🐝 WellyBuzz: 7 Wellington Weekend Surprises You Can’t Miss 😲🍔🍺

Kia ora WellyBuzz readers!

Wellington is well and truly buzzing this weekend - from Sky Stadium’s beer bonanza to hundreds of wild burgers citywide. Reports say the capital needs a hug; we say, get your mates and grab a croissant in a Mediterranean eatery. August’s weather delivers the perfect excuse to chase some indoor adventures, local laughs, and legendary eats. Let’s make this one to remember!

🔥 7 Quick Picks This Weekend

🍺 Beervana – NZ’s biggest beer fest explodes into Sky Stadium.
🎭 Mamma Mia! – ABBA hits, big dance numbers, and a Greek island love story.
💿 Your Friendly Neighbourhood Record Fair – Crate-diggers’ paradise in Ngaio, find vinyl gems.
🌏 The Cultural Diversity Festival – Kapiti celebrates the world with performances, food, and fashion.
🪲 Ōtari Glow Worm Tour – Night bush walk to see Wellington’s sparkling titiwai.
🎨 Island Bay Art Auction – Browse & buy local art at this biennial community showcase.
🚗 Brewtown Car & Bike Show – Classic cars and bikes for a great cause.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pet of the Week – Backseat adventurers with a must-read poem
🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – The hidden attic full of Wellington stories
🌟 Local Legends – Bespoke furniture and homewares with sustainable style.
🍽️ Food & Drink – August Eatery, for outrageous brunch
🎉 Events – What’s on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – Possible showers Friday, fine and sunny by Sunday!
💝 Extra Sprinkles – Wellington Access Radio

🐾 Pet of the Week – Backseat Adventurers!

Donna submitted these backseat adventurers to brighten your week. It came with a poem which we just had to include - and honestly, they’re as adorable as they are mischievous! 🐶💛

Three fuzzy faces in a car so wide, plotting mischief from the backseat side.
Maisie on the left with a wise old stare, she’s the captain, but just sniffs air.
Maggie in the middle, nose on patrol, sniffing out snacks like it's her sole goal.
Rita on the right, collar shining green, thinks she’s in charge - she’s the drama queen.
They’re not just cute, they’re canine spies, watching cats and judging fries.
No map, no clue, but full of bark, they’re headed somewhere - maybe a park?
They’ll wag, they’ll woof, they’ll steal your heart, then leave mud on your seat before they depart.

Want your pet featured? Email a photo and fun fact: [email protected]!

🕰️ Time Machine: Wellington Museum’s Attic

Wellington Museum’s top floor, The Attic, is packed with curious, interactive exhibits. From steampunk-style contraptions and buttons that play oral histories, to displays on sports, music, science, and Wellington’s quirky history, there’s something new to discover at every turn. This playful space sparks curiosity and invites exploration - it’s a true time machine for the curious, tucked inside one of the oldest waterfront buildings in Wellington, the 1892 Bond Store. Free entry for New Zealand residents. 

🕕 Open daily | 10am-5pm

🌟 Local Legends – Small Biz Gem to Check Out:

YOYO Design (262 Thorndon Quay)

YOYO Design celebrates Kiwi craftsmanship with bespoke furniture, homeware, and lighting designed and made in Wellington. Founded by Todd and Fiona, the brand carries a legacy of local design and quality, offering customisable pieces to suit your home and lifestyle. Visit their cosy showroom at The Woolstore Design Centre to discover unique, sustainable creations that blend style and function.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spot This Week

August Eatery (75 Taranaki St)

Step inside a burgundy-hued sanctuary at the front of a heritage church, and let Tanase & Lisa’s wild Mediterranean menu sweep you away. August does buttery croissants and Greek specials (don’t miss the Istanbul eggs!) in style, often with homemade brioche, house-made spice, and an all-day lively vibe. Their tsoureki French toast? Like giving your brunch a big, friendly high five. A true local gem – and not your run-of-the-mill café. Perfect for a weekend treat!

