🐝 WellyBuzz: Your Inside Scoop on Welly’s Best This Weekend!

Hi Wellington! 🌞

This week we’ve lined up must-do events, drool-worthy eats, and local gems - all in one 4-5 minute read. Your weekend plans? Sorted.

🔥 In This Week's Buzz:

• 🕰️ Welly's Time Machine – A trip through Wellington's wonders 🏛️
• 🌟 Local Legends: Hidden (or not so hidden) gems of Wellington 🏪
• 🍽️ Food & Drink – Tasty local eats and sips 🥂
• 🎭 Events: The ultimate weekend lineup – you won’t want to miss these! 🎤
• 💝 Extra Sprinkles: Local heroes doing their bit 💛
• 🌤️ Welly Weather Watch – Mostly fine with a chance of showers on Sunday☀️

🕰️ Time Machine: The Bucket Fountain’s Splashy Past

In 1969, one of Wellington’s quirkiest icons was born – the Cuba Street Bucket Fountain​. This kinetic sculpture’s cascading buckets often miss their mark, dousing unwary pedestrians (especially on windy Wellington days) with rogue sprays​. Adding to its legend, locals love to sneak in soap so the fountain overflows with bubbles on wild Friday nights​. From being called an “engineering joke” in its early days to becoming a beloved (if unpredictable) city landmark, the Bucket Fountain has soaked itself into Wellington history – one splash at a time.

🌟 Local Legends: Small Businesses with Big Heart 🏪

🌟 Cookielicious NZ – The Sweetest Little Secret in Wellington 🍪🎨

At Cookielicious NZ, decorating cookies isn’t just baking — it’s an art form! Founder Natalia runs fun, hands-on workshops where you’ll learn to pipe, flood, and sprinkle your way to cookie perfection. From Easter bunnies to Christmas masterpieces, you’ll pick up pro techniques and leave with gorgeous (and delicious) creations. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned baker, these classes sell out fast — so grab your spot and get ready to unleash your inner artist!
🎟️ Book an In-Person Class: Cookielicious NZ
💻 Try an Online Class: Cookielicious NZ Online
📷 Follow for Sweet Inspiration: Instagram | Facebook

🌟 Slow Boat Records 🧔

Spinning since 1985, Slow Boat is Wellington’s oldest independent record store​ and a paradise for music lovers in the digital age. Tucked on Cuba Street, this mom-and-pop vinyl shop is packed with great finds, knowledgeable staff, and buckets of personality​. Flip through the racks and you might stand where Foo Fighters or Radiohead once browsed – a slew of rock royalty have dropped in over the decades​. No fancy frills here, just an authentic old-school record store vibe that’s still afloat after nearly 40 years. From classic LPs to the latest local releases, Slow Boat’s still cruising strong and keeping Wellington’s music community in tune.

🍽️ Food & Drink: 4 Must-Visit Eateries in the Capital 🥂

🍴 Maranui Café (Lyall Bay) 🍽️

A brunch at Maranui is a quintessential Wellington experience​. Perched above the surf club with panoramic beach views, this retro-styled café opened in 2003 and quickly became a “must-do” for its hearty fare and quirky charm​. Think legendary milkshakes and top-notch fries (so good they rank among Wellington’s best)​. You’ll likely queue alongside wetsuit-clad surfers and hungry families – but as everyone will tell you, the view and vibe are totally worth the wait.

🍴 Havana Bar (Te Aro)

Hidden in two brightly painted cottages behind Wigan Street’s high-rises, Havana has been shaking up Wellington’s nights since 2003​. By day it’s a fabulous tapas restaurant; by night it transforms into a Latin-inspired cocktail lounge with live music and DJs every weekend​. Sip a famous mango margarita or feijoa mojito for a tropical taste of Kiwi creativity​. With its vintage Cuban décor and a dance floor that beckons, Havana Bar perfectly captures Welly’s laid-back yet lively spirit – don’t be surprised if you end up dancing between the tables after dinner!

