March Events
It's March Madness
It’s March Madness and there are certainly plenty of neat events happening around Auckland to keep you busy - including the following....
Cheese-Fest 2010
3 March
The Langham Hotel Auckland
Cheese-Fest is a unique event where you get to taste the best cheese in New Zealand all in one place. Speak to the cheesemakers and enjoy a wine matched to your cheese. Your entry fee includes a complimentary glass of Yealands Estate wine, bread and all the cheese you can eat. Wander and enjoy a wonderful cheese experience and you can also buy cheese from the NZ Specialist Cheesemakers Association at bargain prices!
Movies In Parks
3, 10 and 17 March
Grey Lynn Park
Bring your blanket, a picnic and your family and enjoy movies under the stars. Featuring the following movies:
March 3 – Goodbye Pork Pie (1981)
March 10 - Selected short films including Forgotten Silver and Two Cars One Night.
March 17 – Show of Hands (2008)
SkyCity Auckland Cup Week Diamond Ball
4 March
SkyCity Convention Centre
Celebrate the start of Auckland Cup Week in style! Join Auckland’s finest for a night to remember, with fabulous food, wine and live entertainment included in the ticket price ($195 per person). Dress to impress.
Trillian Trust Auckland Trotting Cup and Woodland Stud Derby
5 March
Alexandra Park
Experience the 2010 Auckland Cup Week at Alexandra Park. The week will showcase some of the best first-class harness racing, in an electrifying atmosphere where all racegoers can 'be part of the action'. The event will be split over two nights across the week of Auckland Cup Week. Night one – March 5 - will host the Group 1 Pascoes Northern Oaks. Night two is Friday 12 March (see below). Book early to avoid disappointment.
Telecom Derby Day
Saturday 6 March
Ellerslie Racecourse
Come and enjoy the inaugural Telecom Carnival at Ellerslie, on Telecom Derby Day. A festive picnic and party day, with live music, racing and fun. Pack a picnic (no BYO alcohol permitted), pack your friends and family, and help celebrate the start of the biggest week in the New Zealand sporting calendar. Highlights on the day include the $2.2 million Telecom New Zealand Derby, New Zealand's Fashions in the Field final - Mercedes Prix de Fashion, Ellerslie Punter of the Year competition, The Stella Artois Lounge, Telecom Carnival featuring performances from The Black Seeds, Tim Phin and People of Paris and the infamous Birdcage Bash after the last race. Gates open 10.30am. First race 12.45. Telecom New Zealand Derby 5.09pm. Last race 6.30pm.
Auckland Cup Week Parade of Champions
7 March
Broadway Newmarket 12pm
Enjoy a slice of Auckland Cup Week history as participants from the racing, equestrian and fashion industries parade down Broadway. Featuring past and current champions of Auckland Cup Week, bands, strolling performers, a large Newmarket fashion component, the magnificent Auckland Cup trophy, KidzKartz, greyhounds, horses, ponies and more.
95bFM Summer Series
7 March
Albert Park Auckland City
Come celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 95bFM Summer Series with a quintessentially bFM lineup and enjoy a perfect summer afternoon in the city. Lifted liquor ban, vendors, and food stalls.
Featuring: The Mint Chicks, The Naked and Famous, Bang Bang Eche, An Emerald City, Rackets, Bandicoot and O'Lovely.
Music in Parks - Jazz at the Rotunda
7 March
Auckland Domain Grafton
Relax with the sounds of soulful jazz between 2pm and 5pm at the Auckland Domain featuring the Lewis McCallum Band and Otis Mace.
Raw Comedy Night
8 March
The Classic Comedy Club, Queen Street
Kicking off Monday March 8, and every Monday until early May, The Classic present a new season of Raw Comedy – the chance for new faces to have a go at Open Mic night. Features a special guest Professsional MC and up to 10 rookie comedians. Give it a go yourself or check out the freshest new talent.
