🐝 WellyBuzz: WOW is back 🎨 + big weekend ahead

Kia ora WellyBuzz readers!

Well, would you look at that - the daffodils are finally doing their thing around the Botanic Garden, and suddenly everyone's remembered they own sunglasses! It might be a bit windy but Spring in Wellington hits different when you've got through another winter, and this weekend's shaping up to be an absolute ripper.

🔥 6 Quick Picks This Weekend

🎨 WOW Show: RISE – Art, fashion, dance & theatre collide at TSB Arena.
🌸 Te Wā o Te Kōanga – Spring Festival – Flowers, art & family fun at the Botanic Garden.
🎶 Orchestral: Dr Dre – Strings and horns reimagine hip hop classics at Meow.
🌏 Multifest 2025 – Free culture festival at Walter Nash Stadium
⚽ Wellington Phoenix FC Open Day – Meet players, games & family fun at NZCIS.
🎧 DNB Allstars at Brewtown – A one-day drum & bass takeover in Upper Hutt.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pets of the Week – Pippin & Storm: the cat–dog duo redefining friendship
🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – Remember when the waterfront roared with touring cars?
🌟 Local Legends – Float Well, Cuba St’s hidden wellness escape.
🍽️ Food & Drink – Parla brings Anatolian flavours to Island Bay.
🎉 Events – we’ve got arts, comedy, drag, sport, markets, and late-night beats.
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – Showers clearing Friday, breezy Saturday, wet and windy Sunday.
💝 Extra Sprinkles – SPCA Wellington giving thousands of animals a second chance.

🐾 Pets of the Week – Pippin & Storm

Meet Pippin and Storm – a dog-and-cat duo with one of the cutest friendships you’ll ever see. These two can often be found curled up on the sofa together, sharing naps, or even giving each other a wash.

Storm the cat has perfected the art of using Pippin as a furry pillow, while Pippin takes his role as cuddle buddy very seriously. They’re proof that cats and dogs don’t just get along – sometimes, they’re soulmates in disguise. 🐶🐱❤️

🐾 Think your furry friend deserves the spotlight? Send us a pic + a quirky fact and they could be our next Pet of the Week! 📸 ✨
👉 [email protected]

🕰️ Time Machine: When Wellington’s Streets Roared

From 1985 through 1996, Wellington’s waterfront streets hosted the Nissan Mobil 500 (later known as the Wellington 500), a high-stakes touring‐car race featuring international teams and New Zealand legends. The circuit ran along Jervois Quay and Cable Street, weaving around the docks and harbour‐front precinct. Over its lifetime the layout changed several times - developments like Te Papa and the Queen’s Wharf complex altered key sections. Though the roar of engines has long since gone, those narrow, challenging streets still hold the memory of a race that gripped the city.

🌟 Local Legends – Small Biz Gem to Check Out:

Float Well (65 Cuba St)

Wellington’s float spa tucked into the James Smith Building on Cuba Street. Float Well offers sensory-deprivation float tanks, contrast therapy (sauna + cold plunge / ice bath), massage, and more. They have single and double float tanks, so you can go solo or with a friend. Open Tue-Sun (closed Mondays). A modern, calm space - perfect for a mid-week reset or unwinding after a big weekend.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spot This Week

Parla (216 The Parade, Island Bay)

Parla is the younger sibling of Kisa, bringing Turkish and Middle Eastern flavours to Island Bay. Open from breakfast through dinner (closed Mondays), the space mixes bookings with walk-ins and serves everything from kebabs at lunch to creative seasonal plates at night - recent highlights include orange blossom pancakes and peach with harissa jam. A cozy south coast spot with plenty of flavour and charm.

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday 19 September:

👗 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show: RISE
A breathtaking spectacle of art, fashion, dance, and theatre as WOW’s 2025 show ignites the creative spirit on the TSB Arena stage.
📍 TSB Arena, Queens Wharf | 🕒 7:30pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ Pricing via Event Link | All Ages

🎭 TAHI New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance
A powerful celebration of storytelling with 16 shows and 20 solo performances across BATS and other Wellington venues.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Tce | 🕒 1:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ Pricing via Event Link | All Ages

🎨 Two Painters and a Potter
Three Wellington artists Fee Thompson, Sam Walker, and Aimée McLeod present a joint exhibition of paintings and pottery at Thistle Hall.
📍 Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St | 🕒 16–21 Sept | 🎟️ Free Entry | 👤 All Ages

