Auckland Council’s Music and Movies in Parks returns, with a twist this season for the music events

Auckland Council’s popular Music and Movies in Parks series returns this summer for 2026, delivering yet another epic season of free events across Tāmaki Makaurau – but with a new format for the music programme. 

In response to community feedback, Music in Parks has undergone a refresh. The new format moves away from events concentrated over the weekends to an expanded programme of music and whānau fun in four dedicated live music hubs  – North (Milford Beach Reserve), South (Auckland Botanic Gardens), East (Lloyd Elsmore Park) and Central (Auckland Domain Rotunda), with a few one-off events also planned throughout Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Aucklanders can now enjoy multiple nights of varied musical genres at each hub. From 7 January through to 21 February, from Wednesday to Sunday, music lovers can rejoice at twilight family-friendly events and picnic perfect locations, making these an ideal summer experience for all. 

Meanwhile, the Movies in Parks format stays largely the same with the minor adjustment of movies starting earlier in the day to offer more family-friendly start times. From Friday 20 February through to Saturday 21 March 2026, Aucklanders can enjoy the return of treasured evenings of cinema and a great range of pre-show entertainment. 

“We’re so excited to roll out this fresh new season around Tāmaki Makaurau!” says Maria Deere, Manager Event Delivery, Auckland Council. 

“We hope Aucklanders will get even more out of these already cherished Music in Parks events. It is still the series Aucklanders love, just slightly tweaked for even more enjoyment,” adds Maria.   

“We’re also thrilled to announce yet another stellar line-up of gifted artists like Miho Wada, CHAII, Georgia Lines, NZ Opera Company, Anika Moa and Sam V to name a few. And for the Movies in Parks fans, rest assured another season of family favourites awaits with A Minecraft Movie, The Super Mario Bros Movie and Paddington in Peru, plus local Kiwi hits like Red White and Brass, and Tīnā. Not to mention the great selection of food trucks available and epic pre-show entertainment coming soon- so get your picnics ready for some summer magic with friends and whānau.” 

Councillor Julie Fairey, chair of the Community Committee, notes how much Aucklanders look forward to the free fun Music and Movies in Parks events brought to Tāmaki Makaurau over summer. 

“They offer a great way to enjoy our open spaces, connect with others, and experience local musicians and stories, including Kirsten Morrell and Tinā. There’s also lots to delight the kids with a number of movies and performances aimed at our littlest people.” 

For over two decades, Auckland’s Music and Movies in Parks has delivered free movies, live music, entertainment and more in Auckland’s iconic parks for communities across the region. This legacy has successfully activated local green spaces, supported hundreds of New Zealand musicians across every genre and welcomed thousands of residents to enjoy free, family friendly and high-quality entertainment. 

“Tāmaki Makaurau is a brilliantly diverse city, and as such, it’s our job to deliver a range of events that cater to all communities,” says Glynn Leggat Head of Events, Auckland Council. 

“The beauty of both Music and Movies in Parks is the range of films, artists, music, food, locations and pre-show entertainment that all Aucklanders can enjoy during this time. There’s truly something for everyone here, so get your whānau ready, grab your picnic blanket and share your summer evenings with us this coming season”. 

All events are free and family friendly. Visit musicinparks.co.nz and moviesinparks.co.nz for the full schedule and details on the films, artists, locations, pre-show entertainment and food available. 

Music and Movies in Parks is supported by NZME’s iHeartRadio, The Hits, and The New Zealand Herald.