Your Guide to February

By February 10, 2019Uncategorised

The the sun still out and the days still long, there is still plenty to get out and enjoy this month, and if you are coming to visit us in the city of sails, we have you covered with some handy hints on what to get up to while you stay:

Hidden 2019

One for he youthful rave culture lovers out there, This new single-stage festival will be set outdoors in the middle of Ellerslie Racecourse on Friday, 22 February. After having successful runs across the ditch, this festival is. Asking it’s way to Auckland, and will Feature the likes of trap rapper Lil Yachty, US producer Kayzo and local drum and bass legends Shapeshifter. Also appearing on the hip hop and bass-heavy bill is Florida rapper Ski Mask The Slump God, UK trap producer TroyBoi, Los Angeles producer Cray, UK dubstep trio Gentlemens Club and Atlanta rapper J.I.D. If you are wanting a night out to remember (or have fuzzy memories off, depending on what you drink) this one is for you.

Gibbs Farm Sculptor Park Visit

If raving isn’t your thing, and your taste in culture leans more to art, then we have just the thing for you. The Gibbs Farm sculptor park is usually closed to the public, but  will once again open its gates this February to raise funds for Auckland Art Gallery.

The 400ha farm, privately owned by New Zealand businessman Alan Gibbs, is an expansive open-air sculpture park that boasts the greatest collection of large-scale outdoor artworks in the country — most of which are site specific commissions by some of the world’s most renowned artists. Major works include Anish Kapoor’s giant red horned ‘Dismemberment, Site 1’, Marijke de Goey’s ‘Tango Dancers’, Len Lye’s second kinetic ‘Wind Wand’ installation, and Leon van den Eijkel’s huge concrete cube structure ‘Red Cloud Confrontation in Landscape’.

If you decide to join the February 16 open day, you will be given free rein of the park for three to four hours, have the opportunity to be introduced to selected artworks by those in the know from Auckland Art Gallery, and come face-to-face with the exotic animals that occupy the farm.

City of Ales

NOw if you are fan of locally made craft beers and want to make the most of this summer sun, then boy do we have a treat for you. 2019’s edition of City of Ales will see 20 of the best regional breweries landing in Auckland for the day of elbow bending — with rarer breweries like McLeods, Brewaucracy, Craftwork and Kainui bringing in their hard to find, boutique craft beers for the event. Meanwhile, Sweatshop Brew Kitchen has made a special, barrel-aged and “funky” brew just for the festival. One to try, for sure.

Anti-Valentines

No a fan of this corporate holiday. Would you rather spend it in one of Aucklands most quirky and fun museums? Look no further friends! Western Springs’ beloved museum of transportation and technology is hosting an event for those just not that into the idea of Valentine’s Day. On February 14, Visitors are invited to explore the museum grounds which will be scattered with food stands, bars, activations and a main stage performance area. A variety of entertainment, activities, and general shenanigans will feature, from silent discos and karaoke to archery, jousting and live music.