🐝 WellyBuzz – Friday, February 21, 2025

Hey there Wellington! 🌞

A huge thank you to all our current and new subscribers – your support means so much to us! We truly appreciate you being part of the WellyBuzz community. 💛

The weekend’s almost here, and we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you make the most of this awesome city we call home! Whether you’re all about the food, the fun, or just soaking in the vibes – WellyBuzz is your one-stop shop for everything happening this weekend. Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive in!

To kick things off, here’s a stunning sunset from Cape Palliser last night, posted by Rosemary Rayner on our WellyBuzz Facebook page.

🔥 In This Week's Buzz:

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – A blast to the past 🏛️
🌟 Local Legends: Businesses you need to know about 🏪
🎭 Events: Your Weekend Lineup – Fun, art, and everything in between 🎤
🎉 Extra Sprinkles: Shoutouts to our community heroes 💛
🌤️ Welly Weather Watch – Your forecast for fun! ☀️

🕰️ Time Machine: A Glimpse into Wellington's Past 🏛️

As you stroll through Thorndon, you might pass by a grand house at 260 Tinakori Road, and if you didn’t know, you’re walking past one of Wellington’s most historically significant buildings. Built in 1843 for early settler William Fitzherbert, this home has seen quite the transformation — from a simple cottage to the grand two-story residence it is today. The government scooped it up in 1865, and for over 70 years, it served as the official residence of New Zealand's premiers. After some renovations in the '90s, it's back to its original role as the Prime Minister’s official Wellington home. Next time you walk by, take a second to admire this iconic piece of Wellington's living history!

🌟 Local Legends: Two Wellington Businesses You Need to Know 🏪

🍰 Looking for a bite? 🍰 Head to Belen Plant Bakery on Lambton Quay, Courtenay Place, or Wellington Airport for plant-based baked goods that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. From vegan croissants to gluten-free cakes, Belen is the spot for guilt-free indulgence. 🍪💚 And don’t even get me started on Garage Project – these guys are the OGs of funky craft beers, brewed right in Te Aro. Try the Hāpi Daze or Pernicious Weed if you're up for a flavour explosion! 🍻 

🎉 Weekend Events: What's On This Weekend!

Friday 21 February

🎨 The Performance Arcade 2025 – Art, Music & Performance on the Waterfront!
Explore live art, music, and performance at this free, award-winning festival! 🌟 Enjoy the Double Vision Brewing Live Music Series, food trucks, and more from February 19th-23rd.📍 Wellington Waterfront, Behind Te Papa | Free entry! 🎉

🎭 Abridged-erton – A Bridgerton-Inspired Comedy
Expect scandal, laughs, and romance in this improvised comedy inspired by the hit Netflix series! 💃💥📍 BATS Theatre, 21st & 22nd Feb, 7:30 PM | 🎟️ Get tickets

🚴‍♂️ Kapiti Bike Night at BurgerFuel 🍔
Join the bike community for a fun evening at BurgerFuel — grab a burger while you’re there! 🚲📍 6:00 PM | 159 Kapiti Road

🎶 Salute (AU) Live at Meow Nui 🎧
Get ready for an unforgettable night with salute, the Vienna-born DJ bringing his blend of garage, French house, and '80s synths to Wellington! 🌟 📍 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Meow Nui, 92 Vivian St, Te Aro

🎷 Aro Valley Jazz Jam at Aro Park 🎶
Enjoy a relaxed evening of jazz under the trees in Aro Park – bring fish & chips, a beer, and your dancing shoes! 🎺🌳 5:00 PM | Aro Park, Aro Valley

💃 Tutus on Tour – Kāpiti
Catch the Royal New Zealand Ballet's stunning performance with elegant pas de deux, a live premiere of Limerence, and more! 🎭✨
📍 Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, 7:00 PM

🐒 The Monkey – Horror Comedy Premiere at The Roxy Cinema 🎬
Get ready for a wild ride with The Monkey – a toy monkey with a killer instinct! Don't miss this hilarious and twisted horror comedy. 🍿🔪 8:30 PM | The Roxy Cinema, Miramar

🎶 Funky Fridays at MOON – Dance the Night Away! 🎧
Join the funk, house, and techno vibes at MOON this Friday night with DJ sets from Benjamin Bunny, DiSiorno, and Not My Sister! 🕺💃 9:00 PM | MOON, 167 Riddiford St, Newtown | $10 entry 🎉

😂 Friday Laughs with Ben Hurley & Patch Lambert
Get ready for a hilarious night of stand-up with Ben Hurley (The Project, Seven Sharp) and award-winning Patch Lambert! 🎤🤣📍 Waimarie Eatery & Bar, Featherston | 📅 8:00 PM

🎭 The Fabulous Fabelinskys – A Circus Drama
A heartwarming mix of humor, circus acts, and family drama. Don't miss this emotional and entertaining show! 🎪✨📍 Tapere Nui Theatre, 7:30 PM | 🎟️ Get tickets

🌺 Pasifika Festival at Victoria University!
Celebrate Pacific culture with food, crafts, live performances, tattooing, and more at the Pasifika Festival! 🎉 Free entry, cash only for stalls.📍 Victoria University of Wellington, The Hub (Kelburn campus) | 🕑 Free Entry!