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday 22 August:

🍺 Beervana 2025
Craft beer heaven with brews, food, and live entertainment.
📍 Sky Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay, Wellington | 🕕 Session 1: 11:00am–4:00pm & Session 2: 6:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ General Admission $55 (other options available)

🎭 Mamma Mia!
ABBA anthems, big dance numbers, and a Greek island love story - the ultimate feel-good musical.
📍 St James Theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington | 🕕 7:30pm–10:15pm | 🎟️ From $69, All Ages

🎨 Island Bay Art Auction & Art Weekend
Browse and buy works from incredible local artists at this biennial community art showcase.
📍 Island Bay School, 6 Thames St, Wellington | 🕕 Live Auction: Starts 8:00pm. 18+ only. Art on display (and for sale) Sat and Sun 10:00am-3:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry

🎤 Cringeworthy: The ’90s!
A live 90s time warp of hits, fashion, and laughs, featuring local and international pop favourites.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Wellington | 🕕 8:00pm | 🎟️ $25–$60

🎭 Ration the Queen’s Veges
A witty solo play unwrapping family secrets and cultural quirks.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Wellington | 🕕 7:30pm | 🎟️ $25–$60

🎤 Friday Laughs – Lesa MacLeod-Whiting & Kura Forrester
Two top Kiwi comics bringing big laughs to Te Aro.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Wellington | 🕕 8:00pm–9:45pm | 🎟️ From $25.81

📜 Tarns Hood Poetry Showcase
Raw, rhythmic, and real - a night of poetry straight from the heart.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory Street, Wellington | 🕕 8:30pm | 🎟️ $10

🌌 Glow in the Dark Titiwai Tours
A magical night walk to see Wellington’s glow worms in action.
📍 Botanic Garden (Founders’ Entrance, Glenmore St) | 🕕 7:00pm & 8:00pm | 🎟️ Adult $10, Children under 12 - Free

🎸 Finis Omnium III – Night 1
Metal festival kickoff with a night of bone-shaking riffs.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street | 🕕 Doors 7:30pm | 🎟️ $20, R18

🎶 Body Ocean – Live at Meow
Immersive electronic beats to keep you moving all night.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward Street | 🕕 9:00pm | 🎟️ From $20

🎺 Brazza!
Brazilian samba grooves to heat up your Friday night.
📍 Rogue & Vagabond, 18 Garrett Street, Wellington | 🕕 9:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry, R18

Saturday 23 August

🌏 The Cultural Diversity Festival – Te Hui Ahurea Kanorau
Kapiti celebrates the world - performances, food trucks, markets, and a midday fashion show.
📍 Te Raukura ki Kāpiti (Coastlands Theatre), 34a Raumati Rd, Paraparaumu | 🕙 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free (koha appreciated)

🪲 Ōtari Glow Worm Tour
A night-bush wander to meet the titiwai - tiny stars under a city sky.
📍 Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush (meet at Visitors Centre, 150 Wilton Rd) | 🕖 7:00pm–8:15pm | 🎟️ Adult $10.25 (kids under 12yrs & members free)

🏃‍♂️ Porirua Parkrun
Your weekly 5km wake-up call - run, jog, or stroll the sheltered Bothamley trails.
📍 Bothamley Park, Champion St, Porirua | 🕕 7:45am–9:00am | 🎟️ Free

🍺 Beervana 2025
The nation’s hoppiest playground - pours, pairings, and pure beer geekery.
📍 Sky Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay | 🕐 11:00am–4:00pm & 6:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ General Admission $55 (other options available)

🎷 Hoot’n’Annies – Ladies Kick Brass!
Wellington’s all-female New Orleans-style street band brings funky tunes and brassy vibes to the Vogelmorn Bowling Club.
📍 Vogelmorn Upstairs | 🕢 doors open 7pm, music 7:30pm | 🎟️ $15 UTR / $20 door

💃 Burlesque Baby – August
Sparkly, cheeky, and very Wellington - rising stars turn up the tease.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | 🕗 7:30pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ From $34.05