🌸 Te Wā o Te Kōanga – Spring Festival
Celebrate kōanga/spring with flowers, art, performers and family fun across the Botanic Gardens and Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages

🌸 Blossom Valley
Wander beneath 350+ cherry blossom trees at Aston Norwood Gardens, with cafes, high teas, and evening light-up sessions.
📍 Aston Norwood Gardens, 1747 State Highway 2, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt | 🕒 9:00am–10:00pm | 🎟️ Adults $15, Kids $7.50, Dusk/After Dark $20 | All Ages

🦇 Club Twilight
Team Edward or Team Jacob? Dance it out to Twilight soundtrack hits and emo anthems all night long.
📍 San Fran | 🕒 11:00pm | 🎟️ From $21.62 | 👤 R18

🎶 Twisted Frequency Pre-Party
A stacked lineup of Aotearoa’s underground innovators in techno, bass, and club culture - all blasting through Valhalla’s Third Eye Hi-Fi system.
📍 Valhalla | 🕒 9:00pm | 🎟️ $25 | 👤 R18

👻 2:22 A Ghost Story
A hit West End thriller where a couple’s housewarming dinner spirals into a chilling night of secrets and suspense.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St | 🕒 8:00pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ Adults $60, Seniors $50, Concession $40, Under 30 $30, Child $25 | All Ages

🪘 Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori ko Marama
Celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori at Moon with live music, hip hop, R&B, spoken word, quizzes, and jam sessions all week.
📍 Moon, 167 Riddiford St, Newtown | 🕒 8:00pm–11:45pm | 🎟️ From $0–$30 | All Ages (Licensed)

🎭 Manage Your Expectations
Eliza Sanders bends theatre, dance, live film and clowning into a witty, award-winning solo show where the audience even chooses the ending.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St | 🕒 7:30pm–8:45pm | 🎟️ Adults $60, Seniors $50, Concession $40, Under 30 $30 | R16

🌟 Hatch Showcase
TAHI Festival’s student spotlight brings bold, fresh solo performances from emerging talent in partnership with local drama schools.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Tce | 🕒 7:00pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ Waged $20, Unwaged $15, Extra Aroha $40 | M

🚛 Over and Out
Jackson Burling takes the wheel in a raw, witty verbatim solo show about truck drivers, family, and chasing dreams on the open road.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Tce | 🕒 6:30pm–7:30pm | 🎟️ Waged $25, Unwaged $15, Extra Aroha $40 | M

🐕 Social Animal
Stephen Papps transforms into twelve characters in this biting, funny solo show about relevance, identity, and the healing power of an animal.
📍 Te Auaha, 65 Dixon St | 🕒 8:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ From $21.57 | M (13+)

🎭 Tangihanga
Kristyl Neho embodies 30+ characters in this powerful, funny solo drama-comedy about whānau, grief, and secrets unraveling at a marae.
📍 Te Auaha, 65 Dixon St | 🕒 1:00pm–2:30pm & 6:00pm–8:00pm | 🎟️ From $16.32 | All Ages (Recommended 9+)

😂 Friday Laughs with Itay Dom and El Jaguar
A comedy showcase headlined by Canadian luchador-turned-comedian El Jaguar, with sharp crowd work from MC Itay Dom and a stacked local lineup.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | 🕒 8:00pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ GA $31.49, Concession $25.81 | R18

✨ Glow in the Dark Titiwai Tours – Glow Worms
Step into the night and discover the magical world of titiwai glow worms on a guided walk through the Botanic Garden.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St | 🕒 7:00pm & 8:00pm | 🎟️ Adults $10, Kids Free | All Ages

🚴 MAMIL 2: GOMIL
The hit sequel to MAMIL returns - Mark Hadlow stars in a laugh-out-loud, heartfelt ride about cycling, grief, and finding new purpose.
📍 The Opera House, 111 Manners St | 🕒 7:30pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ From $79 | All Ages

🎸 Vincent Vega Plays Tarantino
Wellington’s surf-rock saviours blast through iconic soundtracks from Tarantino classics like Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and Kill Bill.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett St | 🕒 9:30pm–11:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All Ages

🎷 Monthly Jazz Night: Les Tripes – Parisian Swing Trio
Oscar Lavën, Adrian Jensen and Robert Henderson channel the fiery swing of Django Reinhardt in a free night of Parisian jazz flair.
📍 The Thistle Inn, 3 Mulgrave St, Thorndon | 🕒 7:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All Ages (Licensed)

