🐝 WellyBuzz: A Mega Weekend of Music, Markets & Festive Magic in Wellington

Kia ora, Wellington! This weekend is shaping up to be one of the biggest of the season - with everything from legendary Pixies gigs to Christmas markets, vintage fairs, school galas, art tours, drag nights and massive community celebrations. Whether you’re chasing waterfront vibes, family-friendly fun or a late-night dancefloor, there’s something happening in every corner of the region.
Grab your mates, grab your layers, and let’s make the most of this packed, feel-good Pōneke weekend.

🎁 “But First…” - A Little Something We’ve Been Working On

Before we dive into the weekend: a quick, very exciting update.
Back in June, we asked whether you’d buy a Wellington-only Buzz Box filled with treats from local makers… and the response from the WellyBuzz community was massive. You sent in hundreds of suggestions about what should go in it - and we’ve tried to include as many as we possibly could.

So… we made it. Just in time for Christmas, the first-ever WellyBuzz Box has officially launched - packed with favourites from some of the region’s best producers, beautifully presented, and perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself, no judgement).

As a thank-you for helping shape it, WellyBuzz subscribers get 10% off.
👉 Use code: wellybuzz
👉 Grab one here: https://buzzbox.nz

Limited run. Proudly Wellington. Made with your help.

🔥 8 Quick Picks This Weekend

🎸 Pixies – Live in Wellington – Alt-rock icons wrap-up their two-night run at St James Theatre (Thu)
🎄 Christmas in the Quarters – Whakaaturanga – Choirs, dance, kids’ activities & festive cheer at Glover Park (Sat)
🎄 Cuba Street Summer Series Christmas Market – Big open-street festive market with arts, food & live performances (Sat)
🧱 Well-LUG Annual Brick Sale – Rare, retired & collector LEGO sets in Petone (Sat)
🎪 The Extravaganza Fair – Travelling fair with rides, circus acts & kai at Hikoikoi Reserve (Sat & Sun)
🌞 Common Unity Summer Fair 2025 – Handmade goods, music & community vibes in Fairfield (Sat)
🎉 Wilford School Gala – Classic Petone gala day with stalls, games & raffles (Sun)
🚗 Capital Cruise – Sunday Park Up Car Show – Hot rods, muscle cars, food trucks & live music for Child Cancer (Sun)

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pets of the Week: Meet Pippin & Storm, Wellington’s adorable sofa-snuggling duo.
🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – Holidaymakers enjoying Oriental Bay back in 1902.
🌟 Local Legends – Discover Small Acorns, a design lover’s dream on Blair Street.
🍽️ Food & Drink – Vonuts: the CBD gem rolling out fresh vegan donuts daily.
🎉 Events – Your full list of the best events across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – Early rain Friday, fine spells Saturday, rain returning Sunday.
💝 Extra Sprinkles – Shoebox Christmas bringing joy to tamariki across the region.

🐾 Pets of the Week: Pippin & Storm

Pippin the dog and Storm the cat share a seriously sweet friendship - you’ll often find them curled up together on the sofa, and sometimes even washing each other. Pure wholesomeness. Thanks to Anne & Chris Jay for sending in these adorable pics!

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – Oriental Bay, 1902

In 1902 Wellingtonians were already flocking to Oriental Bay for sun, sea air and beachside joy. More than a century later, nothing’s changed - we’re still out there chasing the light and that classic Pōneke waterfront feeling.

🌟 Local Legends – Small Acorns (2 Blair St, Wellington)

Small Acorns on Blair Street is a colourful interiors store packed with bold textiles, handmade ceramics, boutique NZ brands and beautifully curated home décor. Run by stylist Amanda Holland, it stands out for its “perfectly imperfect” aesthetic and rich, personality-filled styling. If you love vibrant Wellington design, this place is a dream to wander through.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Vonuts (148 Willis St, Wellington)

Vonuts at 148 Willis Street is fast becoming the CBD’s favourite stop for indulgent plant-based donuts, handmade fresh every morning. Their menu changes often, but you’ll find staples like classic glazed rings, filled donuts, chocolate-dipped varieties and rotating seasonal flavours - all 100% vegan. It’s a bright little spot that’s building real buzz thanks to its fresh bakes and big flavours.

🚢 Cruise Ship Arrivals at the Waterfront

It’s cruise season in Wellington - time to welcome visitors (and plan your waterfront strolls accordingly!).

✨ Sponsored by ViewFromTheRoom.com
It’s strangely addictive… and might just change how you travel.