🎶 Krakerjack
Aotearoa’s Polish party starters - folk-to-floor-filler with a Kiwi twist.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 🕢 7:30pm | 🎟️ $22.75

😂 Saturday Laughs with Kura Forrester & Rhian Wood-Hill
A two-hour comedy sampler - big laughs, intimate room, top Kiwi talent.
📍 The Cavern Club, 22 Allen St, Te Aro | 🕢 7:30pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $25.81–$36.61 (R18)

🎸 The Early Bobs – Homage to Dylan
Harmonicas, blistering guitar and golden-era Dylan - faithful and fiery.
📍 Hilltop, 17 Upland Rd, Kelburn | 🕖 7:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $34.05

💿 Your Friendly Neighbourhood Record Fair
Bins to flip, gems to find - crate-diggers’ happy place in Ngaio.
📍 Ngaio Town Hall, 1 Ottawa Rd | 🕚 11:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎵 Live Music with Will Prior
Sun-drenched acoustic covers for an easy afternoon among the vines.
📍 Colombo, 107 Todds Rd, Martinborough | 🕑 2:00pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎉 Waimeha Winter Party 2025 – The Satisfactions & DJ Gravy
Coastal knees-up with live band energy, DJs and a buffet to fuel the boogie.
📍 Waimeha Camping Village, 2805 Cape Palliser Rd, Martinborough | 🕕 6:00pm–12:00am | 🎟️ $54.55 (incl. light buffet)

🎤 That’s What She Said
Six fierce comics, one big night - sharp punchlines and local sass.
📍 Kāpiti Playhouse, 7 Ruahine St, Paraparaumu | 🕢 7:30pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ $20.00

🎧 SACHI – Wellington
Dancefloor catharsis from the festival-smashing duo - expect new tunes and nostalgia.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba St | 🕢 7:30pm | 🎟️ $38.50–$61.67 (R18)

🛼 Remutaka Roller Derby
Raptors vs Hellmilton Roller Ghouls – fast-paced derby action on their home turf!
📍 G16 Studios, 6 Railway Ave, Upper Hutt | 🕑 doors 2pm, whistle 2:30pm | 🎟️ $10 / kids gold coin

🤘 Finis Omnium III – Night 2
MetalTower headlines a stacked bill - fists up, horns out.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian St | 🕢 7:30pm | 🎟️ $20 (R18)

🎹 Wellington Organists Association: Hear & Play an Allen Organ
Hear the beast roar, then have a go - organ nerdery in the best way.
📍 St Paul’s Anglican Church, 1 Langdale Ave, Paraparaumu | 🕑 2:00pm–3:30pm | 🎟️ Free (koha welcome)

🌳 A Woody Fruit-fest – Guided Walk
Botanic Garden stroll decoding the clever ways trees package seeds.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden (Cable Car Entrance Lookout, Upland Rd) | 🕜 1:30pm–2:30pm | 🎟️ $5 (cash) / Free for Friends

🚂 Napier Escape – Steam Incorporated
Step aboard a heritage diesel train for a scenic journey from Paekākāriki to Napier, with Art Deco tours, winery indulgence, or free time in the city.
📍 Paekākāriki Railway Station | 🕕 times vary by boarding station | 🎟️ costs vary

🚗 Brewtown Car & Bike Show
See hundreds of classic cars and bikes - from vintage gems to Japanese legends - all for a good cause, the Wellington Cancer Society
📍 Brewtown, 25 Blenheim St, Upper Hutt | 🕕 Sat 10am | 🎟️ Free (donations encouraged)

🎶 Pōneke Dub Club
Feel the bass with reggae, dub, roots, and sound system culture in the heart of Te Aro.
📍 Heartbreaker Bar & Restaurant, 36 Dixon St, Wellington | 🕕 9pm

🏃‍♂️ Life In Motion Trail Run
Hit the Spicer trails for up to 10km of running, then unwind with drinks at Abandoned Brewery.
📍 Meet on Raiha St, Porirua | 🕕 4pm | 🎟️ Free

🪄 Harry Potter Quiz Night – Upper Hutt
Test your wizarding knowledge for prizes - and a shot at the national championship.
📍 Upper Hutt Cossie Club | 🕕 6:30pm | 🎟️ $90 per team (max 6 players)

🛍️ Nostalgia Markets – Thistle Hall
Hunt down Y2K, vintage, jewellery, menswear, and art prints at this buzzing market.
📍 Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St, Wellington | 🕕 11am–3pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🏫 Island Bay School 125th Anniversary Afternoon Tea Reunion
Catch up with old classmates over photos and Devonshire tea.
📍 Island Bay School, 6 Thames St, Wellington | 🕕 1:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🗣️ Your City. Your Voice. – Community Forum
Kōrero on housing, safety, small business tips & city projects with your neighbours. Family-friendly & free, plus kai to share!
📍 Wellington Indian Association, 48 Kemp St, Kilbirnie | 🕑 2–4pm (doors 1:30pm) | 🎟️ Free Entry

Sunday 24 August:

🌼 Spring Gala 2025 - St Teresa’s School Featherston
School spring gala vibes to brighten late winter - community, kai, and feel-good fundraising.
📍 St Teresa’s School, 63 Bell St, Featherston | 🕕 11:30am–2:00pm

💍 Mamma Mia!
ABBA hits, Greek island drama, and a guaranteed feel-good finish to your weekend.
📍 St James Theatre | 🕕 4pm–6:45pm | 🎟️ from $69

🛍️ August Chill Market - Porirua Community Craft Market
Cosy mid-winter browse with local makers at Kai Tahi - warm hall, cooler wallets.
📍 Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana St, Porirua | 🕕 11:00am–4:00pm

🎸 The Zimmermans play Bob Dylan
Ten-piece tribute band bringing Dylan’s bangers and deep cuts to life.
📍 St Peter’s Village Hall, Paekākāriki | 🕕 6:30pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ $35

📖 So There I Was: A Storytelling Showcase
True tales from local storytellers - funny, fearsome, and heartfelt.
📍 The Fringe Bar | 🕕 7pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ $10.25–$15 (R18)

🎤 Terry Shore
Local songwriting stalwart serving catchy originals with a side of snacks.
📍 The Undercurrent | 🕕 5:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58

🎥 New Zealand Mountain Film Festival
Epic adventure films from NZ’s only homegrown mountain fest.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre, Holloway St, Carterton | 🕕 4pm | 🎟️ $20

🎹 Tony Yan Tong Chen
Award-winning pianist in a programme of Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin & more.
📍 Waikanae Memorial Hall, 7 Pehu Kupa St | 🕑 2:30pm | 🎟️ $10–$50

🎷 Sunday Jazz – Miles Crayford
Modern Hammond organ jazz with a killer local lineup.
📍 Rogue & Vagabond | 🕕 5pm | 🎟️ Free Admission

🤣 PopRox Improv Comedy Nights
Slick long-form improv from Pōneke’s best-dressed comedians.
📍 Circa Theatre | 🕕 7pm–8:15pm | 🎟️ $25–$35

⛅ Welly Weather Watch

⛅ Friday: Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower. High 11°C / Low 6°C
⛅ Saturday: Cloud clearing and becoming fine in the morning. High 12°C / Low 6°C
☀️ Sunday: Fine. Northerlies. High 13°C / Low 7°C

💕 Extra Sprinkles – Wellington Access Radio

A true grassroots legend, Wellington Access Radio is fighting to keep diverse voices on air. With 80+ shows and podcasts in 20+ languages, they champion those rarely heard in mainstream media - from Pasifika health to youth arts to refugee stories. They need community help to stay accessible for all. You can support them here.

Wishing you a weekend packed with unexpected discoveries, brilliant burgers, and a hint of local love. If Wellington needed a hug, this might be just the weekend for it.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve