🐝 WellyBuzz: This Weekend Is Stacked 😎

👋 Kia ora Wellington!

If you’ve been waiting for a weekend to go all in - this is it.
Waitangi Day brings a bonus long weekend, the forecast’s looking kind, and the region is going big. From a Phoenix Double Header and the iconic Martinborough Fair, to Pasifika Festival colour, a waterfront Giant Picnic, and seaside fun at the Island Bay Festival - it’s all happening at once. We even struggled to narrow it down to just 13 Quick Picks.

Dive in below - or jump straight to Friday, Saturday, or Sunday events.

🔥 13 Quick Picks This Weekend

⚽ Wellington Phoenix Double Header (Fri) – Two A-League matches back-to-back at Sky Stadium in one big football night.
🎤 Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Fri) – A rare arena night of dark, powerful live energy.
🇳🇿 Te Rā o Waitangi (Fri) – A free waterfront celebration with music, kai and whānau fun.
🇳🇿 Waitangi Day in Porirua (Fri) – Live entertainment, kai, culture and waka tours for the whole community.
🏇 Tauherenikau Summer Races (Fri) – Country racing, live music and family fun in a summer carnival vibe.
🛍️ Martinborough Fair (Sat) – A huge summer market day with stalls, food and good vibes.
🌺 Wellington Pasifika Festival (Sat) – A colourful waterfront celebration of Pacific food, culture and performance.
🏉 Hurricanes vs Chiefs Pre-Season (Sat) – The Canes host the Chiefs in Porirua for a big summer pre-season clash.
🎨 Waitangi Market at Kai Tahi (Sat) – Local art, crafts and great kai in a lively weekend market.
🃏 Card & Collectables Show (Sat) – A big day of sports cards, TCGs and memorabilia trading.
🧺 Giant Picnic at Frank Kitts Park (Sat–Sun) – A stylish waterfront picnic party with live jazz, DJs and pop-up bars. We’ve got 10 double passes to give away (see Saturday events for details).
🚗 British & European Car Day (Sun) – A massive classic car showcase at Trentham.
🌊 Day in the Bay - Island Bay Festival (Sun) - Live music, markets, food trucks and seaside festival vibes take over Shorland Park.

🕰️ Time Machine

🚢 Cruise Ship Arrivals at the Waterfront

Expect a busier waterfront, café queues moving a little slower, and plenty of visitors exploring the city.

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

🍽️ Food & Drink – Slice (Te Aro)

Located on Lombard St, Slice slings thick, rectangular pizza by the slice - a new go-to for a quick city lunch or an easy daytime bite. It’s casual, modern and no-fuss, serving up Detroit-style slabs that are crispy outside, fluffy inside, and loaded with toppings. Grab a slice (or two) and a cold brew coffee on tap, and you’re refuelled in minutes. It’s the kind of under-the-radar CBD gem that’s quickly becoming a Wellington fave.

📍 6 Lombard St
🌐 slicepizzeria.co.nz
📸 instagram.com/slice_wellington

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Friday, February 6 - Waitangi Day

⚽ Wellington Phoenix Double Header
A huge night of football at Sky Stadium as the Wellington Phoenix women face Perth Glory in the afternoon before the men take on Melbourne Victory under lights - two matches, one ticket, and a full evening of A-League action.
📍 Sky Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea | 💰 From $40 | 🎟 All ages | Fri 4pm & 7pm

🎤 Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - The Wild God Tour
An epic, full-scale live show from one of music’s most iconic and intense performers, bringing the acclaimed Wild God tour to Wellington.
📍 TSB Bank Arena, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington | 💰 From $174 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 6:30pm (also Thur)

🎬 Baby Camp & A Tasteful Amount of Chaos - A Low Hum
A one-of-a-kind Waitangi Weekend experience featuring a legendary in-the-round local music party and the world premiere of an 8-hour cult documentary about A Low Hum’s anti-festivals.
📍 Camp Wainui, 201 Coast Road, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt | 💰 From $60 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Starts Fri 2pm

