🐝 WellyBuzz: WELLY-X, Carnivals, & Country Fair Weekend

👋 Kia ora Wellington!

This weekend we’ve got Carnival rides spinning in Upper Hutt, WELLY-X lighting up Porirua, a Country Fair in Waikanae, and Te Papa throwing a massive whānau day. It’s also the last weekend of the free Concert Series at the Botanic Garden. There’s plenty on to fill your days so let’s get into it. 🐝

(go straight to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday events).

Quick heads up: we’ve made a couple of updates to WellyBuzz. You can now submit events directly to us, and we’re also rolling out a new community classifieds section - an easy way to get your message in front of 15,000+ Wellington locals. Details are via the buttons at the bottom of the newsletter.

🔥 10 Quick Picks This Weekend

🎡 Summer Carnival at Brewtown - Rides, dodgems and classic carnival chaos (Thur - Sun).
🎶 Gardens Magic Concert Series - Free live music and glowing garden lights (daily until Sunday).
🎪 Weber Bros ‘The Circus’ - High-energy big-top circus fun (Daily)
🌿 Wellington Government House Garden Tour - Free guided walk through historic gardens (Fri)
👨‍👩‍👧 Whānau Day – Te Papa - Free family fun, workshops and performances (Sat)
🦸 WELLY-X: Comic & Pop Culture Expo - Comics, collectibles and local creators (Sat).
💛 Eat, Drink & Be Crafty Fair - Enjoy Live Entertainment plus Craft stalls supporting Wellington Free Ambulance & Porirua Community Charities (Sat).
🎪 The Reikorangi Country Fair - A classic rural fair with animals, stalls and old-school country charm (Sun).
⚽ Wellington Phoenix Women vs Adelaide United - Summer A-League action in Porirua (Sun).
🛍 Artisan Craft Market - Handmade goods by the waterfront (Sun).

🕰️ Time Machine: Mount Victoria Tunnel Construction - 1930

🚢 Cruise Ship Arrivals at the Waterfront

It’s cruise season in Wellington, which means extra buzz around the waterfront (and slightly busier footpaths and cafés).

✨ Sponsored by ViewFromTheRoom.com
See the view before you book the room.

🌟 Community Notices

Karori Arts & Crafts Centre is hosting an Information Day on Saturday 24 January (1pm–4pm) to hear what’s on offer at their vibrant creative hub. This isn't just sewing and painting - it's a thriving community space where Wellington's makers gather to share skills, swap stories, and make magic together. Stop by 7 Beauchamp Street, Karori, and discover your next creative tribe. https://www.kacc.org.nz

CBK Social Club is a brand-new, community-led social club helping Wellingtonians get out there and meet new people without breaking the bank. Launched just last month, their events are all about low-cost fun, friendly vibes, and making socialising easy again. If your 2026 goal is more plans and fewer “maybe next time”s, this could be your place.
👉 https://linktr.ee/cbksocialclub

🍽️ Food & Drink – Urban Levant (Scorching Bay)

A weekend beach stop that’s winning hearts (and stomachs). Urban Levant is a family-run food trailer serving authentic Syrian street food - think freshly homemade falafel, juicy kebabs, mouth-watering shawarma, and proper meat-on-chips done with care and flavour. Run by Mohammad and his brother from Syria, they have vegetarian options and a dedicated kids menu, all served just steps from the sand.

📍 Scorching Bay Beach
🕒 Saturdays & Sundays
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/urbanlevantnz

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Friday, January 23:

🎡 Summer Carnival at Brewtown 2026
A classic fairground takeover at Brewtown with thrill rides, dodgems, carnival games and nostalgic fair food - free entry, just pay per ride.
📍 Brewtown, 27 Blenheim St, Upper Hutt | 🕒 6:00pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry | All Ages

🌿 Wellington Government House Garden Tour
A free, guided 90-minute walk through the historic Government House gardens with the resident garden team - bookings essential and places limited.
📍 Government House Visitor Centre, Hospital Rd, Newtown | 🕒 10:30am–12:00pm | 🎟️ Free (booking required) | All Ages

