Seven ways to make the most of your Labour Weekend
Labour Day is coming up and for many of us, that means an extra day to relax, unwind and spend some quality time with our friends and family.
Whether you’re planning a day out with your whānau, relaxing with friends, or just hoping to soak up some springtime sunshine, there’s plenty going on in Auckland this weekend for you to take advantage of.
Here are just some of the great events happening in our region around Labour Day:
Diwali Festival
Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours of India at Auckland Diwali Festival 2018. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, the festival celebrates Indian culture with live music and dance, competitions, arts and crafts, and food stalls.
The festival takes place at Aotea Square and will close with a fireworks display on Sunday night. Take a look at the Diwali Festival event listing for a weekend programme and event map.
Auckland craft markets
Make the most of the long weekend by shopping for bargains at some of the region’s best community markets.
Saturday sees the Kingsland Crafternoon Tea Market offering a wide range of crafts and delicious snacks and treats, while Sunday shoppers can head down to the Kaukapakapa Village Market or the Kumeu Market for hand-crafted gifts and food.
On Monday, head to the beach and pick up a bargain at either Piha Labour Day Market or Mission Bay Art and Craft Market and take in a little sea air while you shop.
Armistice Centenary – Fields of Remembrance
The armistice centenary commemoration will take place on Sunday 11 November, but from 20 October until 20 November visitors to Auckland Domain can explore the Memorial Field near the Cenotaph.
Containing 18,227 white crosses, each bearing the name of a New Zealander lost in the First World War, the field is free to visit. Information displays outside Auckland War Memorial Museum will give visitors more information on the conflict and on the New Zealanders who lost their lives fighting overseas.
Labour Day sports
Rub shoulders with Olympians this weekend at the BMX North Island Titles. A full weekend of racing across multiple age groups will take place at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, featuring some of the best national and international BMX riders around.
And away from the track, the NBL’s SKYCITY Breakers take on the Sydney Kings at the Spark Arena on Sunday evening.
If you’d rather try out a sport yourself, head down to your local lawn bowls club for their “Have a Go” weekend. Clubs across Auckland are taking part throughout October, giving newcomers the chance to enjoy the game.
If you’re looking for a change of pace, why not check out Auckland Council’s $30 for 30 days fitness membership offer? The deal expires on Sunday 21 October – visit your local leisure centre this weekend to find out more.
Explore the arts
Throughout Labour Weekend artists across Franklin will be opening their studio doors as part of the Franklin Arts Trail. Tour the area and discover the work of jewellers, potters, woodworkers, sculptors and painters and take part in a range of workshops too.
Arts In The Ville celebrates the artists of Helensville throughout the weekend as well, inviting the public to meet local artists, take part in painting, sculpting and crafting masterclasses, and enjoy a parade and an art auction.
