🐝 WellyBuzz: Jazz Festival, Ryan Adams & Haunted Houses 🎷👻

Kia ora WellyBuzz readers!

This weekend the capital is absolutely brimming with choice. The Wellington Jazz Festival takes over bars and backrooms across the city, while heritage tours, farmers’ markets, and a big 4×4 outdoor show ensure there’s plenty of variety beyond the music. Whether you’re after brass-fuelled mayhem, a quiet craft market browse, or a dose of theatre and film, there’s something waiting just around the corner.

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

🌼 Khandallah Spring Market (Fri) - twilight stalls, crafts, food, and spring vibes.
🎶 Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker ’25 Tour (Fri) – acoustic set at Michael Fowler Centre.
🚙 Summit to Sea 4x4 & Outdoor Show (Sat) - Brewtown hosts 4x4 demos, camping gear, and live music.
🌼 Spring Into Tawa – 25 Years (Sat) - 130+ stalls, food trucks, and free kids’ fun.
🚗 Upper Hutt Car Boot Sale (Sat) - bargains and hidden gems at Trentham Racecourse.
⛺ Camping & Craft Expo (Sat & Sun) - outdoor gear, food trucks, and craft stalls in Ōtaki.
👻 Haunted Inverlochy House Tour (Sun) - eerie tales in a Victorian mansion.
🧵 Artisan Craft Market (Sun) - handmade treasures by local makers on the waterfront.

🎷 Sophie Songbird at Moon Bar (Sun) – Jazz, blues, and comedy collide for one lively night in Newtown.

🎁 Giveaway – Win 1 of 2 double passes to see Sophie!
To enter, reply to [email protected] with “Sophie Songbird Giveaway” in the subject line – or enter via our Instagram by Friday midday.

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup

Friday 17 October:

🌼 Khandallah Spring Market
Twilight shopping meets spring vibes - browse plants, crafts, candles, jewellery, homewares, and more from local makers, with food and live community buzz.
📍 Khandallah Town Hall, Wellington | 🕒 3:00pm–8:00pm | All ages

🎭 Monument
“Succession meets Barbie” in this slick, funny new play where fashion, politics, and power collide on Edith Aldridge’s most monumental day.
📍 Circa Theatre, Wellington | 🕢 7:30pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $30–$60 | All ages

💔 Heartbreak Hotel
Story, science, and synths collide in this exhilarating new play fresh from smash-hit seasons in London, Melbourne, and Edinburgh - a raw, funny, and heartfelt exploration of love and loss.
📍 Circa Theatre, Wellington | 🕗 8:00pm–9:15pm | 🎟️ $30–$49 | 👤 R12

📚 Recycled Reading – 2nd Hand Book Sale
Browse books, games, and treasures at this community fundraiser - fair prices, EFTPOS available, and proceeds to local Hutt Valley groups.
📍 San Antonio School, Lower Hutt | 🕘 9:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

👹 Heavy Halloween Havok 3
Get spooky at Valhalla with three terrifying bands, DJ Beware spinning horror remixes, Terror-Fi film previews, and prizes for the best costumes.
📍 Valhalla, Vivian St, Wellington | 🕗 8:00pm | 🎟️ $16.58 | 👤 R18

🎷 WJF – Roger Manins Trio
Part of the Wellington Jazz Festival - saxophonist Roger Manins teams up with Mark Lockett and Tom Botting for an electrifying one-hour trio set.
📍 Cuba Barbers, Cuba St, Wellington | 🕡 6:30pm–7:30pm | 🎟️ $16.20–$22.75 | All ages

🎺 WJF – Simmirin' with the Jack Harré Quartet
Ōtautahi trumpet talent Jack Harré brings his quartet to Wellington for the first time - expect swinging takes on jazz standards and fresh new works.
📍 Cuba Barbers, Cuba St, Wellington | 🕗 8:30pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ $22.75 (members free) | All ages

🎷 Shane and the Warmen
Auckland saxophonist Shane Warman leads a powerhouse six-piece, blending Coltrane-inspired fire with modern grooves in an intimate Courtenay Place setting.
📍 The PowWow Room, Courtenay Place, Wellington | 🕔 5:00pm–6:45pm | 🎟️ $16.58 | 👤 R18

🎷 Jazz Festival: The Iggy Nama Ruci Quartet
Auckland saxophonist Iggy Nama Ruci leads a dynamic quartet, blending original compositions and jazz standards with fiery, playful improvisation.
📍 The Undercurrent, Tory St, Wellington | 🕠 5:30pm–6:30pm | 🎟️ $23.25 | All ages

