What's On in Auckland: Food, Festivals & Spring Events
Visiting Auckland in September 2026? Discover food festivals, exhibitions, cultural events and school holiday activities happening around the city.
Spring arrives with plenty happening around Auckland this September and October.
From a weekend dedicated to chocolate and coffee to exhibitions, cultural celebrations and the beginning of the school holidays, Spring is a good month to plan a city break.
If you're visiting Auckland during the month, here are some events worth adding to your itinerary.
Chocolate & Coffee Festival – 26 & 27 September
Coffee lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth have a particularly good reason to be in Auckland during the final weekend of September.
The Chocolate & Coffee Festival takes over the Viaduct Events Centre on 26 and 27 September 2026, bringing together more than 60 exhibitors.
Visitors can expect specialty coffee, handcrafted chocolate, gourmet treats, tastings and festival specials.
The Viaduct location also makes it easy to turn the festival into a full day in central Auckland. After visiting the event, explore the Viaduct Basin or continue along the waterfront towards Wynyard Quarter.
Chocolate and Coffee Festival – Auckland
Poumatua Festival – 17 to 19 September
Another September highlight is Poumatua Festival, running from 17 to 19 September.
Presented by Tumutumuwhenua Cultural Trust in partnership with Auckland Live and supported by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the festival is part of Auckland's September cultural calendar.
For visitors, events like this offer an opportunity to experience Auckland beyond the usual sightseeing itinerary and engage with the arts, stories and culture of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Auckland Heritage Festival – 26 September to 11 October
The Auckland Heritage Festival begins on 26 September and runs until 11 October 2026.
This year's programme celebrates Auckland's heritage through a variety of events and activities, with the Auckland Council programme highlighting the history of food and beverage as part of the 2026 festival.
Spring school holidays begin
Auckland's spring school holiday calendar begins filling up towards the end of September. We The Young – A Festival of Arts, Imagination & Adventures runs from 25 September to 11 October, while other school holiday activities begin around the city from 26 September.
Families can also combine scheduled events with some of Auckland's year-round attractions, including Auckland Museum, Auckland Zoo, MOTAT and the waterfront.
We the Young Festival - Auckland
Where to Stay in Auckland?
One advantage of staying centrally is being able to build your weekend around more than one activity.
Parkside Hotel & Apartments, located at 100 Greys Avenue, makes a convenient base for doing exactly that. Its central location puts guests within easy reach of the CBD and surrounding inner-city neighbourhoods, while the choice of hotel rooms and apartment-style accommodation gives visitors flexibility for both short breaks and longer stays.
The apartment option can be particularly useful for families or guests who want a little more space and independence during their Auckland visit.
September and October has plenty of reasons to head into the city. Pick the event that suits you, add a few Auckland favourites around it, and make Parkside Hotel & Apartments your base for a spring weekend away.
