What's on this weekend

Head down to the Auckland waterfront for the Enormously Silly North Wharf Fishing Competition.

Handpicked, the best activities for your weekend agenda.

Sunshine, fresh air, the great outdoors. Spring has got us all anticipating summer. Better get ourselves out there then.

1. Designs on you
The Auckland Home Show returns to the Auckland. You'll be inspired to smarten up your living spaces or, at the very least, spruce up the vege garden, replace the shoddy barbecue and check out some outdoor furniture. Super new tech trends, a cooking theatre, over 500 exhibitors to inspire you to makeover the nest so you can lounge around all summer.

Details: Friday, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm ASB Showgrounds.

2. Eat, drink
Really, it wouldn't be Auckland if there weren't a food festival somewhere. This time it's the NZ School of Food and Wine bringing experts from America (Tim Hanni will help you figure out your wine 'type'), Juliet Harbutt (there isn't anything she doesn't know about cheese), our own Bob Campbell and more. Taste the wines, olive oils, hands on classes and check out more in-depth seminars through the week.

3. Sing quietly to yourself
The Short + Sweet Festival of Song gives lots of artists the chance to perform live in small but perfectly formed 10-minute works. Saturday night it's the final of the song segment, featuring favourite musical numbers chosen by audiences through the week. Next week it's dance, taking over the world ten minutes at a time.

Details: Friday and Saturday, 7.30pm. TAPAC, Western Springs.

4. Angling for attention
Waterfront Auckland kicks off their spring festivals with the Enormously Silly North Wharf Fishing Competition: revert to fifth-birthday party mode when you're given your own enormous magnetic fishing rod to try your luck in the 'oceans' along North Wharf. Amazing prizes, lots of fun. Console yourself afterwards with yarns of the one that got away at the bars and restaurants along North Wharf.

Details: Saturday, 10am-1pm, Wynyard Quarter.