It’s heating up in Aotea Square so pull up a deck chair and prepare to party with this feast of Latin and Brazilian-inspired events.

It wouldn’t be an Auckland Live Summer in the Square Latin Fiesta without lots of food, music and dancing.

Celebrate with stages on either side of Aotea Square, and where you can spend sunny days learning new dance moves from some of the best teachers of salsa, bachata, tango and New Zealand’s biggest rueda circle, then groove the night away to sizzling live Latin music.

Share the fun with friends and budding dancers in your family, or sweep that special someone off their feet.

See the calendar view of the weekend here.

Please note that from 12.30pm - 2.30pm slot being replaced by DJ Corysco will be replaced by Ge Luz and Bobby Brazuka will be replaced by Ge Luz on Saturday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

DJ King Salsa

Friday 20 January, 1.30pm

DJ King Salsa from Chile has been resident DJ at the Mexican Cafe for over a decade, and a popular headliner at many big Latin parties in Auckland.

 

DJ Lucas Datt

Friday 20 January, 3pm

This Brazilian DJ introduces the flavours of electro bossa, Baile funk and Latin house amongst other tropical beats.

 

Ge Luz

Friday 20 January, 6pm and Saturday 21 January, 12.30pm

The Brazilian singer and composer plays a mix of different styles, from traditional music of his homeland to samba and bossa nova.

 

AK Samba

Friday 20 January, 7pm

Percussion band that fuses Brazilian rhythms with other dance influences.

 

Matecito Band

Friday 20 January, 7.30pm

Salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata from the best–known local Latin band.

 

Samba Maracana

Friday 20 January, 7.30pm  

Samba is the best-known rhythm and dance in Brazil, and Maracana is the country’s biggest football stadium. Combined, that’s one funky Brazilian band!

 

Ashe Cuba

Saturday 21 January, 12.30pm

Ernesto Zuñiga and his band play the feel-good rhythms of són, salsa, guajira, bachata and trova. Enjoy live and high-energy music in the unique tradition of Cuba!

 

DJ Bobby Brazuka

Saturday 21 January, 4.30pm

Spinning samba, bossa, funk, hip-hop with dub, reggae and drum’n’bass.

 

C-26 Band

Saturday 21 January, 7.30pm

This seven-piece Latin band is a mix of South American and Kiwi musicians who love playing salsa, with Colombian founder Anayibi Loboa.

 

Forró Trio Santa Morena

Saturday 21 January, 7.30pm

The Trio Santa Morena is sure to bring joy and excitement with the best of forró from Brazil. Fall in love with Forró!

 

Mariachi Band

Sunday 22 January, 12.30pm

Experience the authentic sights and sounds of a Mexican mariachi band.

 

DJ Kelly and Sheldon

Sunday 22 January, 2.45pm

Tango tunes, inspired by the milongas of Buenos Aires.

 

DJ Dudley

Sunday 22 January, 4pm

After a weekend of dance lessons and parties, what better finale than a chilled-out salsa picnic on the lawn with DJ Dudley.