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- π WellyBuzz: A Circus, Jimmy Carr & Free Summer Concerts
π WellyBuzz: A Circus, Jimmy Carr & Free Summer Concerts
Free concerts, glowing gardens, lavender stargazing, circus tents, car meets, markets, raves and family wins - this weekend is quietly unhinged.

π Wellington - this Anniversary weekend isnβt asking what your plans are. Itβs deciding them for you.
Weβve got free live music under glowing trees, lavender fields at sunset, stargazing in the Wairarapa, big-top circus chaos, community markets, car convoys, puppets, pinball championships and raves that donβt end until breakfast. The city (and everything around it) has gone full summer mode. Hereβs your guide to whatβs on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. π
P.S. Next week weβre back to our regular format with a few exciting upgrades and new ways to get involved. More soon. π
π Events: Your Weekend Lineup
Thursday 15 January:
π Jimmy Carr - Laughs Funny
Fast, dark, no-filter comedy from one of the worldβs sharpest one-liner machines - absolutely not for the easily offended.
π TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington | π 7:00pm | π° From ~$90 | π R18
Friday 16 January:
πͺβ¨ Weber Bros 'The Circus'
A high-energy, family-friendly circus spectacular under the big top - expect aerials, comedy, jaw-dropping stunts and classic circus magic for all ages.
π Avalon Park, Taita Drive | π° $35-$200 | π All ages | π 2:00pm and 7:30pm
π¦ School Holiday Programme at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo
A hands-on, behind-the-scenes school holiday experience where tamariki help prepare animal diets, create enrichment, and learn directly from Zoo staff in a real working zoo environment.
π Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, 200 Daniell Street, Newtown | π° $79 per child per day + booking fee | π Ages 5β12 | π Drop-off 8:30β9am, pick-up 3:30β4pm
πΆπΏ Gardens Magic Concert Series
A classic Wellington summer night - free live music at the Soundshell with a warm-up act from 7pm (FEET with Heat 4dance Studio), main act from 8pm (The BeatGirls), and the light display glowing after dark.
π Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St | π° Free | π All ages | π 7:00pm-9:15pm
π¦πΏ Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail
A free, self-guided summer adventure for kids - follow the butterfly trail through the gardens, spot the hidden golden butterflies, and complete activities along the way.
π Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00am-5:00pm
β¨π Gardens Magic Light Display
After dark, the gardens come alive with a magical light installation - wander glowing pathways and soak up the atmosphere under the summer night sky.
π Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00pm-10:30pm
π¨ Michelangelo β A Different View
See the Sistine Chapel like never before with full-scale reproductions of Michelangeloβs masterpieces, displayed up close in an immersive exhibition running until 8 February.
π TΔkina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre | π° $45 (kids under 12 free with paying adult) | π All ages | π Daily 10:00am-5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm)
π¦πΏ The Early Bird Catches the Wormβ¦
Get to Staglands early and be rewarded - buy your entry before 10am and score a free return visit for another day.
π Staglands Wildlife Reserve, 2362 Akatarawa Rd | π° $12-$29 (family $82) | π All ages | π 9:30am-10:00am
π΅οΈββοΈπΊοΈ Historic Jackson Street Scavenger Hunt
A fun, self-guided scavenger hunt through Petone - follow clues, learn local history, and enter the draw to win once you finish.
π Jackson St, Petone | π° Free Entry | π All ages | π 10:00am-8:00pm
π¦πΏ Have a PΕ«kaha Summer
A full-day summer adventure for the whole whΔnau - meet native wildlife, join kidsβ treasure hunts, explore forest trails, and refuel at the KΔkΔ Cafe.
π PΕ«kaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, Masterton | π° Paid entry (check the link for prices) π 9:00am-5:00pm
π¨π§ Art Workshops for Children
Creative school-holiday workshops at Toi Mahara - kids explore drawing and printmaking with guided, hands-on sessions led by local artists.
π Toi Mahara, 20 Mahara Place, Waikanae | π° $10 | π 12:00pm-1:00pm
πΊπΏ Festival of Pots and Garden Art 2026
A relaxed day of pottery, garden art and creativity - wander the gardens, browse artisan stalls, watch live demos, and enjoy food, music and picnic vibes.
π Anam Cara Gardens, 150 Rangiuru Rd, Εtaki | π° $5 adults, kids under 16 free | π All ages | π 10:00am-8:00pm
ππ String Bean Puppets: Nan and Tuna
A gentle, engaging puppet show for tamariki that blends wonder, friendship and care for our natural world, set inside the sanctuary visitor centre.