🍴 Little Penang (Victoria St)

This unassuming Malaysian eatery consistently punches above its weight. Little Penang’s food is so authentic it has made Malaysian expats weep tears of joy into their laksa​. The menu sticks to Nyonya family recipes – nasi lemak, char koay teow, mee goreng with crispy fritters – all done right​. The spices and flavors transport you straight to a Penang hawker stall. No wonder it’s always bustling; it’s Wellington cheap eats at its finest​. Grab a seat (if you can) in this cozy, art-filled café and prepare for a downright delicious cultural experience.

🍷 Cicio Cacio Osteria (Newtown) 🍝

Tucked away in Newtown, Cicio Cacio Osteria is an old-world Italian gem with a story as rich as its pasta sauces. Opened with just $16,000 and a dream, this intimate trattoria is all about rustic, homely dishes, natural wines, and handwritten menus in Italian. Chef Giulio Ricatti, a former cook and dreamer, took over the long-abandoned space and turned it into a warm, soulful eatery where conversation flows as easily as the vino. Expect house-made sausages, perfectly executed pasta, and the kind of no-frills, full-heart hospitality that makes you feel like family. Bellissimo!

🎭 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🎤

Friday, 21 March 2025

🏅 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: NZ vs Fiji – Cheer on the All Whites as they battle Fiji in a high-stakes World Cup qualifying semi-final at Sky Stadium​. Order your tickets here.

🎵 The Eagles Greatest Hits Live – Take it Easy and sing along to classic Eagles anthems at this stunning tribute show. Top musicians recreate hits like “Hotel California” at Wellington’s Opera House (7:30 pm)​.

🎶 The Warratahs Live at Te Papa - Enjoy legendary Kiwi folk-rock with The Warratahs, supported by rising star Sophie Toyne, in a free outdoor gig at Te Papa, March 21, 6:00pm.

🎭 Friday Laughs Comedy Showcase – Kick off the weekend with belly laughs at The Fringe Bar’s comedy night​. Featuring comedy veterans Jeremy Elwood and Samantha Hannah.

🎨 Autumn Gallery Opening
Kick off the season with fresh art and good vibes at Aratoi, Masterton | 🎟️ Free (Koha appreciated).

🎭 Shakespeare in Love – Live on Stage - Experience the magic of forbidden love, poetry, and adventure in this stunning stage adaptation of the hit film. Showing at Gryphon Theatre from March 19–23.

🎭 Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit – Enjoy an evening of witty paranormal comedy at Circa Theatre. This classic play about a séance gone awry mixes magic and mayhem​

💃 Disney Channel Divas Drag Show – Get ready for a fabulous drag extravaganza at Ivy Bar​! Wellington’s hottest drag stars channel former Disney darlings.

🏅 Axtion Packed Axe Throwing – Unleash your inner Viking this Friday night at Sweet Axe Throwing Co. 🪓 Grab your crew for an hour of excitement, laughs, and friendly competition.

🎬 Wairarapa Movie Night: Bee Movie - Grab your whānau, a beanbag, and some snacks for a free outdoor screening of Bee Movie at Fernridge School, Masterton, on March 21 at 6:00pm. Popcorn provided!

💃 Kings of the Rollers DnB Rave – Drum and bass fans, unite! UK powerhouse Kings of the Rollers (with MC Inja, plus Gray & Skeptical) fire up Meow’s dance floor from 10 pm.

🍸 Toast N' Taste – A Night of Fine Food & Spirits - Indulge in a 6-course dining experience paired with premium spirits & cocktails at Courtyard On Margaret, Raumati, with live music from Green Geraldine

🎵 Heavy Flow 9 – Improv Music Jam – Celebrate one year of Heavy Flow, a monthly improvised music night at Rogue & Vagabond.

🎵 Teen Jazz Prodigy Showcase – Spend your evening at The Undercurrent (Tory Street) with Greer Castle & the 1867 Combo. This 16-year-old award-winning jazz vocalist, will charm you with classic swing standards and jazzy twists on modern tunes.

🌸 PYO Dahlias at Lavender Magic Flower Farm - Stroll through stunning flower fields and pick your own dahlias at Lavender Magic, Carterton, with breathtaking Tararua Ranges views. Open March 21–23.

