Basque Park Summer Series Returns This February with a Latin Celebration
Uptown Business Association February 10, 2026
Basque Park Summer Series is back on 21 February, this time serving up a vibrant celebration of Auckland’s Latin community.
Uptown, we’re doing it again.
On 21 February, Basque Park Summer Series returns, this time bringing Auckland’s Latin community to the heart of our neighbourhood.
Set within Basque Park’s natural amphitheatre, expect live salsa music, energetic performances, dance workshops, and a buzzing market atmosphere.
Curated by Anya Vitali of Cross Street Festival in collaboration with Viva Dance, the program delivers a vibrant line-up designed to invite participation and celebrate the colour, rhythm, and joy of Latin culture. With live Latin music playing throughout the day and dance lessons open to all, come along and give it a go.
If the music isn’t enough to tempt you, look out for the ‘Latinas’ offering free food tastings from our food vendors across the park. From 12–1pm, it’s your chance to try something new and discover your next favourite bite.
As with previous events in the series, you’ll also be able to browse local market stalls and meet volunteers from a range of community organisations, learning more about the causes and initiatives shaping Uptown.
Bring your whānau, bring your friends, and settle in for a vibrant summer day in the park.
Basque Park is easily accessible from Newton Road, Symonds Street, New North Road, and Ian McKinnon Drive. We encourage everyone to walk, bus, or scooter where possible.
Exmouth Street is the best drop-off point for Uber and mobility access, with Rendall Place leading directly to the park’s concrete pathways.
We can’t wait to see you all there.
Meet your Neighbour, Madam Rat We welcome “Madam Rat" to the Uptown neighbourhood Uptown caught up with Cindy Chen, owner of Madame Rat. Known for her beautifully curated dried florals and thoughtful homewares, Madam Rat brings a calm, considered presence to the area.
Video & Photo: Dawid Wisniewski On Saturday, locals and visitors came together for a sun-soaked, laid-back afternoon filled with music, markets, performances, workshops, and plenty of good vibes. The day marked the first event in the Basque Park Summer Series , brought to life by Uptown business Anya Vitali Creative Services and local Celia Ruane , whose passion for community and creativity transformed the park into a lively hub for connection and fun. From the natural amphitheatre to the winding paths and shady trees, Basque Park came alive with neighbours, furry friends, and whānau enjoying the eclectic mix of performances and activities. Summer is just beginning and we can’t wait to see everyone back at Basque Park for the next events - so grab your picnic blanket, bring your whānau, and soak up the Uptown vibes!
Basque Park Summer Series, Free Community Event, Saturday 13 December, 11am-3pm.
Workshops, performance, markets, food.
Get ready, food lovers — Uptown Bites is here! From 3–16 November , Uptown’s cafes, bars and restaurants are turning up the flavour for two weeks of special dining deals, tastings, and hands-on foodie fun. Whether you’re after a fine-dining experience, a casual bite, or a creative workshop, Uptown Bites is your invitation to explore the neighbourhood and taste something new. Discover the Flavours of Uptown From iconic fine dining at The French Café (hosting a one-night-only “Celebration of Summer” dinner) and grilled crayfish at Lillius , to authentic Vietnamese favourites at Sen , hearty Korean lunch specials at Han Bite , and great-value café combos across the precinct — there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Cafes are joining in with exclusive Coffee + Something Good offers — think coffee and croissant, or coffee and muffin — all created especially for the festival. Just look for the Uptown Bites poster in participating cafés. Bars are getting involved too, with festival cocktails , happy hour specials , and live music to keep the good vibes going. Workshops and Experiences Uptown Bites isn’t just about eating — it’s about getting hands-on and inspired. Join a champagne tasting in Normanby Wines’ elegant La Cave, a Thai and Lao cooking class at Puen Eatery, or try your hand at a Make Your Own Plate pottery session at Eden Ceramics. There are even free cooking demos at Sabato, and coffee-making lessons with Altezano Brothers and De’Longhi for those who love a good brew. Must-Try Dining Deals Don’t miss these highlights from the festival lineup: R-Toscani’s Mediterranean Feast – three courses for just $50 Needo’s Uptown Bites Menu – pizza or pasta, drink and dessert for $28 Brothers Beer BBQ Platter for Two – plus a tasting paddle each Sen Vietnamese Restaurant – 15% off your meal when you say “Uptown Bites” Schapiro’s Cheeseburger Combo – burger, wings and good times for $21 For something special, book a seat at The French Café’s Celebration of Summer — an intimate four-course evening for just 35 guests. “A Taste of Our Neighbourhood” “Uptown has such a convenient, central location — and you’ll find incredible food for every taste and budget right on your doorstep,” says Brent Kennedy , Precinct Leader of the Uptown Business Association. “Uptown Bites is a great way to experience our neighbourhood vibe, discover somewhere new, and enjoy the creativity and quality our local eateries are known for.” Plan Your Uptown Bites Adventure Check out the full lineup of workshops, tastings and special offers at uptown.co.nz/bites , and follow @uptown_akl on Instagram for updates and foodie inspiration. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, learning a new skill, or indulging in a multi-course meal, Uptown Bites is your chance to celebrate food, community and creativity — right here in the heart of Auckland.
