🐝 WellyBuzz – What's On in Wellington This Weekend | 31 Jan - 2 Feb 2025

Kia ora Wellington! 🌦️

Just like that, January is coming to a close, and while the weather’s been a bit grey recently, Wellington’s event scene is anything but! 🌟 Lunar New Year celebrations are kicking off, there’s a fantastic mix of live music, comedy, and markets, and plenty of ways to brighten up your weekend — rain or shine.

With Waitangi Day next Thursday, some of you might already be planning how to mark the occasion. We’ll have a special edition early next week with all the best Waitangi Day events, so stay tuned.

But for now, let’s dive into everything happening this weekend in our buzzing little capital! 🚀

📍 In This Week's WellyBuzz:

🔥 Time Machine: Relive Wellington’s 1935 rugby tram chaos 🏉🚋
🎮 Local Legends: A pinball arcade + the best Greek street food 🥙
💝 Extra Sprinkles: The Free Store is feeding those in need — how you can help 💝
🎉 Weekend Events: Live music, comedy, art markets + Lunar New Year magic 🧧
☀️ Weather Watch: Plan ahead — sunny skies or an indoor kind of weekend? 🌦️

📅 Time Machine: Wellington’s Rugby Tram Jams – Circa 1935

Wellingtonians have always had a love affair with rugby, and the scene outside Athletic Park in the 1930s was no exception! This photo captures throngs of fans pouring out after a match, queuing for the iconic trams to whisk them back to the city or suburbs.

🏉🚋 Fun Fact: Athletic Park was Wellington’s sporting hub from 1896 until its closure in 1999. Next time you’re navigating Newtown or reminiscing about rugby glory days, picture this vibrant scene — a testament to Wellington’s love of sports and its spirited community.

🌟 Local Legends: Wellington’s Hidden Gems

1️⃣ Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe
📍 Location: 18A Bond Street, Te Aro, Wellington
🎮 Step into a world of flashing lights and nostalgic games! Featuring classics like Rick & Morty and Medieval Madness, this retro arcade is a gamer’s paradise.
📢 Host a party, join a pinball tournament, or grab unique merch — it’s all here!
🔗 Learn More

2️⃣ The Greek Food Truck
📍 Location: Various spots around Wellington (check their website for updates)
🥙 Taste authentic Greek street food, from mouthwatering souvlaki to decadent Greek sweets. This Wellington icon has been serving up deliciousness for 10 years and counting!🔗Find their locations here.

💝 Extra Sprinkles: The Free Store

The Free Store in Wellington collects unsold, quality food from local cafes and bakeries and redistributes it to people in need. Serving around 100 people daily, from the homeless, to students, and the elderly, The Free Store is a shining example of Wellington’s community spirit.

📢 How to Help: Volunteer, donate, or share their story to amplify their impact.
🔗 Learn More: The Free Store

🎉 What’s On in Wellington This Weekend?

Friday, January 31

⚔️ Ruckus Medieval Combat – FREE Event at Sweet Axe Throwing Co.!
📍 Location: Sweet Axe Throwing Co., 60 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
👉 Watch armoured warriors battle it out in full-contact medieval combat! ⚔️🔥 Grab a drink & snack, and enjoy this epic live-action showdown. No tickets needed — just turn up!

🎉 Deaf Club Night
📍 Location: 17 Bannister Ave, Johnsonville, Wellington
⏰ Time: 6 PM to Late
👋 A welcoming night to connect, enjoy socializing, and make new friends. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage and relax in a friendly atmosphere!

🛼 Roller Disco
📍 Location: 75 Underhill Rd, Featherston
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - Beginner Lesson | 7:00 PM - Roller Disco
🎉 Get ready to roll! Start with a beginner lesson and then groove at the all-ages roller disco. Skates available for hire — don’t forget your socks!
🎟️ Lesson + Disco: $20 | Disco only: $15 | Skate hire: $5

🎭 Hope
📍 Location: Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St, Wellington
✨ A captivating theatrical journey awaits at Circa Theatre. Don’t miss this engaging production that will leave you with hope in your heart. Limited tickets available!