🚚 Food Truck Friday at The Bond Store - Kick off the weekend with top-notch street food and craft gin at The Bond Store, Paraparaumu, on March 21, 4:00pm–8:00pm.

Saturday, 22 March 2025

🌈 Out in the City – Pride Fair – Join the rainbow whānau at Odlin’s Plaza for Wellington Pride Festival’s biggest free event​.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Pukeahu Play Festival – Bring the family to Pukeahu National War Memorial Park (12–4 pm) for a free day of play and culture​.

🛍️ Brooklyn Community Market - Browse local crafts, vintage finds, plants, and homemade treats at this vibrant market with food, coffee, and live entertainment at Brooklyn Community Centre.

 🏅 Dogs ‘n’ Togs – It’s pool party time…for your pup! Khandallah Summer Pool opens its doors to dogs only for this once-a-year canine swim fest​.

🍸 Urban Cocktail Trail – Cocktail lovers, assemble! This self-guided bar crawl (1–5 pm, starting at St Johns Bar) lets you sample signature concoctions at some of Wellington’s trendiest bars​.

🏅 Phoenix FC vs Central Coast Mariners – Support Wellington’s women’s football team as they take on the Mariners at Porirua Park (kick-off 4 pm)​.

🎨 Kapiti Tattoo & Arts Festival 2025 - A vibrant celebration of tattoo artistry, live performances, and local creativity, featuring 40+ artists at Paraparaumu Memorial Hall, March 22, 10:00am–6:00pm.

🎭 Circus of Illusion Magic Show – Step into a world of wonder at the St James Theatre’s 2 pm extravaganza​.

🎵 The Veils – Album Release Tour – Wellington’s indie-rock darlings The Veils hit the stage at Meow to celebrate their new album.

🎡 St Theresa's March Madness Fair - A fun-filled family fair with games, food, entertainment, and shopping at St Theresa’s School, Plimmerton, 11:00am–3:00pm.

♿ Kāpiti Disability Expo - Connect with service providers, workshops, and inspiring showcases celebrating accessibility and inclusion at Waikanae Memorial Hall, 10:00am–3:00pm.

🏁 Mayhem at Masterton
Blown alcohol drag racing, insane speeds, and non-stop action - don’t miss NZ’s wildest drag event! 📍 Masterton Motorplex | 🎟️ Adults $30, Kids Free

💃 SLAY: Pride Drag Dance Party – Keep the pride vibes going into the night at Ivy Bar’s drag dance party (9:30 pm)​.

📚 An Evening with Author Niki Bezzant - Join bestselling author Niki Bezzant for an insightful talk on hormones, health, and midlife wellness at Copthorne Solway Park, 4:00pm–6:00pm.

🎭 Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery Exhibition – Dive into the punk glamour of fashion icon Vivienne Westwood at Te Papa’s blockbuster exhibition​.

💃 🕺 Otaki Dance Group – Sequence Ballroom Dancing
Love Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha & more? Join weekly Tuesday sessions & monthly Saturday dances at Otaki Memorial Hall.

🥊 Rumble – Muay Thai & Boxing Showdown - Experience high-energy combat sports with top fighters from across NZ at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua, 6:00pm–11:30pm.

🎬 Wellington Animation Film Festival (WAFF) – Calling all film buffs! WAFF returns to the Roxy Cinema (Miramar) all weekend, showcasing the best new animated films​.

(…and that’s just Saturday!)

Sunday, 23 March 2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Pride Picnic – Wind down Wellington Pride Festival with a relaxed community picnic at the Botanic Garden Sound Shell (12–3 pm)​.

🎭 CubaDupa Pre-Party in Glover Park – Get a sneak peek of Wellington’s iconic street festival! From late morning, Glover Park comes alive with CubaDupa magic​.

🚁 Life Flight Open Day - Get up close to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, air ambulances, and live emergency demos at Life Flight Trust, Rongotai, 10:00am–2:30pm.

🧺 Ngaio Community Picnic - Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with games, live entertainment, and adventure activities at Huntleigh Park, 12:00pm–3:00pm.

🍽️ Harbourside Market – Sunday isn’t complete without Wellington’s waterfront farmers’ market​.

🍸 Gin & Jazz at The Pines - Sip craft gin cocktails while enjoying live jazz from the Capital City Big Band in a stunning coastal setting at The Pines, Houghton Bay, 3:30pm–7:00pm.

🎨 Disney: The Magic of Animation – Discover over 100 years of Disney art at this enchanting exhibition (Tākina Wellington Convention Centre)​.

🏃‍♂️ Kāpiti Run for Youth 2025 - Walk or run along the stunning Kāpiti coastline while raising funds for local youth initiatives at Maclean Park, Paraparaumu, 8:30am–1:00pm.

🍏 Pick Your Own Apples at Molewood Orchard - Enjoy a fun day out picking fresh apples and pears in the scenic Molewood Orchard, Greytown, on March 22–23, 9:00am–4:00pm.

🎬 Wellington Animation Film Fest – Final Day – It’s your last chance to catch WAFF at the Roxy!

🐟 Taiyaki, Matcha & Vintage Pop-Up! 🍵👗Taiyaki, matcha, vintage finds & prizes—Tanuki & Co’s birthday bash is unmissable! 10am–3pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎵 Kristin Hersh + Jon Muq (Live in Concert) – Alternative music icon Kristin Hersh (of Throwing Muses fame) graces Old St Paul’s with an intimate acoustic set alongside Ugandan-born songwriter Jon Muq​.

🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Barefoot Triathlon Series – Round 3 - Swim, bike, and run in a fun, inclusive triathlon for all skill levels at Scorching Bay, 8:00am–1:00pm.

🎵 Sunday Jazz Jam – Unwind your Sunday evening at Rogue & Vagabond with smooth jazz. The Oscar Lavën Quintet takes the stage at 8 pm for a “Late Edition” jazz session​.

⚖️ Crime & Punishment Tour – Bolton Street Cemetery - Step into Wellington’s dark past with tales of murder, duels, and lawmen on this guided tour at Bolton Street Cemetery, 2:00pm–3:30pm.

⛳ $10 Mini Golf at WellyPutt – CubaDupa Pre-Party Special - Tee off for just $10 at WellyPutt’s epic 16-hole mini-golf course, packed with moving obstacles, immersive artwork, and Wellington-themed fun.

🧘‍♀️ BeachYoga at Waikanae Beach - Start your Sunday with a relaxing Yin Yoga session by the ocean, perfect for all levels, at Waikanae Beach, 10:00am–11:00am.

🚴 The Big Bike Film Night 2025 - A must-see for cycling enthusiasts, showcasing epic short films on adventure, grit, and community at Penthouse Cinema, 5:00pm–7:30pm.

🎶 Summer Sunday Sessions at Margrain Vineyard - Relax with live music, delicious food, and fine wine in a stunning vineyard setting at The Vineyard Café, Martinborough, 2:00pm–5:00pm.

🛍️ Ōtaki Craft Market - Explore local crafts, fresh produce, and delicious food at this bustling outdoor market in Ōtaki, 10:00am–2:00pm.

💝 Extra Sprinkles: Charity Spotlight

Kaibosh Food Rescue is tackling food waste and hunger head-on! Since 2008, they’ve saved 60+ tonnes of surplus food each month, turning it into 11.5+ million meals for those in need. With every $20 donation equating to 40 meals, they’re true community heroes. Want to help? Visit kaibosh.org.nz.

🌤️ Welly Weather Watch

☀️ Fri – Sunny, light winds, 20°C. Perfect for a long lunch. 🌿
🌥️ Sat – Partly cloudy, breezy, 20°C. Hold onto your hats! 🎩
🌦️ Sun – Cloudy, chance of showers, 19°C. Brunch weather. ☕

That’s a wrap on your weekend buzz! Sun, breeze, and a lineup packed with Welly’s best — soak it all in while it lasts. See you next week for more must-dos, hidden gems, and local legends!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

📷 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @wellybuzz