🐝 WellyBuzz: Diwali Festival of Lights & Fireworks

👋 Kia ora Wellington!
This weekend is stacked: world-class comedy, vibrant Diwali celebrations, record fairs, retro markets, wrestling mayhem, and more. Whether you’re up for dancing bachata till late, strolling the Botanic Gardens with Katherine Mansfield, or chilling at a jazz set with snacks in hand - there’s something here for every mood.

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

🤣 Rob Beckett – Giraffe (Sat) – UK comedy giant lands at St James with sharp, hilarious storytelling.
🪔 Diwali Festival of Lights (Sun) – Music, food, fashion, and fireworks lighting up the TSB Arena.
🧶 Well Made Craft Festival 2025 (Sat) - handmade goods, workshops & artisan foods at Whirinaki.
🪔 Annual Hutt Valley Diwali (Sat) - dance, music, food & crafts in a vibrant celebration of light.
📀 Newtown Record Fair (Sat) – Crates of vinyl, CDs, and tapes - the perfect dig for music lovers.
🌸 Orchid Show (Sat & Sun) – Stunning blooms, expert demos, and orchid treasures in Lower Hutt.
🛍️ Mean Market at Mean Doses (Sat) – Arcade games, retro 80s tunes, craft beer, and local stalls.

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup

Friday 10 October:

📖 Legally Blonde The Musical at Southward Theatre
Elle Woods struts from sorority queen to Harvard law star in this feel-good, pink-powered musical!
📍 Southward Theatre, Paraparaumu | 🕢 7:30pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ $35 | All ages

🎭 Octavia – A VATS Production! at Victoria University Memorial Theatre
Step into Roman intrigue with this gripping tragedy of Octavia, Nero, and imperial power - ancient theatre at its dramatic best.
📍 Victoria University Memorial Theatre, Kelburn | 🕢 7:30pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $5–$16.58 | Ages M

🎶 Chamber Dances at St Peter's on Willis
Keith Moss premieres a sparkling new piece for marimba, reed quintet & percussion alongside Grieg classics - rich, emotive, and approachable.
📍 St Peter's on Willis, Te Aro | 🕡 6:30pm–7:50pm | 🎟️ $16.58–$34.05 | All ages

🎤 Cori Gonzalez-Macuer – Work in Progress at The Fringe Bar
Deadpan, self-deprecating comedy from 7 Days star Cori Gonzalez-Macuer - an hour of fresh jokes and Welly laughs.
📍 The Fringe Bar, Wellington | 🕡 6:30pm–7:25pm | 🎟️ $20.68–$34.05 | R18

🎤 Friday Laughs with Gabby Anderson & Cori Gonzalez-Macuer at The Fringe Bar
Two hours of top Kiwi comedy with Cori Gonzalez-Macuer headlining and Gabby Anderson as MC - laughs, improv, and Welly charm guaranteed.
📍 The Fringe Bar, Wellington | 🕗 8:00pm–9:45pm | 🎟️ $25.81–$39.18 | R18

🎸 Pumpkinhead – Sloth 30th Anniversary Tour at Meow
Three exclusive reunion shows celebrating 30 years of Sloth - fierce punky rock, powerful pop, and metal energy guaranteed!
📍 Meow, Te Aro | 🕗 8:00pm | 🎟️ $44.95 | R18

🎸 Davey Griffiths & Celine Filbee at The Raumati Social Club
Blues, americana, and roots grooves - laugh, cry, and tap along to originals and soulful covers.
📍 Raumati Social Club, Raumati South | 🕖 7:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🎭 Monument at Circa Theatre
“Succession meets Barbie” in this slick, funny new play - power, makeup, and chaos collide on Edith Aldridge’s monumental day.
📍 Circa Theatre, Te Aro | 🕢 7:30pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $30–$60 | All ages

Saturday 11 October

🤣 Rob Beckett – Giraffe
UK comedy superstar Rob Beckett brings his worldwide tour Giraffe to Wellington — expect sharp observational humour and non-stop laughs.
📍 St James Theatre, Wellington | 🕗 8:00pm | 🎟️ From $79.90 | All ages