π ZEALANDIA Eco-Sanctuary | π° Free (normal sanctuary entry applies) | π All ages | π 11:00am-11:45am
πΈ Insecure Delusion: A Tribute To Tool
Missed Tool or just want another hit? Expect a heavy, high-energy night of fan favourites and deep cuts delivered loud and tight by Wellington tribute favourites.
π San Fran, 171 Cuba St | π° $26.77-$30.89 | π R18 | π 9:00pm-11:00pm
π Summer Play Tour - Mungavin Park
Free, drop-in whΔnau fun with Porirua City Councilβs new WΔ TΔkaro play trailer - packed with sports gear, loose parts, and hands-on activities for kids of all ages.
π Mungavin Park, Mungavin Ave, Porirua | π° Free | π All ages | π 11:00am-1:00pm
πΉ General Kala
Free late-night synth-driven sounds from Wellington electronic trio General Kala, blending vintage analog vibes with melodic, danceable energy.
π The Rogue and Vagabond | π° Free Entry | π R18 | π 9:30pm
π€ Gathering Shadows
Hot Goth Summer arrives with Aotearoaβs biggest mini goth festival - two nights of darkwave, post-punk, DJs, and ritual-worthy atmosphere at Valhalla.
π Valhalla, 154 Vivian St | π° $25 one night / $35 two-night pass | π R18 | π 7:15pm
π Torque Sounds Birthday Bash
Torque Sounds and Club Medder celebrate their January birthdays with big tunes, a big system, and a stacked multi-genre dancefloor takeover.
π Moon, 167 Riddiford St, Newtown | π° $15 presale, $20 door | π R18 | π 8:00pmβ2:00am
πΆ Summer Concert Series
Itβs the first of four summer evenings of free live music at Adventure Park - bring a picnic, enjoy local talent (The Blueprint), and soak up easy-going Wellington Anniversary vibes.
π Adventure Park, Discovery Drive, Whitby | π° Free | π All ages | π 6:00pmβ8:00pm
π€ Dark Art Exhibition β Opening Night
A moody, immersive group exhibition exploring inner fears, hidden creatures, and shadowy worlds through local and underground art.
π The Gallery Tattoo, Level 2, 4 Bond Street, Te Aro, Wellington | π 5:30pm
πͺ¨π Self-Guided Tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa
Explore New Zealandβs own Stonehenge at your own pace - wander the stone circle, uncover its celestial story, and experience the siteβs unique acoustics.
π Stonehenge Aotearoa, 51 Ahiaruhe Rd, Carterton | π° $5β$20 | π All ages | π 10:00amβ4:00pm
ππ¦ Star Trek Laser Tour (Stargazing)
A guided night-sky experience at Stonehenge Aotearoa, featuring a short presentation followed by a laser-led tour of constellations, planets and celestial stories.
π Stonehenge Aotearoa, 51 Ahiaruhe Rd, Carterton | π° $63-$83 | π All ages | π 9:45pm-11:15pm
Saturday 17 January:
πΆ Summer Concert Series
Free live music in the open air with local favourites 2twenty bringing the vibes to Adventure Park - pack a picnic and settle in for a relaxed summer evening.
π Adventure Park, Whitby | π° Free | π All ages | π 6:00pmβ8:00pm
π Hardpark_11 Weekend
A celebration of modified cars, cruising, club meet-ups and community vibes, bringing crews from around the country together for a massive Wellington-region takeover.
π Big meet-ups + cruises + convoy energy all weekend - details move fast, so hit the event link before you go.
πΉοΈ New Zealand Pinball Championships
Watch top-tier competitive pinball as the countryβs best players battle through qualifiers, side events, and national finals in the heart of Wellington.
π Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe, 18A Bond Street, Te Aro, Wellington | π° From $15+ booking fee (All Access $95) | π All ages
π¨ Family Saturdays at Kai Tahi
A relaxed, creative day for families with free craft and woodworking workshops for kids, plus great food and community vibes at Kai Tahi.
π Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua | π° Free | π All ages | π 10:00am-4:00pm
π Harcourts Thorndon Mile Family Day
A classic summer raceday with top-quality racing, free general admission, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment at Trentham Racecourse.
π Trentham Racecourse, 10 Racecourse Road, Upper Hutt | π° Free GA (hospitality available) | π All ages | π From 12:00pm
π₯ South African Braai Meetup at Battle Hill
A relaxed, family-friendly braai get-together with good food, river swims, and laid-back summer vibes in the Dell at Battle Hill - weather permitting.
π Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Paekakariki Hill Road, Porirua | π° Free (camping extra) | π All ages | π 10:00amβ8:00pm
π΅οΈββοΈ KΔpiti Coast Museum Clue Hunt
A free, family-friendly clue hunt across nine KΔpiti Coast museums - solve clues, explore local history, and go in the draw to win epic prize packs.
π Various museums across the KΔpiti Coast | π° Free | π All ages | π 10:00am-3:00pm
π» Pick Your Own Sunflowers - A Fundraiser For HΕkai Tahi
Wander a glowing sunflower field, pick your own blooms, snap summer photos, and support a local charity doing vital work for Wairarapa whΔnau.
π Stolte Ag Dairy Farm, 153 Wiltons Rd, Carterton | π° Free entry (koha welcome, $2 per stem) | π All ages | π 10:00am-4:00pm
π Strictly Nissan Hardpark 2026 Pre-Meet
Kick off Hardpark weekend with a Nissan-only pre-meet - coffee, car chats, and a clean convoy roll-in with fellow Nissan enthusiasts.
π Strictly Nissan HQ, 1 Gregory Street, Naenae, Lower Hutt | π° Free | π All ages | π 7:30amβ9:30am
πΆ Gardens Magic Concert Series
Continues with local talent (7pm - Project Juliette, 8pm - Wellington Brass Band)
π Botanic Garden Soundshell, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π 7:00pm-9:15pm
π¦ Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail
π Botanic Garden, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00am-5:00pm
β¨ Gardens Magic Light Display
π Botanic Garden, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00pm-10:30pm
πͺ Weber Brosβ The Circus
π Avalon Park, Lower Hutt | π° From $35 | π All ages | π 2:00pm & 7:30pm
π Telescope Mastery
A hands-on, small-group workshop with an astrophysicist, teaching you how to use, collimate, and get the most out of a telescope - bring your own or learn on theirs.
π Star Safari Observatory, 1169 Ponatahi Rd, Carterton | π° $150 | π All ages | π 11:00amβ2:30pm
π¨ Festival of Pots and Garden Art 2026
A relaxed summer festival celebrating pottery and garden art, with exhibitions, artisan stalls, and live demonstrations in beautiful garden surroundings.
π Anam Cara Gardens, Εtaki | π° $5 adults, kids free | π All ages | π 10:00amβ4:00pm
π€ Gathering Shadows
Aotearoaβs biggest mini goth festival hits Valhalla - one night of darkwave, post-punk, and DJs in a ritual-soaked atmosphere of crushed velvet and candelabras.
π Valhalla, 154 Vivian St | π° $25 | π R18 | π 7:15pm
π Only The New Stuff 2026
A rapid-fire comedy night where dozens of comedians perform one minute of brand-new material only - blink and youβll miss it, with the bell of shame keeping everyone honest.
π The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | π° $16.58 - $23.25 | π R18 | π 8:00pmβ9:30pm
π¨ Artists and Their Love of Plants β Part 2 Guided Walk
A relaxed guided walk through the Botanic Garden exploring plants that inspired artists from Monet and Van Gogh to Rita Angus, with artworks brought to life along the way.
π Wellington Botanic Garden | π° $10 (Free for Friends) | π All ages | π 1:30pmβ2:30pm
πΆ Marlinβs Dreaming
The Dunedin indie favourites return for a rare summer show, playing hits from HIRL, Lizard Tears and more in a tightly polished live set.
π San Fran, 171 Cuba St, Wellington | π° $45 | π R18 | π 8:00pm
π¨ Whimble Art Market
A joyful, creative market featuring 20+ artists from across Aotearoa - expect art, jewellery, clothing, zines, crafts and plenty of playful, handmade finds.
π Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St | π° Free Entry | π All ages | π 11:00amβ5:00pm
πΆ HΔ ki roto, hΔ ki waho
A short, immersive performance of taonga pΕ«oro and spoken word connecting breath, nature, and sound in the heart of the city.
π Te Papa, Wellington | π All ages | π 7:00pmβ8:30pm
ποΈ Greytown Sidewalk Sale
A classic summer shop-up as Greytownβs boutiques spill onto the footpaths with bargains, coffee stops, and great local finds.
