Our round-up of the best things to do in and around Auckland this long weekend.

FOOD: ASB AUCKLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL, HALSEY WHARF
29 January – 1 February

If seafood is your bag then Halsey Wharf is where you need to be this weekend. There will be over 100 fresh seafood dishes to sample including steamed mussels, whitebait fritters, paua pattie sliders and the perennial summer favourite, Bluff oysters. Sip on a cold glass of Sav or beer while you take in the sunset over the Waitemata Harbour, stroll around the food stalls and enjoy entertainment from Anika Moa, Tiki Taane, Che Fu and more.

> Get your tickets here.

MUSIC: ST JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL
1 February

Returning to Silo Park this long weekend is the sixth Auckland edition of Laneway festival. This year there’s a stellar line-up of the the most superb global acts, including Chvrches, Beach House, Battles, Flume and FQ fashion favourite, Grimes. There’s a lot of cool upcoming artists to be discovered, too.

> Ticket sales are picking up pace, so nab yours here!

MARKETS: MISSION BAY ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET
1 February

It’s hard to believe but the Mission Bay Arts & Crafts Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary this weekend. Head to Selwyn Domain on Monday and take in the beautiful beachside setting while you visit over 200 stalls offering art, fashion and food.

> Find out more information from Auckland Council.

DRINK: FRIDA’S MARGARITAS, BRITOMART

The best way to beat the heat this long weekend? There are a multitude of ways but our favourite would in all likelihood be one involving a frozen margarita. Part of the Mexico restaurant portfolio, the newly launched Frida’s Margaritas in Britomart to pore over their 10 famous flavours. The biggest problem we’ll face when we get there? Whether to go with the lychee & salt, melon & mint or almond & orange.

If the weather turns bad (and it’s Auckland so let’s face it, it probably will), pop to the cinema to celebrate the genius of the late David Bowie. The Rialto Newmarket and Academy Cinemas are both screening the documentary focusing on the 2014 David Bowie is exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which featured photographs, stage costumes, and other rare possessions from the Bowie archive.

> Screening times and ticket info at Academy Cinemas and Rialto.

EXHIBITION: THE ART OF DR SEUSS, THE EXHIBITIONS GALLERY

Whether you’re young or just young at heart, we all have a soft spot for the kooky humour and wonderfully inventive world of Dr Seuss. Known mainly for his written tales, he was also a visual artist and this exhibition dedicated to his artwork and sculptures comprises a selection of authorised estate edition prints adapted posthumously and available for sale.  These reproductions encompass his Illustration Art, Unorthodox Taxidermy and his not-to-be-missed Secret Art.

Exhibitions Gallery, 19A Osborne Street, Newmarket, Auckland
Phone: (09) 523 5560
> More information here.

MUSIC: AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL BUSKERS FESTIVAL | AUCKLAND CBD
29 January – 1 February

Don’t underestimate the huge variety of untapped talent you’ll spot at the Auckland International Buskers Festival. From the cool (street dance crews) to the clever (acrobats, contortionists and hula hoop artists) to the downright kooky (WOODY WOODman who carves himself out of a tree-trunk!) there will be something for everyone. Entry is free.

> View the show schedule here.

FIREWORKS: SEEPORT SUNSET SYMPHONY & FIREWORKS BY PORTS OF AUCKLAND

One for all the family, pack a picnic and head to Captain Cook Wharf on Auckland’s Quay Street for a night of classical music and fireworks. Pop down early to enjoy rides and tours of the port and enjoy the carnival atmosphere. The Auckland Symphony Orchestra will play from 6pm and the fireworks display will kick off at 9pm.

> More information here.