KEY POINTS:
It's Auckland Anniversary weekend, and as usual there's plenty of entertainment going on. In fact, this is when Auckland earns its sobriquet City of Sails, with the Anniversary Day sailing regatta on Monday drawing more than 400 craft of all types.
The Herald has compiled a list of events to inspire readers to get out of the house and try something new.
Anniversary Day Regatta, Waitemata Harbour - Monday, from 9am. Free.
The regatta starts with a Parade of Sail at 9am, followed by the popular tugboat race. When the tugs come back in at about 11.30am, they'll dance, wrestle and hold water fights. And, of course, there's yacht racing of all types, from centreboards to superyachts. The best spectator vantage points are Bastion Point, North Head, East Coast Bays, Tamaki Drive, Orakei Wharf and Viaduct Harbour. And boaties, the harbourmaster has imposed a speed limit of 12 knots on Monday, effective between North Head and the Harbour Bridge from 9am and 4pm. Visit regatta.org.nz
Seafood Festival, Halsey St Wharf - today, tomorrow, Monday, noon-7pm. Tickets $15 on the day.
Music, fun and seafood, seafood, seafood. The Blessing of the Fleet, today at 2pm, is followed by the greasy pole competition, open only to commercial fishermen but huge fun to watch. There'll be oyster and kina-eating competitions, bands including Batucada Sound Machine, Debbie Harwood, Peter Urlich and The DeSotos, and cooking demonstrations. See aucklandseafoodfestival.co.nz
A1GP motor racing, Taupo Motorsport Park - today, tomorrow, 8am-7pm. Tickets $140 and $80 plus booking fee for weekend pass.
The petrolheads will be in heaven, with the third A1GP, part of the World Cup of Motorsport, which takes place in 23 countries. Deliberately equalised technology allows the single-seater cars to compete on a level playing field, and the only things that matter are skill and excellence.
Parachute Music Festival, Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton - today, tomorrow, Monday. Tickets at iticket.co.nz
In its 19th year, Parachute '09 will echo with hits from home and abroad as 150 artists grace six stages. Feature guests include Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, Dave Dobbyn, Kutless and Family Force Five. As well there are short films, comedy and village markets. Visit parachutemusic.com
Tribal Pride Music Concert, Hopuhopu Sports Complex, Ngaruawahia - today, gates open 9am. Tickets $50 and $30, no under-5s allowed.
This 12-hour concert, part of the celebrations to commemorate 150 years of Kingitanga, is aimed at youth, and will be gang, drug and alcohol free.
Acts include Scribe, Katchafire, Nesian Mystik, Ardijah and Whirimako Black. There will also be kapa haka groups, as well as dancing, comedy, food stalls and prizes. See tribalpride.co.nz/home/
Chinese Lunar New Year Cultural Day, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, Manukau City - today, 3pm-11pm. Free.
Celebrate the Year of the Ox in South Auckland with performance and food.
V4 & Rotary Nationals, ASB Showgrounds and Meremere Dragway - today, tomorrow, 9am-6pm today, 9am-5pm tomorrow. $25.
See them gleam today, hear them scream tomorrow. At the ASB Showgrounds today 250 drag cars will be on display, including one of the world's fastest rotary-powered dragsters. Tomorrow 300 cars take to the track in Meremere. See 4androtary.co.nz
Auckland Folk Festival, Kumeu Showgrounds - today, tomorrow, Monday. Tickets at the gate, from $105 for the weekend to $55 for the day, plus concessions.
Lovers of country and folk music will head west this weekend for the rural music they adore. Performers include Jez Lowe, Kate Bramley and Sandy Brechin from Britain, and the Wheeze and Suck Band from Australia. See aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz
Our House Summer Festival, Western Springs Stadium - today, 2pm-9pm. Tickets at Ticketmaster, $39-$85. R18.
With no Groove in the Park this year, this multi-genre music extravaganza is the place to get your own personal groove on. French legend Fred Falke, Australian party-starter Kid Kenobi and local hero P Money head the lineup. Strictly R18, photo ID will be required.
Toll Road, Orewa to Puhoi - from tomorrow. Free until Tuesday.
Add to the traffic woes this weekend and help celebrate the new route north by taking a drive up the toll road. Check out the bridges, eco-viaducts and great views.