🧘‍♀️ Lunchtime Yoga Class
📍 Location: Yoga in Daily Life Centre, 23 Jessie St, Te Aro, Wellington
⏰ Time: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
🌿 Rejuvenate your day with a calming yoga session designed for all skill levels. Stretch, relax, and refresh before heading back to work.
🌐 Learn More

🎤 Neurodiverse Comedy Night
📍 Location: The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Wellington
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🤣 Laugh out loud at this unique comedy night celebrating neurodiversity. R18 event with a lineup that will have you in stitches.
🎟️ Buy Tickets

🎸 Beastwars at Underworld Tavern
📍 Location: Underworld Tavern, 13 Pirie Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington
🤘 Experience the thunderous sound of Beastwars with Sidewinder in this one-off epic show. Limited tickets—secure yours now for a night of heavy riffs and bluesy vibes!
🔗 Grab Tickets Here

🚚 Food Truck Friday at The Bond Store
📍 Location: 21 Birmingham Street, Paraparaumu
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🍔 Indulge in delicious treats from Cherrywood, Classic Kiwi Kai, and Lallies Latin Food. Pair it with gin and make your Friday night unforgettable!
💵 Free Entry

🎷 Mantle Septet
📍 Location: The Undercurrent, 118 Tory Street, Wellington
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎼 Experience a night of mesmerizing jazz with the Mantle Septet. Perfect for all music lovers.
🎟️ Grab Your Tickets

🎸 HERESIARCH, Decimation Hammer & Insidious Retch
📍 Location: Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Wellington
⏰ Time: 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM
🔥 Enjoy a night of black/death metal with Wellington’s finest bands. A must for heavy music enthusiasts!
💵 $20 at the door

📚 Storytime with Fairy Helen and Bindi
📍 Location: The Children’s Bookshop, 26 Kilbirnie Plaza, Wellington
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
🧚‍♀️ Bring your little ones for a magical morning of storytelling and songs with Fairy Helen and her assistance dog, Bindi. Perfect for kids of all ages.

🎲 Hey Mates | Friday Games Night
📍 Location: Wellington Waterfront (Exact location shared via RSVP)
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🎮 Meet new friends, enjoy tapas-style food, and play fun, social board games. RSVP is essential!
🎟️ RSVP Here

Saturday, February 1

🎵 SIX60 Grassroots Tour – City Edition
📍 Location: Brewtown, Upper Hutt
🎸 New Zealand’s biggest band, SIX60, returns with their iconic outdoor summer tour! Experience their hits up close and personal in a vibrant setting under the golden-hour sky. Don’t miss out on this exclusive show!
🔗 Get your tickets

🎶 1991 in Wellington
📍 Location: TSB Arena, Wellington
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
🔥 Experience 1991 live at the TSB Arena! With chart-topping hits and viral remixes, this event promises unforgettable vibes and energy. Secure your tickets now for the concert of the year!

🎭 2025 Multicultural Festival - Chinese New Year Gala Performance
📍 Location: Te Papa Museum, 55 Cable Street, Wellington
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
🌏 Celebrate diversity and culture with stunning performances at this free event. Bring your whānau and enjoy music, dance, and a celebration of traditions.

📀 Newtown Record Fair
📍 Location: Newtown Community Centre, 7 Colombo Street, Wellington
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
🎶 Dig through musical treasures at the Newtown Record Fair! Vendors from across the island will bring their best vinyl collections for music lovers.

🎆 2025 Lunar New Year including Fireworks Display
📍 Location: Wellington Waterfront, Wellington
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 9:45 PM (the fireworks start at 9:30 PM)
✨ Celebrate the Lunar New Year with dazzling fireworks and street performances along Courtenay Precinct. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of unity and prosperity!

🔍 Community Treasure Hunt - Celebrating Lunar New Year
📍 Location: 75 Lakewood Ave, Churton Park, Wellington
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Daylight hours only)
🕵️‍♀️ Join a family-friendly treasure hunt with hidden goodies like painted rocks, books, and more! A fun way to explore the Lunar New Year spirit with your loved ones.

🎨 Toi Pōneke Art Market
📍 Location: Toi Pōneke Art Centre, Abel Smith Street, Wellington
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🖌️ Dive into Wellington's vibrant art scene with live music, open studios, zine-making workshops, and local artist stalls. From ceramics to plant-based donuts, there's something for everyone!