🍓 Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
From paddock to plate since 2006! Enjoy live music, coffee, artisan treats, and fresh local produce under the redwoods.
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Masterton | 🕘 9:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🌙 Queensgate Night Market
Street food, shopping, community, and live entertainment - the legendary Night Markets have landed in Lower Hutt!
📍 Queensgate Shopping Centre, Lower Hutt | 🕠 5:30pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🎶 CMNZ Series: Four Last Songs
Strauss’ hauntingly beautiful Four Last Songs arranged for NZTrio and soprano Emma Pearson - a moving evening of music and farewell.
📍 Public Trust Hall, Wellington | 🕢 7:30pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ From $56.33 | All ages

💍 Tarureka Estate Open Day
Step inside the rustic charm of Tarureka Estate - explore the barn, gardens, guest suites, and meet top wedding vendors for inspiration.
📍 Tarureka Estate, Featherston | 🕚 11:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🤼 CPW Aftermath
Capital Pro Wrestling brings the fallout from Capital Carnage - family-friendly, high-energy entertainment where you cheer the heroes and boo the villains.
📍 Wainuiomata Memorial Hall, Lower Hutt | 🕖 7:00pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ From $10.25 | All ages

😂 Saturday Laughs with Michael Macaulay & Lana Walters
A comedy showcase at The Fringe Bar featuring headliner Lana Walters, MC Michael Macaulay, and a stellar lineup of Kiwi comedians.
📍 The Fringe Bar, Wellington | 🕗 8:00pm–9:45pm | 🎟️ From $25.81 | 👤 R18

🎤 Laughs and Lights
Celebrate Diwali with a dhamaka of desi comedy - an all-Indian lineup bringing sass, stories, and side-splitting punchlines to Circus Bar.
📍 Circus Bar, Wellington | 🕖 7:00pm–8:15pm | 🎟️ $23.25 | 👤 R18

🧶 Well Made Craft Festival 2025
A celebration of creativity and craftsmanship - shop handmade pieces, meet the makers, join workshops, and sample artisan foods at Whirinaki.
📍 Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🎵 Hobnail with guests Nicola Mitchell & Mike Muggeridge
Wellington folk favourites Hobnail wrap up their Three Part album tour with a big night of harmonies and heart, joined by Nicola Mitchell and Mike Muggeridge.
📍 Abandoned Taproom, Petone | 🕗 8:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ $30.00 | 👤 RP18

🎸 Harvest Moon
A six-piece Wellington band lights up the Wairarapa with pedal steel, mandolin, banjo, accordion, and more in a rich night of Americana sounds.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre, Carterton | 🕢 7:30pm | 🎟️ $32.50 | All ages

🌼 Spring Fest
Celebrate the season at Hataitai Bowling Club with outdoor games, drinks, live tunes from Mouthfull Radio, and Greek burgers from Kefalonia Kitchen.
📍 Hataitai Bowling Club, Wellington | 🕓 4:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All ages

🧙 Wellington Wizards Picnic
Dress up, create a character, and join fellow wizarding fans for a whimsical picnic full of fantasy, food, and fun at Frank Kitts Park.
📍 Frank Kitts Park, Wellington | 🕚 11:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🌸 Orchid Show
Discover the Magic of Orchids with stunning displays, sales from local growers, and live potting demos hosted by the Wellington Orchid Society.
📍 Walter Nash Stadium, Lower Hutt | 🕙 Sat and Sun from 10:00am | 🎟️ $4 (kids under 12 free) | All ages

👑 Fairytale Adventures
Fairy Cat and Friends lead tamariki through interactive storytelling with fun twists on fairytale favourites - perfect for ages 3–5.
📍 Capital E, Queens Wharf, Wellington | 🕚 11:00am–11:30am | 🎟️ Free (donations welcome) | All ages