🎶 Jazz Festival: John Rae’s BOP-IT!
Hard bop with a Kiwi twist - John Rae and an all-star lineup bring driving rhythms, bold solos, and deep grooves to one of the festival’s standout sets.
📍 The Undercurrent, Tory St, Wellington | 🕣 8:30pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ $34.05 | All ages

🎶 Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker ’25 World Tour
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ryan Adams’ iconic debut Heartbreaker with an intimate acoustic set at the Michael Fowler Centre. Expect songs from the landmark album alongside fan favourites from his expansive catalogue.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington | 🕖 From 7:00pm | 🎟️ See Website

🎤 Jazz Festival: Queens of the Blues
Award-winning vocalist Ali Affleck and a stellar Kiwi band celebrate the bold, bawdy blues queens of the prohibition era - a vivacious late-night festival highlight.
📍 The Undercurrent, Tory St, Wellington | 🕙 10:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ $34.05 | All ages

🎷 Jazz Festival: Stable Mates Sextet
An all-star Auckland ensemble joins forces to perform originals inspired by Wayne Shorter, Pharoah Sanders, and more - fresh compositions and bold improvisation.
📍 The Undercurrent, Tory St, Wellington | 🕖 7:00pm–8:00pm | 🎟️ $23.25 | All ages

🎶 Free Status
Jazz fusion with a modern edge - Free Status blend Herbie Hancock-inspired grooves with electronic flair, featuring award-winning musicians and powerhouse vocals.
📍 Otto Champagneria & Beer Hall, Featherston St, Wellington | 🕗 8:00pm–10:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58 | All ages licensed

🎵 Operatunity Presents – Fabulous 50s
Relive the golden decade of music with timeless hits, romance, and charm - sung by a stellar cast with live band, plus complimentary morning tea.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre, Carterton | 🕚 11:00am–12:45pm | 🎟️ From $35–$42 | All ages

🎺 Crash Bandihoot & DJ Danger
Petone gets a full-on carnival when Crash Bandihoot bring their raucous New Orleans–style brass party back to the Abandoned Taproom, joined by DJ Danger spinning an all-vinyl set. Expect soaring horns, grooves, and a dance floor that won’t quit.
📍 Abandoned Taproom, Petone | 🕖 7:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ $15–$20 | 👤 RP18

🎶 Noye’s Fludde
A magical retelling of Noah’s Ark by Benjamin Britten, featuring masked animals, a lively children’s chorus, and young musicians performing alongside NZSO players. A heartwarming community opera for all ages.
📍 Wellington Cathedral of St Paul | 🕖 7:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $33–$42 | All ages

🎤 Elvis Down Under 2025
NZ’s biggest Elvis Tribute Artist contest returns for its 20th anniversary - a full weekend of music, dancing, shopping, and celebrating the King. Something for every Elvis fan!
📍 Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club | 🕡 6:30pm–11:00pm (continues Sat & Sun) | 🎟️ Weekend Pass $90 | All ages

🛋️ Nood Market Day Weekend
Score clearance treasures, overstocks, mystery bags, and big discounts at Nood’s mega market day weekend - once it’s gone, it’s gone!
📍 Nood Outlet, Shop 1.11, 2–10 Semple St, Porirua | 🕙 Fri 17–Sun 19 Oct, 10:00am–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

Saturday 18 October

🚙 Summit to Sea: Wellington 4x4 Camp & Outdoor Show
Brewtown turns into an outdoor adventure mecca - 4×4 demos, camping gear, boats, hunting and fishing displays, food trucks, live music, and epic giveaways.
📍 Brewtown, Upper Hutt | 🕒 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ $10 GA (+booking fee), under 12 free | All ages

🥕 Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
From paddock to plate since 2006! Browse seasonal produce, artisan treats, plants, and handmade goods while enjoying live music under the redwoods. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Masterton | 🕘 9:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🧵 Artisan Craft Market
A premium handmade market celebrating local artisans - shop unique crafts, high-quality products, and support talented makers in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Dowse Square, Lower Hutt | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🔔 Bell Ringing Open Day
Step inside the bell tower at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul for a rare behind-the-scenes look at 140-year-old bells. Watch the ringers in action, tour the ringing room, and even try chiming New Zealand’s largest swinging bell (1,500kg!). Lift access available.
📍 Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, 2 Hill St, Thorndon | 🕙 10:00am–3:30pm (plus other dates) | 🎟️ Koha $2 | All ages

