What's on this weekend

The restored scow Jane Gifford. Photo / Supplied

No plans for the weekend yet? We've handpicked the top five things to do around Auckland this weekend.

1. So, y' know, thanks for everything, Ma.

We'll take it as a given you've sent your loving mama the best flowers/champagne/diamonds and are now looking for a nice wee outing since all the yum cha places are booked out. Try taking her stargazing at Stardome, discoing at the zoo, sailing on the scow Jane Gifford out of the Maritime Museum, or tea and harps and pretty things at Highwic House. Sorted.

Details: All Sunday.
Stardome, 1 - 9.30pm.
Baby Loves Disco, Auckland Zoo, 10am onwards.
Sailing the Jane Gifford, Maritime Museum, 12pm, 2pm.
Cathie Harrop, Highwic, Newmarket, 3pm.

2. Building blocks

Architecture and design buffs can fill their boots at the Resene Architecture and Design Film Festival with the very best in architecture and design - past and present - from around the world. We're particularly keen to learn all about small-space living (hello, Auckland house prices) and some clever ideas for urban green-scaping.

Details: Until May 20. Rialto Newmarket.

3. Ice work

We're going to assume that curling is probably the one sport you haven't tried. That is until Sunday, when you can head to the Paradice rink for the Curling Have a Go Night. You don't have to bring your own tam o'shanter, just warm clothing and clean sneakers, everything else is supplied. Experienced players teaching you how. Who couldn't fall in love with a sport that declares: curlers play to win but never to humble their opponents; a true curler would prefer to lose rather than win unfairly. You'll be booking that winter trip to Naseby on Monday.

Details: Sunday, 4.30-8pm. Paradice Avondale.

4. Free huggers

Wear yellow and head on down to Britomart Saturday for free hugs while spreading love and happiness and bringing smiles to the faces of complete strangers. A cute bunch of people who are all about positivity and kindness - who knows, it just might catch on.

Details: Saturday, 10am-12pm. Britomart.

5. No, wait, it's summer somewhere

Those very kind people from Rekorderlig Cider have brought a Swedish summer to autumn Auckland. The Ponsonby Road bar formerly known as Chapel Bar is now Kapell Bar - complete with the coolest Scandi décor (think loads of white, bleached wood, sheepskins and, naturally, beautiful flowers. Everywhere). Chef Tom Williamson, has created a limited edition Swedish-inspired menu, there are chances to win Swedish spot prizes. The pop up Kapell Bar is open for two weeks only.

Details: Until May 17th, Chapel Bar & Bistro, Ponsonby Road.

- nzherald.co.nz