📚 Recycled Reading – 2nd Hand Book Sale
Hunt for hidden gems among books, games, and more at this community fundraiser. Fair prices, EFTPOS available - don’t forget to BYO bag!
📍 San Antonio School, Lower Hutt | 🕘 9:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🪔 Annual Hutt Valley Diwali
A vibrant celebration of light, culture, and community with dance, music, food, crafts, and family fun hosted by Wellington Punjabi Sports & Cultural Club.
📍 Chilton Saint James School, Lower Hutt | 🕔 5:00pm–10:30pm | All ages

🛍️ Mean Market at Mean Doses
Retro vibes meet local makers - browse unique stalls, play arcade games, enjoy craft beer, and groove to throwback 80s tunes at this family-friendly market.
📍 Mean Doses Taproom, Tory Street, Wellington | 🕐 1:00pm–6:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

📀 Newtown Record Fair
Dig through crates of vinyl, CDs, tapes, and merch with top vendors on deck - plus a curated video playlist to fuel your hunt for that long-lost gem.
📍 Newtown, Wellington | 🕚 11:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🧵 Well Made Craft Festival
A day of creativity and craftsmanship - shop one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, join workshops, taste artisan food, and meet the makers at Whirinaki.
📍 Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | All ages

Sunday 12 October:

🪔 Diwali Festival of Lights 2025
A dazzling celebration of Indian and South-East Asian culture - enjoy dance, music, food, fashion, henna, lantern-making, and a fireworks finale at around 8:50pm.
📍 TSB Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington | 🕑 2:00pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🎷 Sunday Jazz
Unwind with swinging 40s and 50s tunes from The Undercurrent All-Stars in a cosy bohemian setting - complete with drinks, snacks, and books.
📍 The Undercurrent, Wellington | 🕞 3:30pm–4:30pm | 🎟️ $16.20 | All ages

🛍️ Ōtaki Craft Market
Discover unique crafts, antiques, plants, food trucks, and live buskers at this vibrant community market right on the Main Highway.
📍 Ōtaki Market, Kapiti Coast | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🌷 Tulip Open Day – Tawa
Stroll through themed garden rooms as thousands of tulips bloom in coordinated colour, with spring perennials and annuals adding extra flair. Bargain plants for sale, with proceeds supporting the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research.
📍 34 St Johns Terrace, Tawa | 🕥 10:30am–3:30pm | 🎟️ Donation $5 | All ages

🔪 Wellington Knife Show
A celebration of craftsmanship at Brewtown - see handmade kitchen knives, hunting blades, swords, and more. Free entry with live demos all day, including forging, blade grinding, leatherwork, and sharpening.
📍 Brewtown, 25 Blenheim St, Upper Hutt | 🕙 10:00am–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🔥 The Jesus Lizard
Noise-rock legends return with their blistering new album Rack - expect chaotic energy, dark intensity, and a live show that’s nothing short of feral.
📍 San Fran, Wellington | 🕢 7:30pm | 🎟️ See site for prices | 👤 R18

💃 Bailamos Bachata! Latin Dance Party
Wellington’s favourite bachata night - kick off with a free beginner lesson, then dance the evening away to bachata, salsa, kizomba, and zouk.
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar, Wellington | 🕕 6:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ Free (support the bar with food/drink) | All ages licensed

🌿 A Walk With Katherine Mansfield – Guided Walk
Stroll the Botanic Garden with Katherine Mansfield’s words as your guide - explore her favourite plants and reflections on nature in a 75-minute walk.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden | 🕜 1:30pm–3:00pm | 🎟️ $5 (cash only, Friends free) | All ages

🧶 Knitorious Lulu
Grab some needles and join Lulu, Arlo, and The Stitch Up Crew in creating a colourful knitted rainbow village at Wellington Museum. All welcome!
📍 Wellington Museum | 🕚 11:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free (donations welcome) | All ages

That’s a wrap on another jam-packed Wellington weekend! From light shows to loud guitars, artisan crafts to belly laughs, the capital is buzzing with things to do. 🌼

Don’t forget - if you head along to something from this list, tag us in your snaps on Instagram (@wellybuzz). We love seeing Wellington come alive through your eyes.

Enjoy!
Kirstie & Steve 🐝