🐝 Welly’s Roaring Weekend: ABBA, Balkan Beats & Baby Lions

Kia ora Wellington and welcome to our first ever Thursday edition!

We hope the earlier delivery gives you a little more time to plan your weekend. While the temperatures are dropping, Welly’s weekend line-up is anything but chilly. From star-studded gigs to mouth-watering pop-ups and warm-hearted community events, there’s no excuse to hibernate. Layer up, grab a mate, and dive into Welly’s wintry weekend wonders.

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

🎹 Björn Again – ABBA’s biggest hits live at the Opera House.
🎤 Marlon Williams – Kiwi music royalty plays two soulful shows.
🎉 Love Local Expo – Shop Porirua’s finest makers under one roof.
🌊 Mana Moana Pōneke – Stunning free light and film show on the lagoon.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pet of the Week – Frodo the Flying Feline ✈️
🕰️ How the Zoo Began – With a lion cub and a Prime Minister (true story!)
🌟 Local Legend – Style on Jackson and Little Yellow Bird are changing fashion for good
🍽️ Food & Drink – Rēwana toast + cinnamon scrolls? Don’t mind if we do
🎉 Events Galore – 50+ gigs, markets, and shows across the weekend
🌦 Welly Weather Watch – It’s looking like a cold, showery weekend ahead
💝 Charity Spotlight – The Sallies support 150,000+ Kiwis with food, housing & care

🐾 Pet of the Week – Frodo, the Flying Feline

Meet Frodo - a pampered fluffball who flew all the way from Johannesburg to Wellington like the true lord of the carry-on. ✈️🧳Now soaking up the winter sun in Welly, Frodo keeps close to his hoomins (especially when they’re distracted by laptops - his sworn enemies). He’s still adjusting to the Wellington wind but loves the local birdwatching scene. Thanks to PetWings & Dogtainers for getting this regal boy home safe! 💛

Got a show-stealing pet? 🐶🐱 Email a blurb + pic to [email protected]

🕰️ Welly’s Wild Origins – The Lion That Launched the Zoo

Ever wonder how the Wellington Zoo began? It all started when Prime Minister Richard Seddon was handed a circus lion cub. In 1906 Seddon accepted the baby big cat – nicknamed King Dick – and that gift literally launched the zoo. King Dick became Wellington’s first zoo resident, giving our city a roaring reason to build a proper animal home. (True story – talk about a wild start to Wellington’s wildlife scene!)

🌟 Local Legends – Small Biz Gems to Check Out:

Style on Jackson - 220 Jackson Street

Located on Jackson Street in Petone, Style on Jackson is a premier consignment boutique specializing in high-quality preloved designer clothing. Established in 1996, the store offers a curated selection of second-hand fashion, promoting sustainability by giving garments a second life. Their consignment model not only reduces waste but also provides affordable designer fashion options without compromising on style or quality.

Little Yellow Bird - 99 Willis St, Te Aro

Little Yellow Bird is a homegrown ethical clothing label making organic-cotton apparel and goodies. From organic cotton tees and hoodies to aprons, totes, and zero-waste workwear, LYB’s gear is high-quality and 100% plastic-free in both manufacture and packaging. Their motto? Fair-trade, eco-friendly fashion that your kids (and you!) will wear again and again – and still look fabulous.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spots This Week

Volco – 11 Egmont St, Te Aro

Volco blends artisan baking with brunch creativity. The pastry cabinet overflows with buttery croissants, sweet and savoury danishes and their famous cinnamon scrolls. They even turn restaurant ideas into mouthwatering brunch pastries – so you’ll see clever twists on classics alongside your eggs on toast. Take a seat inside the cozy café or grab something on the go. (Insider tip: these oven-fresh goodies are worth waking up early for).

Karaka Café – Odlins Square, Taranaki Wharf

Nestled beside Whairepo Lagoon, Karaka Café is a Māori-owned eatery offering traditional favorites with contemporary flair. Their menu features dishes like the Breakfast Burger on rēwana bread and an oven-steamed hāngī with smoked aromas. With fantastic views and warm hospitality, it's an ideal spot for a cozy winter brunch.

