Ooh, aah: public displays today

Alexandra Park, Greenlane

* West Family entertainment begins at 4.30pm, and the all-star lineup includes New Zealand Idol winner and runner-up Rosita and Nick, as well as competitions, rides, food stalls and more. Tickets are available at the gate - $30 family, $12 adults, children $6 - and the firework display begins at 8.45pm. You can take your own food and drink, but cans, glass bottles, alcohol and private firework supplies are banned.

North Shore

* North Shore Stadium is hosting a family fireworks display and concert called Rock it 05. The entertainment features The Checks, Katrina Leefe, Hamish Polson and Alex Woodhams. Gates open at 5.30pm, tickets are $30 for two adults and three children, adults $12, children $6.

Viaduct Harbour

* Bar and restaurant patrons can enjoy sound and noise with their food and wine from 8pm to 10pm.

Onehunga

* Waikaraka Park Speedway combines racing and fireworks from 7pm. There will be 21 races (but no minisprints) and more than the usual number of bangs and sparks. Fun for all. Tickets at the gate. Phone (09) 636-5014 for more information.

Trusts Stadium, Henderson

* There will be police dog demonstrations, the Waitakere Brass Band and much more. No alcohol please. The gates open at 5pm, and the pyrotechnics start at 8.25pm. Tickets are $25 for a family pass, $15 for one adult and child. Phone (09) 838-0406 for details.