The countdown to summer is on…
With only weeks to go until Christmas, the festive season is about to get into full swing. As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to start filling your social calendar with some of these fabulous events. Here are our picks for what’s coming up in November and December.
Holey Moley mini golf
204 Quay Street (previously The Nightingale), open seven days until late
Put your putt on the line at Holey Moley, the coolest addition to Auckland’s bar scene! Channel your inner child with a round of mini golf paired with an extravagant lolly-themed cocktail, while documenting it all on social media (of course). It’s time to tee up a visit to the funkiest mini golf venue in town.
For more information visit www.holeymoley.co.nz
Bacardi Mojito Moment at Jack Tar
Jack Tar, Wynyard Quarter, November 1 – December 9
This pop-up caters to the Cuban in all of us; serving expertly crafted Bacardi mojitos alongside delicious food specifically designed to show that there is more to a mojito than just mint and lime. There will be live music and spot prizes, so make sure you practice your salsa steps and head on down to Jack Tar this November.
For more information visit facebook.com/bacardinewzealand
Cloudy Bay Sail Away
Odettes Eatery, November 1-17, sessions run between 3-6pm Thursday to Saturday.
One of our favourite annual pop-ups (partly because it signifies the warmer months have arrived; mostly because the food and wine pairings are always off-the-charts) Cloudy Bay Sail Away returns this year at Odettes Eatery, with a bespoke menu of Malborough-inspired ingredients prepared by head chef Jonah Huang. Aside from enjoying Cloudy Bay clams and oysters, Malborough salmon and venison pastrami with lavender crème, guests will also get the chance to shuck their own oysters as they enjoy a flute of Cloudy Bay Pelorus and listen to live music while lapping up the sunshine in Odettes’ stylish outdoor courtyard.
To make a reservation or for more information, visit odettes.co.nz
Jose Cuervo’s Day of the Dead Dome
Auckland Sky Tower, Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd November at 4-10pm
Calling all Mexican fans – this event is for you! In celebration of Mexico’s annual Day of the Dead, Jose Cuervo is hosting a two day pop-up featuring flower garlands, authentic music and food, body painting and a bespoke margarita bar (where you can create your very own Jose Cuervo margarita)! With the chance to win one in five double passes to Splore festival, there is something for everyone.
Entry is free – for more information visit facebook.com/JoseCuervoNZ
OMF Melbourne Cup Day
Ellerslie Racecourse, Tuesday 6 November, gates open approx. 11am
Fashion, champagne and live horse racing – join in the celebrations for the biggest Melbourne Cup Day party in Auckland! With live coverage of the Lexus Melbourne Cup at 5pm and the famous on-site after party, let’s hope the weather puts on a good show for one of the most anticipated events on the racing calendar.
Entry is free, with hospitality tickets starting at $85pp. For more information visit ellerslie.co.nz
Eden by Perrier-Jouët
Green Room at Seafarers Building, Auckland. November 15 and 16, two ticketed sessions at 6pm and 8pm.
From Art Basel to Auckland, Perrier-Jouët is bringing their immersive champagne experience to the new private space at Seafarers this November. Guests will enjoy live entertainment while they indulge in Perrier-Jouët Champagne and gourmet canapés from the chefs behind Ostro and Seven, escaping the hustle and bustle of the city within luxurious surroundings.
Tickets are $60 pp and include two flutes of Perrier-Jouët Champagne and six canapés. Tickets are available at iTicket.co.nz.
Bombay Sapphire presents: The Living Gallery
Glasshouse, 18 McDonald Street, Morningside Precinct, Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 November.
In celebration of the warmer weather, new venue Glasshouse is hosting Bombay Sapphire for an avant-garde pop-up unlike any other. Four of the country’s best cocktail bars (Parasol & Swing, Bedford Soda & Liquor, Yonder and Forresters Lane) will concoct four unique Bombay Sapphire cocktails, with each one incorporating a sensory element. Tickets include a customised gin and tonic and two cocktail tokens for redemption.
Tickets cost $45pp plus booking fee. For more information including detailed session timings and tickets, visit facebook.com/bombaysapphire or buy tickets now at iTicket.co.nz.
Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Summer Night
Ellerslie Racecourse, Thursday 13 December, gates open at 3.30pm.
With all the glitz and glamour of the races plus the added elegance of a twilight soiree, this event is set to dazzle. The popular Jockeys’ World Cup Prelude is set to return after a successful launch in 2017 along with the infamous Garden Party, so celebrate the beginning of summer in style!
Tickets start at$10pp and can be purchased at ellerslie.co.nz.
The Christmas Carnival at Boxing Day Races
Ellerslie Racecourse, Wednesday 26 December, gates open at 10.30am
The Boxing Day Races are back for 2018 and they’re better than ever! Featuring The Paddock (Auckland Racing Club’s very own summer festival), Fashions in the Field and the famous Champagne Lawn, The Christmas Carnival at Ellerslie Racecourse is the place to be this Boxing Day.
Tickets start at $10pp and can be purchased at ellerslie.co.nz.