Stella Artois Auckland Cup Day
Wednesday 10 March
Ellerslie Racecourse
The ultimate half day off! Make sure you've got a ticket to the Stella Artois Garden Party so you can witness the running of Auckland's iconic race - the $1million Stella Artois Auckland Cup. Highlights on the day include the Stella Artois Cup Couture fashion competition, The Stella Artois Lounge, the Group 3 $100,000 Darley Plate and the infamous Birdcage Bash party after the last race. Gates open 10.30am. First race 12.45pm. Stella Artois Auckland Cup 5.45pm. Last race 6.45pm
Trillian Trust Auckland Trotting Cup and Woodland Stud Derby
Friday 12 March
Alexandra Park
Experience the 2010 Auckland Cup Week at Alexandra Park. The week will showcase some of the best first-class harness racing, in an electrifying atmosphere where all racegoers can 'be part of the action'. The event will be split over two nights across the week of Auckland Cup Week. Night one is March 5 (see above). Night two is Friday 12 March and includes the finals of the 2 year-old Young Guns series. Dining packages sell quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.
The Pixies
11 & 12 March
Vector Arena & Powerstation
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of their classic 1989 album The Pixies have embarked on a very special tour – “The Doolittle Tour”. With a sold-out Vector Arena concert on Friday, March 12 The Pixies have announced a ‘bonus’ show at Auckland’s Powerstation Thursday March 11 – a chance for fans to get up close and personal with this legendary band.
Wild Bean Cafe Zoo Music – Open Souls and Batucada Sound Machine
12 March
Auckland Zoo
Get your groove on to Opensouls and Batucada Sound Machine at Auckland Zoo - it's the final show of the 2010 season, and you don't want to miss out! The concert will support the Department of Conservation and the Marine Mammal Conservation, so you can enjoy some great Kiwi music while helping out some of the planet’s most endangered animals. Your ticket will get you into the zoo for the day as well, so come early and explore!
St. Patrick’s Parade
13 March
12pm, Queen St Auckland City
Witness the most entertaining St Patrick's Parade in the Southern Hemisphere with Irish musicians, dancers and St Patrick himself. Great for the whole family.
SKYCITY Diamond Day - Ladies' Day
Saturday 13 March
Ellerslie Racecourse
SKYCITY Diamond Day is the last of Auckland Cup Week and provides you with the perfect excuse to come and party at Ellerslie, celebrating the week that was. Highlights on the day include the Fujifilm Whips n Spurs Summer Party, the Diamond Darling Fashion competition and the infamous Birdcage Bash after the race. Gates open 10.30am. First race 12.30pm. Last race 6.15pm.
Harry Connick Jnr.
13 March
The Civic @ The Edge, Auckland City
The Auckland concert by International Jazz artist Harry Connick Jnr will now be held on Saturday, March 13 (previously Thursday March 11) – at the Civic Theatre. Featuring all his greatest hits and latest smooth sounds, this is an act not to be missed.
Lady Gaga
13 and 14 March
Vector Arena, Auckland City
Pop star Lady Gaga returns in March for a much-demanded headline tour following her performance with The Pussycat Dolls in Auckland last year. Featuring massive hits ‘Just Dance’, ‘Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)’, ‘Paparazzi’, ‘Love Game’, and ‘Poker Face’.
Music in Parks 2010 - Jazz at the Rotunda
14 March
Auckland Domain, Grafton
Hang out with friends and family listening to soulful jazz between 2pm and 5pm at the Auckland Domain band rotunda - featuring Jennifer Zea and Dave Boy.
Music in Parks Culture Garden-SteveAbel and Rebecca Le Harle
14 March
Wintergardens, Auckland Domain, Parnell
Fresh from New York where he has been recording his upcoming album, Steve Abel will headline an afternoon of singer-songwriter bliss, piloted by the melodic musings of Rebecca Le Harle - as part of Music in Parks 2010.
NZ Fashion Festival
16 March
Shed 12, Wellesley Street West
The launch of the New Zealand Fashion Festival kicks off with a designer packed fashion show with music by George FM DJs. Show starts 8.30pm.
St. Patrick's Day at The Bog
17 March
The Bog Parnell
Starting with a famous Irish breakfast (reservations recommended) from 9am till 1pm, The Bog is THE place to go for St. Patricks Day. 'Dodgy', 'The Bastard' and 'The Fiddler' bands return for their 10th performance from 10am till 1pm, then the traditional Irish session kicks off through to 4pm. Party from 9pm until close with Baz, Lindon and a special guest Fiddler Fergal Scahill (All-Ireland Fiddle and Bodhran champion).
