🐝 Lantern Walks, Aro Valley Fair & the Big Library Reopening

👋 Kia ora Welly,

Wellington’s central library finally reopens this weekend, lanterns glow through the Botanic Garden, and Pride celebrations take over Te Papa after dark. Add in the Aro Valley Fair, giant kites over Ōtaki Beach, and dozens of gigs, markets and community events across the region - and you’ve got one very busy March weekend.

Let’s get into it.

Jump to Friday | Saturday | Sunday.

🔥 12 Quick Picks This Weekend

🏮 Lantern Walk (Fri) - Glowing lantern procession through the Botanic Garden.
🌙 After Dark: He Rā Whatiwhati Kō (Fri) - Te Papa stays open late with drag, DJs and Pride celebrations.
🎸 The Beths (Fri & Sat) - Beloved Kiwi indie-rock band bring sharp hooks and soaring melodies to Meow Nui.
🌿 Aro Valley Fair 2026 (Sat) - Local food, crafts, music and neighbourhood vibes in Aro Valley.
🪁 Ōtaki International Kite Festival (Sat–Sun) - Giant kites fill the sky above Ōtaki Beach in a colourful family festival.
🎶 Kapiti Classic 2026 (Sat) - Nostalgic Kiwi music acts and laid-back summer festival vibes.
⚽ Wellington Phoenix Double Header (Sat) - Two Phoenix matches, one stadium, one big afternoon of football.
📚 Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Opening Weekend (Sat-Sun) - Celebrate the reopening of Wellington’s central library.
🍖 Bogan Day Out 2026 (Sat) - BBQ battles, chilli challenges, big rigs and live music at Brewtown.
☘️ St Patrick’s on the Waterfront 2026 (Sun) - Irish music, dancing and plenty of green along the waterfront.
🏊 Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon™ 2026 (Sun) - Thousands of young Wellingtonians swim, bike and run at Kilbirnie Park.
🏁 Mt Victoria Hillclimb (Sun) - Drivers race up the winding Mt Vic road in a classic local motorsport event.

👀 Seen something we missed? Hit reply and let us know - we love hearing what WellyBuzz readers are getting up to.

🕰️ Time Machine: Queen’s Wharf, Wellington - early 1900s

🚢 Cruise Ship Arrivals at the Waterfront

One cruise ship docking Friday - expect a lively waterfront and busy cafés.

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

🍽️ Food & Drink – Hotel Catalina

Lyall Bay’s newest waterfront spot has opened in the former Spruce Goose building, bringing relaxed beachside dining from morning coffee through to sunset drinks. Hotel Catalina leans into simple, well-executed food, good coffee and an easy lineup of beer and wine - all best enjoyed from the upstairs balcony overlooking Lyall Bay and the airport runway. With Wellington hospitality legends Jamie Williams and Len Baldwin behind it, this is shaping up to be a classic surf-watching brunch or sunset spritz spot.

📍 30 Cochrane Street, Lyall Bay
https://www.hotelcatalina.co.nz/

🎭 Final Week of the Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts

The Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts wraps up this weekend after three weeks of theatre, music, dance and creative performances across the city.

Final shows are still running at venues including St James Theatre, The Opera House and Tāwhiri Warehouse, with everything from contemporary dance to orchestral performances.

👉 Explore the programme and remaining events here:
https://www.wellingtonnz.com/visit/events/aotearoa-new-zealand-festival-of-the-arts

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Friday, March 13:

🏮 Lantern Walk – Chinese New Year Celebration
A magical evening lantern walk through the Botanic Garden celebrating Chinese New Year, with glowing handmade lanterns and a beautiful community procession through the gardens at night.
📍 Founders Gate, Glenmore Street, Wellington Botanic Garden | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar 7pm-9:30pm

🏃 Wellington College Runathon 2026
A community runathon fundraiser supporting Wellington Free Ambulance, with live music, food trucks, carnival games, DJs and prizes throughout the evening.
📍 Wellington College, 15 Dufferin Street | 🎟 All ages | Fri 13 Mar 4pm-8pm

🎪 Ten Thousand Hours
A jaw-dropping circus show from Gravity & Other Myths packed with acrobatics, humour and audience interaction.
📍 The Opera House Wellington, 111–113 Manners Street | 💰 $49.96+ | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar 7pm; Sat 14 Mar 1pm & 7pm; Sun 15 Mar 6pm

🎭 Thirty-Six
A witty and daring rom-com play where a Tinder date turns into an emotional rollercoaster as two strangers attempt the famous “36 questions that lead to love.”
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street | 💰 $30-$49 | 🎟 R16 | Fri 13 Mar 7:30pm-9pm

🌃 Welly Night Market
A lively CBD night market packed with street food, food trucks and local creatives - perfect for an easy Friday dinner with buzzing late-night city atmosphere.
📍 Welly Night Market, 45A Abel Smith Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar 5pm-11pm

🐑 Rewa Rewa Station – Mini Mill Tours
Step inside a working Wairarapa farm and see how raw fleece becomes beautiful yarn, with a behind-the-scenes mill tour and a chance to meet the sheep that produce it.
📍 Rewa Rewa Station, 166 Rewa Rewa Road, Tinui, Masterton | 💰 $25 | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar 10am-2pm

🎭 The 39 Steps
A fast-paced comedic spy thriller packed with quick costume changes, physical comedy and classic Hitchcock-style drama as an innocent man races to clear his name.
📍 Studio 73, 73 Main Street, Greytown | 💰 $28.92 | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar 8pm-9:15pm

🎭 Instant Theatre
A completely improvised theatre show where performers create characters, stories and emotional moments live on stage - meaning no two performances are ever the same.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace | 💰 $15-$40 | 🎟 PG | Fri 13 Mar 8pm-9pm

🎸 Battle of the Bands 2026 National Championship – WLG Heat 2
Local bands battle it out live on stage at Valhalla with loud guitars, big energy and a shot at making it through to the national finals.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street | 💰 $17.60 | 🎟 R18 | Fri 13 Mar 8pm-11:30pm

🎶 The Bats – Celebrating Corner Coming Up w/ The New Things
Legendary Flying Nun indie band The Bats bring their shimmering guitars and timeless melodies to Paekākāriki as part of their nationwide tour celebrating their latest album.
📍 St Peters Village Hall, Cnr Beach Road & Ames Street, Paekākāriki | 💰 See ticket site | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar 7:30pm

🎶 UNDUBBED
An experimental late-night set blending electronic, ambient and breakbeat sounds with improvised jazz as UNDUBBED and guest musicians create something completely unique live on stage.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 R18 | Fri 13 Mar 9:30pm-11:30pm

🎶 Muroki – Amber Skies Tour
Aotearoa’s soulful indie-pop artist Muroki returns home with his new album Amber Skies, bringing smooth grooves, warm vocals and laid-back energy to the San Fran stage.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba Street | 💰 $43.24 | 🎟 R18 | Fri 13 Mar 8pm

😂 Cantina Comedy
A rapid-fire stand-up showcase with 12 comedians delivering five-minute sets packed with punchlines, awkward overshares and big Friday night laughs.
📍 Sunday Cantina, 31 Poplar Avenue, Raumati South, Paraparaumu | 💰 $10 | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar 7pm-9pm

🌙 After Dark: He Rā Whatiwhati Kō
Te Papa stays open late for a vibrant Pride celebration featuring drag performances, DJs, talks, workshops and kai honouring takatāpui and LGBTQ+ communities.
📍 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 R16 | Fri 13 Mar 7:30pm-11pm

🪩 Pop Party: Disco, Occasionally
A glittery pop dance party celebrating Harry Styles with disco vibes, themed drinks, photo walls and a soundtrack packed with pop favourites.
📍 Circus Bar, 17b Allen Street | 💰 See weblink | 🎟 R18 | Fri 13 Mar 8pm-11pm