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Thursday 27 November:

🎸 Pixies – Live in Wellington
The legendary Pixies return to NZ with a two-night tour run - their Thursday show features classics and new tracks from The Night The Zombies Came.
📍 St James Theatre | 💰 $120 | 🎟️ All ages | 🕖 8:00pm

🌍 BlaBla Language Exchange – Meet & Mingle
A social night for meeting new people, making international friends, and practising languages in a relaxed mingle-style setting.
📍 Otto Champagneria & Beer Hall | 💰 Free (drink purchase required) | 🎟 All ages | 🕗 8:00pm–10:00pm

Friday 28 November:

🎭 Home, I’m Darling
A witty, thought-provoking comedy exploring 1950s nostalgia, obsession, and modern feminism - fresh from award-winning runs in the UK and NZ.
📍 Studio 73, Greytown | 🕗 8:00pm–10:15pm | 💰 $25 + fees | 🎟️ All ages

🎶 Amélie the Musical
A magical, whimsical stage adaptation of the beloved French film - full of heart, imagination, and a soaring original score.
📍 Hannah Playhouse, Te Aro | 🕖 7:30pm–10:00pm | 💰 $35–$60 + fees | 🎟️ M

🩰 NZ School of Dance Performance Season 2025
A vibrant celebration of rising ballet and contemporary talent, showcasing bold new works and timeless classics from Aotearoa’s next generation of dancers.
📍 Te Whaea, Newtown | 🕖 7:30pm–9:00pm | 💰 Price TBC | 🎟️ All ages

🎭 Every Kind of Weather
A powerful double-bill celebrating Bruce Mason’s iconic storytelling - from childhood wonder to the raw search for identity in Aotearoa.
📍 Circa Theatre, Wellington | 🕖 7:30pm–9:00pm | 💰 $25–$60 + fees | 🎟️ All ages

🧝‍♂️ Robin Hood – The Pantomime
A hilariously Kiwi twist on the classic tale, packed with dance numbers, cheeky humour, and all the chaotic fun of panto.
📍 Circa Theatre, Wellington | 🕕 6:30pm–8:30pm | 💰 $25–$60 + fees | 🎟️ All ages

🧸 Last Days at Ngā Tūrua Kiwi
A final chance for tamariki to explore Capital E’s much-loved play space before it closes for summer ahead of its big move to the restored Wellington Central Library.
📍 Capital E, Queens Wharf | 🕘 9:30am–3:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟️ All ages

🎤 Red Ribbon Revue: A Cabaret for World AIDS Day
An electrifying night of comedy, drag, burlesque and music raising funds for peer-support organisation Body Positive - all proceeds go to a meaningful cause.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St, Wellington | 🕗 8:00pm–9:30pm | 💰 $23.25–$54.55 | 🎟️ R18

🎄 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
A joyful festive concert packed with carols, singalongs, jokes, and Christmas cheer from Operatunity’s beloved performers.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre, Carterton | 🕚 11:00am–12:45pm | 💰 $35–$42 | 🎟️ All ages

🎵 Saya Gray, Karen Nyame KG + Mā
A genre-bending night of alt-pop, UK dance, and evocative local soundscapes as Saya Gray makes her NZ debut alongside powerhouse producer KG and Te Whanganui-a-Tara artist Mā.
📍 Meow Nui, Te Aro | 🕢 7:30pm | 💰 $79.90 | 🎟️ R18

🎸 Them Sundries
A free, high-energy night of fuzzy funk, synthy soul, and rambunctious rock as Them Sundries take over Abandoned Brewery for a boogie-filled Petone sesh.
📍 Abandoned Taproom, Petone | 🕖 7:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟️ RP18

🎧 A.Skillz (UK)
A.Skillz brings his explosive blend of funk, soul, hip hop, and bass to Meow for a late-night dancefloor burner, joined by Wellington legends The Sandwiches Guy and KARDIAK.
📍 Meow, Te Aro | 🕙 10:00pm–1:30am | 💰 $25–$34.50 | 🎟️ R18

🧵 Locally Handmade & Pre-Loved Night Market
A cosy Waikanae night market featuring preloved clothing, handmade crafts, upcycled treasures, collectables, kids’ dress-ups, and plenty of local creativity.
📍 Waikanae Arts & Crafts Society | 🕟 4:30pm–7:30pm | 💰 Free | 🎟️ All ages

🎧 Druids Temple - Third Eye Hi-Fi
Bass-heavy druid-themed rave with a full 130/140 lineup, visuals, décor and late-night energy.
📍 Valhalla, Vivian St | 💰 See weblink | 🎟 R18 | 🕖 9:00pm–3:00am