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday, 6 June:

💃 Cumbia Blazera – Latin dance night with live music and DJs at Rogue & Vagabond. Heat up your Friday with salsa and cumbia grooves. 📍Rogue & Vagabond (Garrett St) | 🕒 9:30pm–late | 🎟️ Free entry

🎸 Ball Park Music: Like Love Tour – Infectious indie-pop/rock from Australia’s Ball Park Music brings summer hits to San Fran. 📍San Fran (171 Cuba St) | 🕒 7:30–10:00pm | 🎟️ $52.50

🎧 DIDGERIDUB! – DJs + live didgeridoo at Moon create a tribal dance party. 📍Moon (Cuba St) | 🕒 9:00pm | 🎟️ $10

🥁 Underwire – Local indie-rockers headline Underworld Tavern with supporting bands for a kiwi music kick. 📍Underworld Tavern (Wakefield St) | 🕒 7:30pm doors, 8:00pm show | 🎟️ $15

🎭 Wahine Auaha Festival – Five nights of hilarious short plays and stand-up by local wāhine, raising funds for Women’s Refuge.
📍 Mana Little Theatre | 🕒 Wed–Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm | 🎟️ $20 - $25

🔪 Murder Mystery Night – Bubbles, scandal, and 1920s intrigue collide in this immersive whodunnit experience.
📍 PowWow Room (Courtenay Pl) | 🕒 Fri 6pm–8pm | 🎟️ $49.42

🎷 Gardening Music: Jake Baxendale Quintet – Soul-soothing prog-jazz inspired by nature and nurtured by one of Welly’s finest.
📍 St Michael’s Church (Kelburn) | 🕒 Fri 6–7:30pm | 🎟️ Koha

📖 Hope Floats: Poetry Book Launch – Celebrate the release of Rebekah Burgess’ third poetry collection with words, photos, and warmth.
📍 The Undercurrent (Tory St) | 🕒 Fri 5:30–7:30pm | 🎟️ Free

🎶 3 Tenors & A Soprano – A soaring morning of opera, ballads, and musical theatre from Operatunity’s star-studded vocal quartet.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre (Carterton) | 🕒 Fri 11am–12:45pm | 🎟️ from $35–$42

🎷 Oscar Lavën: Jazz Orchestra Series – A cinematic, swing-infused jazz journey led by Welly’s sax maestro and his Elegant Calamity Orchestra.
📍 Bedlam & Squalor (Te Aro) | 🕒 Fri 7–8:30pm | 🎟️ $15

Saturday, 7 June:

🎹 Björn Again – The world’s No.1 ABBA tribute show gets everybody dancing at the Opera House with all the glittery hits. 📍Wellington Opera House | 🕒 8:00pm | 🎟️ $85

🛍️ Pre-Loved Clothing Market – Feral Nation Fundraiser
Local makers, artisans and street food gather under one roof in Aro Valley. Perfect for weekend wandering and bargain hunting. 📍Aro Valley Hall | 🕒 9:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free.

🌊 Mana Moana Pōneke – Indigenous short films projected on water at Whairepo Lagoon in a stunning Matariki light experience.
📍 Whairepo Lagoon (Waterfront) | 🕒 Sat & Sun 6–9pm | 🎟️ Free

🦅 Swallow the Rat – Auckland post-punk outfit celebrates a new EP release at Moon. Gritty guitar-driven tunes with support from local indie friends. 📍Moon (Cuba St) | 🕒 8:00pm | 🎟️ $15

🎸 Oriental Bay House Gig – Four killer bands, epic vibes, and BYO energy in a big house overlooking the bay.
📍 Oriental Bay (address shared day of) | 🕒 6:30pm–11pm | 🎟️ $10 + bf

🎤 Marlon Williams – (Sat and Sun) Aotearoa’s genre-bending crooner returns with haunting vocals and poetic Te Reo ballads.📍St James Theatre | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ from $79.90

🛼 Remutaka Roller Derby – Catch the final showdown at Upper Hutt rink as the home team takes on The Chicxulub Impact!
📍 Upper Hutt Rollerskating Club | 🕒 6pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ $5 / kids gold coin

🎷 Swinging Saturday @ Nolita – Smooth grooves and bebop vibes as the Paterson Players light up Cuba Street with 20th-century jazz hits.
📍 Nolita (Cuba St) | 🕒 Sat 9–11pm | 🎟️ Free

🦙 Walking with Alpacas – Take a scenic stroll with fluffy new friends and soak up stunning Kapiti Coast views.
📍 Cantharis Alpacas (Paraparaumu) | 🕒 Sat 2–4pm, Sun 10am–12pm | 🎟️ Call 021 547 888

🎸 Hogsnort Bulldogs Goodtime Band – Skiffle pop legends serve up chart-toppers and cheeky classics in a lively throwback night.
📍 Upper Hutt Cossie Club | 🕒 Sat 7:30–11pm | 🎟️ $38.30

🤼 CPW: Road to Capital Carnage – High-energy pro wrestling returns with body slams, big drama, and family-friendly action.
📍 Garage 16 (6 Railway Ave, Upper Hutt) | 🕒 Sat 6–8:30pm | 🎟️ from $10.25–$23.25

🍼 Wellington Baby Expo – Discover top baby brands, expert advice, demos, and deals for bumps, babies, and beyond.
📍 Lower Hutt Event Centre | 🕒 Sat & Sun 9am–4pm | 🎟️ Free online / $5 door

🌍 Mehana – Lively Balkan folk and Eastern European beats that’ll have you dancing from the first note.
📍 The Undercurrent (Tory St) | 🕒 Sat 7:30pm | 🎟️ $23.25

🍔 Fire Grill – Smashburgers over coals and top Martinborough wines at this fiery pop-up feast at Nga Waka Vineyard.
📍 Nga Waka (Martinborough) | 🕒 Sat from 4pm | 🎟️ Free Entry (booking essential)

🎧 Fovos – NZ’s high-energy DJ duo bring pounding bass and rave-fuelled chaos to San Fran for a late-night dancefloor takeover.
📍 San Fran (Cuba St) | 🕒 Sat 11pm–3am | 🎟️ $15–$25

🎼 Favoured Son – Orchestra Wellington performs towering Russian works by Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov & Shostakovich in a stirring night of power and passion.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre | 🕒 Sat 7:30pm–9:45pm | 🎟️ from $12–$55

🛍️ Love Local Expo 2025 – Celebrate Porirua’s finest makers, foodies, and businesses all under one buzzing roof.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena (Porirua) | 🕒 Sat 10am–4pm | 🎟️ Free

🍩 Vonuts Grand Opening – Celebrate their new Willis St spot with donuts, toasties, coffee, giveaways, and a wheel of fortune!
📍 148 Willis St (Te Aro) | 🕒 From 11am | 🎟️ Free

📺 Twin Peaks Meetup – Join fellow fans for a big-screen rewatch of Episodes 1–3, Log Lady intros included. BYO snacks, damn fine vibes.
📍 Te Auaha (Te Aro) | 🕒 Sat 10:30am–1:30pm | 🎟️ $10

🎤 Adam McGrath with The Bidibids – NZ’s folk troubadour brings raw heart, grit, and bluegrass charm to the Taproom.
📍 Abandoned Taproom (Petone) | 🕒 Sat 8–10:30pm | 🎟️ $25–$30

🧵 Just Sew Repair Café – Fix your favourite clothes with help from sewing pros at this zero waste drop-in workshop.
📍 Sustainability Trust (CBD) | 🕒 Sat 1–4pm | 🎟️ Free (booking recommended)

✨ Matariki: Pōhutukawa Bracelets – Create a memory bracelet and honour loved ones in this free, whānau-friendly craft session.
📍 Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay | 🕒 Sat 10am–1pm | 🎟️ Free

🛍️ Paekākāriki Market Day – A vibrant village market with art, vintage finds, handmade goods, and great coffee by the beach.
📍 St Peter’s Village Hall | 🕒 Sat 9am–2pm | 🎟️ Free

🪩 Bed By 10 – A throwback club night for the 30+ crowd with 80s–2000s bangers, confetti, and zero FOMO about Monday.
📍 The Garden Hotel (Wellington) | 🕒 4pm–9pm | 🎟️ From $35

🥕 Wairarapa Farmers' Market – Fresh produce, crafts, live music, and country charm at the historic Solway Showgrounds.
📍 Solway Showgrounds (Masterton) | 🕒 Sat 9am–1pm | 🎟️ Free

🔌 E-Waste Recycling Drive – Drop off your old electronics in this easy drive-thru event supporting Variety – the Children’s Charity.
📍 Tawa College Carpark | 🕒 9am–3pm | 🎟️ Free (fees apply for some items)

🎤 Signature Choir Fundraiser – A powerhouse night of gospel, R&B, and Pacific soul supporting their Sydney Opera House debut.
📍 ARISE Centre (Lower Hutt) | 🕒 7pm | 🎟️ $43.80

Sunday, 8 June: 

🎺 Air Force Band Charity Concert – Bagpipes, big band, and movie magic in this uplifting fundraiser for Wellington Free Ambulance.
📍 Southward Theatre (Paraparaumu) | 🕒 Sun 1:30–3:30pm | 🎟️ Child $5.12 Adult $31.13

🎷 Sunday Jazz – Smooth swing tunes and vintage vibes at The Undercurrent’s cosy weekly jazz hour.
📍 The Undercurrent (Tory St) | 🕒 Sun 3:30–4:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58

👽 Sci-Fi Sundays – Watch cult classics like Galaxy Quest and Ghostbusters under the stars at Space Place, popcorn included.
📍 Space Place (Kelburn) | 🕒 Sun 6–8pm | 🎟️ $25

✨ Porirua Matariki Market – Indoor harbourside market with local stalls, live entertainment, and delicious kai at Kai Tahi.
📍 Kai Tahi (Porirua) | 🕒 Sun 11am–4pm | 🎟️ Free

🎷 Sunday Jazz – Saxophonist Louisa Williamson leads a soulful set of standards and originals at Rogue’s cosy Sunday session.
📍 Rogue & Vagabond (Garrett St) | 🕒 Sun 5–7pm | 🎟️ Free

🏐 Pulse vs Mystics – The ANZ Premiership grand final rematch lights up TSB Arena after a Manawa vs Marvels curtain-raiser.
📍 TSB Arena (Wellington) | 🕒 Sun 5–9pm | 🎟️ Tickets at pulse.org.nz

🧶 Waikanae Beach Indoor Market – Handmade treasures, local crafts, and family-friendly charm at this cosy Kapiti community market.
📍 Waikanae Beach Community Hall | 🕒 Sun 10am–1pm | 🎟️ Free

🛍️ Ōtaki Craft Market – A vibrant outdoor market with handmade goods, plants, vintage finds, and kai from waffles to hangi.
📍 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki | 🕒 Sun 10am–2pm | 🎟️ Free

🎶 Capital Harmony Chorus – Enjoy sweet four-part a cappella harmonies in the lush warmth of the Begonia House.
📍 Begonia House (Botanic Garden) | 🕒 Sun 11am | 🎟️ Entry by donation

🎤 Rita Mae & Sofia Machray – Two rising stars share raw, intimate sets in a special double bill of indie pop and dream-rock.
📍 Vogelmorn Bowling Club (Brooklyn) | 🕒 Sun 7pm | 🎟️ $15-$20 + booking fee

💃 Bailamos Bachata! – A free Latin dance party with bachata beats, good vibes, and a beginner-friendly lesson to get you moving.
📍 Southern Cross (Te Aro) | 🕒 Sun 6–9pm | 🎟️ Free

🧊 Plimmerton Mid-Winter Dip – Brave the chilly splash, enjoy kai, raffles, and family fun—all to support the local kindy.
📍 Karehana Bay (Plimmerton) | 🕒 Sun from 11am (dip at noon) | 🎟️ Free (donations welcome)

🌿 Winter Foraging Walk – Discover edible wild plants and foraging wisdom with Homegrown Botanica at Innermost Gardens.
📍 Mt Victoria (Innermost Gardens) | 🕒 Sun 10am–12pm | 🎟️ $75

🎶 Sunday Jazz Club – Smooth Sunday sessions with rotating local jazz trios at Parrotdog’s laid-back Lyall Bay bar.
📍 Parrotdog Bar (Lyall Bay) | 🕒 Sun 3–5pm | 🎟️ Free

🌦 Welly Weather Watch

Friday: ⛅ Partly cloudy with a few showers, easing in the afternoon. High 12°C, low 6°C.
Saturday: 🌦 Showers easing, fine breaks developing later. Strong southerlies. High 10°C, low 5°C.
Sunday: 🌦 A few lingering showers with fresh southerlies. High 9°C, low 6°C.

💕 Extra Sprinkles – Charity of the Week

Since 1883, The Salvation Army has been standing beside New Zealanders in tough times — offering food support, financial mentoring, addiction services, transitional housing, and so much more. Every year, they assist over 150,000 Kiwis in need.

Whether it’s helping families with kai, providing clothing through Family Stores, or supporting youth and whānau with life-changing programmes, the Sallies are a quiet force of kindness across Aotearoa. 💛 Donate or learn more: salvationarmy.org.nz

That’s your Welly weekend, wrapped up warm and ready to roll. Whether you're dancing to ABBA in sequins or sipping coffee by the harbour, we hope it’s a cracker. Layer up, stay cosy, and don’t forget to say hi if you spot us out and about!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

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