🛝 Summer Play Tour | Aotea Lagoon
A free, family-friendly pop-up play day with a giant play trailer packed full of games, sports gear and loose parts for easy whānau fun by the lagoon.
📍 Aotea Lagoon, Papakowhai Rd, Porirua | 🕒 10:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🫧 Big Bubbles, Big Fun at the Library!
Giant bubbles, a bubble dome and a slip ’n slide for a free, high-energy kids’ morning on the lawn.
📍 2 Queens Dr, Hutt Central | 🕘 From 11am | 💰 Free | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🌮 Welly Night Market
A relaxed, community-driven night market in the CBD serving local street food, food trucks and creatives with easy after-dark vibes.
📍 45A Abel Smith St, Te Aro | 🕒 5:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All Ages

🦋 Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail
A free, self-guided butterfly-themed adventure through the Botanic Gardens with activity sheets, hidden golden butterflies, and prize draws for kids.
📍 Botanic Garden, Glenmore St | 🕒 9:00am–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🎶 Gardens Magic Concert Series
Free live music under the stars at the Botanic Gardens Soundshell followed by the iconic Gardens Magic light display - picnic highly recommended.
📍 Botanic Garden Soundshell, Glenmore St | 🕒 7:00pm–9:15pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

✨ Gardens Magic Light Display
After dark, the Botanic Gardens transform into a glowing wonderland with a free nightly light display weaving colour and magic through the trees.
📍 Botanic Garden, Glenmore St | 🕒 9:00pm–10:30pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🎶 OM UNIT (UK) & ROZA TERENZI (AUS)
A high-voltage night of bass, breaks and genre-bending club energy from two global underground heavyweights, with local support setting the pace.
📍 San Fran, Edilsons Building, 171 Cuba St, Te Aro | 🕖 9:00pm-3:00am | 💰 $40 GA ($30 early birds) | 🎟 R18

🎶 The Noodles – Live at Supply Room
High-energy covers, big singalongs and a guaranteed dancefloor-filler from one of NZ’s most in-demand party bands.
📍 Supply Room, 105 Mana Esplanade | 🕖 7pm | 💰 Free entry

🕵️ Historic Jackson Street Scavenger Hunt
A free, self-guided scavenger hunt along Jackson Street where families and friends uncover Petone’s history while hunting clues and entering a prize draw.
📍 Jackson Street, Petone | 🕒 10:00am–8:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🎪 Weber Bros ‘The Circus’
A high-energy, family-friendly big-top spectacle featuring aerialists, comedy, motorbike stunts and classic circus thrills under the grand tent.
📍 Avalon Park, Taita Dr, Lower Hutt | 🕒 2:00pm & 7:30pm | 🎟️ $35–$200 | All Ages

🎸 G16 Studios presents Tom Dorman Acoustic
An intimate early-evening acoustic set featuring original songs and soulful covers from Upper Hutt singer-songwriter Tom Dorman.
📍 G16 Studios, 6 Railway Ave, Upper Hutt | 🕒 5:30pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ $10.25 | All Ages

🎶 Rodgers and Hammerstein & Friends
A late-morning concert celebrating the golden age of musical theatre with iconic songs from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma! and more.
📍 Carterton Events Centre, 50 Holloway St | 🕒 11:00am–12:45pm | 🎟️ Single Ticket $42 (discounts for larger groups) | All Ages

🖤 Pure Infinite Bliss
A late-night rave at Valhalla exploring techno, happy hardcore and post-club sounds with a stacked local DJ lineup and high-energy dancefloor vibes.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian St | 🕒 From 10:00pm | 🎟️ $10–$20 | R18

Saturday, January 24:

