Four community events for Auckland's Asian and migrant communities fall on the weekend of 14 and 15 November. Three of them say entry is free.
Details below come from organisers' pages and event listings. Times can change, so check with the organiser before you go, especially if the weather turns.
Saturday 14 November
Cherry Blossom Festival, Fo Guang Shan, Flat Bush
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple holds its 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival from 9am to 2pm at the temple at 16 Stancombe Road, Flat Bush.
The temple lists:
- local market stalls
- an art salon exhibition
- tea meditation
- a classic car show
- a baby and children blessing ceremony
The temple asks visitors to wear long pants or long skirts. Its notice does not mention an entry charge.
JAPANZ Market, Birkenhead
The JAPANZ Market runs from 10.30am to 2pm at Birkenhead Methodist Church, 237 Onewa Road. Admission is free, according to its Eventfinda listing.
The listing promises Japanese and international food, handmade crafts, reflexology by Japanese practitioners, origami and colouring workshops, and a yukata try-on. Māori performers are also on the programme. There is a "give it a new home" table, where items are free to take.
Flavours of Auckland Food and Shopping Festival, Māngere
This halal food and shopping festival is on from 1pm to 7pm at Al-Madinah School, 8 Westney Road, Māngere. Entry is free, the event listing says.
Organisers describe it as a family day with halal food stalls and local businesses selling their products. Stall registrations were still open when the listing was posted.
Sunday 15 November
Waitakere Diwali Mela, Henderson
The Waitakere Indian Association's Diwali Mela takes over The Trusts Arena, 65 Central Park Drive, Henderson, for the whole day. Entry is free.
The listing says the association has run the festival for more than 25 years. The schedule:
- 9.45am: gates open
- 10am: food stalls open and performances begin
- 9.45pm: fireworks display
The day also includes a rangoli competition, craft and community stalls, and activities for families.
The association's listing calls it one of West Auckland's most anticipated cultural celebrations. Anyone staying for the fireworks will be heading home late on a Sunday night, so it is worth sorting out transport in advance.
Coming up later in November
Several more free or low-cost community events are on before the end of the month:
- Saturday 21 November: With Love, JAPAN, a free Japanese culture morning at Panmure Community Hall from 10am to 1pm. Some workshops cost extra. Read our earlier story.
- 20 to 24 November: the New Zealand Asia Pacific Film Festival, with screenings across three Auckland venues. Read the details.
- Sunday 22 November: the Auckland Pinoy Rice Festival, a free celebration of Filipino food and culture at Eventfinda Stadium, Wairau Valley, from 10am to 5pm, according to its event listing.
- Saturday 28 November: Auckland Korean Day at Victory Convention Centre from 10am to 5pm, with free entry. Read the details.
