 16km options too.

Saturday, 6am. Waitakere Ranges, 300 Scenic Dr, Oratia. thehillary.co.nz

3. Eat, dance, play go global

Auckland International Cultural Festival

It's a mystery to us why this event isn't as huge as Pasifika. With people from Auckland's 40 diverse ethnic communities there are performances, sporting activities (the football is a treat) and more than 100 stalls of arts, crafts and delicious food. Drink coffee from Ethiopia, embrace the beat with drummers and dancers from every continent. It's a blast. Bring plenty of cash and eat your way around the world.

Sunday, 10am-5pm. Mt Roskill War Memorial Park (off May Road), Mt Roskill. Free. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

The Auckland International Cultural Festival. Photo / JamesChen

4. Man the lifeboats

Navy Open Day

The Navy opens its base this weekend for tours of the ships and helicopters and all things damage control. Watch the gentler pursuits too - band and marching performances, kapa haka, plenty of food and drink. You can even
sign up.

Saturday, 10am-4pm. Devonport Naval Base, Queens Parade, Devonport. Free. navy.mil.nz.

5. Three's the crowd

Burger King 3 x 3 Basketball

The stunning new season of 3 x 3 basketball has a huge final tourney at Aotea Square. With under 14 and under 16 boys and girls' leagues, you can try your hand before watching the open classes. Loads of prizes up for grabs, and loads of fun for spectators too. Under 14 rego starts at 8 am, games from 10am; under 18 and open women's rego from 9.30, games from 11.30am and men's through the afternoon.

Saturday, Aotea Square, Queen St, Auckland basketball.org.nz

Burger King 3 x 3 basketball. Photo / William Booth

6. Baby beethovens

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra 4 Kids: Magic Carpet Ride

The small sorts can jive along to the Polkadots, joining forces with the APO for fun songs and energetic dances. The small sorts can meet the orchestra instruments, and whizz around the world in a musical whirl.

Saturday, 10am. Auckland Town Hall - Great Hall, 303 Queen St, Auckland. Tickets: $15. apo.co.nz

This weekend's weather:

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