🐝WellyBuzz – Friday December 20, 2024

Good morning, Wellington!

We’re back with your weekly edition of WellyBuzz, and we’re loving all the feedback. Thanks to all who’ve shared suggestions—keep them coming! As we continue to grow and get into the groove, we’re committed to bringing you the best of Wellington with a dash of humor, fun, and all things local. If you have any thoughts on what you’d like to see in upcoming editions, let us know, and don't forget to share this with your friends. More subscribers = more fun for all!

In today’s WellyBuzz:

• 🎉 Wellington’s Summer Festival Kicks Off!

• 🎶 What’s On: Christmas Events, Music & More

• 🎁 Business Spotlight: 2 of Wellington’s Gems

• 🌞 Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Wellington

• 🔥 Welly’s Weather Watch: A Warm Christmas Week Ahead

THE DIGEST

Wellington’s Summer Festival Kicks Off! 🎉

The holiday season is officially upon us, and the Wellington Summer Festival has begun! With outdoor events, live music, food festivals, and plenty of family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on these exciting events:

• New Year’s Eve Waterfront Party: Join the celebration at Whairepo Lagoon with live music, food trucks, fireworks, and a magical countdown at midnight!
  Details & Schedule

• Courtenay Place New Year’s Eve Carnival: Wellington’s Ultimate Dress-Up Party! 🎉 Wellington’s first-ever New Year’s Eve Carnival is here, and it’s going to be epic! Courtenay Place will come alive with live music, DJs, circus acts, drag queens, and outdoor dining. Dress up in your most creative outfit for a chance to win the Best Dressed competition. Let’s celebrate Wellington’s spirit with a night full of fun, entertainment, and unforgettable memories.
  Event Details

• Gardens Magic Concert Series (January 7-26, 2025): A must-see part of the Wellington Summer Festival, this series of outdoor concerts at the beautiful Botanic Gardens is a fantastic way to enjoy music in a stunning setting. With a mix of reggae, jazz, indie, Māori soul, and more, there’s a concert for everyone!
  Event Details

• Ongoing Exhibition: The Art of Banksy (Until January 20, 2025)
  Check out 150 original and authenticated works by the infamous artist, Banksy, at the Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre (opposite Te Papa).
  Exhibition Details

What’s On: Christmas Events, Music & More 🎶

• Escape Rooms Wellington: Need a summer party idea? How about escaping from a room with your colleagues?
  More Info

• Sleeping Beauty: The Pantomime (Circa Theatre)
  A festive family show, running until December 24th. Come enjoy this magical holiday panto!
  Get Tickets

• The Fringe Bar: Ready for some laughs? Head to The Fringe Bar at 26 Allen St for Weekend Laughs (Friday 20 December and Saturday 21 December at 8:00 PM) or Tama Alexander’s December Double Up (Saturday 21 December at 6:30 PM).
  Comedy at The Fringe

• Crying Club's Xmas Gig #4 (Valhalla)
  If you’re into alternative and indie vibes, don't miss out on this festive gig on Friday, December 20th!
  Event Details

Business Spotlight: 2 of Wellington’s Gems 🎁

• The Library 📚: One of the go-tos for those seeking a cozy and stylish atmosphere, The Library offers a fantastic selection of drinks and small plates. It's the perfect spot to unwind with friends in a unique setting!
  Explore The Library here

  Check it out!

• Arty Bees Books: A must-visit for book lovers, Arty Bees offers everything from novels to local history books. It’s the perfect spot to find a unique gift!
  Explore Arty Bees

Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Wellington 🌞

Summer’s here, and Wellington’s al fresco dining scene is better than ever. Here are the top spots to enjoy great food and even better views:

• Dirty Little Secret: Tucked away in the heart of Wellington, this secret bar offers an intimate atmosphere with craft cocktails and mouthwatering bites. Perfect for an evening out with a twist of mystery and a whole lot of flavor!
  Explore Dirty Little Secret here

