🐝 CubaDupa, Rocky Horror’s Final Shows & the Canes

👋 Kia ora Wellington!

Pōneke is currently wearing that unmistakable "CubaDupa glow" as the CBD transforms into a kaleidoscope of sound and street food for the city’s most iconic weekend. It’s the perfect time to grab a locally roasted coffee and lose yourself in the vibrant chaos of the Cuba Quarter. If street festivals aren’t your thing, don’t worry - there’s a full lineup of gigs, markets, theatre and sport across the region this weekend.

Jump to events on Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday.

🔥 12 Quick Picks This Weekend

🎬 Māoriland Film Festival 2026 (Wed–Sat) - Indigenous films, panels and global storytelling in Ōtaki.
🍸 Micro Aperitivo - Greytown Cocktail Festival (Fri) - Italian-style vermouth bar with cocktail flights and aperitivo vibes.
🎉 CubaDupa 2026 (Sat–Sun) - Wellington’s biggest street festival with music, food and colour everywhere.
🏉 Hurricanes vs Reds (Sat) - Super Rugby action at Hnry Stadium with a high-energy clash and Kids Go Free.
🦸 Community Heroes Day (Sat) - Family-friendly fun celebrating local legends in Johnsonville.
🎤 Peach PRC - Wandering Spirit Tour (Sat) - High-energy pop from one of Australia’s rising stars.
🌿 Whanga - The Cove (Sat–Sun) - Immersive arts sanctuary tucked inside CubaDupa.
🌊 Thorndon Pool Splash Bash (Sat) - DJs, inflatables and pool party vibes to end the term.
🎻 Wellington City Orchestra (Sat) - Classical favourites and live orchestral energy in an intimate setting.
🌿 Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair (Sat) - Garden lovers’ day out with plants, growers and inspiration.
⚽ Wellington Phoenix vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Sun) - Phoenix women take on Western Sydney in a fast-paced A-League clash.
🎉 NZEIDDAY - Eid al-Fitr Festival (Sun) - Food stalls, games, shopping and vibrant community celebrations at Hnry Stadium.

Spotted something worth checking out? Hit reply and let us know - or better yet, send us a photo and we might feature it 👀

🕰️ Time Machine: This Wellington meeting sparked 100 years of conservation

On March 28, 1923, a group of concerned citizens met at the Dominion Museum (now part of the Massey campus) to found what would become Forest & Bird. Led by Captain Val Sanderson, this small Wellington meeting sparked a conservation movement that has helped protect some of Aotearoa’s most iconic species and landscapes for generations.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Cutie Pie Pizza Workshop (Hataitai)

Hataitai has quietly scored itself a destination pizzeria: Cutie Pie Pizza Workshop, from Tommy Kirton and Alicia Mendez (plus their dachshund “business partner” Chilli Jean), turning out big East‑Coast‑style pies with hand‑stretched dough and just‑charred crusts. The toppings are simple but dialled‑in, the dough is limited each night (so booking a pickup or dine‑in slot is very much the move), and the space leans into exposed brick, open shelves and a soft‑industrial vibe that feels more Brooklyn than suburbia.

📍 31A Waitoa Road, Hataitai
https://cutiepies.co.nz

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Thursday, March 26:

🎼 From the New World – NZSO
Lush orchestral classics come to life with Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Dvořák’s iconic New World Symphony, led by international stars making their NZ debut.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield Street, Wellington | 🕡 Thu from 6:30pm | 💰 $36–$40 | 🎟 All Ages

🎸 The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute
Step back into Beatlemania with this world-class tribute delivering note-perfect renditions of classics from across The Beatles’ iconic career.
📍 The Opera House, 111–113 Manners Street, Te Aro | 🕢 Thu 7:30pm | 💰 From $107 | 🎟 All Ages

🗺️ Uncovering Mr Ward’s Map – Author Talk
Step back into 1890s Wellington with historian Elizabeth Cox, uncovering the stories behind detailed maps of the city’s past.
📍 Book Haven, 160 Riddiford Street, Newtown | 🕡 Thu 6:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

Friday, March 27:

🎬 Māoriland Film Festival 2026
A powerful five-day celebration of Indigenous storytelling with films, panels, art and global creatives gathering in Ōtaki – one of the most unique cultural events on the calendar.
📍 Māoriland Hub, 68 Main Street, Ōtaki | 🕙 Fri 10am–10pm (also Sat) | 💰 From $8 | 🎟 All Ages

🎭 Gasping
Darkly funny and razor-sharp, this corporate satire from Ben Elton imagines a world where even air is commodified – clever, provocative theatre that hits close to home.
📍 Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro | 🕢 Thu-Sat 7:30pm–10:00pm | 💰 $19.90–$29.90 | 🎟 All Ages

💋 The Rocky Horror Show
A wild, glitter-soaked cult musical packed with iconic songs, outrageous costumes and pure chaos – expect big energy, audience participation, and a seriously fun night out.
📍 St James Theatre, 77-87 Courtenay Place | 🕢 Fri 7:30pm–10:00pm (also runs Sat & Sun) | 💰 See website | 🎟 All Ages

🎤 YONDER Live @ The Gods
Fresh local hip-hop takes over an open-air Courtenay Place balcony, with Yonder joined by Mā, RNZŌ and more for a high-energy CubaDupa warm-up show.
📍 The Gods, 29 Courtenay Place, Te Aro | 🕖 Fri 7pm–late | 💰 $40 | 🎟 R18

⚡ Speed is Emotional
Funny, raw and deeply personal, this theatre piece from Jo Randerson dives into ADHD, parenting and neurodivergence – equal parts chaos, comedy and heartfelt storytelling.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street | 🕢 Fri 7pm–8:15pm | 💰 $25–$45 | 🎟 All Ages

🌀 EVE - Welcome to the Bathroom of Eden
Blending rave energy with mythology, this bold contemporary dance work explores gender, identity and modern culture – immersive, thought-provoking and followed by an optional audience discussion.
📍 Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown | 🕖 Fri 7pm–8pm | 💰 Pay what you can | 🎟 All Ages

🎥 Five Films for Freedom Film Festival
A powerful global LGBTQIA+ short film showcase featuring five inspiring stories from around the world – meaningful, moving and completely free to attend.
📍 Space Place at Carter Observatory, 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn | 🕔 Fri 5pm–6:15pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

😂 Paul Ego 'Stick' - Solo Comedy Show
Expect sharp Kiwi comedy from 7 Days favourite Paul Ego, packed with big laughs, quick wit and plenty of classic Ego storytelling live on stage.
📍 Abandoned Taproom Petone, 38 Fitzherbert Street, Petone | 🕗 Fri 8pm–9:30pm | 💰 $34.05 | 🎟 M

😂 Weekend Laughs with Paul Douglas and Dave Wiggins
Top Kiwi comedians take over Fringe Bar for a high-energy night of stand-up, with Paul Douglas and Dave Wiggins leading a stacked lineup of crowd favourites.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street | 🕗 Fri 8pm–9:45pm | 💰 $28.92–$39.18 | 🎟 R18

👑 King Vs Queen Pride Month
Two drag stars go head-to-head in a high-energy showdown packed with performance, personality and fierce competition – expect big looks and bigger crowd energy.
📍 Ivy Bar and Cabaret, 63 Cuba Street, Te Aro | 🕤 Fri 9:30pm–11:30pm | 💰 $10.25 | 🎟 R18

🎧 Bish B2B Diagnostix | Wellington
A high-energy UK bass takeover with a rare back-to-back set, delivering dubplates and a genre-spanning journey deep into the night.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Fri 10pm–late | 💰 $28.82–$38.08 | 🎟 R18

🤝 Widows & Widowers Meet-Up
A relaxed and supportive pre-event gathering offering a gentle space to connect, share conversation and meet others navigating a similar journey.
📍 Kanteen Cafe, 7 Waterloo Quay | 🕠 Fri 5:30pm–6:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 Adults Only

💘 Speed Dating 40-55, 55+
Meet new people in a fun, low-pressure setting with structured conversations, drinks and a break to mingle – perfect for putting yourself out there.
📍 Kanteen Cafe, 7 Waterloo Quay | 🕡 Fri 6:30pm–9pm | 💰 $48.40 | 🎟 Adults Only

🤘 Pantera Tribute (AUS)
Pure heavy metal energy as this Australian tribute delivers a full-throttle recreation of Pantera’s iconic live era – loud, raw and unapologetically intense.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street | 🕗 Fri 8pm | 💰 $34.95 | 🎟 R18

🍸 Micro Aperitivo - Neighbourhood Vermouth Bar
Italian aperitivo vibes come to Greytown with vermouth cocktails, wine, arancini and gelato – a relaxed, social way to ease into the evening.
📍 Alexia Urban Winery, 197 West Street, Greytown | 🕓 Fri 4pm–8pm | 💰 See website | 🎟 R18

💃 Cumbia Blazera
Cumbia rhythms, Latin grooves and dancefloor energy take over Rogue & Vagabond – a free gig built for good vibes and late-night dancing.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett Street | 🕤 Fri 9:30pm–11:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 R18

🎧 Cesco (UK)
UK bass heavyweight Cesco brings high-energy UKG, dubstep and DnB to Meow, with a genre-blending set built for late-night dance floors.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Fri 10pm–3am | 💰 $20 | 🎟 R18

🌍 Multicultural Food and Fun Night
Celebrate community with global food, games, entertainment and family-friendly fun, all while supporting local school projects.
📍 Karori West Normal School, 19 Allington Road, Karori | 🕓 Fri 4pm–6:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🍜 Welly Night Market
A buzzing CBD night market packed with street food, local creatives and late-night bites – perfect for an easy Friday dinner with great atmosphere.
📍 Welly Night Market, 45A Abel Smith Street | 🕔 Fri 5pm–11pm (also on Sat) | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🚵 North Island School MTB Championships
Top young riders from across the North Island take on downhill, enduro and cross-country events in a high-energy multi-day mountain biking showcase.
📍 Wainuiomata Mountain Bike Park & Rivenrock, Lower Hutt | 🕗 Fri (various times) | 🎟 All Ages

🎶 Francophonie 2026 – Concert with French Harpist Kevin Le Pennec
A unique live performance blending harp, vocals and French storytelling, with influences from Breton and Irish traditions through to jazz and pop.
📍 Alliance Française Wellington, Level 3, 78 Victoria Street | 🕕 Fri 6pm–7pm | 💰 $15–$20 | 🎟 All Ages

🎶 Jodie and The Stowaways – Live at O’Malleys
Friday night live music returns to Days Bay with feel-good tunes, great vibes and a lively waterfront atmosphere to kick off your Friday night.
📍 O’Malleys Bar & Kitchen, 612 Marine Drive, Days Bay | 🕘 Fri 9pm–11:45pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

Saturday, March 28:

🎉 CubaDupa 2026
Wellington’s iconic street festival takes over Cuba Street with music, food, performance and colour everywhere you look – easily one of the biggest weekends of the year.
📍 Cuba Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Sat 10am–Sun 10pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🎶 Steve Poltz [USA] Australia New Zealand Tour
Legendary folk storyteller Steve Poltz returns to NZ with a live show known for its humour, heart and unforgettable crowd connection.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward Street, Te Aro | 🕓 Sat 4pm–6pm | 💰 $58.60–$70.10 | 🎟 R18

🌹 Phillis Symons Remembrance Walk
A meaningful guided walk and tribute at Karori Cemetery sharing the story behind a Wellington urban legend, with a chance to lay flowers in remembrance.
📍 The Shelter, Karori Cemetery, 76 Old Karori Road, Karori | 🕚 Sat 11am–12pm | 💰 Donation | 🎟 All Ages

🎺 Crash Bandihoot – CubaDupa Party Set
Big brass energy hits the streets with this colourful, high-octane band delivering danceable rhythms, wild vibes and pure Saturday night fun.
📍 60 Dixon Street, Te Aro | 🕡 Sat 6:45pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🦸 Community Heroes Day (Takatū Together)
Celebrate local heroes with a fun, family-friendly morning of activities, entertainment and community connections for all ages.
📍 Johnsonville Shopping Centre Car Park, 34 Johnsonville Road | 🕙 Sat 10am–1pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🦐 Wellington Seamarket x Laundry Cuba Street
Seafood, DJs and dancefloor energy collide for a full CubaDupa weekend takeover with live sets, performers and a buzzing street party atmosphere.
📍 Wellington Seamarket, 220 Cuba Street, Te Aro | 🕛 From Sat 12pm (runs to Sun) | 🎟 All Ages

🏉 Hurricanes v Reds
Super Rugby action returns to Wellington with a high-energy clash at Hnry Stadium – plus Kids Go Free makes it one of the best-value family outings this weekend.
📍 Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 🕟 Sat 4:35pm | 💰 $15–$60 | 🎟 All Ages

🎤 Peach PRC - Wandering Spirit Tour
Australian pop star Peach PRC brings her bold, emotional and theatrical live show to Wellington, packed with infectious energy and standout vocals.
📍 Shed 6, Wellington Waterfront | 🕖 Sat 7pm | 💰 $81.46 | 🎟 Licensed All Ages

🌿 Whanga – The Cove (CubaDupa)
Step off the festival buzz into a calming immersive arts sanctuary with installations, soundscapes and creative experiences designed to soothe and inspire.
📍 Victoria University of Wellington, Te Aro Campus, 139 Vivian Street | 🕙 Sat–Sun (various times) | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🌊 Thorndon Pool Splash Bash
Dive into a full-on pool party with DJs, inflatables, games and summer vibes – a fun, high-energy way to celebrate the end of term.
📍 Thorndon Pool, 20 Murphy Street, Thorndon | 🕟 Sat 4:30pm–7pm | 💰 $5 | 🎟 All Ages

🔥 Open Air at Nolita – CubaDupa
All-day DJ sets, big energy and late-night dancing take over Nolita for a stacked CubaDupa lineup – expect a proper party from afternoon through to the early hours.
📍 Nolita Wellington, 160 Cuba Street, Te Aro | 🕑 Sat 2pm–Sun 2am | 🎟 All Ages

🎷 AfroKan Quintet – Afro-Cuban Jazz Night
Rhythmic Afro-Cuban and Latin grooves take over The Cross, blending jazz and world music into a lively, dance-friendly evening.
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro | 🕖 Sat 7pm–8:30pm | 💰 See website | 🎟 All Ages

🎻 Wellington City Orchestra
An afternoon of classical favourites and powerful orchestral works, featuring a violin concerto and music from Prokofiev in a beautifully intimate setting.
📍 St Andrew’s, 30 The Terrace, Wellington Central | 🕒 Sat 3pm–4:45pm | 💰 See website | 🎟 All Ages

🌿 Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair
Explore two stunning gardens, meet local growers and discover plants suited to the region in this relaxed, community-focused gardening event.
📍 Longbush Cottage & Parkvale Gardens, Wairarapa | 🕘 Sat 9am–3pm | 💰 $20 | 🎟 All Ages

🏋️ Central Region Championships – Weightlifting
Watch top athletes from across the region compete for big lifts, medals and personal bests in a high-energy weightlifting showdown.
📍 Fitness Portal Tawa, 10 Surrey Street, Tawa | 🕘 Sat 9am–4pm (also runs Sun) | 💰 see website | 🎟 All Ages

🛍️ Upper Hutt Food Week Pop-Up Market
Local growers, bakers and makers come together for a community market with fresh food, family-friendly activities and free guided farm tours.
📍 Lane Street, Upper Hutt | 🕘 Sat 9am–2pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🥊 RUMBLE – Fight Night at Te Rauparaha Arena
Local and national fighters step into the ring for a high-energy night of Muay Thai, boxing and MMA action.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua | 🕕 Sat from 6pm | 💰 see website | 🎟 All Ages

Sunday, March 29:

⚽ Wellington Phoenix vs Western Sydney Wanderers (Ninja A-League Women)
Watch the Phoenix women take on Western Sydney in an exciting A-League clash, with fast-paced football and a great family-friendly atmosphere.
📍 Porirua Park, Porirua | 🕓 Sun 4pm | 💰 $10–$50 | 🎟 All Ages

🎉 NZEIDDAY – Eid al-Fitr 2026
A vibrant, family-friendly community festival celebrating Eid with food stalls, games, shopping and inclusive cultural vibes for all.
📍 Hnry Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay, Wellington | 🕥 Sun 10:30am–4pm | 🎟 All Ages

🛍️ Ōtaki Market - March
Browse local crafts, fresh produce and street food while soaking up relaxed market vibes just north of Wellington.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki | 🕙 Sun 10am–2pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🍎 Pick Your Own Apples at Molewood Orchard 2026
Wander the orchard and pick your own fresh apples and pears straight from the tree – a relaxed, family-friendly way to spend a sunny day.
📍 Molewood Orchard, 17 Mole Street, Greytown | 🕘 Sun 9am–4pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All Ages

🌀 Decant - Cuba Dupa
Improvised dance and live music collide in this high-energy CubaDupa performance, delivering a raw, unpredictable mix of movement and sound.
📍 PEG Gallery, 230 Cuba Street | 🕑 Sun 2pm–3pm | 💰 Free Admission | 🎟 All Ages

🎶 Chaitra Rang
Celebrate the Indian New Year with an evening of classical music, featuring rich vocals, tabla and harmonium in a beautifully immersive live performance.
📍 Newtown Community Centre Theatre, Colombo Street & Rintoul Street, Newtown | 🕔 Sun 5pm–7:15pm | 💰 $20.50 | 🎟 All Ages

🧶 Whitby Community Market
Browse handmade goods from local crafters and makers while supporting the Whitby community and local schools.
📍 Discovery School, Whitby, Porirua | 🕚 Sun 11am–3pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🏃 The Web Genius Kāpiti Run for Youth 2026
Hit the Kāpiti coastline for a feel-good community run or walk raising funds for local rangatahi, with options for all fitness levels and plenty of beachside energy.
📍 Maclean Park, Marine Parade, Paraparaumu | 🕣 Sun 8:30am–1pm | 🎟 All Ages

🎧 Featherston Record Fair
Dig through crates of vinyl and discover hidden gems at this laid-back record fair packed with music for every taste.
📍 Anzac Hall, 62 Bell Street, Featherston | 🕚 Sun from 11am | 💰 see website | 🎟 All Ages

🌱 Seed Bank Workshop – Upper Hutt Food Week
Get hands-on learning how to collect, save and grow seeds in this interactive workshop celebrating local food and sustainability.
📍 Upper Hutt Libraries, 844 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt | 🕜 Sun 1:30pm–3:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🌦 Welly Weather Watch

💨 Friday: Classic Wellington mix - a few showers with gale northeasterlies easing later. High 22°C, low 16°C
⛅ Saturday: Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower until evening. High 20°C, low 15°C
☀️ Sunday: Partly cloudy. Northerlies developing in the afternoon. High 20°C, low 15°C

💝 Extra Sprinkles: Kiwi Community Assistance (KCA)

Helping reduce inequality across Wellington, Kiwi Community Assistance (KCA) rescues surplus food and essential household goods and redistributes them to frontline charities supporting those in need. From fresh food to clothing, books, and baby gear, everything is sorted and redistributed through a network of local agencies - and they’re always looking for volunteers and donations to keep it going.

Enjoy the buzz of the streets this weekend - and if you’re heading into CubaDupa, pace yourself and stay hydrated between sets.

Kirstie & Steve 🐝