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The NEXT guide to February – what to see, do, eat

From rom-coms to music festivals to wine events: February has plenty in store.

Watch

For a Valentine’s Day rom-com, grab yourself tickets to Isn’t It Romantic. Starring Rebel Wilson and Liam Hemsworth, it tells the story of a woman whose life starts to play out like a cliché romantic comedy after she gets knocked unconscious – perfect for a date night or a laugh with the girls.

Unwind

There will be 26 free movies screening outdoors in parks around Auckland all summer long. Pack a blanket and a picnic, or just grab a bite to eat at one of the food stalls. There’s plenty of pre-film entertainment, then the movie starts once the sun has gone down.

Movies screening in this month include The Greatest Showman, Ocean’s 8, La La Land, Grease and Pitch Perfect 3. See the line-up at moviesinparks.co.nz.

Binge

The 61st Grammy Awards are on February 11th, so get comfy on the couch and watch all the celebs parade down the red carpet, or keep up with the updates online at nowtolove.co.nz.

See

Get ready to wave that glowstick because one of the best-selling musicians of all time, Phil Collins, is here to tug at your heartstrings with power ballads like Against All Odds and One More Night. The former Genesis star came out of retirement in 2016 to embark on his Not Yet Dead tour; you’ll be very, very glad that he did. Feb 4 Christchurch.

Other dates for your calendar:

Feb 2 – Lily Allen, Auckland

Feb 2 – Rodriguez (Searching for Sugar Man), Auckland

Feb 4 – George Ezra, Auckland

Be wowed

Incredible costumes, acrobatic feats and electrifying music will be taking over Alexandra Park in Auckland for Cirque du Soleil’s latest show – Kooza. An exploration of identity, power and fear, the show will be full of thrills and surprises. Tickets from $69; cirquedusoleil.com

Read

For a seriously good chuckle, grab a copy of We Are Never Meeting in Real Life. This New York Times bestseller is a compilation of hilarious essays by blogger and comedian Samantha Irby. It’s an authentic, raw and entertaining memoir, and Samantha doesn’t shy away from anything.

Boogie

A three-day festival of music, art installations, workshops and dress ups – yes please! Splore is back again for its 20th birthday on February 21-24. Pile together all your craziest accessories for a weekend of frolicking at Tapapakanga Regional Park. When your feet get tired of dancing, there are all sorts of wellness workshops on offer – from yoga and self-discovery to massage and belly laughing. splore.net

Eat & Drink

Head to Marlborough for New Zealand’s longest running food and wine festival on February 9. Spend the day sipping wine, trying out all the delicious food stalls on offer and enjoying the line-up of live music. Tickets from $60 at wine-marlborough-festival.co.nz.

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