Spring Special | Auckland Events Guide for Early September – Your Weekends Sorted!

Hey Auckland friends, September is packed with exciting events!

🎉 Whether you're looking for fun family spots 🎈, keen to explore art exhibitions 🎨, or just want to soak up some festive vibes 🎊—this roundup has got you covered.

We've handpicked 15 must-go events in the first half of September, so no more stress about where to go with the kids. Save this list and get ready for an awesome outing! 💡

Rhymetime – Kumeū Library

⏰ Time: August 29 – December 19, every Friday, 9:30–10:00 AM

📍 Location: Kumeū Library

💰 Cost: Free

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for: Toddlers aged 1–3 and their parents

Through “Rhyme Time,” combining rhythmic tunes and nursery rhymes, children can develop language and a sense of rhythm, while parents enjoy warm interactive moments with their little ones.

Dying Matters Awareness Specialist Panel Discussion

⏰ Time: September 1 – September 7

📍 Location: Libraries across Auckland (such as Avondale, Birkenhead, Central City, Howick, etc.)💰 Cost: Free participation

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for: Public

A series of events on the theme of end-of-life care, including expert talks, hands-on workshops, themed book displays, film screenings, and “Death Cafes” sharing sessions.

MARY

⏰ Time: September 3–7, 2025 (performance times vary daily, please check the official website for details)

⏱ Duration: Approximately 2 hours (including intermission)

📍 Location: ASB Waterfront Theatre, Central Auckland

💰 Cost: Paid performance, tickets must be purchased in advance

👥 Suitable for: Teenagers (Year 13 and above) & Adults

Adapted from the legendary moment in Geneva, 1816—known as the “Night of the Monsters”—when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein.Written by award-winning playwright Jess Sayer and directed by Oliver Driver, this production blends horror, fantasy, and a literary atmosphere, delivering a haunting stage experience like a blood-soaked illusion.

VR Journeys: The Great Kimberley Wilderness

⏰ Time: September 6, September 7, and September 13, 9:30 AM session (multiple session times available, please check the official website for details)

📍 Location: Auckland Museum, Level 1

💰 Cost: Children $12, Adults $16, Students & Seniors $14, Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children) $50, Members enjoy 10% discount (excluding Family Pass)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for: Children (recommended for ages 8+), teenagers, families

Through VR technology, audiences can immerse themselves in the vast and remote landscapes of the Great Kimberley Wilderness in Australia. This experience offers both educational and visual value, making it ideal for family interaction while enhancing knowledge of natural science and culture.

Guided Weekend Tour：A Century of Modern Art

⏰ Time: September 7, 1:30–2:30 PM

📍 Location: Auckland Art Gallery

💰 Cost: Children $10.00, Adults $59.50, International Visitors (Adults) $64.50, Community Card Holders $35.50, Members $27.00

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for: Children, tweens, teenagers, and family members interested in modern art

Led by a professional gallery guide, this tour explores highlights of the Century of Modern Art exhibition, offering deeper insights into the backgrounds and creative journeys of artists. The exhibition features masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and other great masters. Participants will enjoy a one-hour immersive art journey, after which they may continue browsing the exhibition independently. Combining the official exhibition with a small guided tour, this experience helps spark children's interest in art through engaging and accessible storytelling.

The Crochet Corner

⏰ Time: September 12, 11:00–12:00 AM

📍 Location: Takapuna Library

💰 Cost: Free

👥 Suitable for: Community members who enjoy crochet, beginner-friendly

A craft sharing space: bring along your own crochet project, or join in to learn techniques such as the “magic loop” and “chain stitch.” The library offers a warm and welcoming community atmosphere, open to all for free.

Peter Pan

⏰ Time: September 12, 7:30 PM – September 13, 1:30 PM

📍 Location: Harlequin Musical Theatre, East Auckland

💰 Cost: $10 NZD per person

👥 Suitable for: Children, tweens, teenagers

Performed by students of Howick Children's and Youth Theatre, this production brings to life the classic tale Peter Pan. Follow Wendy, John, and Michael as they fly to Neverland, joining fairies and children in the battle against Captain Hook. Filled with playfulness and imagination, this stage performance is perfect for families to enjoy together, and is especially beloved by children and young audiences.

Whānau Day 2025（Kōanga Festival）

⏰ Time: September 13, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: Te Pou Theatre, Henderson

💰 Cost: Free

👥 Suitable for: Families and community members

The event features storytelling performances, dance workshops, Māori waiata, story workshops, food trucks, and fun family activities.