👨‍👩‍👧 Whānau Day
A free family day of workshops, performances and hands-on activities exploring land, sea and summer at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
📍 Te Papa | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm | 💰 Free | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🏊 H₂O Xtream Summer Pool Party
A high-energy summer pool party packed with bombing comps, games, music and food trucks - perfect for kids keen to make a splash.
📍 H₂O Xtream Aquatic Centre, Corner of Brown & Blenheim Streets, Upper Hutt | 🕓 4–7pm | 💰 $8 | 🎟 Rec Ages 8–16

🦸 WELLY-X: Comic & Pop Culture Expo
A family-friendly pop culture expo packed with comics, collectibles, local creators and retro treasures in the heart of Porirua.
📍 Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua City Centre | 🕙 10am–3pm | 🎟 All ages

💛 Eat, Drink & Be Crafty Fair
A relaxed, family-friendly craft fair supporting Wellington Free Ambulance, with local makers, food stalls and plenty to browse.
📍 Battle Hill Farm Forest Park | 🕙 10am–3pm | 💰 $5 per family | 🎟 All ages

🎶 Club RnB: 90s + 00s RnB Night
A high-energy throwback party packed with 90s and 00s RnB singalongs, dancefloor classics and pure nostalgia till late.
📍 Thunder Road, 21 Blair St, Te Aro | 🕘 From 9pm | 💰 $14–$22 | 🎟 R18

🪩 Studio 54 – Disco Night
A glamorous disco-inspired night of dancing, cocktails and mirror-ball energy, channeling the spirit of Studio 54 with a polished, playful vibe.
📍 Whisky & Wood, 60 Cambridge Terrace | 🕢 7:30–11pm | 💰 From $30 | 🎟 R18

👩‍🎤 Wonderful Wahine
A guided cemetery walk sharing fascinating stories of the women - settlers and Māori - who helped shape Wellington’s history.
📍 Bolton Street Cemetery Museum, lower Bolton St | 🕒 2:00pm–3:30pm | 🎟️ $10 | All Ages (kids under 12 free)

😂 A Welly Full of Laughs
A stacked showcase of Wellington’s top comedians delivering their best material for one big night of local laughs.
📍 Hannah Playhouse, 12 Cambridge Tce | 🕒 7:30pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ $12–$38 | R16

🌿 Forest Giants, Fragrant Herbs and Birdsong – Guided Walk
A gentle guided walk through towering trees, herb gardens and native forest with birdsong and city views along the way.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden | 🕒 1:30pm–2:45pm | 💰 $10 (free for Friends) | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🎶 Anna Fält – Vocal Music from Sweden & Finland
An intimate, spellbinding solo vocal performance blending Nordic folk traditions and a cappella storytelling.
📍 The Bakehouse Collective, 4 Wakefield Street, Featherston | 🕖 7:30pm-9:00pm (Doors open 7:00pm) | 💰 $25 | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🖋 Wellington Regional Stamp, Coin & Postcard Fair
A relaxed, old-school collectors’ fair with stamps, coins, postcards and memorabilia - browse, buy, sell or get items valued.
📍 Knox St Columba Presbyterian Church, 574 High Street, Lower Hutt | 🕙 10:00am–4:00pm | 💰 Free Entry | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🎶 Gardens Magic Concert Series
Free live music under the stars at the Botanic Gardens Soundshell, with the Gardens Magic light display glowing after dark.
📍 Botanic Garden Soundshell, 101 Glenmore St | 🕒 7:00pm–9:15pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🦋 Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail
A free self-led butterfly trail through the Botanic Gardens with activity sheets, hidden golden butterflies and prize draws for curious little explorers.
📍 Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, 101 Glenmore St | 🕒 9:00am–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

✨ Gardens Magic Light Display
A nightly after-dark wander through the Botanic Gardens as trees and pathways glow with a magical light installation.
📍 Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, 101 Glenmore St | 🕒 9:00pm–10:30pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🎪 Weber Bros’ The Circus
A classic big-top circus packed with international performers, aerial acts, comedy and jaw-dropping stunts for the whole family.
📍 Avalon Park, Taita Dr, Lower Hutt | 🕒 2:00pm & 7:30pm | 🎟️ $35–$200 | All Ages