Issue 11 of the Uptown Magazine is out now!
Welcome Uptown Bites - the fourth edition of Uptown’s beloved guide to eating and socialising, with a fresh new look and feel.
Shop Jumble for July in Uptown to support Common
Uptown's Local Voices series brings free gigs to the community
FREE GIGS FOR EVERYONE! Uptown is full of musical people – home to iconic venues, recording studios and a thriving community of creatives. This May, in celebration of NZ Music Month, we present the Uptown Local Voices Series – a series of free, spontaneous pop-up gigs bringing live music to unexpected spots across the neighbourhood! Discover the sound of Uptown at our series of performances, popping up in local cafés, community spaces and venues.
Originally created by renowned New Zealand artist Sara Hughes in 2017, Magma referenced a ‘volcanic scape’, abstract in form yet influenced by the history and geography of the area. Now, as we welcome in 2025, Magma 2 continues that legacy, bringing fresh energy and vibrancy to the Uptown precinct. “It's been an exciting opportunity for me to create a new artwork for this site, completed on the 17th January 2025 after an intense 10 days of painting, much of it up a scissor lift to reach the top of the 8 metre high wall. “The new artwork titled Magma 2, is also based on what lies below the earth's surface, the bubbling molten rock, containing suspended crystals and volcanic gases. Maungawhau/Mt Eden a reminder of what is below our feet can be seen from the site. “I wanted to capture the movement and power of this invisible force, ever present deep down yet not something we think about as we go about our daily life. “The wall is made from an extremely rough concrete, which is why I decided to apply the paint using an airless sprayer. I love how the lumpy concrete catches the spray, for those walking past and viewing the artwork up close you will see many veiled layers of paint. “I worked with 3 assistants who supported me to paint this vast 512sqm mural, as one of the largest murals in the country, it was great to have their help. “I received many positive comments from people passing by and by those who live in the area when I was painting, lots of people told me how happy they are that the mural is being recreated and how much better the area looks. Brent Kennedy, Uptown Business Association manager says, “The first edition of Magma transformed a bleak grey space into a vivid landmark that became synonymous with Uptown. “While it symbolised an expression of the creativity that can be found in the community, the imagery provides a link to Maungawhau on the horizon, the maunga that overlooks our precinct. “Magma 2 reinforces the space with a new expression of the same theme. People who are familiar with the original work are sure to be delighted to see new life given to an iconic work of public art. “We thank Sara Hughes for her talent and passion in creating the work.” We’ll be celebrating the completion of the mural next week. Details to come. Join our mailing list and keep an eye on our Instagram for updates. The Uptown Business Association also thank WaterCare and Auckland Transport for their support of the project. Read more about Magma 2 here . Auckland based Sara Hughes is a highly regarded dynamic artist with a well-established career across Australasia. Known for her captivating large-scale installations and public art works that respond to history and site, Hughes' response to this specific location brings her experience of working with complex spaces and colour to the fore, creating this exciting work for the Uptown precinct.