Basque Park Summer Series
Words: Carolyn Enting
Photography: Isabella Rose Young and Blink Ltd
The second annual free Basque Park Summer Series is gearing up for 5 December 2026 and 20 February 2027.
The Lineup
11.00am - 12.00pm
Eliette's Music Academy
12.00pm - 12.40pm
Claudio - Zumba Class
13.00pm - 14.00pm
Fathe and the Sweetos
14.00pm - 15.30pm
DJ Bevan Keys
Summer series hours are family friendly, from 11am to 3pm.
Basque Park is one of Auckland's best kept secrets - but that's changing, thanks to the Basque Park Summer Series.
"It's a part of the city you drive
through, yet unless you know about it, it's almost like a secret," says Celia Ruane, who didn't know about it herself until she moved into the area. "It's unexpected to have this green space amongst all those buildings, and it's a publicly-owned asset that we should be making the most of and use more."
Celia is co-founder of the Basque Park Summer Series with close friend Anya Vitali, who lives beside the Park. Celia was visiting Anya when the pair hatched a plan for the now popular Summer Series.
"We could see that it's used by lots of dog walkers and office workers eating their lunch. It seemed like a natural amphitheatre, and the perfect space to bring more of the community together. A music event that was more than just a concert, and family-friendly," says Celia.
With their combined skillset - Anya is an experienced activations producer and festival founder of Cross St Music Festival in Karangahape Road, and Celia's forte is project management - they pitched their idea to the Uptown Business Association, who were fully supportive.
Now, after a successful 2025/26 season, the duo has confirmed the Basque Park Summer Series is back with two dates -5 December 2026 and 20 February 2027.
"The Summer Series has been designed as an inviting way to celebrate this beautiful green oasis. It's a place to kick back, relax and connect with community and friends," says Anya. "The music programme brings together a curated mix of new and emerging artists alongside some of our much-loved local talent. We invite you to come unwind with family and friends, enjoy the Park, soak up the entertainment, and make the most of summer together."
Like the inaugural events, it will be a vibrant celebration of music, dance, food and culture, creative hands-on workshops, food trucks, local makers selling their wares and interactive activities for the kids.
Entertainment lined up for December includes up-and- coming talent from Eliette's Music Academy in Uptown, hip-hop performances and lessons on the Park from Empire Studios dancers. "Get up and give it a go - we all need some new moves," says Anya.
Later, there'll be live music from local funk soul band Fathe and The Sweetos, and finishing with "the DJ of DJs" Bevan Keys.
The pre-Christmas event will also celebrate the start of summer with a big dose of festive fun, while the February event will bring people together for a colourful multicultural celebration. Both events will feature much-loved music acts, energetic performances, hands-on creative workshops, food trucks, local makers showcasing their wares, and plenty of interactive activities to keep the kids entertained.
Celia encourages people to come with an open mind.
"If you're bringing your family, then just expect to be entertained," says Celia. "There will be things that appeal to all ages and it's also an opportunity to try new food or an activity, as well as meet new people in the area. It's also about supporting local businesses."
And she says it's all been totally worth the effort. "It's rewarding to see the genuine connection - that people are so happy and excited to come and be part of something," says Celia. "We get so much feedback from small businesses that they just loved meeting people and networking in their own community."
Basque Park has an interesting history, too, around bringing people together. It has previously been part of the Music in Parks series, but long before that - in the 1930s - the land was bequeathed to the city by private landowners, to provide a recreation area for the children of families living in the crowded gully between Symonds Street and Great North Road. The area was threatened when it was placed in the path of a planned motorway in the 1970s. But the community, led by local artists and architects, campaigned successfully to scrap the motorway route and protect the Park for future generations.
Today, it has a distinctive stone circle feature and fountain, providing a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere in the middle of the city - a place for peaceful picnics, and colour, connection and fun thanks to the Summer Series.
Auckland City Council has also funded the new playground which blends into the Park's natural surrounds. Up under the trees, it's a simple play zone with "tree logs" to balance upon and climb through - the kind small people love to explore.
The completion of the new City Rail Link (CRL) now makes it easier for people outside of the area to also enjoy Basque Park. Maungawhau Station is 380 metres south of the Park, a five to six-minute walk. The Park can also be accessed on foot from many different points - Norwich, Exmouth and Fleet Streets, and Rendall Place.
