It’s a new month and there are lots of reasons to head out and explore the city. We’ve put together a list of some fun, delicious and slightly different things for you to try, so you don’t have to go sifting through the net to see what’s on!
Sky City’s Golden Hour
1 March – 30 April
As the sun begins to set and the days wind down heading into Autumn, the city is bathed in that perfect golden light. From 1 March to 30 April, Golden Hour returns to Sky City to make early evenings something special across their award-winning restaurants.
Whether you’re catching up with friends over shared plates, treating yourself after work, or simply making the most of the long nights, this is the perfect excuse to gather around a table this season. There are set Menus from $50. Settle in for the first sitting as the sun casts its golden glow. Enjoy a signature main and dessert at some of Auckland’s most celebrated restaurants including The Grill, MASU by Nic Watt, Metita, Cassia and Huami.
World-Class Fire Knife Festival: Siva Afi
Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
6-7 March
Aotearoa’s annual international Siva Afi Festival returns to Tāmaki Makaurau for two powerful nights of fire, rhythm and cultural pride. Held at Māngere Arts Centre on 6 and 7 March, this free community event brings together some of the world’s leading Siva Afi performers, alongside young competitors as young as five stepping on stage with the traditional nifo oti set alight.
Rooted in centuries old Samoan tradition, Siva Afi blends storytelling, discipline and extraordinary physical precision. Across two evenings, you can expect junior, intermediate, women’s and men’s competitions, cultural performances, workshops and food stalls, plus appearances from international champions and judges.
Now in its seventh year, the festival has grown into a nationally significant platform for Pacific youth. Organisers say 2026 could be its final year without further funding support, making this year’s celebration one not to miss.
Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention
The Cloud
14-15 March
Auckland’s first ever international tattoo convention is landing this March, and it’s set to be a big one. Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention takes over The Cloud on 14 and 15 March, bringing together 185 world class tattoo artists from Aotearoa and around the globe for a weekend of ink, artistry and community.
With around a quarter of New Zealanders inked, tattoos are well and truly mainstream here, and Roots feels right on time. Across two days you can watch live tattooing, sit in on seminars, check out tattoo competitions and explore interactive art installations. There’s even a tattoo museum showcasing the history of Auckland’s oldest studio, plus food trucks, a full bar and family friendly entertainment.
The Kumeū Show
Kumeū Showgrounds
14-15 March
Enjoy two action-packed days of rides, entertainment, animals, food, competitions and classic country fun. Held at the beautiful Kumeū Showgrounds, just 20 minutes from central Auckland.
There’s something for everyone at the show – whether you’re seeking thrills, unique experiences, or a relaxing day out in a vibrant community atmosphere. See what’s on and get your tickets here!
Auckland Food Expo
Eventfinda Stadium
14-15 March
The Auckland Food Expo is a weekend-long consumer food and beverage event held at the Eventfinda Stadium on the North Shore on March 14–15, 2026. It features a wide range of artisan products, gourmet tastings, kitchenware and cooking demos, allowing you to meet local producers and discover new, niche food products. Get your tickets here!
A Letter to Them: Rachael Mayne
372 Broadway Newmarket presented with Turua Gallery
13-18 March
Auckland artist Rachael Mayne returns this March with her most personal exhibition yet. A Letter to Them opens 13 to 18 March at a special off site space on Broadway in Newmarket, presented with Turua Gallery. There are no presales and her previous three shows have all sold out on opening night.
After 15 years working as a clinical psychologist, Mayne has shaped this new body of work around the stories that marked her professional life. Described as “a letter of gratitude”, the collection explores trauma, resilience and courage through her signature large scale garden paintings, pushed further with new colour palettes and bold creative risks. It’s an intimate, emotionally charged show that feels both timely and deeply human.
Urban Cocktail Trail
Ponsonby
21 March
Round up your mates and hit Ponsonby for a self-guided afternoon of sipping and strolling. The Urban Cocktail Trail lands on Saturday 21 March, serving up signature drinks across some of the neighbourhood’s best bars.
Start with a bite at your chosen venue using a $10 food voucher, then wander from stop to stop at your own pace between 1 and 5pm. Participating spots include Bedford Soda & Liquor, Chapel Bar, Freeman & Grey, Hoppers Garden Bar, Jacuzzi and The Broken Lantern, each shaking up an exclusive cocktail for the day.
Choose from three to six cocktail vouchers, collect your event pack from The Broken Lantern between 12 and 2pm, and let the afternoon unfold from there. Get your tickets here!
Southeast Asia Festival 2026
Auckland Showgrounds
28 March
Experience the wonder and diversity of Southeast Asia through music, dance, cuisine and more at the 2026 festival. This year’s festival will showcase heritage Southeast Asian dishes that are made exclusively for visitors. And, meet the top travel providers and airlines to discover how you can have the trip of a life time in Southeast Asia.
The Southeast Asia Festival was the biggest nationwide ethnic festival in 2024 and 2025, with over 125,000 hungry visitors enjoying hundreds heritage foods, authentic performances and exploring the Southeast Asian Business Expo. Free entry.