🏍️ APS Classic Motorcycle Racing Festival
📍 Location: Manfeild, 59 South Street, Feilding
⏰ Time: Gates open at 8:30 AM, Racing starts at 9:00 AM
🏁 Experience the thrills of vintage motorcycle racing with over 200 bikes roaring across the track. Open pits let you get up close with the action!

🧘‍♀️ Yoga in the Sanctuary
📍 Location: Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, Waiapu Road, Karori
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
🌿 Find your zen surrounded by nature in this peaceful outdoor yoga session. Suitable for all skill levels—don’t forget your mat!

🚗 Gumboot Rally 2025
📍 Location: Porirua to Greytown
⏰ Time: All-day event (approx. 500km)
🎉 Buckle up for the wackiest road trip of your life! With quirky missions and stunning routes, this rally is fun for the whole car. Limited to 100 vehicles—grab your spot now!
🔗 Book your tickets

🌲 Enchanted Park
📍 Location: Wainuiomata Regional Park, Lower Hutt
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🧚‍♀️ Bring your tamariki and explore this magical park filled with fairy gardens, crafts, and storytelling. A perfect family outing!

🍹 G&T Throwdown
📍 Location: The Bond Store, Paraparaumu
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM (two sessions)
🍸 Sip and savor the best gin cocktails in a fun, lively setting. With both family-friendly and adults-only options, there’s something for everyone!

🎤 Summertime Sadness: A Sad Girl Indie Night
📍 Location: San Fran Bathhouse, Wellington
⏰ Time: 11:00 PM - Late
🌙 Dance the night away to indie anthems from artists like Lana Del Rey, Lorde, and Mitski. A judgment-free, inclusive night of good vibes and even better music!
🔗 Tickets here

🎸 Waimeha Summer Party 2025
📍 Location: Waimeha Camping Village, 2805 Cape Palliser Rd, Martinborough
⏰ Time: From 4:00 PM
🎉 Dance the night away to live music by 'The Noodles' and enjoy food, drinks, and summer vibes.

🌹 Ring Around the Roses – Guided Walk
📍 Location: Wellington Botanic Garden
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
🌺 Explore the stunning roses and learn more about the beautiful plants in this guided garden walk.

🛍️ Martinborough Fair
📍 Location: Martinborough Square, Martinborough
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🌟 Browse over 500 stalls featuring local crafts, gourmet food, and more at this iconic fair. A must-do for your weekend!

🏃‍♀️ Ara Harakeke Parkrun
📍 Location: Ara Harakeke Pathway, Plimmerton, Porirua
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM
🏅 Join this free 5K run and start your Saturday with a boost of energy. Open to runners and walkers of all levels!

🏏 Women's Super Smash T20 Elimination Final
📍 Location: Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
⏰ Time: Saturday, 12:40 PM
🔥 Wellington Blaze take on Northern Brave for a place in the Grand Final!

🏏 Men's Super Smash T20 Elimination Final
📍 Location: Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
⏰ Time: Saturday, 4:25 PM
🔥 Northern Brave clash with Canterbury Kings for a spot in the final!

🌺 Te Rā o the Raukura
📍 Location: Te Whiti Park, Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🎶 Celebrate whānau and culture with kapa haka, entertainment, food stalls, and free health checks. Learn about Mātauranga and Hauora services while enjoying a day filled with positivity!

Sunday, February 2

🌴 Goodthings Summer Session - Foxglove Balcony
📍 Location: Foxglove Bar & Kitchen, Wellington
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
🎧 Dance into the evening with incredible DJs spinning House, Disco, and Afro Beats. Enjoy summer vibes, great views, and a fantastic lineup. Grab your tickets now from Ticket Fairy!

🔍 Community Treasure Hunt - Celebrating Lunar New Year (Continued)
📍 Location: 75 Lakewood Ave, Churton Park, Wellington
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Daylight hours only)
🌟 Day two of the treasure hunt! Keep exploring and find new surprises while celebrating the Lunar New Year.

🍹 Rum Tasting
📍 Location: Rumours Rum Bar, 64 Taranaki Street, Te Aro, Wellington
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
🌍 Sample five unique rums from around the world at this quirky bar featuring vinyl records and kombucha. Don’t miss this exclusive tasting experience—book your spot now!

