The Summernova festival continues on the Shore in February and March with the first event being the Sunsetter Food, Wine and Music Festival at Smales Farm on Saturday February 13th. Summernova is the Auckland-wide festival that wraps around the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada, with many events happening right here on the Shore – in Takapuna and Devonport.
“It’s fantastic to be able to support such a diverse range of events on the North Shore as part our new Summernova Festival Series,” says Steve Armitage, General Manager Destination at Auckland Unlimited, the council team organising the festival. “With much of the spectacle of the America’s Cup racing taking place on the water in this area it made sense to further enhance what’s happening with some exciting on land event options.
 “This is why we have worked with event partners to create a programme of events and activity like Love Your Maunga Ki Maungauika North Head, Waterbourne Beach Festival at Takapuna Beach Reserve, Sunsetter Festival at Smales Farm, and Race Days by the Sea at Windsor Reserve in Devonport.
 “The development of Summernova has enabled us to not only leverage the America’s Cup activity but also create a programme of activity that appeals to a range of people, even non-sailing fans, as well as helping to encourage visitors to explore other parts of Tamaki Makaurau.”

Summernova events happening on the Shore in  February and March:

Sunsetter Food, Wine & Music Festival, Smales Farm – Saturday February 13th
Sunsetter will feature some of the best international and local acts, New Zealand wineries and craft breweries, popular eateries, spectacular performers and more, in a unique urban environment. It transforms Smales Farm into an atmosphere like no other!
Well known Takapuna local Adam Bennett of High Life Entertainment is organising this event and is excited about 2021 being part of Summernova. "We are excited to be partnering with Summernova to bring back our annual Sunsetter Festival to Smales Farm. We have an incredible line-up of fantastic live music, amazing local food and beverages on offer that you won’t find at other festivals.”
The Sunsetter music line-up for 2021 includes:  Stellar; Automatic 80’s; LatinAotearoa; Clicks; Samson Live; The Rvmes; General Lee; Tim Phin; Grant Marshall; Karn Hall; DJ Reminise; Wattson; Warren Duncan; Lewis McCallum; and Izak Chads.
Visit: www.sunsetterfestival.co.nz

Waterbourne Beach Festival, Takapuna Beach – February 27th through to March 21st
Embark on a journey of memorable experiences and world-class entertainment at Waterbourne, New Zealand’s biggest beach festival taking place at Takapuna Beach Reserve from late February through to the completion of the 36th America's Cup.
A sustainable festival, Waterbourne will have live music, professional sports, cultural experiences, premium food and beverage and more. Soak it all in while protecting and rebuilding Aotearoa’s coastline.
There will be 11 music days and nights. Seven are free, and four are ticketed. These will include a bumper line-up of some of New Zealand's hottest new and classic talent.
The four special ticketed events are:

• Saturday February 27th (Ki Tātahi Day), featuring Kings, Ria Hall, Tobias (Sons of Zion);
• Friday March 5th (Bendon Lingerie Sunset Sounds, R18), featuring Hollie Smith, Tami Neilson, Anna Coddington, LAIIKA;
• Saturday March 13th (Big Beach Day, R18), featuring SACHI, Goodshirt, Theia, Dual, Marlins Dreaming, Sunshine Soundsystem, High Hoops, Paige;
• Friday March 19th (Friday with Dave, R18), featuring Dave Dobbyn, Ashley Alexander, Abby Wolfe, Sojourn.

Other key events during the Waterbourne Festival at Takapuna Beach include…

• Waterbourne Windsurfing, Windfoiling & Kitefoiling Champs – Saturday February 27th & Sunday February 28th.
• Free Beach Themed Movies on the Big Screen – Monday & Tuesday nights.
• Oceanbridge Beach Clean-Ups (Takapuna Beach & Wairau Estuary) – Saturday March 6th, 10am.
• Fun Run & Walk (Stepping Into Sustainability) – Sunday 7th March. Entry fee donated to a charity focused on coastal and marine conservation. An event to suit all ages and abilities. 2km Beach Run/Walk; 4km Beach Run/Walk; 8km Beach Run/Walk. All start and finish at Takapuna Beach.
• Paddle Ninja Games – Friday 12th March. This is paddleboarding with a twist. We’ve all seen extreme sports shows and obstacle courses on TV. Do you think you have the speed to win? The balance to stay on your board? The agility to conquer the obstacles? Finish, flop or fail this challenge provides entertainment for those participating and those watching.
• New Zealand Paddle Boarding Nationals – Friday March 12th, Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th. Sprint, Distance, and Technical Championships.
• Popsicle Sand Castle Competition – Sunday 14th March, 2pm. The Tip Top sandcastle building competition on Takapuna beach calls for extreme creations, beautiful structures and people of all ages. It will be split into two categories, the adults section and the children's section.

A full calendar of events available at www.waterbourne.co.nz

Race Days by the Sea, Windsor Reserve, Devonport
March 5th, 6th, 7th & March 12th, 13th & 14th
Race Days by the Sea is bringing the best of local artists, community groups and businesses to Windsor Reserve on the Devonport Waterfront. Watch the live races on the big screen, enjoy some whanau-friendly games and activities, grab a bite to eat and more. Race Days by the Sea takes place the first two weekends of March during the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada.
Activities at Windsor Reserve over the Fridays (2pm-8pm), Saturdays (12noon-8pm), and Sundays (11.30am- 7pm) of these two big America’s Cup weekends will include feature films on the big screen; Devonport Peninsula Trust hosting a kids day with bouncy castles, face painting, pre-school playzone and live music; Saturday market day with some of the best local market vendors; Waterwise regatta and water safety day; dance classes and the Windsor Dance Socia; circus performance and workshop; and drumming workshops and performance, with still more to be announced as this issue went to press.
“Devonport Business Association is looking forward to ensuring that there is something for everyone during the two fun-filled weekends celebrating Race Days by the Sea”, says association Chair Dianne Hale. “You are invited to join us and enjoy the big screen on Windsor Reserve and everything our wonderful village has to offer – including great cafes, bars and restaurants as well as the unique seaside shopping experience.”

Love Your Maunga Ki Maungauika North Head
– through until March 21st
Not only is Maungauika North Head the best place to watch live America’s Cup action, during March the Love Your Maunga initiative, that proved so popular during pre-Christmas 36th America’s Cup by Prada action, continues.
Experience the mauri (life force) of Maungauika. Artists from Aotearoa will weave the worlds of art, culture, heritage and storytelling. From December 2020 to March 2021 you will encounter art installations, murals, performances, guided hikoi (walks), workshops and more. This is your opportunity to discover Maungauika like you've never seen it before. There's something for everyone.
There will be a great selection of delicious kai (food) stalls on offer at the tihi (summit). Something for all tastebuds but definitely try the traditional Māori hāngi, and stick around for a hāngi cooking display on key race days. Coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Remember, the maunga is an alcohol-free space.

For more information visit: www.summernova.co.nz