Orewa Wintery Festival

⏰ Time: September 13, 12:00 AM – 3:30 PM

📍 Location: Moana Reserve

💰 Cost: Free entry

👥 Suitable for: All ages, especially those interested in fun winter activities, family interaction, or unique play experiences

15 tons of artificial snow will be set up by the beach for kids to freely build snowmen and play. A wide variety of food trucks will be available to satisfy both taste buds and energy needs.

Free children's entertainment includes bouncy castles, face painting, and clown performances. At 1:30 PM, a Polar Swim will take place, with cash prizes to be won! Registration is free and must be completed on site.

Don't miss the chance to meet Olaf and Elsa for interactive photos!

Tulip Festival2025

⏰ Time: September 13, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: Eden Garden

💰 Cost: Adults $14.00, Children (under 12) Free, NZ tertiary students/seniors $10.00

👥 Suitable for: Families of all ages, flower and photography enthusiasts, ideal for parent-child outings

Auckland's largest tulip display, featuring over 15,000 blooming tulips (both in gardens and pots).

Highlights include: market stalls, live music, children's activities (such as face painting), coffee carts, BBQ, food trucks, raffles, and more.

Enjoy exploring the spacious 5.5-hectare garden, with both indoor and outdoor areas, as well as a café and rest spaces. The event will proceed rain or shine.

8th Multi-Ethnic Dance Festival 2025

⏰ Time: September 13, 5:00–9:00 PM

📍 Location: Opposite Victoria Park

💰 Cost: Free

👥 Suitable for: Dance enthusiasts, those interested in cultural festival experiences, families, and teenagers

A multicultural dance showcase with free entry, accompanied by a variety of food stalls to enjoy.

Auckland City Team Up 2 Clean Up

⏰ Time: September 14, 10:00–12:00 AM

📍 Location: Emily Place, City Centre

💰 Cost: Free

👥 Suitable for: Families, students, environmental volunteers, community members

Cleaning tools will be provided. Join in to help clean public spaces—a simple yet meaningful activity where you can also meet new friends. Let's take action together to make the city more beautiful.

Boys Toys 2025

⏰ Time: September 14, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Location: Phoenix Plaza

💰 Cost: Free

👥 Suitable for: Families, car enthusiasts, children, photography lovers

A showcase of classic hot rods, trucks, choppers, police cars, and fire engines, along with STIHL tool demonstrations, live music, giveaways, and other interactive activities.

We The Young: A New Arts Festival for Kids and Teens in Auckland

⏰ Time: September 16 – September 28

📍 Location: Various cultural and arts venues across the city

💰 Cost: Some events are free, some require advance booking

👥 Suitable for: All ages

Paper Planet: an interactive cardboard forest experience (Aotea Centre, Sep 25–28)

Creation Creation: a humorous stage play designed for ages 10+ (Herald Theatre, Sep 25–28)

The Imaginarium: inclusive workshops (Aotea Centre, Sep 20)

Up and Away: a sensory theatre experience for babies (Aotea Centre, Sep 16–21)

The Tantrum: a stage play exploring emotions (Herald Theatre, Sep 20–21)

Pipi Paopao: a music performance rich in Te Reo Māori and Te Taiao elements (Auckland Town Hall, Sep 27–28)

Stand Up Stand Out Grand Final: youth talent competition (free but ticketed) (Auckland Town Hall, Sep 20)

Massive Company Workshops: physical theatre workshops for ages 12–16 (Auckland Town Hall, Sep 23 & 25)

Aotea Square Free Family Zone: Dance-O-Mat, Junk & Craft area, traditional games, tea parties, street art, and more (Sep 20–28)

Bollywood Dance Class – Diwali Special

⏰ Time: September 2 – October 14, every Tuesday, 6:30–7:30 PM

📍 Location: Te Manawa, 11 Kohuhu Lane, Westgate, Auckland

💰 Cost: Free

👥 Suitable for: All ages, especially those interested in dance, fitness, and cultural experiences

Learn the rhythms and moves of Bollywood dance while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Indian culture. This free session is beginner-friendly, combining fitness and fun to help you dance with joy and energy to the music. Get a head start on Diwali celebrations while enjoying a multicultural experience.

🍂 Here's your Auckland early September event guide! From family adventures to artistic experiences and festive highlights, there's something here for everyone ✨📍.

Plan ahead, bring your best mood, and enjoy the springtime vibe of Auckland.

👉 Which Auckland events are you most excited for? Pick your favorite and head out with the kids!