What's on this week

Auckland Heritage Festival 08 programme out now:
Auckland Heritage Festival 2008 is on from 20 September to 5 October, with more than 100 events spread over two weeks. Crowd pleasers from previous years are back, like the Heritage Auckland High Teas, Night at The Civic and the Orakei Marae open day. New events include a heritage pub tour and Auckland Zoo heritage trail. A full festival programme is now available.

Rockers return - Panic at the Disco's long awaited return is finally here! Do'nt miss this chance to see them perform at Vector Arena on Saturday, 30 August.

Make a date for the proms - The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra presents Last Night of the Proms on Saturday, 30 August. This is set to be a perfect evening of entertainment for the entire family, or close group of friends.

Comedy treat - Check out the talents of one of Britain's top stand-up comedians, Bill Bailey at The Edge as he brings the house down with laughter. Bill Bailey returns to New Zealand with his new show Tinselworm after touring the UK and Ireland from Saturday, 30 August to Monday, 1 September.

Hats off for charity - Take part in Auckland's most gorgeous charity auction at The Hilton HATtricks Tea Dance  on Saturday, 30 August as the latest millinery designs go under the hammer - all in the aid of a great cause, Variety - the Children's Charity.

Back in time - Head to MOTAT on Saturday, 30 August to see the start of their latest exhibition - Carless Daze. Carless days were introduced to New Zealand by the Robert Muldoon led National Government in 1979 to address the oil shortage.  This exhibition takes a look back at this notable period in New Zealand's history in light of today's ever-increasing energy issues.

Soul food - Come along to Franklin: The Centre in Pukekohe, on Wednesday, 3 September and spend an evening with NZ medium Kelvin Cruickshank.

Can you keep a secret? - Have you ever seen a bald Kiwi? What about a gang of giant centipedes? Not many people have but you will get the chance at the Secrets Revealed: The Backstage Mysteries of Your Museum exhibition.

Queen Street's newest gallery - Robert Harris brings some inspirational works of art into the heart of Auckland city with 10 New Zealand artists including Martin Popplewell, Dean Tercel, Hayley King and Mary Louise Browne, transforming the humble napkin into pieces of art. Check them out on bus shelters on Lower Queen St (outside Britomart) and along Custom Street East.

Garden party - Handel Consort and Quire present a wine and chamber music evening at Rannoch - the amazing home of James Wallace. Spend the evening of Sunday, 31 August listening to live chamber music consisting of singers accompanied by a string quartet and harpsichord.

Discover something new - Join the Stardome Observatory crew on Tuesday, 2 September and take a tour of Celestial Navigation to familiarise yourself with important directional stars and constellations, seen from New Zealand and other parts of the world.

League fever - Get along to Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday, 31 August and show your support as the Vodafone Warriors take on the Penrith Panthers!

Get active now - Team Training is an exciting and fresh way to achieve the fitness you desire, while having fun with friends or meeting new ones.

Coastal beauty - Stretch your legs this weekend and try out the new coastal walkway on Waiheke Island. With cliff top views and rare native birds, this is a place of beauty for everyone to enjoy.

Behind the scenes - Get up close and personnel with rhinos, lions, hippos and giraffes on an African Zoom Tour experience at Auckland Zoo.

Aargh me hearties - Take time out this Sunday, 31 August and enjoy brunch while the kids are kept amused with tales of pirates and sea adventures at the NZ National Maritime Museum.

Fun for all - Bring the whole family along to see the North Shore Gang Show 2008 perform Fantasy Spectacular at the Pump House theatre in Takapuna, with shows running from Thursday, 28 August to Saturday, 6 September.

New opportunities - Head to the University of Auckland for their Courses and Careers Day Saturday, 30 August. This is a great chance to find out about the wealth of opportunities available on campus .

Ultimate exposure - List your event for free on the Auckland City website.