🎷 Jazz Orchestra Composer Series: Louisa Williamson
Award-winning saxophonist and composer Louisa Williamson debuts new large-ensemble works in an intimate night of fresh Aotearoa jazz.
📍 Bedlam & Squalor, Upstairs, 18 Garrett St | 🕒 7:00pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ GA $15, Door $20 | R18

🎶 Orchestral: Dr Dre
An orchestral tribute to the rap icon - strings, horns, live rappers and soaring vocals reimagine Dr Dre’s biggest hits like never before.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward St | 🕒 7:00pm | 🎟️ Early Bird $20, GA $39.50 | RP18 (Under 18s with adult)

🎤 Greatsouth, Kenzie From Welly, So&So, Soulone – Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
An R18 night at Moon celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori with Māori alt-rock, hip-hop and soul from Greatsouth, Kenzie, Soulone and So&So.
📍 Moon, 167 Riddiford St | 🕒 8:00pm–11:45pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | R18

🎛️ Omnia
A two-night techno rave takes over Hannah Playhouse with DJs, theatrical lighting, costumed characters and a full venue transformation.
📍 Hannah Playhouse, 12 Cambridge Tce | 🕒 9:00pm–3:00am | 🎟️ From $25–$45 | R18

🎻 Martinborough Music Festival 2025
World-class chamber musicians from NZ and abroad bring Bach, Mozart, Shostakovich and more to the Wairarapa, plus a brand-new NZ premiere.
📍 Waihinga Centre, 8 Texas St, Martinborough | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ From $15-$260 | All Ages

Saturday 20 September

⚽ Wellington Phoenix FC Open Day
Meet the new Phoenix signings, catch the women’s internal game at 10am and the men vs Wellington Olympic at 1pm, plus signings, food trucks, and family fun.
📍 NZCIS, Upper Hutt | 🕒 From 9:00am | 🎟️ Free | 👤 All Ages

🧺 Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
Fill your basket with seasonal produce, artisan treats, live music and hot coffee under the redwoods at Solway Showgrounds.
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton | 🕒 9:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All Ages

🍜 Malaysian Street Food Fair 2025
Tuck into satay, biryani, rendang, kuih and more at this authentic fundraiser feast from the New Zealand Malaysian Society. Takeaway style, halal, and packed with flavours from home.
📍 Johnsonville Community Centre Hall | 🕒 11:30am–2:30pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | 👤 All Ages

😂 NZ Comedy School Graduation Showcase
Fresh from the classroom to the stage - Wellington’s newest comics debut their sharpest material in this one-night showcase.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | 🕒 8:00pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ $19.65–$28.92 | R18

👑 Rising Star: A Drag Competition
Glitter, charisma, and fierce competition - watch queens, kings, and in-betweens battle it out for a spot in the grand finale.
📍 Ivy Bar & Cabaret, 63 Cuba St | 🕒 9:30pm | 🎟️ From $16.58–$28.92 | R18

🎉 Walter Mildenhall Park Opening
Celebrate Naenae’s new park with free food, live music, DJ sets, basketball drills, bike tune-ups, craft workshops, market stalls, and family fun.
📍 Walter Mildenhall Park, 2 Everest St, Naenae | 🕒 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free | 👤 All Ages

🤣 Saturday Laughs with Lesa Macleod-Whiting & El Jaguar
The Royal Hotel turns into a comedy hotspot as Billy T nominee Lesa Macleod-Whiting teams up with wrestling-lycra legend El Jaguar.
📍 The Royal Hotel, 22 Revans St, Featherston | 🕒 7:30pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $28.92–$44.30 | R18

🛍️ Tawa PreLoved Sale
Find bargains on kids’ clothes, toys, and gear (0–12 yrs), plus a bake sale. Proceeds support Tawa Linden Playcentre.
📍 Tawa Salvation Army | 🕒 9:00am–11:00am | 🎟️ Gold coin | 👤 All Ages

🧵 Fabric-a-brac – Wellington
Hunt vintage and modern fabric, patterns, and habby, plus a pop-up café — all supporting Mary Potter Hospice.
📍 St Anne’s Hall, Newtown | 🕒 10:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | 👤 All Ages

