🐝 Glow Worms, Beer Fest, & Creepy Cute Market

👋 Hey Wellington!

It’s the last weekend of the school holidays and Pōneke is sending them off with a bang. Friday is Poppy Day (show some aroha if you spot a collector), and from there it only ramps up.

Flight of the Conchords are back (their first Welly gigs in a decade), Hawthorne Heights are celebrating 20 years of emo anthems, glow worms are lighting up the bush, and there are 130+ stalls waiting at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo.

Safe to say, this city does not do quiet weekends.

Jump to Friday | Saturday | Sunday.

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

🎤 Flight of the Conchords (Fri) - Bret and Jemaine's first Welly shows in 10 years. If you scored tickets, we're deeply jealous.
🌟 Glow Worm Tours (Fri & Sat) - See titiwai light up the native bush at the Botanic Garden and Otari-Wilton's Bush. Magical!
🖤 Creepy Cute Market (Sat) - Gothic art, spooky homewares and weird little treasures at Thistle Hall. Dress up if you dare.
👗 Wellington Women's Lifestyle Expo (Sat) - 130+ stalls of fashion, beauty, food and wellness at TSB Arena. Mystery goodie bags sealed the deal.
🚴 Lower Hutt Eastern Bays Shared Path Celebration (Sat) – Free whānau-friendly day to explore the new coastal path with activities across the bays.
🍺 Brewtown Beer Fest (Sat) – Fresh hops season madness with Aotearoa's best breweries, live music and epic kai.
🎸 Hawthorne Heights (Sat) - The emo legends celebrate 20 years of If Only You Were Lonely at San Fran. Bring tissues and eyeliner.
🎵 Orpheus Choir: To Shiver the Sky + Mozart's Requiem (Sat) - Five centuries of choral music that’ll give you goosebumps.
📚 Blue Dragon Book Fair 2026 (Sat & Sun) – Bargain books, puzzles, board games with kids' reads for just $1.
🚂 Spiral Spectacular (Sun) - Heritage steam train day trip through the famous Raurimu Spiral. Boards at Paekakariki.
🥃 The Bootleggers' Run 2026 (Sun) – Vintage wheels, fine wine, 1920s mischief and contraband collecting through Wairarapa wineries.

What are you locking in this weekend? Hit reply - we read every single one 👀

🕰️ Time Machine: One of Wellington’s oldest homes

🍽️ Food & Drink – Graze Wine Bar

Tucked up in Kelburn village, Graze is the kind of place that makes you want to linger. What was once the local butcher shop is now a cosy little wine bar serving beautiful small plates, with a sustainably minded, pescatarian menu built around seasonal produce, locally sourced ingredients, and whatever head chef and co-founder Max Gordy happens to be pickling, fermenting or foraging. He and co-founder Stina Persen have created an intimate spot full of character, with a thoughtful New Zealand wine list and a proper neighbourhood feel. It picked up the Champions for Change Award at the 2024 Cuisine Good Food Awards for good reason - a real local gem, and well worth the walk up the hill.

📍 95 Upland Road, Kelburn, Wellington

🌿 City Spotlight: Climate Festival Pōneke (18 Apr - 9 May)

Wellington’s biggest climate-focused festival is back, bringing together community groups, creatives and local organisations for a packed three weeks of events across the city.

Expect workshops, talks, creative activations and hands-on ways to get involved - all centred around climate action, reducing emissions and caring for te taiao.

It’s a great chance to connect with what’s already happening locally and pick up ideas you can actually take into everyday life.

👉 Explore the full programme here:
https://www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/climate-festival-poneke-2026

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Friday, April 17:

🎤 Flight of the Conchords
Bret and Jemaine's intimate warm-up gigs at Meow Nui - their first Welly shows in a decade. If you scored tickets, lucky you.
📍 Meow Nui, 92 Vivian Street, Te Aro | 🕖 Fri 7pm

🎭 Ride the Cyclone
Darkly funny, wildly imaginative musical about fate, roller coasters and what makes a life worth living. One of the hottest shows in town right now.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St, Wellington | 🕖 Fri 7pm | 💰 $40-$68

🎭 Chicago the Musical
All that jazz hits Porirua - murder, vaudeville and razor-sharp choreography in this smash-hit musical set in the roaring 1920s.
📍 PATAKA Art + Museum, Cnr Parumoana & Norrie St, Porirua | 🕖 Fri 7:30pm | 💰 $25-$40

🎭 Catch Me If You Can the Musical
Kauri Theatre brings the high-flying true story of a teenage con artist to life. Four Tony nominations' worth of fun.
📍 Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee St, Te Aro | 🕖 Fri 7:30pm | 💰 $29.50-$35

👾 Help! A Monster Ate My Story
Award-winning kids' show where Lion, Jellyfish, T-Rex and Kiwi battle the Mish-Mash Monster. Perfect school holiday fun for the little ones.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St, Wellington | 🕚 Fri 11:30am & 1:30pm | 💰 $20 / Family $70

🔬 The Science Roadshow
Live science shows every hour plus hands-on interactive exhibits. Free, fun, and guaranteed to spark some curiosity during the school hols.
📍 Johnsonville Shopping Centre, 34 Johnsonville Rd, Johnsonville | 🕙 Fri 10am-4pm | 💰 Free

🔍 Scene of Crime Officer Workshop
Kids aged 7-12 learn to dust, lift and identify fingerprints like a real crime scene officer. Bookings essential.
📍 NZ Police Museum, Papakowhai Rd, Porirua | 🕚 Fri 11am-12pm | 💰 $5

🎵 Ali Whitton Album Launch - Night 2
Intimate house concert in Kelburn for the launch of Between the Forest and the Stars. Folk, alt-country and richly layered storytelling.
📍 Hilltop, 17 Upland Rd, Kelburn | 🕖 Fri 7pm | 💰 $30 (suggested donation)

🧘 Sika Sound Journey
Lie down, close your eyes, and let didgeridoos, drums and flutes wash over you in this immersive sound experience. BYO yoga mat.
📍 Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St, Te Aro | 🕖 Fri 7:30pm | 💰 $45

🌟 Glow in the Dark Titiwai Tours
Guided night-time adventure into the world of native glow worms in the Botanic Garden. Fascinating and surprisingly magical.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St, Kelburn | 🕖 Fri 7pm & 8pm | 💰 $10 adults, kids free

🌺 Poppy Day
Support Wellington RSA by wearing a poppy and donating to veteran support services. Collectors will be out across the region all day.
📍 Various locations across Wellington | 🕖 Fri 7am-5pm | 💰 Donations welcome

🎸 Meow Calling
Classic Clash songs played loud and live by Wazzo Clash, plus DJ Bill E spinning late-70s vibes. Fundraiser for Head and Neck Cancer Support.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward St, Te Aro | 🕗 Fri 8pm-late | 💰 $20 | 🎟 R18

🎶 Movement - First Edition
Dance the night away celebrating the alternative sounds of the 1980s and beyond. Nostalgic modernism with guest DJs.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian St, Te Aro | 🕗 Fri 8pm | 💰 $15 presale | 🎟 R18

🍜 Welly Night Market
Street food, food trucks and local creatives in a chilled community night market. Great spot for a casual Friday dinner.
📍 45A Abel Smith St, Te Aro | 🕔 Fri 5pm-11pm | 💰 Free entry

🎧 Alix Perez - Breaking Beats
Bass legend Alix Perez returns to the club for the first time since 2024 with heavyweight sound and deep selections. Limited tickets.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba St, Te Aro | 🕙 Fri 10pm-3am | 🎟 R18

Saturday, April 18:

👩-💼 Wellington Women's Lifestyle Expo 2026
130+ stalls under one roof - fashion, beauty, wellness, homewares and artisan goods. Mystery goodie bags $20. Ultimate girls' day out at TSB Arena.
📍 TSB Arena, Queens Wharf | 🕙 Sat 10:00am-4:00pm | 💰 $9-13 | 🎟 All ages

🎻 Orpheus Choir: To Shiver the Sky + Mozart's Requiem
Two masterpieces in one night - Christopher Tin's epic Grammy-winning choral work (featuring the Civilization VI theme) paired with Mozart's blazing Requiem. Performed with Orchestra Wellington at the Michael Fowler Centre.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Jervois Quay, Wellington | 🕖 Sat 7:30pm | 💰 From $30.59

🚴 Lower Hutt Eastern Bays Shared Path Celebration
A fun, whānau-friendly day exploring the new 4.4km coastal path with activities, walking, biking and plenty happening along the bays.
📍 Whiorau Reserve, Williams Park & San Antonio Tennis Courts, Marine Drive, Lower Hutt | 🕙 Sat 10:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎨 Art Flow: Dine & Discover
An intimate evening blending art and food, with a three-course dinner, wine pairings and a guided exhibition experience alongside featured artist Lynn Blann.
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, 28 Grey St, Wellington | 🕡 Sat 6:30pm–9:30pm | 💰 $75

🎸 Hawthorne Heights
Emo pioneers celebrate 20 years of If Only You Were Lonely by playing the album in full, plus fan favourites. A proper nostalgia trip.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba St, Te Aro | 🕖 Sat 7:30pm | 💰 $69.95 | 🎟 R18

🎭 Chicago the Musical
Porirua Little Theatre's take on the roaring 1920s classic. Murder, jazz and razor-sharp choreography.
📍 PATAKA Art + Museum, Cnr Parumoana & Norrie St, Porirua | 🕖 Sat 7:30pm | 💰 $25-$40

🎵 Te Papa x NZSO: The Tortoise and the Hare
Live NZSO musicians bring Aesop's classic fable to life with singing, movement and live illustration. Perfect for ages 4-7.
📍 Te Papa, 55 Cable St, Wellington | 🕙 Sat 10:30am | 💰 $2-$5

🎶 Bach Choir: Sounding Boards
Beautiful choral concert exploring the artistic friendships between composers like Mendelssohn and Schumann, Mozart and Haydn.
📍 St Andrews on the Terrace, 30 The Terrace, Wellington | 🕑 Sat 2pm | 💰 $30.75

🎭 Catch Me If You Can the Musical
Matinee and evening shows of this high-flying musical comedy at the Gryphon. Great for a Saturday theatre outing.
📍 Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee St, Te Aro | 🕑 Sat 2pm & 7:30pm | 💰 $29.50-$35

😂 Weekend Laughs with Tony Lyall & Lesa Macleod-Whiting
Two-hour comedy showcase with a guest MC and six comedy acts from across the capital and beyond. Solid Saturday night laughs.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St, Wellington | 🕗 Sat 8pm | 💰 $28.92-$41.74 | 🎟 R18

🏃 Hutt River Trail Walk & Run - Aramex Kiwi Series
The first-ever Kiwi Walk & Run Series stop in Wellington - choose your distance (7km, 9.5km or 14km), walk or run, and collect a medal for finishing. Fun pitstops mid and post-race along the beautiful Hutt River Trail.
📍 Awakairangi Park, Upper Hutt | 🕗 Sat 9am | 💰 Register online

💃 Club Filth Presents: Neon Forest
Wellington's hottest pole dancing cabaret night. Saucy, spectacular and hosted by the inimitable Moxxi.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St, Wellington | 🕖 Sat 7:30pm | 💰 $34.05 | 🎟 R18

🎸 Bill Lake's Slow Bake
A private house concert with one of Wellington's most respected guitarists and songwriters. Gentle, witty, and beautifully intimate.
📍 Hilltop, 17 Upland Rd, Kelburn | 🕖 Sat 7pm (gates 6:30pm) | 💰 $30

🧵 Fabric-a-brac
Vintage and modern fabrics, patterns, haberdashery and sewing supplies - all raising funds for Mary Potter Hospice. Bring cash and your biggest tote.
📍 St Anne's Hall, 22 Emmett St, Newtown | 🕙 Sat 10am-1pm | 💰 Free entry

🌟 Otari Glow Worm Tour
Guided night walk through native bush to see glowing titiwai at Otari-Wilton's Bush. About 60 minutes, moderate fitness required.
📍 Otari-Wilton's Bush, 160 Wilton Rd, Wilton | 🕖 Sat 7pm | 💰 $10.25 adults, kids free

📚 Blue Dragon Book Fair
Quality donated books, puzzles and board games with a popular kids' section ($1 each). All funds go to the Blue Dragon Children's Trust.
📍 Ngaio Town Hall, 1 Ottawa Rd, Ngaio | 🕘 Sat 9am-6pm (also on Sun) | 💰 Free entry

🎲 Remutaka Rebels vs Richter City Roller Derby
Fast-paced, hard-hitting roller derby action combining speed, strength and strategy.
📍 Whirinaki Whare Taonga, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt | 🕘 Sat 5:30pm–7:00pm | 💰 $10 adult/$5 child

🖤 Creepy Cute Market
Dark art, gothic fashion, spooky homewares and strange handmade treasures from a fresh lineup of makers. Free entry, all ages, dress up if you dare.
📍 Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St, Te Aro | 🕘 Sat 9:30am-2:30pm | 💰 Free

🎧 Little Monsters DJ Present
Techno and electronic music night featuring DJs Kimba Jade, Halo, Malware and Callum W.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian St, Te Aro | 🕘 Sat 9pm | 🎟 R18

🌿 Kangaroo Paws to Eucalyptus - Guided Walk
A gentle downhill walk through the Australian Garden, Hydrangea Gully and Succulent Garden. Starts at the Cable Car lookout.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St, Kelburn | 🕜 Sat 1:30pm | 💰 $10.25

🔧 Ngaio Repair Cafe - Don't Chuck It, Fix It
Skilled volunteers help you fix sewing, electrical items and sharpen tools for free. Sustainability in action.
📍 Ngaio Union Church, 3 Kenya St, Ngaio | 🕙 Sat 10am-1pm | 💰 Free

🩰 RNZB Presents Dazzlehands
Award-winning children's ballet based on a picture book about a very persuasive pig. Two shows, 45 minutes each.
📍 Carterton Events Centre, 50 Holloway St, Carterton | 🕑 Sat 2pm & 3:30pm

🏊 H2O Xtream Birthday Pool Party
One year since the grand re-opening and they're celebrating with DJ tunes, spot prizes, inflatables, games and raffle fun. Best for ages 10-16.
📍 H2O Xtream, Cnr Brown & Blenheim St, Upper Hutt | 🕓 Sat 4pm-7pm | 💰 $10

🎉 Vaisakhi Mela 2026
Vibrant celebration of the Punjabi harvest festival with cultural performances, bhangra, giddha, traditional music and community togetherness.
📍 Lower Hutt Town Hall, 32 Laings Rd, Lower Hutt | 🕓 Sat 4pm-8pm | 💰 Free

Sunday, April 19:

🍂 Aston Norwood Autumn Valley
Wander through stunning autumn colour - Japanese maples, cherry trees, giant oaks and flowering camellias across these beautiful Upper Hutt gardens. Stay for the After Dark session (6-9pm) to spot fairies, glow worms and gnomes among the lit-up trees.
📍 Aston Norwood Gardens, Upper Hutt | 🕗 Sun 8am-5pm (day) & 6pm-9pm (after dark) | 💰 Adults $10-$17.50, Kids $5-$7.50, Family $25-$42.50

💍 Kapiti Wedding & Events Expo 2026
40+ wedding and event professionals in one place - florals, photographers, venues, celebrants, catering and styling. FREE entry unlocks Explore Kapiti discounts too.
📍 Paraparaumu Memorial Hall, Aorangi St, Paraparaumu | 🕙 Sun 10:00am-3:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🛒 Harbourside Market
Fresh produce, artisan goods, food trucks and live entertainment at Wellington's beloved waterfront market. Everything from berry ice cream to slow-cooked meats, plus local veg growers and makers.
📍 Corner Cable Street & Barnett Street, Te Aro (beside Te Papa) | 🕗 Sun 7:30am-2pm | 💰 Free entry

🧒 Kids Market + Regular Market
Tamariki showcase their creativity while regular stallholders and community guests set up. Art, plants, candles, antiques, produce, clothing. Food trucks and busker too.
📍 Otaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki | 🕙 Sun 10:00am-2:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

👩-💼 Wellington Women's Lifestyle Expo 2026 - Sunday
130+ lifestyle companies, gourmet food, fashion, beauty, wellness, homewares, artisan goods. Mystery goodie bags $20. Girls' day out continues into Sunday.
📍 TSB Arena, Queens Wharf | 🕙 Sun 10:00am-4:00pm | 💰 $9-13 | 🎟 All ages

🏍️ Wellington Ride of Respect 2026
Ride in tribute and solidarity through the Wellington region. Registration at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, destination Upper Hutt. Further details closer to date.
📍 Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, 18 Buckle St, Mount Cook | 🕙 Sun from 8:30am | 🎟 All ages

🏍️ Trail Ride - Totara Park
Old-fashioned 25K trail ride with cool tracks, hill climbs and hard loops through pine forest. A/B splits, full riding gear required. Lunch included, sign in on the day.
📍 Totara Park, Upper Hutt | 🕙 Sun from 10:00am | 💰 $40 | 🎟 14+ (supervised by adults)

♻️ Echo Tech NZ - E-Waste Drive-thru
Drop off unwanted electronics at this FREE drive-thru. Staff unload for you. Donations go to Variety - the Children's Charity. No CDs, DVDs, lightbulbs or hazardous waste.
📍 Upper Hutt City Council Recycling Station, 18 Park St, Kingsley Heights, Upper Hutt | 🕙 Sun 9:00am-3:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🎸 Sunday Jazz - Q Train Uptown
Funky, jazzy, soulful jazz inspired by NYC. Local drummer Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa and band with deep cuts from the jazz oeuvre. Beer, hangs, vibes - FREE ENTRY, koha for band.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett St, Wellington | 🕙 Sun 5:00pm-7:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages licensed

🎤 Songwriters' Showcase #110
Bill Lake, David Harris and newcomer ENNIA - three of Wellington's best songwriters. Moon's open mic runs 4-5pm first, showcase kicks off 7pm. ENNIA 7pm, David 7:45pm, Bill 8:15pm.
📍 Moon, 167 Riddiford Street, Newtown | 🕙 Sun 7:00pm-9:00pm | 💰 $15 ($10 if played at open mic) | 🎟 All ages

🎶 WilkieMac and Penny Feather
Soulful live music blending folk, Celtic, blues and originals, with rich harmonies and standout performances from WilkieMac and Penni Feather.
📍 Studio 73, 73 Main Street, Greytown | 🕓 Sun 4:00pm–6:30pm | 💰 $25 | 🎟 All Ages

😂 Fest Test: A Casual Comedy Workshop for The NZICF
Comics getting ready for the NZ International Comedy Fest put polish on their shows. 6 acts, 10+ minutes each. Fun, feedback, fumbles and f$%*ups. Neil Thornton hosting.
📍 The Cavern Club, 22 Allen St, Te Aro | 🕙 Sun 8:00pm-9:30pm | 💰 $5 (pay what you can) | 🎟 R18

🎸 Saosin New Zealand 2026 Tour with Senses Fail
Post-hardcore trailblazers Saosin celebrate 20 years of their iconic self-titled album, playing it in full plus the hits. Special guests and legends Senses Fail also perform.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba St, Te Aro | 🕙 Sun 8:00pm | 💰 Refer to event link for details | 🎟 R18

🎙️ BYO Vinyl
Open turntables style - bring your rad vinyl records and play them. We've got the decks and X-Fader. Sign up and spin for your friends. Every second Sunday.
📍 The Beer Engine, 31 Whitehouse Road, Tītahi Bay, Porirua | 🕙 Sun 2:00pm-6:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages licensed

🚂 The Spiral Spectacular
All-day heritage train journey celebrating the engineering marvel of the Raurimu Spiral. Depart early morning from Kapiti/Pākakariki, 1-hour stop in Ohakune. Packed lunch and evening meal options.
📍 Paekakariki Railway Station, Tilley Road, Paekākāriki | 🕙 Sun 6:30am-9:05pm | 💰 $139-169 adults | 🎟 All ages

🥃 The Bootleggers' Run 2026
Vintage wheels, fine wine and 1920s mischief. Teams collect contraband (the fun kind), taste their way through local wineries and earn loot. Dress in your finest tweed and suspenders.
📍 The White Swan, 109 Main Street, Greytown | 🕙 Sun 9:00am-6:00pm | 💰 $20 | 🎟 All ages licensed

🌦 Welly Weather Watch

🌤 Friday: Fine, then showers developing in the afternoon. High 18°C, low 15°C
🌧 Saturday: Rain, with heavy falls from morning. High 17°C, low 13°C
🌦 Sunday: Showers, clearing for a time in the afternoon. High 17°C, low 11°C

A mixed bag this weekend - indoor plans are looking safest, but if you’re heading out, keep the raincoat close.

💝 Extra Sprinkles:

Challenge 2000 has been working with young people, families and communities across the Wellington region since 1988. They run youth development programmes, mentoring, social work and community initiatives - the kind of mahi that quietly changes lives in our city. If you’ve ever wondered where to give back locally - this is a good place to start. Absolute legends.

https://www.challenge2000.org.nz/

🐝 This weekend is absolutely stacked - whether you're into music, markets, heritage trains, pole dancing cabaret or just getting out with your people, there's something here for you. The buzz is real and we can't wait to see what you get up to! Get out there and soak it all in.

Nga mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