🎸 The Beths
Beloved Kiwi indie-rock band The Beths return home with sharp hooks, soaring melodies and songs from their latest album Straight Line Was A Lie.
📍 Meow Nui, 92 Vivian Street | 💰 See weblink | 🎟 R18 | Fri 13 Mar 8pm (also Sat)

🖼 Works of Art – Exhibition Preview at Webb’s
A rare chance to view exceptional works by iconic New Zealand artists ahead of Webb’s upcoming live auction, featuring pieces from the Ōhinetahi collection and other major private collections.
📍 Webb’s Wellington Gallery, 23 Marion Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar 9am-5:30pm

🔊 Channel One Sound System – Wellington Session
Legendary UK roots reggae collective Channel One Sound System return to Wellington for a powerful night of dub, bass and classic sound system culture.
📍 Hotel Bristol, 131 Cuba Street | 💰 See event link | 🎟 R18 | Fri 13 Mar 9pm-late

🥁 New Zealand Marching Championships 2026
Top marching teams from across Aotearoa compete in a high-energy weekend of precision routines, music and spectacle with food trucks and a lively crowd atmosphere.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua City Centre | 💰 Gold coin | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar 9am

🌊 PredictWind NZ Wingfoiling National Championships
Watch some of New Zealand’s best wingfoilers race across Worser Bay in three days of high-speed action, beachside atmosphere and Wellington’s famously windy conditions.
📍 Worser Bay Boating Club, Karaka Bay Road, Seatoun | 🎟 All Ages | Fri 13 Mar from 8am (runs through to Sunday)

Saturday, March 14:

🌿 Aro Valley Fair 2026
A vibrant community fair filled with local food, crafts, live music and neighbourhood vibes in the heart of Aro Valley.
📍 Aro Valley Community Centre, 48 Aro Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 10am-4pm

⚽ Wellington Phoenix Double Header
A huge afternoon of football as Wellington Phoenix host Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar in a rare double-header at Hnry Stadium.
📍 Hnry Stadium, Wellington | 💰 From $40 | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 3pm & 6pm

😂 Oops Sari I’m Indian!
A sharp and hilarious solo stand-up show where Wellington comedian Jenice the Menace turns cultural stereotypes into bold, self-aware comedy about identity and belonging.
📍 Circus Bar, 17b Allen Street | 💰 $23.25 | 🎟 R18 | Sat 14 Mar 7pm-8pm

🎷 Laura Collins & The Big Blues Band
A high-energy night of blues, soul and swing as Laura Collins and her brass-powered band bring classics from Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and more to the stage.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton | 💰 $37.50 | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 7:30pm

🛍 ParTy4T Market
A Wellington Pride fundraiser market supporting PATHA with handmade goods, art, zines, jewellery, clothes, vegan donuts and flash tattoos. Followed by an evening gig.
📍 two/fiftyseven, Level 2, 57 Willis Street | 🎟 All ages | Sat 14 Mar 11am-3pm

🎶 ParTy4T Fundraiser Gig
The evening continuation of the ParTy4T fundraiser with live performances from Cailiah the Banshee, Hazel Elder, Indie Vine, Jay Tiemann and more.
📍 two/fiftyseven, Level 2, 57 Willis Street | 💰 see weblink | Sat 14 Mar 4pm-1am

🏳️‍🌈 Featherston Pride Party
A high-energy Pride party celebrating queer joy with dancefloor anthems, great vibes and an inclusive, welcoming space to celebrate together.
📍 Featherston Anzac Hall, 62 Bell Street, Featherston | 💰 Free | 🎟 R18 | Sat 14 Mar 6pm-12:30am

🪁 Ōtaki International Kite Festival
A colourful beach festival where giant kites fill the sky alongside live entertainment, kids’ activities, market stalls and plenty of family-friendly fun.
📍 Ōtaki Beach, Marine Parade, Ōtaki | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 10am-4pm (also on Sun)

🎭 Speed is Emotional
Jo Randerson delivers a funny, heartfelt and revealing solo show exploring ADHD, neurodivergent parenting and the wild energy of a brain that never switches off.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street | 💰 $25-$45 | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 7pm-8:15pm

🎸 The Fabulous Pakehas & Burning Embers
Two of Wellington’s favourite original bands bring a lively night of homegrown rock, reggae and country to Petone’s Abandoned Taproom.
📍 Abandoned Taproom Petone, 38 Fitzherbert Street, Petone | 💰 $20 | 🎟 R18 | Sat 14 Mar 8pm

🛍 Community Garage Sale
A classic neighbourhood garage sale packed with books, toys, household treasures, local stalls and homemade baking.
📍 St Ninian’s Uniting Church, 208 Karori Road | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 9am-1pm

🇵🇭 Salo-Salo: A Filipino Food Fair and Charity Concert
A vibrant community celebration featuring Filipino street food, live music and cultural performances, raising funds for Mary Potter Hospice.
📍 Johnsonville Hall, 25 Phillip Street, Johnsonville | 💰 $20 | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 2pm-10pm

🎶 Kapiti Classic 2026
A laid-back summer festival featuring nostalgic Kiwi music acts, good vibes and a full day of live entertainment on the Kapiti Coast.
📍 Southward Car Museum, Otaihanga Road, Paraparaumu | 💰 From $80 | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 11am-7pm

📚 Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Opening Weekend
Celebrate the reopening of Wellington’s central library with a weekend of live music, tours, storytelling and a first look inside the stunning new spaces.
📍 Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, 65 Victoria Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 10am-5pm (also Sun)

🚶‍🌈 A Change Is Coming Walk Tour
A guided walk through Wellington exploring the history of homosexual law reform in Aotearoa and the people who fought for equality.
📍 Ilott Green, Cnr Jervois Quay & Harris Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 1pm-2:30pm

🎧 Taking Back Saturday 10th Birthday Party
A massive late-night pop-punk and emo party celebrating 10 years of Taking Back Saturday with DJs spinning classics from Fall Out Boy, Paramore, blink-182 and more.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba Street | 💰 See event link | 🎟 R18 | Sat 14 Mar 11pm-late

🎸 Women’s Refuge Fundraiser Gig
A full day fundraiser featuring tattoo flash sessions, koha BBQ and a stacked lineup of heavy bands - all raising funds for Women’s Refuge.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street | 💰 $15 | 🎟 R18 | Sat 14 Mar 1pm-11:45pm

🎉 Karori Recreation Centre Community Open Day
A free family-friendly open day with inflatables, sports, gymnastics, games and a BBQ at Karori Recreation Centre.
📍 Karori Recreation Centre, 251 Karori Road | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sat 14 Mar 10am-2pm

🍖 Bogan Day Out 2026
A loud and legendary day at Brewtown packed with BBQ battles, chilli-eating challenges, big rigs, live music and classic bogan antics.
📍 Brewtown, 27 Blenheim Street, Upper Hutt | 💰 $15-$35 | 🎟 All Ages (licensed) | Sat 14 Mar 12pm-8pm

Sunday, March 15:

☘️ St Patrick’s on the Waterfront 2026
A lively waterfront celebration of Irish culture with a parade, live music, Irish dancing, crafts and plenty of green-themed fun.
📍 Wellington Waterfront | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sun 15 Mar 12pm-4:30pm

🛍 Ōtaki Market – March
A relaxed Kapiti Coast market packed with local crafts, plants, produce and street food – perfect for a Sunday wander with live buskers and plenty of tasty bites.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sun 15 Mar 10am-2pm

🪁 Ōtaki International Kite Festival
A spectacular family-friendly festival where giant colourful kites fill the sky above Ōtaki Beach alongside live entertainment, kids’ activities, food stalls and markets.
📍 Ōtaki Beach, Marine Parade, Ōtaki | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sun 15 Mar 10am-4pm

📚 Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Opening Weekend
Celebrate the reopening of Wellington’s central library with a full weekend of tours, live performances, exhibitions, storytelling and family activities in the revitalised Civic Square.
📍 Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, 65 Victoria Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sun 15 Mar 10am-5pm

🌸 Thrive Women’s Circle: Feminine Energy
A relaxed International Women’s Day gathering focused on connection, reflection and rest, featuring yoga, journaling, mindfulness and wellness goodie bags.
📍 Thistle Hall Community Venue, 293 Cuba Street | 💰 $38 | 🎟 Women & those identifying as women | Sun 15 Mar 11:30am-2:30pm

🚵 Tunnel Gully Kids Mountain Bike Day
A fun family day in the forest where kids can try mountain biking with guided rides, skills sessions and games at the Tunnel Gully trails.
📍 Tunnel Gully Recreation Area, Pakuratahi Forest | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sun 15 Mar 10am-2pm

🧸 Teddy Bears Picnic
Bring your favourite teddy along for a charming picnic with storytime under the trees, crafts, face painting and a fun teddy bear competition.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sun 15 Mar 10am-2pm

🏊 Wellington Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon™ 2026
A hugely popular kids’ triathlon where tamariki swim, bike and run their way around age-appropriate courses in a fun, supportive day of sport.
📍 Kilbirnie Park, Kilbirnie Crescent | 💰 Free | 🎟 Ages 6-14 | Sun 15 Mar 7am-1pm

🎪 Holloway Hoopla 2026
A lively street-style festival in Carterton with circus performers, live music, craft workshops and food trucks for a fun family day out.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sun 15 Mar 10am-2:30pm

🏁 Mt Victoria Hillclimb
A long-running Wellington motorsport event where drivers race up the winding road through the Mt Victoria Town Belt as part of the WMSA Seal Sprint Series.
📍 Alexandra Road, Mt Victoria | 💰 See event link | 🎟 All Ages | Sun 15 Mar 8:30am

🏳️‍🌈 Wellington Pride Fair
A colourful waterfront celebration marking 40 years of Pride in Wellington with live performances, community stalls, food trucks and a full day of rainbow festivities.
📍 Odlins Plaza, 33 Cable Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | Sun 15 Mar 10am-4pm

📅 Coming Up Next Week

🎬 Wellington Animation Film Festival 2026
A four-day celebration of animated storytelling arrives at Miramar’s iconic Roxy Cinema, with international feature films, award-winning shorts, student showcases and industry panels highlighting the creativity of animation from around the world.
📍 The Roxy Cinema, 5 Park Road, Miramar | 💰 From $10 | 🎟 All Ages | Thu 19 Mar - Sun 22 Mar

🦁 Soirée at the Zoo: A Night for our Whānau & Animals
Experience Wellington Zoo after hours at this special fundraising evening supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Expect elegant hospitality, entertainment and a unique night among the animals.
📍 Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown | 💰 From $165 | Thu 19 Mar 6:30pm-11pm

🌦 Welly Weather Watch

🌧 Friday: A few showers becoming heavier and more frequent in the morning. High 20°C, low 12°C.
🌦 Saturday: Showers, some heavy, clearing to fine in the afternoon. High 18°C, low 13°C.
🌤 Sunday: Fine. Northerlies, easing. High 20°C, low 13°C.

💝 Extra Sprinkles: Tūhura Tech

A Greater Wellington charitable trust focused on technology education for rangatahi - hands-on, future-facing learning that helps young people build skills and confidence in a world that’s only getting more digital. If you like your giving to be practical, locally grounded, and youth-focused, this one’s worth a look. Learn more here.

However you spend it - glow, gig, fair or a full nerdy library wander - may your weekend bring nothing but good luck and great snacks.

Kirstie & Steve 🐝