Elemental AKL, a festival of arts, eats and beats is back for its second year, and in 2020 Matakana will play host to some of the fun.

The festival runs from the 1st to the 31st of October.

Over 30 days, talented creatives will make Auckland their stage with immersive installations and show stopping performances from Matakana Village to Mangere. Choose from a host of events to inspire and delight as the days get longer, such as: Elemental Nights, a curated concert series from Live Nation; Synthony, Best Of, a collaboration between DJs, the 80-piece Auckland Symphony Orchestra, vocalists and musicians playing the biggest dance tracks of the last 30 years;. three distinct Silent Disco Citywalks, and more.

There will be two events held in Matakana as part of the festival.

The first is Mahi Tahi, held at the Sawmill Brewery on the 16th of October. Head chef Will Michell set off on an inspirational voyage while the brewery was repaired. Four renowned restaurants opened their kitchens to Will and he worked at The Fish Butchery in Sydney, Hiakai in Wellington with Monique Fiso, who has taken Māori cooking and foraged native ingredients to new heights, then it was off to Coda and sister restaurant Tonka in Melbourne, both known for their innovative take on modern Asian and contemporary Indian cuisine under chef Adam D'Sylva.

Inspired by his experiences, Will returned to the revamped Sawmill and Smoko Room and has created a five-course menu that showcases elements from each of those restaurants, which can be enjoyed as part of Elemental AKL.

The second event is the Sculptureum Story, held at the Sculptureum on multiple dates over the month. This inspired culinary event includes access to the sculpture gardens, a gallery tour and a set 3-course meal at Rothko Restaurant with menu delicacies designed by head chef Josh Hazel and inspired by specific Sculptureum artworks.

Elemental AKL is delivered by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to showcase the region’s diverse and unique food and culture and generate visitors outside of peak months.

The full programme of events is available at www.elemental festival.co.nz.