Music and Movies in Parks have returned to Tāmaki Makaurau, offering free concerts and movie screenings - with no tickets required.

Music in Parks, which kicked off last weekend and will run until 6 April, is promising a lively soundtrack for summer.

Most weekends will feature live music at different parks. There are more than 50 artists performing, including blues, reggae opera, rock, soul and pop genres.

Dog lovers are welcome to bring their pets, as long as they comply with each park’s rules.

Each park has its own rules regarding dogs, which can be found on the Auckland Council website. However, due to the crowds, dogs must be leashed around people, the event’s Facebook page says.Movies in Parks runs from 21 February to 15 March.

Apulu Reece Autagavaia, chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, emphasised the importance of accessibility.

“We all pay rates, so we have to ensure that it’s spread across all of Auckland and not just having big events in the city. Having movies and music in local parks ensures people see their rates benefiting their own communities,” he says.

“Not every family can afford to go to the normal theatres; they’re expensive, especially if you’ve got big families. These free, open-air movies give everyone a chance to enjoy entertainment together without the extra costs.”

The locations are rotated every year to make sure different parts of our community can enjoy it, he said.

“This year, it’s at Ngāti Ōtara, and previously, we’ve hosted it at Papatoetoe Reserve, Manukau, and the Sports Bowl,” says Apulu.

The Movies in the Park programme is part-funded by local boards, so each board decides if they want to host one

“We know that we wanted to have a children’s movie. There are some movies that are on the maybe for adults or older kids, but we wanted one that all the kids would enjoy.

Apulu’s board chose the movie Coco.

“I know that there’s a Latino or Spanish theme to it, but that opens our horizons, and we do have a growing Hispanic community from South America and so forth. And I’m hoping that the vendors, the food traders, also reflect that.”

There will be pre-entertainment before the movie, and Apulu says on the Coco movie theme.

“Hopefully, the staff have got some people that sell some tacos, and everyone loves tacos in South Auckland.”

Councillor Richard Hills, chairman of the Policy and Planning Committee, said the performances showcase top local artists and blockbuster movies.

“This much-loved series of free events is a fantastic way to make the most of the long summer days and nights with your loved ones and enjoy our beautiful city affordably.”

Music in Parks: South Auckland locations

Opera in the Park: Auckland Botanic Gardens, Hill Road, Manurewa, Saturday, 1 February 6-8pm.

Waitangi ki Manukau 2025: Barry Curtis Park, Flat Bush, Thursday, 6 February, 10am-4pm.

Music in Parks Papakura: Central Park, Papakura, Saturday, 22 March, 1-4pm. This event features Pasifika artists in partnership with the Pacific Music Awards, including PMA alumni, recent winners, and emerging artists. Stay tuned for the lineup announcement.

Movies in the Park: South Auckland locations

Coco: Ngāti Ōtara Park, Ōtara, Saturday, 8 March, 6.15-10pm (pre-movie entertainment from 6.15pm, movie starts 8.15pm).

The War With Grandpa: Central Park, Papakura, Saturday, 15 March, 6-9.45 pm (pre-movie entertainment from 6pm, movie starts at 8pm).

Visit www.musicinparks.co.nz and www.moviesinparks.co.nz for the full schedule, and follow the Facebook pages for the latest updates.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.