• The Arborist: A hidden gem tucked away in the heart of the city, The Arborist features an outdoor garden bar and a menu full of locally sourced goodness. It's the perfect escape for a relaxed afternoon in the sun.
  Explore The Arborist here

• Scorch-O-Rama: Located in Karaka Bay, enjoy wood-fired pizzas with stunning views of the bay. Perfect for a sunny day!
  Scorch-O-Rama

WHAT’S HAPPENING

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN 🎶

• Antu Marama – The Undercurrent

  🎶 When: Friday, 20 December, 7:00 PM
  Join Antu Marama at The Undercurrent for an evening of captivating folk music. Their blend of soulful sounds and rich harmonies promises to take you on a musical journey.

• Gathering Shadows – Valhalla

  🖤 When: Friday, 20 December, 9:00 PM
  Enjoy Gathering Shadows at Valhalla for a night of alternative indie music. With a mix of deep vibes and energizing sounds, this event will keep you dancing until late.

• Mad Friday with DJ Takas – Plonk Wine Bar

  🎧 When: Friday, 20 December, 5:00 PM
  Kick off your weekend with DJ Takas at Plonk Wine Bar! Get ready to vibe to upbeat tracks and party with great music and even better drinks.

• Moon’s Supernova Send-Off! – Moon

  🚀 When: Saturday, 21 December, 8:00 PM
  Join Moon’s Supernova Send-Off for an unforgettable electronica party. Dance to powerful beats and celebrate the season in style!

• Triad Plays Jazz Standards – Seatoun Bowling Club

  🎷 When: Saturday, 21 December, 7:00 PM
  Enjoy a smooth jazz evening at Seatoun Bowling Club with Triad playing timeless jazz standards. A perfect night to unwind and listen to live music.

• Gathering Shadows – Valhalla

  🖤 When: Saturday, 21 December, 9:00 PM
  Catch Gathering Shadows again for a night of alternative indie at Valhalla. Perfect for music lovers who want to dive deeper into captivating sounds.

• Sunday Jazz – The Undercurrent

  🎷 When: Sunday, 22 December, 3:30 PM
  Relax and enjoy Sunday Jazz at The Undercurrent. A perfect way to end your weekend with smooth jazz sounds.

• Luke Hurley – Moon

  🎶 When: Sunday, 22 December, 7:00 PM
  Join Luke Hurley for a night of folk music at Moon. It’s the perfect way to close out your weekend with great tunes in an intimate setting.

• Sunday Jazz - Kaito Walley – The Rogue and Vagabond

  🎷 When: Sunday, 22 December, 5:00 PM
  Swing by The Rogue and Vagabond for some laid-back Sunday Jazz with Kaito Walley. A relaxing way to wind down your Sunday evening.

EXTRA SPRINKLES: Support Wellington’s Community 🎁

This Christmas season, consider giving back by supporting local initiatives. The Wellington City Mission is accepting donations of food, toys, and gifts for families in need.
Learn How You Can Help

WEATHER WATCH 🔥

Here’s your forecast for the week leading up to Christmas:

• December 20: A few showers, southerlies turning northwesterly. High: 16°C, Low: 14°C.

• December 21: A few showers with fresh northerlies. High: 21°C, Low: 15°C.

• December 22: Partly cloudy with strong northwesterlies. High: 20°C, Low: 16°C.

• December 23: Occasional showers with northerlies. High: 21°C, Low: 15°C.

• December 24: Partly cloudy. High: 21°C, Low: 15°C.

• December 25: Partly cloudy with northerlies. High: 21°C, Low: 15°C.

For live weather updates, check out MetService Wellington

SPORTS UPDATE ⚽️

• Wellington Phoenix Women’s FC
  Saturday December 21: Wellington Phoenix FC vs Sydney FC at Jerry Collins Stadium, 4:00 PM

• Wellington Phoenix Men’s FC

  Sunday December 22: Wellington Phoenix FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium, 7:00 PM

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Thanks for reading WellyBuzz!
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Until next time—stay connected, stay positive, and stay Wellington! 🌟