St Patricks Day with Conor and Swigger
17 March
12pm The Dogs Bollix, Auckland City
Celebrate St Patricks Day in true Irish style with long time Auckland favourites Conor and Swigger at The Dogs Bollix pub in Newton.
St Patricks Day with Conor and Swigger
17 March
4pm The Thirsty Dog, Auckland City
Celebrate St Patricks Day in true Irish style with long time Auckland favourites Conor and Swigger at The Thirsty Dog pub.
St Patrick's Day at Mad Dogs and Englishmen
17 March
Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Milford
Join the celebrations with good friends and have a good time with Irish dancers and live band 'Fat Mouse' with lots of giveaways and free nibbles.
St Patrick's Day Celebration
17 March
Sale Street Bar, Auckland City
Come and celebrate St Patrick's Day in style on the Jameson's lawn from 4pm. Live band & DJs until late.
St Pat's Party
17 March
Wildfire Restaurant & Bar, Viaduct
Ok so their not Irish, but they love any excuse to party. Join the crew at Wildfire and celebrate St Pat's in style. $7 door charge. R18 event.
St Patrick's Day at The Muddy Farmer
17 March
The Muddy Farmer, Auckland City
Celebrate all things Irish at one of Auckland's friendliest Irish Pubs, The Muddy Farmer in Wyndham Street.
St Patrick's Day at The Clare Inn
17 March
The Clare Inn, Mt Eden
Just 5 minutes from Eden Park, the Clare Inn Irish Pub is the perfect spot for St Patrick's day celebrations.
ASB Polyfest
17-20 March
Manukau Sports Bowl, Manukau
The ASB Polyfest is the largest Maori and Pacific Island cultural festival in the world. In 2009 it attracted record spectator numbers of over 90,000, with 9000 students competing from 59 schools.
The 2010 festival takes place from the 17th – 20th of March at the Manukau Sportsbowl. It features traditional music, dance, costume and speech and is now recognised as an important showcase of New Zealand’s diverse cultures and a celebration of youth performance.
2010 NZ Air Guitar Championships
18 March and 25 March
Vesbar, AUT University
The search to find ‘the greatest guitarist in New Zealand ‘who never played’ is on once again.
The Vesbar at AUT Campus will host the Auckland Qualifying Rounds (Heat One: 18th March and Heat Two: 25th March) with the NZ National Final on Friday 30th of April 2010.
Competition entry is free.
The Vodafone Warriors V Cronulla Sharks
20 March
Mt Smart Stadium, Penrose
Come and cheer on The Warriors as they take on the Cronulla Sharks in a 2010 NRL League match at Mt Smart Stadium.
Music in Parks 2010 - Jazz at the Rotunda
21 March
Auckland Domain, Grafton
Don’t miss the chance to relax listening to soulful jazz between 2pm and 5pm at the Auckland Domain band rotunda. Featuring 'I’ll Never Forget What’s Her Name' and Paul Ubana Jones.
Massive Attack
25 March
Vector Arena Auckland City
Massive Attack, the UK’s ‘trip-hop’ pioneers, bring their haunting and hypnotic fusion of hazy beats, dub, hauntingly soulful melodies and choice samples to Auckland. Playing all their classic numbers and featuring tracks from their new album Heligoland.
Kingsland Festival
27 March
Kingsland
Stroll the streets of Kingsland and catch live bands, street performers, DJs, food, drink special kids zone and more!
Music in Parks Culture Garden - Forbidden Joe
28 March
Wintergardens, Auckland Domain Parnell
Quirky, imaginative and mysterious, Forbidden Joe will draw you into their world of edgy 21st century folk, where a banjo, a fiery concertina and a cello await. Another special event that's part of Music in Parks 2010.
Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
30 March
ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
The UK’S most popular pianist and bandleader, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, featuring Gilson Lavis, and vocals from the wonderfully talented Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, promise an outstanding night of entertainment in March.
Editorial by Katherine Robinson