🕯️ Candle Making Workshop
📍 Location: Wellington Candle Co., Queen Charlotte Drive, Aotea, Porirua
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
🖌️ Get creative and make your very own candle in this hands-on workshop. A relaxing way to spend your Sunday afternoon!

🎨 Mindful Clay Art Workshop
📍 Location: PATAKA Art + Museum, Porirua
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
🧘 Start with a cacao ceremony to set intentions, then craft a unique clay art piece to take home. Perfect for relaxation and creativity!

🏏 Women's Super Smash T20 Grand Final
📍 Location: Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
⏰ Time: Sunday, 12:40 PM
🏆 Otago Sparks face the winner of the elimination final for the championship title!

🏏 Men's Super Smash T20 Grand Final
📍 Location: Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
⏰ Time: Sunday, 4:25 PM
🏆 Central Stags battle it out against the elimination final winner for Super Smash glory!

🌹 The Rose Garden Market
📍 Location: Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Kelburn, Wellington
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
🌺 Stroll through vibrant market stalls amidst blooming roses. Discover handcrafted goods and local art in this picturesque setting.

🎭 Face Painting in the Sanctuary
📍 Location: Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, Karori
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🎨 Bring the tamariki to Zealandia for native-themed face painting in celebration of World Wetlands Day. A fun day out for the whole family!

🚗 American Vehicle Day 2025
📍 Location: Trentham Racecourse, Upper Hutt
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
🇺🇸 Admire classic American cars, enjoy live music, and cheer on competitors in the hot dog eating contest. All proceeds support Te Omanga Hospice.

🎤 Kurtis Conner – The Goodfellow World Tour
📍 Location: The Opera House, Wellington
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
😂 Don’t miss global YouTube sensation Kurtis Conner performing live with his freshest and funniest material. Tickets are selling fast—grab yours now!

🏖️ Beach Yoga
📍 Location: Waikanae Beach (by Long Beach Tavern), Waikanae
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
🌊 Start your Sunday with a peaceful yoga session by the ocean. Bring a mat or towel, and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves.

🚴 Wellington Cup
📍 Location: Hataitai Velodrome, Wellington
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🏅 Watch thrilling track cycling races at this annual event! Spectators go free, so come along to cheer on the riders.

🎶 Summer Sunday Sessions
📍 Location: The Vineyard Cafe, Martinborough
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
🍷 Enjoy live music on the lawn with pizzas, platters, and a glass of Margrain wine. A perfect way to wind down your weekend.

🛍️ Brewtown Summer Craft Market
📍 Location: Brewtown, 27 Blenheim St, Upper Hutt
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
☀️ Discover unique handcrafted items, artisanal foods, and local brews at this lively summer market.

🎭 Dope As Sunday Comedy
📍 Location: The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St, Wellington
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🤣 Laugh out loud with this month’s hilarious lineup of comedians. Perfect for ending your weekend with a smile!

🎥 National Lampoon's Vacation
📍 Location: Roxy Cinema, Miramar at 7:30 PM. Join the Griswold family’s hilarious road trip mishaps in this 4K classic comedy. Don’t miss it! 🎟️

🌡️ Welly Weather Watch

☀️ Friday: 22°C – Mostly fine with fresh northerlies — perfect for Friday night adventures!
🌦️ Saturday: 21°C – Some cloudy patches with scattered showers — bring a brolly for Lunar New Year fun.
🌧️ Sunday: 19°C – Showers and southerlies — a great excuse for a cozy café stop! ☕

👀 LOOKING AHEAD: WAITANGI DAY

Keep an eye out for our special Waitangi Day Edition! From kapa haka to whānau-friendly picnics, we’ve got your plans covered for this important national day.

🎵 WEEKEND SOUNDTRACK

This weekend's newsletter was written while listening to local legends The Black Seeds. Their sunny Wellington dub will get you in the perfect weekend mood!

Got a cool event coming up? Know a local legend we should feature? Drop us a line!

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Stay safe, stay sunny, and let’s make the most of this vibrant weekend in our little slice of paradise!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve
Your local buzz-keepers 🐝

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