🏛️ Wellington Heritage Festival 2025
Celebrate the people, places, and stories of our region with 140+ events across the Kāpiti Coast, Hutt Valley, Wellington, and Wairarapa. From walking tours to workshops, it’s heritage brought to life!
📍 Greater Wellington Region | 🗓️ Sat 18 Oct – Sun 9 Nov | 🎟️ Mostly Free / Door sales only | All ages

🌙 Queensgate Night Market
Street food, shopping, community, and live entertainment - the legendary Night Markets have landed in Lower Hutt with all the epic eats and good vibes you’d expect.
📍 Queensgate Shopping Centre, Lower Hutt | 🕠 5:30pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

📚 Triple Book Release Show – A Low Hum
An all-day alt-music takeover with 10 acts across two stages - from Vanessa Worm to Party Dozen - celebrating new books, big sounds, and local creativity.
📍 Vogelmorn Hall, Brooklyn | 🕓 Doors 4:30pm–late | 🎟️ Info via A Low Hum

🎶 Noye’s Fludde
Benjamin Britten’s beloved opera comes to life at Wellington Cathedral - Noah’s Ark retold with a chorus of masked animals, young musicians, and members of the NZSO.
📍 Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, Thorndon | 🕒 3:00pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ $33–$42 | All ages

🎶 Mark Farina (USA) + Benny Salvador
House legend Mark Farina brings his iconic Mushroom Jazz grooves to Wellington, joined by local favourite Benny Salvador for a night of deep, soulful, and floor-shaking rhythms.
📍 Meow NUI, 92 Vivian St, Te Aro | 🕤 Doors 9:30pm | 🎟️ Tickets via Event link | R18

👩‍🦰 Wonderful Wāhine: Women in the Cemetery
Discover the stories of women - settlers and Māori - who shaped Wellington’s history.
📍 Bolton Street Cemetery, Wellington | 🕚 11:00am–12:15pm | 🎟️ $10 (kids under 12 free) | All ages

💃 Revelry – Celebrate Footnote at 40
Footnote turns 40! Expect bubbles, canapés, live beats, and a silent auction worth a nosy.
📍 NZ Portrait Gallery, Shed 11, Waterfront | 🕖 7:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ $54.55–$85.30 | All ages

🎷 Wellington Jazz Fest: The Seth Boy Trio
Bassist Seth Boy leads a trio mixing originals, standards, blues, and bursts of improv at LBQ.
📍 Little Beer Quarter, Edward St | 🕗 8:00pm–10:00pm | 🎟️ $10.25 | All ages

🎷 WJF – The Intruders
A chordless trio serving up swing, standards, and sharp originals with bold, time-bending energy.
📍 Cuba Barbers, 216 Cuba St | 🕡 6:30pm–7:30pm | 🎟️ $16.20–$22.75 | All ages

🥁 WJF – Brown Sabbath
Trumpet, bass, percussion, and drums collide in a wild ride of semi-improvised, ecstatic low-brow jazz.
📍 Cuba Barbers, 216 Cuba St | 🕣 8:30pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ $16.20–$22.75 | All ages

🎶 Jazz Festival: Alex Keatley’s Sounds of the Motherland
South African jazz grooves meet post-bop elegance in a vibrant set led by bassist Alex Keatley.
📍 The Undercurrent, Tory St | 🕒 3:00pm–4:00pm | 🎟️ $23.25 | All ages

🎶 Jazz Festival: Liam’s & Ferd’s Double Trombone Extravaganza
Two powerhouse trombonists lead a hard-swinging tribute to jazz greats, backed by a fiery rhythm section.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 🕗 8:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $23.25 | All ages

🎶 Jazz Festival: Ateo Buhne’s Car Accident
A surreal sonic retelling of Ateo’s infamous crash - jazz, chaos, and even car wreck relics for sale.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 🕙 10:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ $10.25 - $16.58 | All ages

🎶 Jazz Festival: A Hot Time in the Old Town
Award-winning vocalist Ali Affleck brings bawdy blues, scorching swing, and vintage folk to The Undercurrent.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 🕠 5:30pm–6:30pm | 🎟️ $34.05 | All ages

📚 Wellington Writers Walk Walking Tour
Stroll the waterfront and explore 23 iconic quotes from Kiwi writers on this guided tour.
📍 Te Papa Forecourt | 🕙 10:00am–11:30am | 🎟️ $20 | All ages

