Illuminate Night Market

Night markets with a twist

Join us on Saturday 28th March 2026, 4PM – 8PM at Mt Albert War Memorial Hall in Auckland, for an evening filled with market stalls, great food, live entertainment, and interactive workshops

Add to calendar
Four participants are pictured wearing harnesses and helmets. As they cross across a rocky river a path surrounded by trees is visible in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing a dark green RecreateNZ shirt that reads, “Adventure. Social. Recreation. Education.” Several tables and chairs are pictured in the background.
Six participants are pictured jumping in a group photo on a beach with a calm shoreline and distant tree-covered cliffs visible in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing a helmet and a harness climbing in an outdoor setting surrounded by dense foliage. This photo is taken from above, capturing the young person looking up with a smile. To the left and right of the participant are others holding onto climbing equipment.
Two participants are pictured smiling towards the camera for a photo.
Six participants are pictured smiling and posing for a group photo in a cave on the beach. An opening in the cave is visible in the background.
Two participants are pictured wearing life jackets and swim gear. One participant is smiling and facing the camera with thumbs up. Another participant can be seen on the left smiling with arms crossed. A big tree and forest is visible in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
Four participants are pictured wearing harnesses and helmets. As they cross across a rocky river a path surrounded by trees is visible in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing a dark green RecreateNZ shirt that reads, “Adventure. Social. Recreation. Education.” Several tables and chairs are pictured in the background.
Six participants are pictured jumping in a group photo on a beach with a calm shoreline and distant tree-covered cliffs visible in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing a helmet and a harness climbing in an outdoor setting surrounded by dense foliage. This photo is taken from above, capturing the young person looking up with a smile. To the left and right of the participant are others holding onto climbing equipment.
Two participants are pictured smiling towards the camera for a photo.
Six participants are pictured smiling and posing for a group photo in a cave on the beach. An opening in the cave is visible in the background.
Two participants are pictured wearing life jackets and swim gear. One participant is smiling and facing the camera with thumbs up. Another participant can be seen on the left smiling with arms crossed. A big tree and forest is visible in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
A participant is pictured wearing an orange life vest and smiling broadly with a shoreline and forest landscape in the background.
Illuminate's Story

About Illuminate Night Market

Since 2019, Recreate NZ’s Illuminate Night Market is an all-inclusive annual event that celebrates the talents, capabilities, and value of young people with diverse abilities. With free entry to the public, Illuminate is a highlight in Auckland’s cultural calendar bringing together market stalls, food trucks, creative workshops, family activities, and live performances, set apart by the fact that all stallholders come from either a disability background or a community that actively challenges the status quo.

With a focus on community engagement and meaningful employment, Illuminate encourages a shift in perception, celebrating diversity and increasing social cohesion.

Add to calendar
RSVP on Facebook
Seven participants on a beach during sunset

2026 Event Details

Recreate NZ's Illuminate Night Market is a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where people come together to celebrate diverse talents. The Mt Albert War Memorial Hall is accessible via public transport, with parking available nearby.

Six participants are pictured wearing helmets and life vests while riding a raft in a rushing body of water. The participants are holding their paddles in the air with a rocky landscape in the background.

Location

Mt Albert War Memorial Hall,
773 New North Road,
Mount Albert,
Auckland 1025

Council venue website

Date & Time

Saturday 28th March 2026
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Add to calendar

Payment Methods

Most stalls accept both cash and card, and cash withdrawals will be available at Illuminate.

Get in Touch

Call us on 09 638 5364

or email sarahf@recreate.org.nz

Getting there

Getting There

Parking

Limited parking is available in the shared carpark. Additional parking can be found on Wairere Avenue, Councillors Drive, and Selcourt Road.

Public Transport

The venue is well connected by public transport. The OuterLink bus stops nearby, and Baldwin Train Station is a short walk away.

Accessibility

The venue has wheelchair access with well-connected pathways, though some may be steep. Accessible parking spaces are available near the hall.

Mt Albert War Memorial Hall,
773 New North Road,
Mount Albert,
Auckland 1025

Council accessibility map
Entertainment

Stalls & Activities

Handcrafted goods and artisan products from talented stallholders.
A variety of delicious food options to suit all tastes.
A mix of music, dance, and entertainment throughout the evening.
A participant is pictured holding leafy greens in both hands while smiling. An orchard landscape is visible in the background.
A participant is pictured holding leafy greens in both hands while smiling. An orchard landscape is visible in the background.
Experiences

Family Fun

Hands-on arts and crafts, activities for all ages.
Fun experiences for families to enjoy together.
Free entry. Everyone is welcome.

Community impact

Inclusion & Opportunity

“At Recreate NZ, we believe in the power of community and creativity to drive meaningful change. The Illuminate Night Market is not just about celebrating the talents of entrepreneurs with disabilities; it’s about challenging perceptions, promoting inclusion, and providing opportunities for self-determination and financial autonomy.”

Sarah Ferens, Head of Moxie at Recreate NZ

Our Supporters

Thank you

Recreate NZ is grateful to Spectrum Foundation, Albert-Eden Local Board, Tiendecity and Phantom for making the Illuminate Night Market possible. Together, we’re helping to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Want to Volunteer at Illuminate?

Join our volunteer team to help create an inclusive and vibrant event, supporting stallholders, activities, and the community.

Email us