🐝 Secret Gigs, Surprise Speedways, & Welly’s Best Weekend Picks! 🧤🎶

Kia ora Pōneke! The late May vibes are in full swing – there’s a crisp chill in the mornings and we’re breaking out the cozy jumpers. The city’s trees are clinging to those last autumn leaves, and there’s the hint of hot cocoa in the air. Bundle up and get amongst it – Wellington has a huge weekend of fun lined up to warm your heart, rain or shine.

And a special shout-out to my Mum – happy birthday! 🎉🎂

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

• 🎈 World Chase Tag Game Night – Ever played competitive tag? Now’s your chance at Kilbirnie Rec Centre’s real-life obstacle course!

• 🎭 Alison Moyet Live – The iconic ’80s songstress brings all the nostalgia to the Michael Fowler Centre on Saturday night – one show only!

• 🎈 Wellington Vintage Market – Hunt for retro gems, vinyl, fashion, and collectibles at this buzzing underground market on Allen Street.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pet of the Week– Goku, the boy band lookalike who loves being upside down!
🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – A roaring ’30s speedway in Kilbirnie? You bet!
🌟 Local Legends – 2 small biz gems to check out
🍽️ Food & Drink – 2 buzzworthy bites to try
🎉 Events – What’s on across Wellington this weekend
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – Sunny, cool, and very May
💝 Extra Sprinkles – One charity doing big things

🐾 Pet of the Week – Goku

Say hello to Goku, the heartthrob with boy band vibes and a love for upside-down adventures! His owner, Yuri, can’t stop smiling at Goku’s quirky charm — a true showstopper in every way!

Got a pet that steals the show? 🐾 Nominate your furry, feathery, or scaly friend for Pet of the Week by emailing a photo and blurb to [email protected]!

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – the Kilbirnie Speedway

Did you know Wellington once had a roaring speedway? Built in 1929, Kilbirnie’s motorbike races were a hit for a decade, with local hero Wally Kilmister and Irish champ Fay Taylour leading the way! The “Kilbirnie Speedway” roared from 1929 until 1939 – a petrolhead paradise in one of Wellington's most iconic suburbs. Vroom vroom! 🚀 (Any history buffs want to share more?)

🌟 Local Legends – Small Biz Gems to Check Out:

Preloved Charlies – 120 Victoria St

A gem in Wellington’s vintage scene, Preloved Charlies is a treasure trove of Y2K and retro fashion. This quirky boutique drops fresh themed collections every week, packed with streetwear and designer bags. With Lenard the shop cat, it’s a purr-fect shopping experience!

The Vault - 2 Plimmer Steps, Wellington

Tucked in the heart of the CBD, The Vault is a true treasure chest of locally crafted jewellery, art, ceramics, and homeware. For over 30 years, The Vault has celebrated New Zealand’s finest talent with unique, handcrafted pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you're shopping for a statement piece or a keepsake, The Vault’s got you covered.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spots This Week

Cuba Street Tavern - 170-172 Cuba St

Part bar, part café, and part community hub, this tavern with a secret garden is an oasis in the city. Full of secret nooks and a cozy atmosphere, it offers Wellington beers on tap and cocktails showcasing local spirits. The menu nods to classic tavern cuisine with an elevated flair.

Gemini Café – 20 Brandon St

Gemini Café is making waves with its innovative approach to classic dishes. Known for their creative menu and commitment to quality, they offer a unique dining experience that blends traditional flavors with modern twists. I’m getting hungry just writing this 😉.

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday, 23 May:

⚡️ World Chase Tag Casual Game Night
Adrenaline and laughter as you play a real-life game of tag – obstacles included!
📍 Kilbirnie Rec Centre | 🕒 7:30pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ $4.50

🎻 Echoes of Home: Bartók & Dvořák
The NZSO brings Bartók, Dvořák, and Lilburn to life in a stirring night of symphonic storytelling led by Hungarian conductor Gábor Káli.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre | 🕒 Fri 6:30pm–8:10pm | 🎟️ From $22 | All Ages

🎭 Laura Lexx – Slinky
UK comedy star Laura Lexx brings her hit show Slinky to BATS – smart, fearless, and laugh-out-loud funny. Part of the NZ Comedy Festival.
📍 BATS Theatre | 🕒 8:00pm (Tue–Sat) | 🎟️ $35.55 | RP18

🎶 Imaginary Gardens
A dreamy evening of live music and spoken word by Alex Trask and friends, in a cozy community hall.
📍 Vogelmorn Bowling Club (Brooklyn) | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ From $10 door

😂 Guy Montgomery: I’ve Noticed So Many Things
Award-winning comedian Guy Montgomery brings his NZ Comedy Fest show home – a guaranteed laugh riot.
📍 Opera House | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ $44.90

🎬 Wairarapa Film Festival 2025
A five-day celebration of Aotearoa storytelling, premieres, retrospectives, and filmmaker events — all in the heart of Masterton.
📍 Regent 3 Cinemas, Masterton | 🕒 Wed–Sun, 9:00am–11:00pm | 🎟️ Varies | All Ages

🎥 WBS Wairarapa 50 Hour Film Project
Teams have just 50 hours to create a short film from scratch — shot entirely on a phone. Fast, fun, and full of creativity!
📍 Aratoi Museum, Masterton | 🕒 From Fri 5:30pm

✨ Glow in the Dark Titiwai Tour
Join a magical night walk through the Botanic Garden and discover Wellington’s native glow worms up close.
📍 Botanic Garden, Glenmore St | 🕒 Fri 7:00pm & 8:00pm | 🎟️ $10 adults / Free kids | All Ages

🎭 Of Course You Are, We All Are
Immersive theatre meets performance art – expect the unexpected in this experimental show by The Undercurrent.
📍 118 Tory St (Te Aro) | 🕒 7:00pm | 🎟️ $10

💃 THIS IS LATINO! w/ DJ COCO
Salsa, bachata, merengue – dance the night away at Wellington’s hottest Latin party.
📍 35 Dixon St (Club Habana) | 🕒 From 10:00pm

🌈 Coven: Queer Women & Gender Minorities Night
A welcoming party night celebrating queer community – DJs, drag performances, and good vibes only.
📍 Ivy Bar & Cabaret | 🕒 8:00pm–late

📚 Double Book Launch: Wonderland & Tackling the Hens
Literary fans, unite – two Wellington authors launch their new novels with readings and wine.
📍 Unity Books (57 Willis) | 🕒 6:00pm | 🎟️ Free

🎭 Freaky Friday – The Musical
A mother and daughter swap bodies in this laugh-out-loud musical by Samuel Marsden students. Fast-paced, heartwarming, and freakishly fun for all ages!
📍 Marsden School, Karori | 🕒 Wed–Fri 7:30pm, Sat 5:00pm | All Ages

🤘 Aotearoa Prog Alliance Vol. 2
A headbang-worthy lineup of progressive rock and metal: Pull Down the Sun, Claemus, and Elidi live in one show.
📍 Valhalla Tavern (Vivian St) | 🕒 8:00pm

🎶 RadioActive.fm Live-to-Air @ San Fran
Catch Star Time and Bazurka live at San Fran as part of New Zealand Music Month, with their performances broadcasted on RadioActive89FM.
📍 San Fran (Cuba St) | 🕒 3:30pm - 4:50pm | 🎟️ Free

🎧 1tbsp (AUS) + Hotel Living
Australian electro-pop act 1tbsp teams up with locals Hotel Living for a night of eclectic beats and dancing.
📍 Meow | 🕒 9:00pm

Saturday, 24 May:

🎤 Alison Moyet – The Other Tour
The legendary British singer behind “Only You” and “All Cried Out” performs with full band – expect those powerhouse vocals to soar.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre | 🕒 8:00pm

🎵 MAYHEM Drum & Bass Festival
A massive DnB rave featuring UK heavyweights Koven and A.M.C, plus an insane visual show. Bass, lights, and energy for hours! (R18)
📍 TSB Arena | 🕒 5:00pm–midnight

😂 Melanie Bracewell: A Little Treat
NZ’s favorite tall girl of comedy is back from Aussie TV to deliver stand-up hilarity at home. Treat yourself to some laughs!
📍 Opera House | 🕒 7:30pm

🎶 Kāpiti Chorale – European Masters
A powerful afternoon of sacred choral works, featuring rare gems like Dubois’ Messe de la Délivrance alongside Mozart, Fauré, and more.
📍 St Paul’s Church, Paraparaumu | 🕒 Sat 3:00pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ $16.58–$39.18 | All Ages

🎥 Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival
Design geeks rejoice – a weekend of inspiring architecture films and documentaries. Multiple screenings each day.
📍 Embassy Theatre | 🕒 various times

💪 Tough Guy & Gal Challenge + Tough Gal Teams
Mud, sweat, and teamwork! Take on Wainuiomata’s iconic obstacle race solo or in a team — it’s messy, wild, and unforgettable.
📍 Camp Wainui | 🕒 Sat 8:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ From $60 | R13

💃 Salsa Latin Party (ft. live band)
Can’t get enough latin vibes? A special Salsa night with live percussion and guest dancers – all skill levels welcome. Caliente! 💃🕺
📍 Salsa Magic (175 Vivian St) | 🕒 8:15pm

🎸 MIRACLES – Album Release Show
Wellington alt-rock band MIRACLES launches their debut album with an electrifying live set. Come support local music!
📍 San Fran | 🕒 8:00pm

🌱 Home Composting with Pickled Compost
Learn how to bokashi your food scraps (yes, even meat and dairy!) with this fun, hands-on composting workshop.
📍 2 Forresters Lane, CBD | 🕒 Sat 10:30am–12:00pm | All Ages

🌳 National Wood Expo
Woodturning demos, expert makers, and a huge trade hall – a must for woodcraft lovers and curious creatives alike.
📍 Upper Hutt Cossie Club | 🕒 Sat 7:30am–5:45pm, Sun 7:30am–3:00pm | All Ages

🎶 Mundi & Bazurka
A global music fusion night: Mundi’s jazz-flute Latin grooves meets Bazurka’s Balkan-funk. A toe-tapping world tour in one gig.
📍 Vogelmorn Upstairs | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ $25 + booking fee

🎧 ROMIX: Volume 3
Underground electronic music party at the Pow Wow Room. House, techno, and disco beats – dress in your funkiest and dance late.
📍 Pow Wow Room (74 Courtenay Pl) | 🕒 From 8:30pm

🎤 Orchestral: Biggie vs 2Pac
Hip-hop meets symphony – a live orchestra plays the greatest hits of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur in epic arrangements.
📍 Meow (Nui Room) | 🕒 9:00pm | 🎟️ From $50

🎨 Amplify: Pōneke Women in Alternative Arts
A multi-arts showcase celebrating female and non-binary talent – punk bands, spoken word, zine fest and more, all under one roof.
📍 Underworld (Pirie St) | 🕒 7:00pm–11:45pm | 🎟️ From $15

🎥 The Elm Street Marathon
Horror movie buffs, this one’s for you – Nightmare on Elm Street 1–5 back-to-back on the big screen. Free coffee for those who last all night!
📍 Roxy Cinema (Miramar) | 🕒 8:00pm (cinema doors open)

🛍️ Wellington Vintage Market
Retro treasures galore – browse vintage clothing, records, antiques and crafty finds from dozens of vendors. Groove to 60s tunes while you shop.
📍 17 Allen St (underground market space) | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Gold coin entry

🎬 Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival @ Te Papa
Catch inspiring design documentaries like I Am Martin Parr and Her Blueprint in a special Te Papa screening series, 24–25 May.
📍 Te Papa, Soundings Theatre | 🕒 Sat & Sun | 🎟️ From $23.50

🎧 Bad Bunny Appreciation Party
Reggaeton, Latin hip hop & RnB all night long — No Future DJs bring the fiesta to San Fran this Saturday.
📍 San Fran, Cuba St | 🕒 Sat 11:00pm–late | R18

🎸 Battle of the Bands – Jodie & The Stowaways vs. The Blueprint
Two bands, two stages, one epic suburban showdown — live at 1841 Bar in Johnsonville.
📍 1841 Bar & Restaurant | 🕒 8:30pm

💦 Tawa Pool Splash Bash
Celebrate Tawa Pool’s reopening with DJs, inflatables, volleyball, prizes, and serious splash vibes.
📍 Tawa Pool | 🕒 4:30pm–7:00pm | 🎟️ $5 | All Ages

🌿 Wellness Day @ Orongomai Marae
Free health services, face painting, sausage sizzles, and spot prizes — all in the name of community wellbeing.
📍 Orongomai Marae, Upper Hutt | 🕒 from 10:00am | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

Sunday, 25 May:

🛍️ Ngaio Village Market
A quaint Sunday market with local crafts, baking, produce and live folk music. Grab a coffee and enjoy the village vibes.
📍 Ngaio Town Hall | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free

🎸 Half Light – Live in Khandallah
Family-friendly rock/pop concert by Wellington band Half Light in a charming community hall setting.
📍 Khandallah Town Hall | 🕒 7:30pm-10:00pm | 🎟️ $25

🎉 Pukeahu 10 Year Anniversary Tour
Celebrate a decade of Pukeahu with a special behind-the-scenes tour exploring its design, history, and hidden stories.
📍 Pukeahu War Memorial Park | 🕒 Sun 12:00pm–1:30pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🌲 Ōtari Essentials – Intro to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush
Take a gentle guided walk through native gardens, fernery, and forest in this must-do intro to Ōtari.
📍 Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush | 🕒 2:00pm–3:30pm | 🎟️ $6.15 / Free for members | All Ages

🐶 Woof Market 2.0 – Dog Lovers' Day Out
Treats, toys, pup fashion, and puppy cuddles! An indoor dog market with rescue pups, giveaways, and everything your furry mate could want.
📍 Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana St, Porirua | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages (on-lead dogs welcome)

⚠️ It Starts Before the Shake
Earthquake preparedness community hui – get tips from experts and build your household plan (because the big one is a matter of when).
📍 Te Papa, Rongomaraeroa Marae | 🕒 From 11:00am | 🎟️ Free

🛍️ Ōtaki Craft Market
Browse artisan goods, native plants, vintage finds, and feast on hangi, fry bread, waffles and more at this buzzing community market.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki | 🕒 Sun 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🎷 Rogue Sunday Jazz – “Double Take”
Chill out with a beer as jazz trumpeters Michael Taylor and Ben Hunt lead a smooth & lively jam session (part of Rogue & Vagabond’s free jazz series).
📍 Rogue & Vagabond (Ghuznee St) | 🕒 From 5:00pm | 🎟️ Free

💃 Cuban Salsa Workshops
Spice up your Sunday with Cuban salsa dance classes by Felipe and Kathy. Beginners welcome – no partner required, just bring your hips!
📍 65 Dixon St | 🕒 From 1:00pm

🌍 DIRT #9 – Disruption to Supply Networks
Nerd out on infrastructure resilience: A free talk on how Wellington’s food, water, and power systems would handle an emergency. Fascinating and useful.
📍 93 Mornington Road, Brooklyn | 🕒 4:00pm

🏍️ The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Wellington
Polish your bike and don your finest threads for this global charity ride supporting men’s health.
📍 Wellington (location TBA) | 🕒 from 9:00am | 🎟️ Free (registration required) | R18+

🚶‍♀️ Anna’s Walk – Bladder Cancer Awareness
Join a family-friendly, dog-friendly walk along the Hutt River to raise awareness for bladder cancer this Sunday.
📍 Trentham Memorial Park, Upper Hutt | 🕒 11:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🎬 Bus Riders Union – Film & Kōrero
Screening of “Bus Riders Union” (a doco about transit activism) followed by a community discussion on making public transport affordable for all.
📍 Newtown Community Centre | 🕒 3:45pm | 🎟️ Free (Koha welcome)

🎥 Roxy Retro: Witness (1985)
Catch Harrison Ford’s classic crime thriller Witness on the big screen as part of Roxy’s Retro Sundays.
📍 Roxy Cinema (Miramar) | 🕒 7:45pm

🎬 Lilo & Stitch Movie Fundraiser
Bring the kids to a special screening of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch – all proceeds support Ōwhiro Bay Learning Community. Ohana means family, after all.
📍 Penthouse Cinema (Brooklyn) | 🕒 2:30pm | 🎟️ $20

🚗 Mangatainoka Motors Brit & Euro Car Day
Show off your sweet ride at Tui Brewery, Mangatainoka, with live music, food, and prizes like Most Original and Star of the Show. Free admission, all ages!
📍 Tui Brewery, SH2, Mangatainoka | 🕒 9:00am | 🎟️ Free

🎲 Intro to D&D: How to Play
Always wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons? This fun workshop covers the basics and gets you rolling dice in no time. All ages welcome to this adventure.
📍 94 Manners St (Dice & Fork) | 🕒 11:00am | 🎟️ $20

🎤 Wellington Calling Open Mic 4
Support emerging musicians (or jump up on stage yourself!) at this open mic night. Singers, poets, comedians – anything goes. Great vibes and cheap drinks.
📍 Whisky & Wood (60 Cambridge Tce) | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ Koha

🧶 Sit ‘N’ Knit
A casual crafternoon for knitters and crochet enthusiasts. BYO yarn and needles – tea and biscuits provided. Wholesome Sunday goodness!
📍 Johnsonville Library, 34 Moorefield Rd | 🕒 2:00pm–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free

🎤 Mel Parsons – Post High Slide Tour
Award-winning folk songstress Mel Parsons closes out her NZ tour with an early show at San Fran. Soulful tunes and storytelling in an intimate setting.
📍 San Fran | 🕒 5:00pm (early show)

📸 Global Photowalk
Join local photographers for a friendly photo-walk around the city. All cameras and skill levels welcome – share tips and capture Welly’s street life together.
🕒 2:00pm to 4:30pm | 🎟️ $4

(Whew, that’s a lot! And remember, the Harbourside Market is on this Sunday 7:30am–2pm by Te Papa – grab your fresh veggies, dumplings, and coffee by the waterfront).

⛅ Welly Weather Watch

☀️ Friday: Fine. Northerlies, easing. 16°C, low 9°C.

☀️ Saturday: Fine. Northerlies developing. High 15°C, low 11°C.

⛅ Sunday: Partly cloudy with strong northwesterlies. High 16°C, low 11°C.

💕 Extra Sprinkles – Charity of the Week

Everybody Eats Wellington – 60 Dixon St. A ‘pay-as-you-feel’ charity fighting food waste and insecurity. Support them by volunteering or grabbing a meal!

That’s it for this absolutely stacked weekend, Wellington! Whether you’re hunting vintage vinyl, learning to salsa, or just hibernating with a hot cuppa, we hope you enjoy these late-autumn days. Get out there and make some memories (and don’t forget to pat a dog or two along the way 🐶). Stay warm, stay kind, and we’ll see you buzzing around next Friday for another WellyBuzz.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

✨ If you’ve got this far we hope that’s a sign we must be doing something right!! Help us spread the word by sharing it with your friends, family, and neighbours! The more, the merrier — click below to share the Buzz!