Looking for something to do over the weekend or the days ahead? We check out the best of what's on in Auckland.

Main Event

Nicki Minaj: The Pink Friday Reloaded Tour - Saturday

Pocket-rocket rapper Nicki Minaj is hitting Auckland for the first time this week. The Trinidad-born American singer-songwriter from Queens NYC is officially a global sensation. With more than 13 million Twitter followers, 20 million Facebook friends, Minaj is defining what it is to be a female rapper.

Her second album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, has smashed records and hits like Starships, and Beez in the Trap have launched her into the superstar stratosphere.

UPDATE: American rapper TYGA who was set to perform with Nicki Minaj will not appear at the the star's Auckland concert due to complications with travel arrangements.

Nicki Minaj: The Pink Friday Reloaded Tour, November 24 at Vector Arena. Tickets from Ticketmaster.

Free Stuff

Sustainable City Showcase - from Thursday

What would Auckland look like if it were green? Find out this weekend as The Cloud transforms into a city of the future for three days.

Split into different areas, you can experience "the city's" offices, cafes, homes and transport as more than 100 sustainable innovators talk, lead and engage in getting their message across. Plus, the latest sustainable fashions will be on show in New Zealand's First Ethical Fashion Show.

Sustainable City Showcase, November 22 - 24 at The Cloud. Entry is free to the exhibition, with tickets to the Ethical Fashion Show $30 (includes a glass of sustainable bubbles and an eco-goody bag).

Family Fun

Farmers Santa Parade - Sunday

You know it's Christmas time when Santa jumps on that sleigh and rides it down Queen St.

The Santa Parade has been the biggest Auckland festive extravaganza since it started in 1934. Every year, new floats are introduced and this year it's a Christmas train that will start chugging its way around the parade route, and a special appearance by Willie Wonka.

Farmers Santa Parade, November 25 on Queen St. Entry is free.

Date Night

Lil Chief Christmas Party - Saturday

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit before Sunday, then here is a party that is certain to be fun. Record label Lil Chief will bring out their best bands - Voom, Shaft, The Eversons, Cool Rainbows, and The Cosby's - to entertain and warm the hearts.  

Let's hope there is some mistletoe floating around.

Lil Chief Christmas Party, November 24 at Kings Arms. Door sales $5.

Staying In/Going Out

It's all over bar the trophy being handed out. The country's favourite 2012 talent show, New Zealand's Got Talent is celebrating the 12 finalists in a two-hour finale extravaganza. Who will take out the crown?

Music is the food of love. But what if you combine the two? Every Thursday Ponsonby restaurant Tin Soldier host a night of vinyl, delicious dishes and a little drink. Yum.

New Zealand's Got Talent Grand Final, TV One at 7.30pm. Delicious Vinyl at Tin Soldier, every Thursday

Best of the Rest:

Wednesday
Grizzly Bear at Bruce Mason Centre
Glorious at Theatre Pitt
Mercy: Roller Derby Training Camp at Papatoetoe Roller Sports Club

Thursday
Tohu: Double Bill 2012 at Corban Estate Arts Centre
The Second Annual New Zealand Noise Makers Invitational at Whammy Bar and Wine Cellar
Lindon Puffin at Malt Bar

Friday
7 Days Live at Bruce Mason Centre
Carnaval at Logan Campbell Centre
Silo Cinema presents The Blues Brothers at Silo Park

Saturday
North Shore Pasefika Festival 2012 at Hato Petera College
APO 4 Kids Christmas at Auckland Town Hall
Auckland Highland Games at Three Kings Reserve

Sunday
Live Jam: A Performance Extravaganza at Auckland War Memorial Museum
Rockumentary Film Screening: The Filth and the Fury at Auckland Art Gallery
A Ukulele Christmas at Highwic

Monday
Charles Dickens Performs a Christmas Carol at Musgrove Studio, Maidment Theatre Complex
Baby Talk Baby Sign Language at Auckland Zoo

Tuesday
Where Are You My Only One? at The Basement

- © Fairfax NZ News