🐝 WellyBuzz: Top Wellington Events This Weekend!

Hey Wellington! 🌞

Happy Friday, our favourite day of the week! Another week has flown by, but don’t worry, we’ve got your weekend plans sorted. From fun events to delicious local eats, we’ve curated all the must-see, must-try, and must-do for the weekend ahead. So grab your cup of coffee (or tea, no judgment) and dive right in.

Let’s kick off the weekend right with a stroll down memory lane — I promise, we’re not talking about your old school report cards! 📚🎉

🔥 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 – Don't get caught in the rain! ☀️

🕰️ Time Machine: The Golden Days of Wellington's Beaches 🏛️

Hop into our Welly Time Machine and zip back to the early 1920s! Imagine Wellington's beaches as the heart of summer fun — wooden changing sheds, kids building sandcastles, and maybe even a brass band playing by the water. A simpler time where the biggest worry was sand in your picnic!

🌟 Local Legends: Two Must-Know Wellington Businesses 🏪

🌟 Wētā Workshop: Discover Movie Magic in Wellington! 💥

Step behind the scenes and explore the world of creativity, special effects, and movie magic at Wētā Workshop Experiences in Wellington. Home to the artisans behind The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Wētā Workshop offers a chance to see movie magic in action. Take a guided tour and visit the Wētā Cave for exclusive movie collectibles.

Last weekend we had the ultimate experience in the Scars & Scrapes workshop – creating our own special effects! Check out all the fun we had on our Instagram and Facebook page. 📸

🎟️ Book your experience today: Wētā Workshop Tours

🌟 The French Barber 🧔✂️

Location: 115 Lambton Quay or 70 Willis St, Wellington
Need a fresh cut or shave? The French Barber combines Parisian style with Wellington charm. Known for expert cuts and smooth shaves, it’s the perfect place for some pampering with a relaxed, old-school vibe. A Wellington favourite!

🍽️ Food & Drink: Local Flavours You Can’t Miss 🥂

🍴 Rita Restaurant 🍽️

Location: 89 Aro Street, Aro Valley. Nestled in a charming little house in Aro Valley, Rita offers a cozy, intimate dining experience with an ever-changing three-course set menu. Each day brings fresh, seasonal ingredients transformed into thoughtful, delicious dishes. With a surprise menu every night, Rita delivers a unique and unforgettable culinary experience — just make sure to book in advance!

🍴 Boulcott Street Bistro

Location: 99 Boulcott Street, Wellington. For a more refined experience, Boulcott Street Bistro is a Wellington institution. A perfect blend of elegant dining and hearty portions, their steaks are mouthwatering, and the service is top-notch. You could argue their crème brûlée is life-changing. 😅🍮

🍴 La Cloche

Location: Various locations across Wellington. This charming French bistro is a secret treasure tucked in plain sight. Known for its delectable pastries and bistro-style dining, it’s a must-try for anyone in the mood for authentic French cuisine. Try the ratatouille – it's made with love. 🇫🇷

🍴 Hippopotamus Restaurant

Location: 90 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington. Nestled in the Museum Hotel, Hippopotamus offers modern French cuisine with a Kiwi twist. Enjoy their decadent high tea, or stop by for breakfast, lunch, or sharing plates in the lounge. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed yet elegant dining experience.

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🎭 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🎤

Friday, March 14

🎸 Jim Beam Homegrown 2025
Celebrate Aotearoa’s best music with over 50 top bands and DJs across five stages at Wellington Waterfront, with an unforgettable Friday night kickoff!

🌕 Total Lunar Eclipse
Join the Wellington Astronomical Society for a spectacular view of the 2025 total lunar eclipse at Space Place in Kelburn!

🎻 Andrew London Duo with Fiona Pears
Enjoy a night of swing, satire, and sensational music with Fiona Pears and Andrew London at Three Little Words in Martinborough!

🎭 Eternal Romance: An Operatic Affair
Experience the passion and drama of opera with world-class performers at St Andrew’s on the Terrace, Wellington!

🎉 Kelson School Twilight Gala 2025
Enjoy a fun-filled evening with food, activities, and live entertainment at Kelson School in Lower Hutt!

🤠 Country Jukebox
Enjoy live performances of classic country hits at Club Wairarapa, featuring songs from legends like Johnny Cash and Shania Twain!

