Music and Movies in the Park

Summer is all about being outside and enjoying the golden weather and over the next few months Aucklanders will be joined in the sun by some famous faces and voices.

Tim Finn, The Black Seeds, Ladi6, and blockbuster movies The Smurfs and Te Movie will headline a jam-packed entertainment line-up at Auckland Council's free Music in Parks and Movies in Parks 2012 series.

This summer's programme includes 64 events - more than any other year - showcasing New Zealand's finest musical and movie talent.

Mayor Len Brown says the now iconic entertainment series is a highlight on Auckland's summer event calendar.

"Bring along a blanket and stake a spot on the grass for some first-rate, free entertainment," he says.

"Venues across the Auckland region will host top Kiwi musical talent and showcase some great Kiwi films."

MUSIC IN PARKS 2012

Includes 40 concerts from January 2 to April 1, including:

Summer Sounds - the best of roots, rock and pop with The Black Seeds launching the season on Waitangi Day. Blues maestro Midge Marsden follows Europe sensation Ladi6 and the series climaxes with the legendary Tim Finn.

Jazz at the Rotunda - Auckland's longest running annual jazz and blues event includes concerts in Puhoi and Waiuku as well as the historic Auckland Domain Band Rotunda. Don't miss saxophonist Brian Smith or the inimitable Murray McNabb on keys and of course Nathan Haines closes the series.

The Culture Garden - lose yourself in masterful performances from Great Barrier to Papakura. This year the ever-popular NBR New Zealand Opera returns, as well as country legends The Warratahs and rock stalwarts Hello Sailor.

MOVIES IN PARKS 2012

Features live entertainment followed by a line-up of movie greats throughout February and March.

Mercury Energy Movies by Moonlight - a series of blockbuster feature-length films including Source Code and Inception, plus family favourites The Smurfs and Surf's Up.