🌮 Welly Night Market
A lively Friday-and-Saturday night market bringing together local street food, food trucks and creatives in the heart of the city.
📍 45A Abel Smith St, Wellington | 🕒 5:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🗺️ Wairarapa Tours: South Wairarapa Cultural Tour (Half Day)
A guided half-day journey through South Wairarapa landscapes, stories and whakapapa, exploring the deep connections between people, land and water.
📍 Featherston Train Station, Harrison St West | 🕒 9:00am–12:00pm or 1:00pm–4:00pm | 🎟️ $225 + fees | R15

🌻 Pick Your Own Sunflowers – Fundraiser for Hōkai Tahi
Wander through golden sunflower fields, pick your own blooms and support a local charity doing vital work for whānau across the Wairarapa.
📍 Stolte Ag Dairy Farm, 153 Wiltons Rd, Carterton | 🕒 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry (koha welcome), Sunflowers $2 per stem | All Ages

🎡 Summer Carnival at Brewtown 2026
A classic summer funfair at Brewtown with thrill rides, carnival games and fairground food, with free entry and pay-per-ride attractions.
📍 Brewtown, 27 Blenheim St, Upper Hutt | 🕒 11:00am–5:00pm & 6:00pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry - pay per ride | All Ages

💄 Lana Del Rey: The Drag Show
A late-night drag tribute celebrating Lana Del Rey’s music and aesthetics with some of Wellington’s most fabulous performers.
📍 Ivy Bar & Cabaret, 63 Cuba St | 🕒 From 10:00pm | 🎟️ $20–$30 + fees | R18

🌸 Waikanae Lions Garden Trail – 2026
A special anniversary garden trail showcasing 16 diverse Waikanae gardens, from coastal retreats to native sanctuaries, all in support of the local Lions Club.
📍 Waikanae (ticket kiosk at David Reid Showhome on Ngarara Rd) | 🕒 10:00am–5:00pm (Sat & Sun) | 🎟️ $30 + fees | All Ages

🎧 Summer Soirée: Psychedelic & Melodic Techno
Deep psychedelic and melodic techno with international guests at Valhalla.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street | 🕖 From 8:00pm | 💰 $30 ($55 for two) | 🎟 R18

🎭 The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams’ haunting classic about family, longing, and escape, brought to life on Circa’s main stage.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street | 🕖 7:00pm-8:30pm | 💰 $25–$60 | 🎟 All ages

Sunday, January 25:

🎪 The Reikorangi Country Fair
A classic rural fair with pet parades, kids’ games, market stalls, cart rides and Devonshire teas in a beautiful country setting.
📍 Reikorangi Community Hall (1/5 Akatarawa Rd, Waikanae) | 🕚 11:00am–2:30pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages

⚽ Wellington Phoenix Women vs Adelaide United
Ninja A-League Women action as the Phoenix host Adelaide United for a summer Sunday showdown in Porirua.
📍 Porirua Park (Jerry Collins Stadium) | 🕓 4:00pm | 💰 Adults $20 · Kids $10 · Family passes $50 | 🎟 All ages

🛍 Artisan Craft Market
A premium waterfront market showcasing high-quality handmade goods from Wellington’s local artisans.
📍 Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Taranaki St Wharf | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages

🎡 Summer Carnival at Brewtown 2026
Classic fair rides, games and carnival food with free entry - just pay per ride.
📍 Brewtown (27 Blenheim St) | 🕚 11:00am–4:00pm | 💰 Free entry | All Ages

🏍️ Wellington Trail Ride – Brooklyn
A rugged, signposted trail ride through hills, river crossings and big views across Wellington and the South Coast, with a BBQ lunch included.
📍 Brooklyn (near old C&D landfill, Happy Valley Rd) | 🕘 Gates 9am, ride 10am | 💰 $45 (incl. BBQ) | 🎟 14+ (with adult), all riders must have full gear

🍩 Donut Decorating Day Grand Finale
A fun, family-friendly donut decorating competition celebrating 21 years of Donut Express - with one winner in each age group scoring 21 bags of fresh hot donuts.
📍 Brewtown Farmers Market | 🕖 9am–2pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages welcome

🎶 Cam & Sam – Sunday Acoustic Sessions
Live acoustic covers, singalongs and easy Sunday vibes by the waterfront with Cam & Sam.
📍 St Johns Bar & Eatery, 5 Cable St | 🕑 2:00–5:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🎶 Gardens Magic Concert Series (last night!)
Free live music under the stars at the Soundshell - warm-up from 7pm, main act from 8pm.
📍 Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā Soundshell | 🕖 7:00pm–9:15pm | 💰 Free

🦋 Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail (last day)
A self-guided butterfly hunt through the gardens - perfect for curious little explorers.
📍 Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā | 🕘 9:00am–5:00pm | 💰 Free

✨ Gardens Magic Light Display (last night)
Wander through glowing garden pathways as the Botanic Gardens light up after dark.
📍 Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā | 🕘 9:00pm–10:30pm | 💰 Free

🎪 Weber Bros ‘The Circus’ – Sunday Shows
Classic big-top thrills with aerials, daredevils and family-friendly spectacle.
📍 Avalon Park, Lower Hutt | 🕛 12:00pm & 4:00pm | 💰 From $35

🌿 Waikanae Lions Garden Trail – Day Two
A relaxed day exploring stunning private gardens across Waikanae and the Kapiti Coast.
📍 Waikanae (ticket kiosk at David Reid Showhome on Ngarara Rd) | 🕒 10:00am–5:00pm (Sat & Sun) | 🎟️ $30 + fees | All Ages

🪦 Rita Angus, Artist, and the Bolton Street Cemetery
A guided walk uncovering stories of iconic artist Rita Angus and Wellington history.
📍 Bolton Street Cemetery | 🕑 2:00pm–3:30pm | 🎟️ $10 | All Ages (kids under 12 free)

🎷 Sunday Jazz at The Undercurrent
Smooth live jazz to close out the weekend in one of the city’s cosiest venues.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 🕞 From 3:30pm | 💰 $15

🛍️ Ōtaki Market – January
A relaxed community market with local produce, crafts, food trucks and live busking - an easy Sunday wander.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki (opposite New World) | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free

🧘 BodyBalance at the Lagoon
A free outdoor BodyBalance session combining yoga, tai chi and Pilates in a relaxed lagoon setting.
📍 Aotea Lagoon, Papakowhai Rd (Southern Entry) | 🕓 4:00–4:45pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 Ages 16+

🎭 The Glass Menagerie
Tennessee Williams’ haunting family drama returns in a beautifully performed Circa Theatre production.
📍 Circa Theatre (1 Taranaki St) | 🕓 4:00–5:30pm | 💰 $25–$60 | 🎟 All ages

🌦 Welly Weather Watch

🌧 Friday: A few showers, becoming widespread High 21°C, low 11°C.
🌧 Saturday: Rain for most of the day, clearing in the evening. High 16°C, low 11°C.
🌦 Sunday: Showery with heavier rain developing in the afternoon. High 18°C, low 13°C.

💝 Extra Sprinkles

Good food, shared around the table. Everybody Eats Pōneke runs pay-as-you-feel community restaurants across Wellington, serving rescued food as delicious, dignified meals for anyone who walks through the door.

It’s about reducing food waste, building connection, and making sure everyone has a place at the table - whether you pay with cash, time, or just good company.

Learn more, donate, or volunteer: everybodyeats.nz

That’s the buzz for this weekend - carnivals, glowing gardens, circus thrills, whānau days and plenty of ways to soak up Wellington at its summer best.

Whatever you’re getting up to, enjoy the long days, the warm(ish) nights and the good company. As always, if you’re heading out, tag us - we love seeing where WellyBuzz takes you.

Kirstie & Steve 🐝