🩰 The Royal New Zealand Ballet with Scottish Ballet
Experience a stunning collaboration between Scottish Ballet and RNZB, showcasing contemporary works at St James Theatre in Wellington!

🎶 The Peacekeepers, Supported by Millie Monday
Get ready for a high-energy DJ set from The Peacekeepers, featuring unique grooves and adrenaline-spiked beats at Te Papa’s Rongo Rehutai Summer Music Series!

🌸 Lavender Magic Flower Farm - PYO Dahlias
Pick your own dahlias and enjoy the stunning views at Lavender Magic Farm in Carterton.

Saturday, March 15

🎸 Jim Beam Homegrown 2025
Keep the party going into Saturday with over 50 top NZ bands and DJs, carnival rides, and mouth-watering food at Wellington Waterfront!

🎶 Shaun Preston Live at Hummingbird
Join Shaun Preston for an exciting night of music at Hummingbird Restaurant & Lounge. It's been five years — come and enjoy the vibe! 🎤

🍿 Kāpiti Movie Afternoon: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Bring the whole family for a fun movie afternoon with popcorn, pizza, and drinks at the Kāpiti Impact Trust in Paraparaumu!

✈️ Kapiti Aeromodellers Public Rally
Come watch incredible radio-controlled model planes take flight at Queen Elizabeth Park, with free gliders for kids and a sausage sizzle!

🎨 Art Flow: Dine & Discover
Enjoy an exclusive evening of art and fine dining at DoubleTree by Hilton, with a two-course dinner and insights from featured artists Jacky Pearson and Svetlana Orinko!

🎶 Jessica Browning
Enjoy Jessica Browning’s unique blend of harp, synths, and beats, with an opening act by Helena Faust and Mary Livingston at The Undercurrent in Wellington!

🏇 Castlepoint Races
Head to the picturesque Castlepoint beach for a thrilling race day with eight races, family-friendly activities, and a fun fashion parade on the Wairarapa Coast!

🔍 Queen Elizabeth Park Treasure Hunt
Bring your team for an adventure through Queen Elizabeth Park, cracking codes and unlocking clues with a heritage tram ride along the way!

🔮 Mystic Market
Explore a world of psychic readings, crystals, tarot, and spiritual crafts at the Mystic Market in Te Aro, Wellington!

🏫 Open Day - Montessori
Visit Otari Montessori School for a chance to explore their beautiful preschool environment, meet the teachers, and learn about their unique Montessori approach!

🎉 Karori Recreation Centre Open Day
Join us for a fun-filled FREE community event with inflatables, sports, taster classes, and a sausage sizzle at Karori Recreation Centre!

🎉 24 Hour Party People
Get ready to dance all night with the best of Madchester, Britpop, and indie hits at San Fran in Wellington—door sales only!

🏎 Corvette Nationals 2025 – Public Car Show
Join the 'Mothers Show and Shine' at Copthorne Solway Park, Masterton, this Saturday, 15th March, 9:00am–11:00am. Gold Coin Koha for Solway School.

🧱 LEGO Show at Whirinaki Whare Taonga
Join us for a weekend of LEGO fun with interactive builds, raffles, and sensory sessions at the Brick Engaged LEGO show, supporting the Brick Bus fundraising effort!

🌈 Pae Tū Mōkai/Featherston Pride Festival
Join the first-ever Pride parade and festival in Wairarapa, celebrating diversity with a parade, picnic, and afterparty in Featherston!

🍏 Pick Your Own Apples at Molewood Orchard 2025
Enjoy a fun day out picking fresh apples and pears at Molewood Orchard in Greytown, with plenty of space for a picnic and family fun!

🌳 Upper Hutt Woodchopping Competition
Come down to Trentham Memorial Park for the annual woodchopping competition hosted by the Upper Hutt Axemen's Club. Watch the action unfold from 9am!

Sunday, March 16

🏅 Wellington Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon 2025
Join the fun at the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon, where kids swim, cycle, and run in a day full of sports, prizes, and plenty of excitement at Kilbirnie Park!

🍀 St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival On the Waterfront
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with the Irish community, featuring a lively parade from 1pm, music, dancing, and fun activities at Queen's Wharf!

🏎️ Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at The Lanes
Catch all the F1 action live on the big screens, including practice sessions and the race, on Sunday, 16 March at 5pm NZDT. Book now for food, drinks, and the best atmosphere!

🏀 Wellington Saints vs Taranaki Airs
Tip-off at 2:00pm at TSB Arena. The Wellington Saints face the Taranaki Airs in this exciting NBL matchup. Tickets available here

🎲 Wellington City Board Games Day
Join the fun at West Park School for a day of board games, snacks, and spot prizes, all while connecting with your community!

⚰️ Tiptoe Through the Tombstones
Explore Wellington’s oldest heritage cemetery and uncover fascinating stories of the settlers and Māori who shaped the city’s history!

🚴‍♀️ EBike Tour | Community Gardens Open Sunday
Join a social ebike tour of Wellington's hidden community gardens, building biking confidence while exploring Miramar, Melrose, and Houghton Valley!

🎻 New Zealand String Quartet (NZSQ)
Enjoy an afternoon of exquisite chamber music with the NZSQ, featuring works by Haydn, Dvořák, and more at St Peters Village Hall in Paekākāriki!

🏁 Alexandra Road Hillclimb
Join the iconic hillclimb race up Mt Victoria's spine in Wellington city. Racing kicks off at 9:30am after the driver's briefing at 8:30am. Don't miss the action from 8:30am–5pm!

🎶 Margrain Sunday Sessions - with Capt.D
Relax and enjoy live music from Capt.D and special guest KayCie at Margrain Vineyard, with pizzas, platters, and wine to complement the vibes!

🌳 Wainuiomata Old Forest Walk
Explore the 1,000-year-old forest on a guided walk through Wainuiomata Regional Park, with towering trees and captivating stories from an expert park ranger!

🇦🇺 Aussie Car Breakfast
Join us for a buffet breakfast and check out some awesome Aussie rides! A great morning for car enthusiasts to connect and enjoy a delicious meal.

🎶 Aurum Trio - Flute, Harp and Cello
Experience a beautiful mix of French Impressionist music and original compositions by the Aurum Trio, featuring flute, harp, and cello at Waikanae Memorial Hall!

🎭 Shakespeare in the Vines
Enjoy Shakespeare’s finest scenes performed by talented Kuranui College actors at Gladstone Vineyard, with great food, wine, and family fun in a beautiful vineyard setting!

🌱 Community Gardens Open Sundays 2025 - East Gardens
Explore four beautiful community gardens in Wellington's East suburbs, with workshops, tours, and gardening tips on offer!

🍇 Pick Your Own Rosé at Matahiwi
Join the fun at Matahiwi Estate, picking grapes, stomping them old-school, tasting wines, and enjoying a delicious lunch—plus, get your very own bottle of Rosé!

🎶 Úna - Irish Harp and Voice - St Patrick's Eve Concert
Celebrate St Patrick's Eve with award-winning harpist Úna at a special concert in the stunning surrounds of Hilltop House, featuring traditional tunes and original compositions!

🌿 Greytown Country Market
Explore fresh produce, artisan products, crafts, and enjoy a BBQ sausage sizzle at this charming outdoor market, supporting the Greytown Rail Trail!

🎶 Summer Sunday Sessions
Relax with live music, delicious Margrain wine, and tasty food on the sunny lawn at Margrain Vineyard every Sunday this summer!

🎷 Sunday Jazz Club
Unwind with live jazz every second Sunday at Parrotdog Bar, featuring local artists and great vibes to finish off your weekend!

🛍️ Ōtaki Craft Market
Explore a vibrant outdoor market with unique crafts, delicious food, and live music every Sunday in Ōtaki!

💝 Extra Sprinkles: Wellington SPCA 🐾

A huge shout-out to the Wellington SPCA for their incredible work rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. You can help by volunteering, donating, or even adopting a furry friend. Every little bit makes a difference!

Also, don’t miss their last Walk-in Caturday this Saturday, 15 March! No appointment needed for cat and kitten adoptions – just pop into your local Centre during opening hours! 🐾

🌤️ Welly Weather Watch

Friday, 14 March: Fine start, cloudy later. Perfect for evening plans! 🌥️ Max 20°C
Saturday, 15 March: Fresh northerlies and fine weather. Grab a jacket just in case! 🌤️ Max 21°C
Sunday, 16 March: Partly cloudy with a chance of showers. Great for indoor activities, or a backup plan for outdoor fun! 🌦️ Max 21°C

And that’s your weekend buzz Wellington! We hope you’ve got a fun-filled couple of days ahead. Don’t forget to share this with your mates and spread the good vibes. 🌟

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

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