🦄 Storytelling with the Unicorn!
Improvised tales spun on the spot by Derek Flores’ mischievous Unicorn - a magical, one-of-a-kind storytelling show for kids and families.
📍 Copthorne Solway Park, 246 High St, Masterton | 🕒 10:00am & 2:00pm | 🎟️ $5.12 (Pay What You Can) | All Ages

🌊 Moana Reo Māori at Tawa Pool
Celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori with a poolside screening of Disney’s Moana fully dubbed in te reo Māori - floaties included!
📍 Tawa Pool, 23 Davies St | 🕒 5:30pm | 🎟️ $12.30 | All Ages

🎶 Hogsnort Bulldogs Goodtime Band
Legends from Hogsnort Rupert and Bulldogs Allstar return with their jug-band skiffle-pop hits. Expect a night of nostalgia, fun, and local humour, with support from Kāpiti favourites Andrew & Kirsten London.
📍 Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Paraparaumu | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ $39.96 | All Ages

🛼 Richter City Roller Derby Double Header
Two games, one big night! The B Team takes on Sulphur City’s Runaways at 5pm, followed by the A Team vs Motley Crew at 7pm. Food, drinks, raffles, and plenty of derby action.
📍 Kilbirnie Rec Centre | 🕒 From 5:00pm | 🎟️ $15 adults / $12 concession / kids under 12 free | 👤 All Ages

🌙 The Night is Always Darkest
Spend the night with Lia in this bold durational theatre piece, live at Two/Fiftyseven or streamed online. Seven hours of raw, real-time storytelling where your choices help shape the night.
📍 Two/Fiftyseven, Willis St | 🕒 11:55pm–7:00am | 🎟️ $23.25–$54.55 | R16

🪶 Create Your Own Bird of the Year Merch!
Get crafty at ZEALANDIA! Make flags, bunting, or stickers to back your favourite manu - even decorate your own T-shirt. Spot prizes for the best kiwi-inspired designs.
📍 ZEALANDIA Eco-Sanctuary | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free with sanctuary admission | All Ages

🧵 Artisan Craft Market
Discover handmade treasures and support local makers at this brand-new Wainuiomata market - from artisan food to weaving, woodcraft, and more.
📍 Wainuiomata Memorial Hall | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | All Ages

🎶 DNB ALLSTARS – Wellington
The UK’s biggest drum & bass crew land in Upper Hutt for a one-day bass-heavy takeover. Expect huge drops, festival energy, and a full-scale rave at Brewtown.
📍 Brewtown, Upper Hutt | 🕐 1:00pm–8:00pm | 🎟️ From $129 R18

✨ Ōtaki Spiritual Fair
Aroha vibes, healing modalities, spiritual card readings, stalls, treats, and more - all supporting the Ōtaki Community Foodbank.
📍 Ōtaki Memorial Hall | 🕙 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Gold coin entry (donation)

🕹️ Mean Market
Retro arcade vibes, craft beer, 80s beats, and local creative stalls at Mean Doses Taproom.
📍Level 1, 66 Tory St | 🕐 1:00pm–6:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry

🎧 MESSIE – Wellington
High-energy DJ set mixing garage, breakbeat, jungle, baile funk and more global club sounds at San Fran. Bootleg-heavy, filthy fun on the dancefloor.
📍 San Fran, Cuba St | 🕢 7:30pm | 🎟️ From $35.93 | 🔞 R18

🐝 Pollination in Motion
Hands-on fun at the Botanic Garden with beekeeper demos, pollinator bingo, tastings, and kids’ activities - all about the magic of pollination.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free | 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

🎧 Original Sin (UK)
The jump-up king lands in Wellington for the first time - expect filthy basslines, chaotic energy, and a stacked local support crew.
📍 Eva Pub 31-35 Dixon St | 🕙 10:00pm | 🎟️ $10 | 🔞 R18

😂 Comedy on the Coast: All Roads Lead to Kapiti
A sharp lineup of rising comedy talent takes over Kapiti Playhouse - from Raw Comedy Quest finalists to award-nominated acts. Big laughs, small-town charm.
📍 Kapiti Playhouse | 🕢 7:30pm-10:00pm | 🎟️ $20 | 👤 All Ages

🩰 RNZB Whānau Day at Te Papa
Peek behind the scenes of The Nutcracker and enjoy a fun-filled day of workshops, storytelling, crafts, and ballet magic for all ages.
📍 Te Papa | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry (registration for workshops) | 👤 All Ages