🔮 Deb Webber's Live Show at The Lodge Pauatahanui
Join the acclaimed Deb Webber for an unforgettable live performance at The Lodge Pauatahanui! Get ready for an evening of insights and entertainment.
📍 182 Paekakariki Hill Road, Pauatahanui | 🕡 6:30 PM | 🎟️ Tickets in AUD

🚢 Sea Shepherd Ship Tours: Allankay
Step aboard the mighty Allankay for a free tour of Sea Shepherd's Antarctic vessel and learn about their environmental efforts! 🌊🐋📍 Queens Wharf, Wellington | 📅 21st-23rd February | 🕙 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 🎟️ Free entry

🌻 Sunflower Sundowner Fundraiser
Join the Sunflower Sundowner fundraiser at Ruamāhanga Farm for a scenic 2km walk, live music, and light refreshments—all while supporting conservation and education! 🎶🌳
📍 Ruamāhanga Farm, Martinborough | 🕔 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM | 🎟️ Buy tickets now!

🍴 Food Truck Friday at The Bond Store
Come hungry and join the food truck frenzy at The Bond Store! Enjoy delicious bites, good vibes, and a great time with friends and family.📍 21 Birmingham St, Paraparaumu | 🕓 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 🎉 Free Admission

🌍 Festival of Cultures: Multicultural Carnival Parade
Celebrate diversity in style at the Festival of Cultures' Multicultural Carnival Parade! Enjoy vibrant music, dancing, food, and a colorful parade reimagined to be bigger and better than ever.📍 Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North | 🕓 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | 🎉 Free Admission

😂 Booze and Craic Comedy Show 🍀
Laugh out loud with award-winning Irish and Scottish comedians Alan McElroy, David Stuart, and Richard Dowling at this sell-out show!
📍 The Playhouse Cafe | 🕓 7:30 PM | 🎟️ Get your tickets now!

🎸 On The Rocks at Waterfront Bar 🌊
Rock out by the beach with On The Rocks at Waterfront Bar! Enjoy classic rock anthems, great vibes, and waves crashing in the background. 🎶🤘📍 Raumati Beach | 9:00 PM - Late

Saturday 22 February

🐍 Wellington Lantern Festival: Year of the Snake 🏮
Celebrate culture, community, and creativity with dragon dances, live music, Tai Chi, and delicious food at this magical outdoor event!📍 Botanic Gardens Soundshell | 🕔 5:00 PM - Late | 🎟️ Free entry, bring the family!

🌙 Miramar Night Market 🌟
Bask in the summer sun and explore a variety of local handmade products, from plants to jewelry and ceramics. Enjoy food, music, and entertainment with the whole family!📍 Miramar & Maupuia Community Centre | 🕒 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | 🎟️ Free entry

🍿 Movies in the Park 🎬
Join us for a fun-filled evening with family-friendly flicks at Waikanae Park! Pack a picnic and enjoy Toy Story and Grease under the stars. 🌟 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Waikanae Park

🚗 Car Boot Sale at RACE Trentham 💸
Declutter and find treasures at the Car Boot Sale! Buy, sell, and earn extra cash while enjoying a fun morning out. 🛒 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 10 Racecourse Road, Upper Hutt

🎉Fairies Playing Football
A magical comedy for the whole family at Wellington Circus Hub! Watch fairies face off against rodents in a fun-filled game celebrating gender diversity and friendship. 🎭📅 4:00 PM | 🎟️ Tickets from $10

😂 Saturday Laughs at Abandoned Taproom 🎤
Get ready for a comedy extravaganza! With MC Ben Hurley and headliner Michele A'Court, it’s a night of laughs you won’t forget. 🤣📍 Abandoned Taproom, Petone | 🕗 8:00 PM | 🎟️ $30

🎶 Open Air at Carlucci Land 🌳
Get ready for an immersive day and night adventure with live performances, awesome DJs, and stunning views at Carlucci Land! 🎧 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Happy Valley | Tickets & Info

🎨 The Performance Arcade 2025 🎭
Don’t Miss The Performance Arcade – A FREE, jaw-dropping art, music, and performance experience on the waterfront! 📍 19th-23rd February | Wellington Waterfront

🌙 Midsummer Night's Dream
Enjoy a magical evening under the stars at Paekākāriki's Campbell Park with Shakespeare's timeless comedy. Bring a picnic and your loved ones for an unforgettable night of mischief, love, and fairies! ✨📍 Campbell Park, Paekākāriki | 📅 21st-23rd February | 🕖 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | 🎟️ Buy tickets now!

🎶 Summer Hummer 2025 - Featuring Cassie Henderson
Bring the whole family to Queen Elizabeth Park for a day of fun with miniature train rides, pedal boats, skatepark action, and live music by Cassie Henderson! 🎤🌟📍 Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton | 🕒 1:30 PM - 7:30 PM | 🎟️ Reserve your entry with a $2 donation!

🎸 OTHER VOICES: Post-Punk Showcase at Valhalla 🎶
Dive into the best of classic post-punk with hits from The Cure, Bauhaus, Joy Division, and more! Don't miss this high-energy show with Breaches as support. 📍Valhalla | R18

💃 Entry: After Hours – Untitled Warehouse Project 🎶
Step into an immersive rave where light, sound, and bass collide in a dynamic afterlife experience! Join us for the ultimate sensory journey with flashing lights and pulsating beats. 📍 Tāwhiri Warehouse | R18

🐾 Kitten Cuddles at Kitten Inn 🐱
Get your fill of furry love at Kitten Inn! Enjoy cuddling adorable kittens for just a $2 donation and shop for fun cat-themed goodies. 🐾💕📍 22nd February | 247 Major Drive, Kelson | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

🌍 Festival of Cultures Multicultural Carnival Parade 🎉
Celebrate diversity at the Festival of Cultures with food, art, dance, and more! A vibrant day filled with community spirit and cultural exchange. 🌏🎶📍10:00 AM - 3:30 PM | Te Marae O Hine, Palmerston North

🔥 Masterton Motorplex Twilight Smokefest Burnout Comp 🚗💨
Get ready for an afternoon of high-powered burnouts and thrilling car action at the Twilight Smokefest! Fun for all, with kids under 14 free. 🏁🔥📍| 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Manaia Rd, Masterton

🍎 Molewood Orchard Cider & Fruit Wine Festival 🍷
Join us for an afternoon of award-winning ciders, fruit wines, and live music in the beautiful Molewood Meadows! 🎶🍏📍12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | 17 Mole St, Greytown | 🎟️ Book your ticket now!

👦 Kaitoke Tamariki Ranger Day 🏞️
Calling all young explorers! Kids (7-12) can become a Tamariki Ranger for the day with activities like shelter building, fire safety, and eel feeding! 🔥🐟📍 Kaitoke Regional Park | 🕒 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM | 🎟️ Free (Limited to 30 participants)

🏊‍♂️ Let's Move Together Triathlon 🏃‍♀️🚴‍♂️
Get active this summer at one of Horowhenua’s biggest whanau sporting events! Join in the fun with swimming, cycling, and running for all ages, from tamariki to caregivers!
📍 Levin Domain | 🕐 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 🎟️ Register now!

🎤 Comedy Q&A with Michele A'Court
Join the legendary Michele A'Court for a casual chat about her stellar career in comedy, TV, radio, and beyond. 🗣️🍷📍 The Fringe Bar, Wellington | 🕑 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM | 🎟️ $10 - $22 (Support the arts!)

🎣 South Wairarapa Fishing Club Snapper Competition 🐟
Reel in a big one and compete for the $1000 snapper prize! Join the fun at Lake Ferry with the chance to win big while enjoying a day on the water.📍 Lake Ferry, Kahutara | 🕔 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 🎟️ $20 per rod

🚜 Manawatu Vintage Ag Expo 🌾
Step back in time and explore the rich history of farming with vintage tractors, trucks, and more! Enjoy live demonstrations, food stalls, and family fun at the A&P Show Grounds.
📍 Manfield Park, Feilding | 📅 Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd February | 🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 🎟️ Adults $15, Kids Free

🏁 Super Saloons & Midgets at Wellington Family Speedway 🚗
Get ready for high-speed action with Super Saloons, Midgets, and more at the Bill Moffat Memorial Champs! A night of thrilling races, exciting drivers, and family fun awaits.📍 Wellington Family Speedway | 🕕 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🎟️ Adult $25, Kids Free

🛍️ Artisan Craft Market at Dowse Square ✨
Explore a premium selection of handmade goods from local artisans, all in a welcoming atmosphere! Perfect for those who appreciate shopping local and supporting talented makers.📍 Dowse Square, Lower Hutt | 🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sunday 23 February

🎭 Cuba Street Summer Series: Fringe on the Street 🌟
Kick off the summer festivities with a Fringe-themed extravaganza! Experience the best of unconventional performances and quirky creativity on iconic Cuba Street.📍 Cuba Street, Te Aro | 🕙 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

🐍 Wellington Lantern Festival: Year of the Snake 🏮
Celebrate culture, creativity, and community at the magical Lantern Festival! Enjoy dragon dances, Tai Chi, food stalls, and lantern making. 🌟📍 Botanic Gardens Soundshell, Wellington | 📅 Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd February | 🕔 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM | 🎟️ Free Entry

👗 My Walk in Wardrobe: NZ's Biggest Preloved Clothing Markets! 🌟
Find amazing preloved treasures at Brewtown Upper Hutt! From closet clearouts to professional thrifters, shop the best deals on clothing, accessories, and more.📍 Brewtown Upper Hutt | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 💰 Gold Coin Entry

🎬 An Audience with James Cameron at Circa Theatre 🍿
Join the legendary director of Avatar, Titanic, and Terminator for an exclusive in-person conversation about his career, ocean expeditions, and work with actors! Plus, enjoy a light supper and wine at Chouchou.📍 Circa Theatre | 🕕 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | 💸 $250 donation to TACT

🎉Fairies Playing Football
A magical comedy for the whole family at Wellington Circus Hub! Watch fairies face off against rodents in a fun-filled game celebrating gender diversity and friendship. 🎭📅 4:00 PM | 🎟️ Tickets from $10

🏍️ Trail Ride at Terawhiti Station 🌄
Join the Wellington Motorcycle Club for an epic ride through stunning farmland with views of Kapiti Island, river crossings, and a beach section. BBQ lunch included!📍 Terawhiti Station, Makara | 🕙 Sign-in: 9-10 AM | 🚶‍♂️ Ride Starts: 10 AM | 🍴 BBQ lunch included

🏏 Multicultural Cricket Fest at Karori Park 🌏
Celebrate culture and cricket with food trucks, henna art, and exciting cricket games! A fun day for the whole family!📍 Karori Park | 🕘 9:30 AM - 4 PM

🚴‍♂️ Wellington Cup at the Velodrome 🏆
Catch the thrilling track racing action at the Wellington Cup! Four rounds of competition, with races for all ages and levels. 🏁📍 Hataitai Velodrome | 🕙 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎶 Postmodern Jukebox: Magic & Moonlight Tour 🌟
Step into a time-traveling musical universe with modern hits reimagined in 1920s jazz, swing, and Motown! Don't miss this unforgettable performance at the Michael Fowler Centre!📍 Michael Fowler Centre | 🕓 10:00 PM

🎶 Summer Sunday Sessions at Margrain Vineyard 🍷
Relax with live music, delicious food, and a glass of Margrain wine every Sunday this summer! 🌞📍 Margrain Vineyard, Martinborough | 🕑 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM | 🎟️ Free Entry

🛍️ Artisan Craft Market at Te Wharewaka o Poneke ✨
Shop unique handmade creations from local artisans on Wellington’s waterfront! Discover everything from jewelry to homewares, all crafted with care.📍 Te Wharewaka o Poneke | Saturday 23rd February | 🕙 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

🏊‍♀️ Kāpiti Women's Triathlon & Duathlon 🏃‍♀️
Join the empowering event at Marine Gardens for all fitness levels, with multiple triathlon, duathlon, and aquathlon options. Inspire, motivate, and participate in this fantastic celebration of women’s athleticism!📍 Marine Gardens, Raumati | 🕗 8:00 AM

🌤️ Welly Weather Watch:

Friday 21 Feb – Showers Possible 🌦️ Max 23°C. Hit up The Performance Arcade 2025 for art, music, and food! 🎨🍴📍 Free entry, good vibes guaranteed!

Saturday 22 Feb – Sunny & Light Winds ☀️ Max 22°C. Snake your way to the Wellington Lantern Festival for dragon dancing and eats! 🐉🍜📍 Free fun!

Sunday 23 Feb – Mainly Fine 🌤️ Max 21°C. Find treasures at My Walk in Wardrobe at Brewtown – clothes and bargains galore! 👗💸📍 Gold coin entry, what a steal!

💚 Extra Sprinkles: Ronald McDonald House Wellington – Giving Families a Home Away from Home

This week, we’re celebrating Ronald McDonald House Wellington, a place that provides families with a safe, supportive environment while their children undergo medical treatment. By offering accommodation, meals, and emotional support, they make sure families can focus on what matters most: being together. 🏡💖

Want to contribute? You can donate or volunteer to help provide a ‘home away from home’ for families in need. Check out their website to learn more: Ronald McDonald House Wellington. 🌟

💬 Got a tip, cool event, or a secret spot you want to share?

Hit us up – we’d love to hear from you! Tag us on Instagram (@WellyBuzz) or Facebook 📸 – let’s keep this community buzzing together!

📬 Stay buzzing Welly!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

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