π Greytown Village, Main Street | π° Free Entry | π All ages | π 9:00amβ6:00pm
π Pick Your Own Lavender at Lavender Abbey
π Lavender Abbey, 351 Dalefield Rd, Carterton | π° $5 entry | π All ages | π 10:00amβ3:00pm
π Martinborough Lavender Star Gazing
π Ranui Essentials, 284c Dry River Rd, Martinborough | π° $25 adults, kids free | π 8:30pmβ10:30pm | π All ages
πΏ Lavender & Flower Farm PYO
π Lavender Magic, Mt Holdsworth, Carterton | π° $5 entry | π 10:00am-5:00pm | π All ages
π Martinborough Lavender Picking
π Ranui Essentials, Martinborough | π° $10 adults, kids free | π All ages | π 10:00am-3:00pm
Sunday 18 January:
πΏ Guided Ancient Forest Walk β Wainuiomata Regional Park
A rare ranger-led walk through a normally closed 1,000-year-old forest, exploring towering native trees and hidden corners of the park.
π Wainuiomata Recreation Area, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt | π° Free (ballot entry) | π Recommended 14+ | π 9:00am-1:00pm
πΆ Summer Concert Series
Enjoy Wellington talent (The Relatives) under the open sky.
π Adventure Park, Discovery Drive, Whitby, Porirua | π° Free | π All ages | π 6:00pmβ8:00pm
πΈ Lavender & Flower Farm PYO
π Lavender Magic, 61 Blakes Road, Mt Holdsworth, Carterton | π° $5 entry | π All ages | π 10:00amβ5:00pm
πΏ Martinborough Lavender Picking
π Ranui Essentials, 284c Dry River Road, Martinborough | π° $10 adults, kids free | π All ages | π 10:00amβ3:00pm
πͺ Community Kite Flying Morning
A relaxed, family-friendly kite flying session with kites provided - bring a picnic and enjoy a Sunday summer morning together.
π Kilbirnie Park, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:30am-11:30am
π Sri Lankan Cricket Festival 2026
A full day of cricket, culture, and community with T10 matches, Sri Lankan food, kids activities, and family-friendly fun.
π Grenada North Park, 10 Nassau Ave, Grenada North, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π From 8:00am
πΆ Gardens Magic Concert Series
Continues with 7pm - Nearly Neil, then 8pm - The Hipnotics
π Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore Street, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π 7:00pmβ9:15pm
π¦ Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail
π Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore Street, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00amβ5:00pm
β¨ Gardens Magic Light Display
π Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore Street, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00pmβ10:30pm
ποΈ Εtaki Market
A relaxed Sunday market with local produce, crafts, kai stalls and live busking - easy browsing and good vibes by the coast.
π Εtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Εtaki | π° Free | π All ages | π 10:00amβ2:00pm
π§ Bodybalance at the Lagoon
A free outdoor Bodybalance session combining yoga, tai chi and Pilates - stretch out and unwind by the water.
π Aotea Lagoon, Papakowhai Rd, Papakowhai, Porirua | π° Free | π All ages | π 4:00pmβ4:45pm
π© Donut Decorating Day β Donut Express Turns 21
Donut Express celebrates 21 years with free donut decorating at Brewtown Farmers Market - six mini donuts, loads of icing and sprinkles, and plenty of sweet nostalgia.
π Brewtown Farmers Market, Upper Hutt | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00amβ2:00pm
π§ββοΈ Yoga in the Sanctuary
A calming outdoor yoga session surrounded by native bush at ZEALANDIA, blending gentle hatha yoga with te ao Maori kaupapa.
π ZEALANDIA Eco-Sanctuary, Waiapu Road, Karori | π° From $16.58 | π R13 | π 9:00amβ11:00am
π¨ Festival of Pots and Garden Art 2026
π Anam Cara Gardens, 150 Rangiuru Road, Εtaki | π° $5 (kids free) | π All ages | π 10:00amβ4:00pm
πΏ Pick Your Own Lavender at Lavender Abbey
π Lavender Abbey, 351 Dalefield Road, Carterton | π° $5 entry | π All ages | π 10:00amβ3:00pm
πΆ Unglued (UK)
One of the UKβs hottest drumβnβbass names lands at Meow for a high-energy, no-filler rave built for peak-time pressure and packed dancefloors.
π Meow, 9 Edward Street, Te Aro, Wellington | π° $20 | π R18 | π 8:00pm
πΈ Ovus β Cascade Release Show
Ovus celebrate the release of Cascade with support from Kokoa Nashi and LadyReign for a heavy, high-energy night at Valhalla.
π Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Wellington | π° $25+ booking fee | π R18 | π 7:30pm
π Keep Wellington Beautiful Coastal Cleanup
Lend a hand and help tidy up the Evans Bay coastline with this family-friendly community clean-up - all gear provided.
π Evans Bay Marina, Evans Bay Parade, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π 10:30am-12:00pm
π
Summer Dawn
A 12-hour Wellington Anniversary rave with house, techno, UKG, DnB and 140 - from sun-up to sun-down and beyond.
π Saint Diablo, 25 Courtney Place, Wellington | π R18 | π 4:00pm-4:00am
ποΈ The Waikanae Beach Community New Year Market
A relaxed, family-friendly community market with handmade goods, local produce, kidsβ dress-ups and beachside vibes.
π Waikanae Beach Community Hall, 22a Rauparaha St, Waikanae | π° Free Entry | π All ages | π 10:00am-1:00pm
ποΈ Greytown Country Market
A laid-back park market with artisan goods, plants, vintage finds, coffee and BBQ sausages - all supporting the Greytown Trails.
π Stella Bull Park, Main Street, Greytown | π° Free | π All ages | π 10:00am-2:00pm
Monday 19 January:
π Wellington v Canterbury β Super Smash Double Header
Two top-tier T20 games on Wellington Anniversary Day β the Blaze take on the Magicians at 12:40pm, followed by Firebirds vs Kings at 4:25pm for a full summer cricket showcase.
π Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington | π° $20 adults, $5 kids (4β14) | π All ages | π 12:40pmβ7:30pm (Gates 11:40am)
πΏ Lavender & Flower Farm PYO
π Lavender Magic, 61 Blakes Rd, Mt Holdsworth, Carterton | π° $5 | π All ages | π 10:00amβ5:00pm
π¦ Gardens Magic Kids Garden Trail
π Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore Street, Wellington | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00am-5:00pm
πΆ Gardens Magic - Relaxed Performances
A calm, low-key Gardens Magic evening with a small-scale solo performance by the Duck Pond, alongside the illuminated Light Display. No Soundshell concerts on Mondays β just a relaxed wander and gentle live music.
π Wellington Botanic Garden | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:15pmβ10:15pm
β¨ Gardens Magic Light Display
π Wellington Botanic Garden | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00pm-10:30pm
π§ Yoga in the Park
A relaxed outdoor yoga session focused on balance, breathing and gentle movement - all levels welcome, with space to go at your own pace.
π Waikanae Park, Park Ave, Waikanae | π° $15 | π All ages | π 5:30pm-6:30pm
π¨ Festival of Pots and Garden Art 2026
π Anam Cara Gardens, 150 Rangiuru Road, Εtaki | π° $5 adults, kids free | π All ages | π 10:00am-4:00pm
πΆ Summer Concert Series
Enjoy local talent (Shaun Preston) as the sun goes down.
π Adventure Park, Discovery Drive, Whitby, Porirua | π° Free | π All ages | π 6:00pm-8:00pm
π Pick Your Own Lavender at Lavender Abbey
π Lavender Abbey, 351 Dalefield Road, Carterton | π° $5 entry ($5 per bunch) | π All ages | π 10:00am-3:00pm
ποΈ Wellington Anniversary Day Tour
A gentle guided walk through Bolton Street Cemetery uncovering the stories of Wellingtonβs earliest settlers and the people who shaped the city in its founding years.
π Bolton Street Cemetery, Bolton Street, Wellington | π° $10 (kids under 12 free) | π All ages | π 2:00pm-3:30pm
π Resolution Run β Belmont Regional Park
A friendly, social 11km out-and-back run along Mill Stream with runners of all abilities, plus a water stop and BBQ breakfast at the finish.
π Oakleigh St / Mill Stream, Belmont Regional Park, Maungaraki, Lower Hutt | π° Free | π All ages | π 9:00am
Bonus: kicking off next week
π¨ In My Dreams β Hannah Truly
A whimsical, dreamlike solo exhibition of miniatures, floral paper sculptures, paintings and tiny handmade worlds - stepping inside feels like entering a fairy ring of magic and imagination
π Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba Street, Wellington | π All ages | π TueβSun 10:00amβ5:00pm
Thatβs your Wellington Anniversary weekend sorted β music drifting through the gardens, lavender in your arms, stars overhead, and something genuinely good happening in every direction.
If you discover something magic, chaotic, or quietly brilliant we missed, hit reply and tell us β WellyBuzz always runs on local tips.
Have the best one Wellington.
Kirstie & Steve π





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