🌿 Lavender Magic Flower Farm PYO
Breathe in the lavender fields, pick your own blooms, and soak up peaceful Wairarapa garden vibes for a dreamy summer day out.
📍 Lavender Magic, 61 Blakes Road, Mt Holdsworth, Carterton | 💰 $5.12 entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 10am-5pm

🎤 Jim Jefferies - Son Of A Carpenter
The global stand-up heavyweight brings his sharp, no-holds-barred comedy to Wellington for one huge night of laughs.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Jervois Quay, Wellington | 💰 From $91.65 | 🎟 All ages (licensed venue) | 🕖 Fri doors open 7:00pm

🎶 The Bass Sound Garden Vol. 3
A family-friendly celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday, African-rooted sounds and deep bass vibes powered by a full sound system.
📍 Glover Park, 67 Ghuznee St, Te Aro, Wellington | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 1pm-7pm

🎭 The Glass Menagerie
A haunting, beautifully written family drama from Tennessee Williams, brought to life on stage with Circa’s trademark emotional punch.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Wellington | 💰 $25-60 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 7pm

✨ Star Trek Laser Tour (Stargazing)
Laser-guided constellations, planet spotting, and epic night-sky storytelling under the stars.
📍 Stonehenge Aotearoa, 51 Ahiaruhe Road, Carterton | 💰 $63-$83 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 9:30pm-11:00pm

🍜 Welly Night Market
Street food, late-night bites and buzzing CBD vibes - your go-to Friday night feed spot.
📍 Welly Night Market, 45A Abel Smith Street, Wellington | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 5pm-11pm

📚 The Book of Will
A witty and heartfelt backstage story about the friends who saved Shakespeare’s plays from being lost forever.
📍 Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro | 💰 $20-$30 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 7:30pm-10pm

🇳🇿 Te Rā o Waitangi
A vibrant waterfront celebration with live performances, culture, kai and whānau-friendly activities honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
📍 Waitangi Park, 107 Cable Street, Wellington | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 12pm-6pm

🇳🇿 Waitangi Day in Porirua
A huge community celebration with live entertainment, kai, culture and waka tours alongside mana whenua Ngāti Toa.
📍 Te Rauparaha Park, Norrie Street, Porirua | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 12pm-5pm

💃 Brazza!
High-energy Brazilian funk, dancefloor classics and live grooves to heat up your Friday night.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett Street, Wellington | 💰 Free | 🔞 R18 | 🕖 Fri 9:30pm

🏇 Tauherenikau Summer Races Family Day
A classic country race day packed with live music, kids’ entertainment, on-track games and eight thrilling races in a proper summer carnival atmosphere.
📍 Tauherenikau Racecourse, State Highway 2, Featherston | 💰 $20 adults, kids free | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri Gates open 8am, racing from 12:28pm-5pm

📜 Te Rā o Waitangi - Waitangi Day at the National Library
See original Te Tiriti documents up close and enjoy tours, talks and hands-on activities for all ages.
📍 National Library of New Zealand, 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 9am-4pm

🏰 Wrights Hill Fortress - Waitangi Day
Explore WWII tunnels, guns and history on a self-guided open day at this iconic hilltop fortress.
📍 Wrights Hill Fortress, 50 Wrights Hill Road, Karori | 💰 $5-$20 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 10am-4pm

🎶 Andrew London Duo
Sharp, funny Kiwi satire and toe-tapping tunes from one of NZ’s most entertaining songwriters.
📍 Whirinaki Whare Taonga, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt | 💰 Koha Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 5:30pm-7:30pm

🎉 Waitangi Day Whānau Celebration at Ōrongomai Marae
A welcoming community day celebrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi with live performances, kai stalls, games and activities for tamariki.
📍 Ōrongomai Marae, 1 Railway Ave, Maidstone, Upper Hutt | 🎟 All ages | 🕘 Fri 9am-2pm

🎤 Waitangi Day Royal Rap Showcase
A stacked lineup of North Island hip-hop talent bringing big beats and late-night energy to Valhalla.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Wellington | 💰 $10 | 🔞 R18 | 🕖 Fri 7:30pm

🍷 Friday Night Markets
Sunset wines, tasty food, artisan stalls and lawn vibes at a dreamy Martinborough evening market.
📍 Luna Estate, Puruatanga Road, Martinborough | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Fri 4pm-8pm

Saturday, February 7:

🛍️ Martinborough Fair
Hundreds of stalls, great food, live music and classic summer fair vibes in the heart of Martinborough.
📍 Martinborough Square, Martinborough | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Sat 8am-4pm

🧺 Giant Picnic at Frank Kitts Park
A stylish waterfront picnic party with live jazz, DJs, pop-up bars, lawn games and relaxed summer mingling - plus WellyBuzz is giving away 10 double weekend passes. Enter via our Instagram giveaway post or just hit reply to this email with PICNIC to go in the draw.
📍 Frank Kitts Park, 10 Jervois Quay, Wellington | 💰 From $28 | 🎟 All ages (kids with guardian) | 🕐 Sat 1pm-sunset, Sun 11am-6:30pm

🏉 Hurricanes vs Chiefs Pre-Season Clash
Super Rugby hits Porirua as the Hurricanes face the Chiefs in their final pre-season clash, bringing big names and strong local support to Jerry Collins Stadium.
📍 Jerry Collins Stadium, Porirua | 💰 Free under 5, $5 child, $10 adult | 🎟 All ages | Sat 1pm

🪱 Below The Worms
An imaginative, slightly spooky tale of garden magic, secrets and midnight adventures told with puppetry and live music.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Wellington | 💰 $15-40 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Sat 3pm-4pm and 7pm-8pm

💄 The Giver! A Chappell Roan Drag Show
High-glam drag, big camp energy and Chappell Roan anthems taking over the stage for one glitter-packed night.
📍 Ivy Bar and Cabaret, 63 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington | 💰 $23-34 | 🔞 R18 | 🕖 Sat 8:30pm-11:30pm

🚀 Caburlesque - Star Wars vs Star Trek
Burlesque, cabaret and sci-fi spectacle collide in a cheeky space-themed showdown.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Wellington | 💰 $34-44 | 🔞 R18 | 🕖 Sat 8pm-10pm

😂 Love Stories: Import Edition
Immigrant comedians share hilarious, chaotic and heartfelt tales of love, dating and culture shock.
📍 Circus Bar, 17b Allen Street, Wellington | 💰 $23 | 🔞 R18 | 🕖 Sat 7pm-8:15pm

🌿 Beating the Odds - Guided Walk
An easy downhill garden walk discovering hardy plants that thrive in tough conditions.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn | 💰 $0-10 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Sat 1:30pm-2:45pm

🍷 Flight LEGRA525 – Grab a seat now!
A fun wine “flight” experience with five vintages paired with food, entertainment and summery dress vibes.
📍 Le Gra Vineyard, 42 Loopline Road RD 1, Masterton | 💰 $52.50 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Sat 2:30pm-5:30pm

🌺 Wellington Pasifika Festival
A vibrant waterfront celebration of Pacific cultures with performances, food, workshops and whānau fun.
📍 Waitangi Park, 107 Cable Street, Wellington | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Sat 12pm-6pm

😂 Danny Bhoy: Dear World...
Sharp, story-driven stand-up from the quick-witted Scottish comic in a theatrical, laugh-packed show.
📍 The Opera House, 111-113 Manners Street | 💰 $58.40 | 🔞 R15 | 🕖 Sat 8pm-10:30pm

🎶 The Uptakes with Louis TM
Smooth soul, funky grooves and dancefloor vibes from one of Pōneke’s most magnetic live performers.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett Street, Wellington | 💰 Free Entry | 🔞 R18 | 🕖 Sat 9:30pm

🤘 Waste Fest 2026
A loud night of heavy Aotearoa sounds bringing raw riffs and serious energy to Valhalla.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Wellington | 💰 Door sales | 🔞 R18 | 🕖 Sat 6pm

💥 Rollin' - Nu Metal & Alt Rock Night
A full-throttle throwback club night with DJs spinning nu metal and alt rock anthems from Limp Bizkit to Linkin Park all night long.
📍 Thunder Road, 132 Courtenay Place, Te Aro | 💰 From $22.75 | 🎟 R18 | 🕘 Sat 9pm-late

🔮 Johnsonville Divine Connections Expo
A feel-good holistic expo with psychic readings, healing, spiritual goodies and handcrafted treasures.
📍 Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 3 Frankmoore Avenue, Johnsonville | 💰 Entry by Koha (cash only) | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Sat 10am-4pm

🎨 Waitangi Market at Kai Tahi
Celebrate Waitangi Weekend with local art, crafts and great kai, plus pre and post-game buzz with the Hurricanes in town.
📍 Kai Tahi, 18A Parumoana Street, Porirua City Centre | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 Sat 10am-3pm

🍷 Ata Rangi Summer Sessions - Waitangi Weekend
Soul-jazz, summer wines and great food in the vineyard for a laid-back long weekend afternoon.
📍 Ata Rangi Winery, 14 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough | 💰 $25 | 🎟 All ages licensed | 🕖 Sat 12pm-4pm

🎶 Margrain Vineyard Summer Saturdays with Capt.D
Live music, great wine and relaxed vineyard vibes after a day at the Martinborough Fair.
📍 Margrain Vineyard, Ponatahi and Huangarua Roads, Martinborough | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Sat 1pm-4pm

🎭 Taula (Anchor) - Shooting Stars Programme Performance
A powerful youth theatre piece exploring identity, culture and belonging, followed by a talanoa with the cast.
📍 Hannah Playhouse, 12 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro | 💰 Free (please register via weblink) | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 Sat 7pm-8:10pm

🃏 Wellington Card & Collectables Show
A big day for collectors with vendor tables, live breaks, trading space and food trucks – perfect for sports cards, TCGs and memorabilia fans.
📍 St Patrick's College, Silverstream, 7 Fergusson Drive, Silverstream, Upper Hutt | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 Sat 10am-4pm

🖌️ The Sixth Handwritten Spring Couplets & "FU" Calligraphy Giveaway
Watch beautiful traditional calligraphy created live and take home free Spring Festival couplets and “FU” blessings for luck and prosperity.
📍 Yan's Supermarket, 23 Brunswick Street, Lower Hutt | 💰 Free Entry | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages | Sat 9am-2pm

🌱 Respecting Papatūānuku as Tangata Tiriti - Waitangi Weekend Workshop
A thoughtful, hands-on koha workshop exploring Hua Parakore, composting and growing kai in ways that honour Papatūānuku and Te Tiriti relationships.
📍 Kaicycle Urban Farm and Composting, 5 Hospital Road, Newtown, Wellington | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages | Sat 1pm-2:30pm

Sunday, February 8:

🚗 British & European Car Day – 40th Anniversary
A massive showcase of classic British and European cars celebrating 40 years, with enthusiasts gathering from across the region.
📍 Trentham Memorial Park, Barton Rd, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt | 🎟 All ages | 🕘 Sun From 9am

🧘 Yoga in the Sanctuary
A peaceful guided yoga session in the heart of native bush, blending movement, mindfulness and te ao Māori in a truly special setting.
📍 ZEALANDIA Eco-Sanctuary, Waiapu Road, Karori | 💰 From $15 | 🎟 R13 | 🕘 Sun 9am-11am

🛍️ Ōtaki Market - February
A vibrant community market packed with local crafts, fresh produce, tasty food trucks and live music - the perfect relaxed Sunday browse.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 Sun 10am-2pm

🏡 Greytown Heritage Trust House and Garden Tour 2026
Step inside some of Greytown’s most beautiful heritage homes and gardens on this self-guided fundraiser filled with charm, history and countryside treats.
📍 Kouka Cottage, 113 Main Street, Greytown | 💰 $98 | 🎟 R15 | 🕙 Sun 10am-4:30pm

🎖️ Hickety Pips & Others - Aspects of Military Matters in Colonial Wellington
A fascinating guided cemetery walk exploring the lives of early settlers, soldiers and families who shaped Wellington’s colonial military history.
📍 Bolton Street Cemetery, Bolton Street, Wellington | 💰 $10 (free for children under 12) | 🎟 All ages | 🕑 Sun 2pm-3:30pm

💃 Bailamos Bachata – Free Latin Dance Night
A welcoming social Latin dance evening with a free beginner bachata lesson followed by hours of bachata, salsa and more.
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar Restaurant, 39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro, Wellington | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕕 Sun 6pm-9pm

🎶 Scott Cook and Pamela Mae
A heartfelt night of modern folk storytelling from this internationally touring duo, blending rich vocals, upright bass and road-worn songs full of warmth and insight.
📍 Abandoned Taproom Petone, 38 Fitzherbert Street, Petone, Lower Hutt | 💰 $20 | 🎟 R18 | 🕢 Sun 7:30pm-9:30pm

🎉 Day in the Bay - the Island Bay Festival
Live music, markets, food trucks and full seaside festival vibes take over Shorland Park. Don’t miss the colourful community parade and the Blessing of the Boats.
📍 Shorland Park, Island Bay, Wellington | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | Sun 10am-6pm

🛍️ The Waikanae Beach Monthly Community Market
A relaxed coastal market packed with handmade crafts, local goodies and family-friendly stalls - perfect for a sunny Sunday browse.
📍 Waikanae Beach Community Hall, 22a Rauparaha Street, Waikanae | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 Sun 10am-1pm

🎷 Sunday Jazz - Bryn Van Vliet
Smooth Sunday sounds with Bryn van Vliet and his quartet bringing funky, soulful jazz to your end-of-week wind down.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett Street, Wellington | 💰 Free Entry (Koha for the band appreciated) | 🎟 All ages licensed | 🕔 Sun 5pm-7pm

🧵 Artisan Craft Market
Browse a beautiful range of locally handmade goods from talented artisans at this premium waterfront craft market.
📍 Te Wharewaka o Poneke, Taranaki Street Wharf, Wellington | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 Sun 10am-3pm

🎷 Sunday Jazz Club
Laid-back live jazz, good beer and easy Sunday vibes with Lockie Bennett and crew at Parrotdog.
📍 Parrotdog Bar, 60-66 Kingsford Smith Street, Lyall Bay | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕑 Sun 2pm-5pm

🔜 Coming Next Week

⛳ Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship
Top women golfers from across the region compete in a free four-day championship at Royal Wellington Golf Club. A rare chance to see future stars of the game up close.
📍 Royal Wellington Golf Club, 28 Golf Rd, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 📅 12–15 Feb

💘 Valentine’s Night at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo
An adults-only after-hours zoo evening with live music, outdoor bar, food and cheeky love-themed animal talks. A wild date night with optional picnic baskets and animal encounters.
📍 Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown | 💰 From $24 | 🎟 R18 | 📅 Sat 14 Feb, 5pm-8:30pm

⛅ Welly Weather Watch

☀️ Friday: Fine. Northerlies, becoming strong in the afternoon. High 21°C, low 15°C.
⛅ Saturday: Mainly fine, chance of a shower from morning. High 21°C, low 16°C.
☀️ Sunday: Fine. Northerlies, easing in the morning. High 22°C, low 14°C.

💝 Extra Sprinkles - EkeRua ReBicycle

Giving new life to old bikes and new hope to people who need affordable transport. This Wellington charity repairs donated bicycles and matches them with locals who might not otherwise have access to one. They also run welcoming community workshops where people can learn to ride, fix bikes, and build confidence. It’s all about turning spare bikes into independence, skills and stronger community connections. Donate a bike, volunteer at a fix-up night or support them here: EkeRua ReBicycle 🚲

Have an awesome Waitangi weekend Wellington and enjoy every bit of it (and pace yourselves 😅).

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