🎶 Wellington Community Choir 20th Anniversary Concert
A celebration of friendship and harmony with world music and works by local composers - perfect for anyone who’s ever been moved by song.
📍 Wesley Church, 75 Taranaki St | 🕔 5:00pm–6:30pm | 🎟️ $15–$20 | 👤 All Ages

🎸 Staffroom
Pōneke’s disillusioned new wave act plays a 30-minute set… but doesn’t show up. Part live gig, part performance art, and fully tongue-in-cheek. Don’t miss it.
📍 The Undercurrent | 🕒 3:00pm | 🎟️ Koha Entry | 👤 All Ages

🌸 Spring Flower Show
Celebrate the season with vibrant blooms, bonsai displays, and floral art, plus plants and crafts for sale.
📍 Lower Hutt Event Centre | 🕒 12:00pm–4:00pm (Sunday 10:00am-3:30pm) | 🎟️ $3 (kids under 14 free) | 👤 All Ages

🌈 Living in Colour 2025
Celebrate Pride with performances, workshops, kai, and connection in a whānau-friendly, rainbow-inclusive space. Free entry, everyone welcome!
📍 The Dowse Art Museum, 45 Laings Rd, Lower Hutt | 🕒 5:30pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ Free | 👤 All Ages

🌏 Multifest 2025
A free festival celebrating Lower Hutt’s diverse cultures with live performances, food stalls, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
📍 Walter Nash Stadium, 45 Tocker St, Lower Hutt | 🕒 11:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | 👤 All Ages

Sunday 21 September:

🎷 Sunday Jazz
Swing into the weekend with The Undercurrent All-Stars, serving up 1940s–50s jazz in a bohemian setting.
📍 The Undercurrent | 🕒 3:30pm–4:30pm | 🎟️ $16.20 | 👤 All Ages

🎸 Benefit Gig: Sugar Cherry Welfare State for Wellington City Mission!
Teen riot grrrl duo Sugar Cherry Welfare State bring raw energy and resistance anthems in a fundraiser for Wellington City Mission.
📍 Newtown Community Centre | 🕒 1:45pm–2:45pm | 🎟️ Pay what you can (suggested $23.25) | 👤 All Ages

🎶 The Road to Warsaw
Francesca performs Verdi, Schubert, Puccini and more before heading to Warsaw for an international singing competition.
📍 Dom Polski, Newtown | 🕒 3:30pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ Koha (suggested $20 waged / $10 unwaged) | 👤 All Ages

⚖️ Suffrage Day Walking Tour – Bolton Street Cemetery
Explore the stories of pioneering women and suffrage petition signers on this guided historical walk.
📍 Bolton Street Cemetery | 🕒 11:00am–12:30pm | 🎟️ $10.25 (kids under 12 free) | 👤 All Ages

🎻 Aroha Quartet and Friends
The Aroha String Quartet joins NZSO and Orchestra Wellington musicians for Schubert’s Octet, plus Mozart and Nielsen.
📍 Waikanae Memorial Hall, 7 Pehi Kupa St | 🕒 2:30pm | 🎟️ $50 / $40 members / $10 students | 👤 All Ages

🛍️ Artisan Craft Market
Shop locally-made treasures at this monthly waterfront market featuring artisan crafts and high-quality handmade goods.
📍 Te Wharewaka o Pōneke | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free | 👤 All Ages

🚵 Giant Wgtn PNP MTB Spring Series – Round 2
Hit the trails at Rangituhi / Colonial Knob for round two of PNP MTB’s Spring Series. A classic community race with great views and big climbs.
📍 Rangituhi / Colonial Knob, Porirua | 🕒 10:00am | 🎟️ See site for entry details | 👤 All Ages

🌦️ Welly Weather Watch

🌦️ Friday: A few showers, clearing to fine in the morning. High 10°C / Low 5°C
⛅ Saturday: Partly cloudy. Northerlies, becoming strong. High 13°C / Low 10°C
🌧️ Sunday: Rain developing. Gale northwesterlies. High 15°C / Low 11°C

💕 Extra Sprinkles

SPCA Wellington rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals in need across the region. They also run school and community programmes teaching responsible pet care. Each year, thousands of animals find safe new homes here, and staff respond to tens of thousands of calls for help.

Learn more: https://wellington.spca.nz

From WOW's dazzling preview to techno beats in unexpected places, this weekend proves Wellington never stops surprising us. Embrace the spring energy, try something new, and soak up all the creative magic our capital has to offer.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve