It might be the darkest and coldest month of the year, but July brings something other than grey skies and sideways rain in 2022: Elemental Festival.
From the 14th - the 31st of July, Tamaki Makaurau will be treated to a stellar lineup of tunes, art, kai and culture that will heat up these chilly winter nights.
There's a helluva lot to choose from, but we've picked out some of the funkiest events for you to check out.
Fried Chicken Festival
Need we say more? Probably not, but we will.
We'll make it quick so you can go get your hot hands on a fried feast. Head on down to the waterfront's Shed10 on Saturday, July 30, and grab yourself some fried chook along with a refreshing local bevvy from 12 different vendors offering some kai that's kind to our wallets with deals under $10.
Beats 'N Brushes
Straight from the canvas to the streets, Elemental is offering 3 nights of, well, beats and brushes!
Pick up a paintbrush and let the beats take control as you take part in a 'Night In The '09' (16 July), 'Polysaturated' (23 July) or 'Earth, Wind and Fire' beginners art class. For $75 - $120, a set of DJs will crank the tunes that get your head nodding and the creative juices flowing. Plus, your ticket covers food and art supplies!
Snugs at Elemental Hub
The winter wonderland is returning to Aotea Square between June 24 - July 30. Chill out in one of these kitted-out domes for your pre-winter night shenanigans. Warm-up, fill up and turn up, for the cosiest night in town where you'll choose from a range of mouth-watering platters and beverages, with options for all foodies, but be quick and get yourself booked for $80 - $130.
Takapuna Winter Lights
Let the lights guide you through your night on the North Shore's Hurstmere Green in Takapuna. Between July 28 - 31, Elemental is putting on a jaw-dropping light show for FREE, yes, free, so get your crew together for an epic night of lights over the bridge.
Kaipara Kaimoana Festival
Experience all that Te Hana Te Ao Marama Marae has to offer, on July 30, for just $60, get amongst some kaimoana, a korero and kapa haka performances. Kicking off with a traditional powhiri, you'll be welcomed onto the marae before digging into an incredible spread of kai including; Kaipara oysters in the half shell, scallops and king prawns in garlic butter, and let's not forget the incredible fried bread.
Silent Disco City Walk
Get kitted up in your stellar space gear while exploring Auckland's CBD between 15 - 29 July. For $25, The 'Silent Disco City Walk' will take you on a 60-minute adventure narrated by a mad scientist who will also have some mad funky music that will get you movin' and groovin' from Victoria Park all the way to Karangahape Road.