🪩 OTC ft. Lisa Tomlins
A high-energy night of live vocals and dance-floor grooves at Southern Cross - always a packed, feel-good boogie.
📍 Southern Cross, Abel Smith St | 🕖 6:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages (licensed)

💃 Salsa Magic Competition Showcase
A mock competition night featuring 40+ dancers performing their World Salsa Solo routines before heading to the Gold Coast.
📍 Te Whaea - National Dance & Drama Centre | 🕖 6:30pm–8:15pm | 💰 $10 + fees | 🎟 All ages

🤣 James Nokise: One Night Rant
A sharp, fast-paced hour of political comedy as James Nokise tears into scandals, headlines, and the chaos of modern life.
📍 The Fringe Bar, Allen St | 🕖 6:00pm | 💰 $35 | 🎟 R18

Saturday 29 November

🎄 Christmas in the Quarters – Whakaaturanga
A full day of festive fun at Glover Park featuring choirs, hip-hop dance, ukulele performances, face painting, and a Santa Letterbox for the kids.
📍 Glover Park, Te Aro | 🕚 11:00am–5:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟️ All ages

💄 Rising Star: A Drag Competition Finale
The fiercest finalists hit the Ivy stage for a glitter-soaked showdown packed with iconic looks, big energy, and one queen (or king!) ultimately snatching the 2025 crown.
📍 Ivy Bar & Cabaret, Te Aro | 🕤 9:30pm (Doors 9:00pm) | 💰 $18–$39.18 | 🎟️ R18

🎼 Te Pae Kōkako TANZOS – Una Serenata Italiana
An elegant evening of Italian opera favourites, showcasing Aotearoa’s rising operatic talent under world-class direction at the stunning Public Trust Hall.
📍 Public Trust Hall, Wellington | 🕢 7:30pm–9:30pm | 💰 $28.92–$54.55 | 🎟️ All ages

💃 Extreme Dance Presents 20 & Lil Groovers Concert
A high-energy 20th-anniversary showcase packed with ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary and musical theatre - plus an adorable morning concert starring the pre-school Lil Groovers.
📍 Southward Theatre, Paraparaumu | 🕚 11:00am–11:45am (Lil Groovers) | 💰 $16.58–$28.92 | 🎟️ All ages

😂 Pints & Punchlines Stand-Up Comedy
A stacked lineup of local comedians brings big laughs to Island Bay - perfect for a laid-back evening with a pint in hand at the Dub Hub.
📍 Dub Hub, Island Bay | 🕖 7:00pm–9:00pm | 💰 $23.25 | 🎟️ All ages

🎻 Forty Years in Harmony
Three long-time collaborators reunite for their first-ever joint concert, sharing four decades of folk and bluegrass songwriting, stories, and beautifully layered harmonies.
📍 Abandoned Taproom, Petone | 🕗 8:00pm–10:15pm | 💰 $34.05 | 🎟️ All ages

🎤 NZ National Poetry Slam
Aotearoa’s top poets go head-to-head for the 2025 national title - you judge the winner.
📍 Hunter Lounge, Kelburn | 💰 $15–$20 | 🕖 7pm | 🎟 All ages

🎪 Circus of the Night – November
A wild, adults-only circus where Wellington’s top performers unleash their strangest, boldest, and most dangerously entertaining acts after dark.
📍 The Fringe Bar, Allen St | 🕢 7:30pm–9:00pm | 💰 $34.05–$44.30 | 🎟️ R18

🗣️ Real Talk Kāpiti
A powerful kaupapa bringing together inspiring speakers, kai, giveaways, and real stories to uplift and empower rangatahi and the wider community.
📍 Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Coastlands Theatre | 🕚 11:00am–3:00pm | 💰 Free for rangatahi/service providers; adults $10–$50 | 🎟️ R14

🕺 Lacuna: Fill The Void
A deep, rolling night of high-energy house as Lacuna closes out the year with a stacked local lineup and pure underground dancefloor vibes.
📍 Meow Nui, Te Aro | 🕗 8:00pm–2:00am | 💰 $15–$35 | 🎟️ R18

🌿 Eastbourne Garden Tour
Explore six stunning private Eastbourne gardens, including one never before opened to the public, finishing with non-alcoholic drinks, hors d’oeuvres and live music.
📍 St Alban’s Church → Eastbourne gardens | 🕚 11:30am–6:00pm | 💰 $100 | 🎟️ Adults only

🎄 Christmas Community Garage Sale
A big festive garage sale with second-hand treasures, home baking, BBQ kai, drinks, and stalls supporting local fundraisers.
📍 St Ninian’s Church, Karori | 🕘 9:00am–1:00pm | 💰 Free | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🎉 Hutt City FM Birthday
A celebratory community day with stalls, entertainment, raffles, cake, a sausage sizzle - and the chance to peek inside a real radio station.
📍 Hutt City FM Studio, Lower Hutt | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🎧 24 Hour Party People
Wellington’s longest-running indie night returns with a big final dance of the year - Madchester, Britpop, indie classics and more ’til 4am.
📍 San Fran, Cuba St | 🕗 8:00pm–4:00am | 💰 $20 door sales | 👨‍👩‍👧 R18

🌊 Kau Bay Kina Dive & BBQ
A community dive to help clear Kau Bay’s booming kina population - with kaiako, a boat, BBQ and loan gear available.
📍 Kau Bay Point, Miramar | 💰 Free | 🕙 10am | 🎟 All ages

🎄 Santa’s Forest – Opening Weekend
Pick and cut your own fresh Christmas tree at this family-friendly Upper Hutt tradition - plenty of parking, no rush, and trees cut onsite.
📍 264G Parkes Line Rd, Maymorn | 🕙 10am–4pm | 💰 Free entry (tree prices vary) | 🎟 All ages

🎄 Cuba Street Summer Series Christmas Market
A big open-street Christmas market with live performances, arts and crafts, face painting, outdoor dining, and festive vibes all along Cuba Street.
📍 Cuba St (Ghuznee–Vivian) | 🕙 10:00am–5:00pm | 💰 Free | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🎶 Christmas Ceilidh
A lively, family-friendly night of Celtic dancing with a local ceilidh band - all dances taught, koha welcome, and a shared-supper vibe with bagpipes to top it off.
📍 Ngaio Union Church | 🕖 7:00pm–10:00pm | 💰 Free (koha) | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🎄 Gaudete! Rejoice! A Christmas Concert
A warm, community-focused Christmas concert with Hutt City Chorale - Diabelli’s Pastoral Mass, global carols, singalongs, raffles, and a shared afternoon tea.
📍 St Mark’s Church, Lower Hutt | 🕑 2:00pm–4:00pm | 💰 $10 (under 12s free) | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🧱 Well-LUG Annual Brick Sale
Browse second-hand, retired and hard-to-find LEGO sets from local collectors - free entry and plenty of treasures for fans of all ages.
📍 Room C110, WelTec Campus, 21 Kensington Ave, Petone | 🕜 1:30pm–3:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🎪 The Extravaganza Fair
A colourful travelling fair packed with market stalls, circus acts, kids’ rides, street food, live music, and whimsical family fun.
📍 Hikoikoi Reserve, Petone | 🕘 (Sat & Sun) 9:00am–5:00pm | 💰 Gold coin (adults), kids free | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🌞 Common Unity Summer Fair 2025
A warm community fair with kai, live music, handmade goods, plants, hardware, and crafting supplies - all supporting local makers.
📍 310 Waiwhetu Rd, Fairfield | 🕙 10am–2pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🚐 TrailLite Tiki Tour – NZ Made Motorhomes & Caravans
Check out Kiwi-made TrailLite motorhomes and caravans, meet the experts, and get personalised advice for your next adventure.
📍 Plimmerton Domain (Palmers overflow parking) | 🕙 10:00am–5:30pm

🧵 Artisan Craft Market
A high-quality handmade market showcasing local artisans with premium crafts, gifts, and creative treasures.
📍 Dowse Square, Lower Hutt | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm | 💰 Free | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🌿 Dead Rabbits Run - Opening Day
Explore a raw, creative Wairarapa landscape featuring QEII-protected native forest, evolving pathways, metalwork art, and guided or self-guided nature walks.
📍 347 Underhill Rd, Tauherenikau | 🕚 11:00am | 💰 $15 (kids under 14 free) | 🎟 All ages

Sunday 30 November

🎉 Wilford School Gala
A beloved Petone community gala with games, stalls, food, and plenty of family fun.
📍 100A William St, Petone | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All ages

🚗 Capital Cruise – Sunday Park Up Car Show
A massive family-friendly car show with hot rods, muscle cars, food trucks, kids’ entertainment, live music, and competitions - supporting the Child Cancer Foundation.
📍 Davis Field, Upper Hutt | 🕘 9:00am–1:30pm | 💰 $10 adults / $5 kids / $20 family | 🎟 All ages (no dogs)

👗 Capital Cruise – Queen & Best Dressed Competition
Rockabilly, pinup, and retro glamour hit the Capital Cruise car show with open best-dressed comps plus the Capital Cruise Queen finals.
📍 Davis Field, Trentham | 🕘 From 9:00am | 💰 Free entry | 🎟 All ages

🎬 Wicked Part Two – Fundraiser Screening
A special charity movie night raising funds to support parents of twins, triplets, and more.
📍 Lighthouse Petone | 💰 $25 single / $40 double (includes raffle entry) | 🎟 All ages | 🕓 Raffle from 4pm, movie at 5pm

🌅 Sunset Guided Tour
A twilight astronomy-and-storytelling tour at Stonehenge Aotearoa, ending with a stunning sunset alignment.
📍 Stonehenge Aotearoa, Carterton | 💰 From $65 adults / $15 students | 🎟 All ages | 🕒 7:00pm–8:30pm

🎄 Kids Christmas Party
A festive family day where kids (12 and under) get a special visit and gift from Santa.
📍 Petone Working Men’s Club | 🕚 11:00am–2:00pm | 💰 $25 (includes present) | 🎟 Members only

🧺 Ōtaki Craft Market
A lively outdoor market with local makers, plants, vintage finds, food trucks, and live music on the Kāpiti Coast.
📍 Ōtaki Market, Main Highway | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕒 10:00am–2:00pm

🎶 NZTrio presents Hypnotique
An immersive evening of chamber music featuring Cresswell, Fauré, Kats-Chernin and Schönberg performed by one of Aotearoa’s most acclaimed ensembles.
📍 St Andrews on the Terrace | 💰 $25–$57 | 🎟 All ages | 🕔 5:00pm–7:00pm

🎄 Hutt Valley Orchestra – Festival
A festive afternoon of Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Bach and Christmas classics performed by the full HVO ensemble.
📍 St James Church, Lower Hutt | 💰 $0–$22.75 | 🎟 All ages | 🕒 3:00pm–4:30pm

🎸 Shane & the Shazam Band feat. Suzanne Lynch – Solid Gold Hitmakers
A powerhouse afternoon of 60s–70s classics from two legendary Kiwi entertainers.
📍 Club Carterton | 💰 $28.92 | 🎟 All ages | 🕒 3:00pm–6:00pm

🐷 Club Filth Presents: Animal Farm
A wild, cheeky, high-energy pole showcase hosted by Pole MacDonald and packed with Pōneke’s sauciest performers.
📍 The Fringe Bar | 💰 $34.05 | 🎟 R18 | 🕕 6:00pm–8:45pm

🎄 Eastbourne Christmas Market
A big seaside Christmas market filled with gifts, food, and festive stalls, now at a new venue.
📍 San Antonio School, Eastbourne | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm

🎶 Mehana at Meow – Echoes of Balkans
A spirited journey through Balkan melodies, ballads, and dance traditions - uplifting, expressive, and unforgettable.
📍 Meow, Edward St | 💰 $15–$25 | 🎟 All ages (licensed) | 🕖 7:00pm

🎻 Cushion Concert with Yury Gezentsvey
An intimate baroque violin performance by former NZSO Principal Yury Gezentsvey at historic Inverlochy House.
📍 Inverlochy Art School | 💰 $10 | 🎟 All ages | 🕔 5:00pm–6:00pm

🎭 Circa Variety Show
A star-studded night with Bret McKenzie, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Michael Hurst and more - all in support of the Theatre Artists Charitable Trust.
📍 Circa Theatre | 💰 $245 donation | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 7:00pm–9:00pm

🎸 Bill Lake
An intimate afternoon of blues, folk, and country from a cornerstone of NZ roots music.
📍 Underworld Tavern | 💰 $20 door sales | 🎟 All ages licensed | 🕐 1:00pm–3:00pm

🎶 Cam & Sam – Sunday Acoustic Sessions
Easy-going live acoustic tunes on the Wellington waterfront.
📍 St Johns Bar & Eatery | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕑 2:00pm–5:00pm

🌦️ Welly Weather Watch

🌦️ Friday: Brief early rain, then clearing to fine. High 20°C, low 14°C.
🌤️ Saturday: Partly cloudy. Northerlies. High 20°C, low 14°C.
🌦️ Sunday: Rain developing. Northerlies, becoming strong. High 20°C, low 15°C.

💝 Extra Sprinkles – Charity of the Week: Shoebox Christmas

Shoebox Christmas delivers personalised gift boxes to tamariki who might otherwise go without during the holidays. It’s an easy way for Wellingtonians to spread a bit of joy and aroha to local kids.

Line up your layers, your mates and your Snapper - Wellington’s got festivals on the waterfront, fairs in the Hutt, markets up the coast and big nights out across the city. Wherever you end up, have an amazing weekend, Pōneke.

Stay safe, have fun, and tag us if you're out and about - we love seeing what you get up to.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve