After the year we've had everyone will be looking forward to a great summer. A summer of lots of sunshine, fun and events. We’ve got good news – courtesy of being the ‘grandstand’ for the America’s Cup, the Shore is going to be a buzzing place in summer 2020/2021, with lots happening for people of all ages.
This is a big summer all round for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – with the 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA being just the start of the action.
There’s an exciting new festival, Summernova, wrapping around the 36th America’s Cup from December through to March, with a good number of events happening right here on the Shore – in Takapuna and Devonport.
A driving force behind Summernova, which is being championed by Auckland Council and Auckland Unlimited, is to create unique opportunities for people to participate in and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The city has partnered with some of the region’s leading event organisers and community groups, including the talented people behind Rhythm and Vines, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Highlife New Year’s Eve, and Fiesta del Sol. This result is a dynamic line up of food and wine festivals, sporting spectaculars, arts and cultural showcases, live musical performances and much more. Something for the whole family.
“Summer is calling, and Auckland is definitely the place to be,” says Steve Armitage, Auckland Unlimited’s GM, Destination. “It’s no secret it’s been a tough year for everyone, and our tourism and events industry has been hit particularly hard. We want to use this summer as a chance to come together and encourage Aucklanders and visitors to make the most of our stunning region. We are grateful to be in a position to host an international event on the scale of the 36th America’s Cup and as host city have developed an exciting summer of events and activations around this through Summernova.”
Local North Shore Summernova events and activities that coincide with the 36th America’s Cup programme are as follows:
Love your Maunga Ki Maungauika (North Head), Devonport – viewing the 36th America’s Cup (December to March)
You won’t find a better race day vantage point and festival atmosphere than Maungauika North Head, one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most impressive Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains). Explore the many walking tracks and naval defence tunnels and learn about the rich Māori and European history of this important taonga (treasure).
I Love Takapuna Beachside Grandstand – December 17th-20th
Head down to Takapuna Beach’s Gould Reserve (The Strand) to watch the fastest yachts in the world compete from the best seats in the house! Pick your spot on Takapuna's natural grandstand to enjoy live music and entertainment, then watch on the yacht racing on the big screen, and finish off your evening with more sweet tunes.
Sunsetter Food, Wine & Music Festival, Smales Farm
– Saturday February 13th
Sunsetter will feature some of the best international and local acts, New Zealand wineries and craft breweries, popular eateries, spectacular performers and more in a unique urban environment, transforming Smales Farm into an atmosphere like no other!
Well-known Takapuna local Adam Bennett of High Life Entertainment is organising this event and is excited about 2021 being part of Summernova. "We are excited to be partnering with Summernova to bring back our annual Sunsetter Festival to Smales Farm. We have an incredible line up of fantastic live music, amazing local food and beverages on offer that you won’t find at other festivals.”
The Sunsetter music line up for 2021 includes: Stellar, Automatic 80s, LatinAotearoa Clicks, Samson live, The Rvmes, General Lee, Tim Phin, Grant Marshall, Karn Hall, DJ Reminise, Wattson, Warren Duncan, Lewis McCallum, and,Izak Chads.
Wine, champagne, beer and food providers participating are:Man O' War Vineyards, Cloudy Bay Vineyards, SOHO Wines, Leftfield Wines, Astrolabe Wines, Obsidian Wines, Indian Summer - Waiana Estate, Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Garage Project, Epic Beer, Deep Creek Brewing company, Hallertau Brewery, Sawmill Brewery, Iconic Eats, El Humero, Urban Escargot, SOHO Kitchen, Double Dutch Fries, Vintage Market Deli, Hapunan, Lulus, Mr Tankas, Napoli Central, Vege Bang Bang, and Sweet as Crepes. Visit: www.sunsetterfestival.co.nz
Waterbourne Beach Festival, Takapuna Beach – February 27th through to March 21st
Embark on a journey of memorable experiences and world-class entertainment at Waterbourne, New Zealand’s biggest beach festival taking place at Takapuna Beach Reserve from late February through to the completion of the 36th America's Cup.
A sustainable festival, Waterbourne will have live music, professional sports, cultural experiences, premium food and beverage and more. Soak it all in while protecting and rebuilding Aotearoa’s coastline.
There will be 11 music days and nights. Seven are free, and four are ticketed. These will include a bumper line-up of some of New Zealand's hottest new and classic talent.
The four special ticketed events are:
Event organiser Laurence Carey says Waterbourne is the only festival of its kind, celebrating New Zealand’s passion for water sports, music and beach culture.
“Our vision is a sustainable beach festival which not only encourages the protection of New Zealand's coastlines and oceans but helps regenerate them. We intend to educate people on sustainability and water safety, while providing memorable experiences both on land and on the water. There is no event of its kind in New Zealand which enables people to participate in sports and activities or simply watch from shoreline with iconic Kiwi musicians like Dave Dobbyn or SACHI setting the beach vibe."
Other key events during the Waterbourne Festival at Takapuna Beach include:
A full calendar of events available at www.waterbourne.co.nz
The Devonport Waterfront Festival
– Weekends of March 5th, 6th, 7th and March 12th, 13th, 14th
Devonport will be one of the pumping vantage points for the 36th America's Cup. Combine the sensational viewing and historic cultural setting that is Maungauika (North Head) with Devonport Village and you get something very special.
The Devonport Waterfront Festival is being held at Windsor Reserve (by the shops, sea and wharf) during the first two weekends of the finals on the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Devonport waterfront will come alive with a big screen showing all the 36th America’s Cup racing action, live music, local food, workshops, performances from mana whenua, story time for tamariki and so much more. The event is being hosted by the Devonport Business Association with all local businesses encouraged to be part of the festive action.
Other non-North Shore events in the Summernova Festival include…
Satellite show of Toi tu Toi ora, Britomart,
5 Dec – 31 March 2021
In the heart of Britomart, this is the official satellite show of Auckland Art Gallery’s renowned Toi tū Toi ora, the largest exhibition of contemporary Māori art in New Zealand in almost 20 years.
Summer Fun at the Village, Howick Historical Village, Dec – 31 March 2021
Venture back in time and experience life in Auckland during the 1800s at the Howick Historical Village, with special programming designed for an exciting and educational summer experience.
Louis Baker & APO, 11 February 2021
Singer-songwriter Louis Baker will fuse his signature style of modern soul with the symphonic power of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) for a one-off show at Auckland Town Hall in February.
Island Time on Motutapu. February
Island Time on Motutapu is a chance to eat, drink and dance in a unique and exclusive island setting this summer.
Young at Art, throughout Auckland, 21 Feb – 21 March 2021
Art lovers will be able to see a regional showcase of emerging youth talent, including a creative array of performances from young musicians, artists, poets, writers and more at creative hubs all over Auckland.
The 119th Helensville Show, Helensville 27 Feb 2021.
An annual event with a serious legacy, the Helensville Show will draw visitors and competitors from around Auckland and New Zealand to experience world-class displays, entertainment, hospitality, retail and more.
Summer in the Eastern Bays (multiple dates, Feb – March 2021).
Tāmaki Drive and beyond will come alive with local business communities and cultural associations hosting activities, market days, and ‘have a go’ opportunities at a range of sporting clubs in Örakei and the Eastern Bays.
L.A.B., Mount Smart Stadium (27 March 2021)
One of New Zealand's hottest acts. See L.A.B joined by a range of New Zealand’s finest, including Mako Road, Ladi6, Ria Hall & The Leers.
For more information on the Auckland-wide Summernova programme visit: www.aucklandnz.com