🇳🇿 Pukeahu Park Tour
Take a closer look at the memorials, architecture, and stories that make Pukeahu a place of national significance.
📍 Pukeahu National War Memorial Park | 🕒 3:00pm–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free | All ages

🌼 Mexted Motors Spring Into Tawa – 25th Anniversary
Celebrate 25 years of this iconic community day out with 130+ stalls, food trucks, live entertainment across three stages, and free kids’ activities. A true Tawa tradition!
📍 Main Road, Tawa | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | 👤 All ages

🌿 Heritage of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush – The Gardens and Gardeners
Step into the story of Aotearoa’s only native botanic garden and the people who shaped it.
📍 Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, 160 Wilton Rd | 🕒 2:00pm–3:30pm | 🎟️ $10.25 (Members free) | All ages

🚗 Upper Hutt Car Boot Sale
Declutter, bargain-hunt, and uncover hidden gems at Trentham Racecourse’s bustling car boot market.
📍 RACE Trentham, 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt | 🕙 10:00am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

🎻 String House Project
Auckland DJ Lady Fee and Wellington violinist Ana Henderson fuse deep house, jazz, and live strings for an electrifying, one-night-only dancefloor journey.
📍 Otto Champagneria & Beer Hall | 🕗 8:00pm–2:00am | 🎟️ $20–$25 | 👤 R18

🎤 Rory Lowe: NZ Tour
Aussie comedy wild man Rory Lowe makes his NZ debut with an hour of chaos, crowd work, and off-the-wall laughs.
📍 Abandoned Taproom Petone | 🕗 8:00pm | 🎟️ $35 | 👤 RP18

🎼 Terrace Dynamics: Pipes & Strings on the Terrace
Virtuoso organist Kemp English joins violinist Yuka Eguchi for a free concert of Bach, Sousa, and festive favourites on St Andrew’s newly restored Croft organ.
📍 St Andrew’s on the Terrace, 30 The Terrace | 🕒 3:00pm–4:15pm | 🎟️ Free/Koha welcome | All ages

⛺ Camping & Craft Expo
Big camping gear displays, expert advice, food trucks, and a Sunday craft market make this a fun family weekend in Ōtaki.
📍 Ōtaki Market | 🕒 Sat & Sun 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All ages

Sunday 19 October:

👻 Heritage Tour at the Haunted Inverlochy House
Step inside Wellington’s spooky Victorian gem and hear tales of hauntings, history, and local legends on this one-hour Halloween-season tour. A perfect mix of eerie and elegant.
📍 Inverlochy Art School, 3 Inverlochy Pl, Te Aro | 🕒 4:00pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ $20 | 👤 R16

🎶 Sophie Songbird — Topliss Picking Flowers Release Tour
Part of the Wellington Jazz Fest, Sophie brings her mix of jazz, blues, country, and comedy to MOON for a fun, feel-good night. Expect soulful originals and support from Abby Eve and Frances Grass.📍 MOON, Newtown | 🕕 6 pm doors / 6:30 pm show | 🎟️ R18 – Tickets via web link (or to win a free double pass check out our Quick Picks section at the top of the newsletter).

📚 Book Talk: Rough Trade with Katrina Carrasco at Unity Books
Join author and PhD candidate Katrina for a special conversation about her award-winning novel Rough Trade - a gripping historical tale of opium smuggling and queer life on the late-1800s U.S. West Coast. She’ll be joined by poet Morgan Bach for this insightful literary discussion.

📍 Unity Books, Willis St | 🕒 3:00 PM | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎶 The Wooden Box Band at Greytown Upclose and Personal
An afternoon of toe-tapping tunes in Cobblestones Museum’s stunning new gallery. Enjoy Wellington favourites Jessie Moss, Jeremy Desmond, Murray Costello, Paddy Burgin, Emily Clemmett, and Sean Barker as they blend harmonies and a sixties-style folk sound in this intimate Greytown concert.

📍 Cobblestones Museum, 168 Main St, Greytown 🕓 4pm (doors open 3.30pm)
🎟️ Adult admission: $25 on the door - book via Eventfinda or text 021 023 61951 (includes $5 donation to Cobblestones)

🎶 WJF – Mark Lockett + 3
One of Aotearoa’s most dynamic drummers leads a powerhouse quartet with trumpet, guitar, and bass - hard-swinging jazz at its best.
📍 Cuba Barbers, 216 Cuba St | 🕓 4:00pm–5:00pm | 🎟️ $16.20–$22.75 | 👤 All ages

🎷 Shane and the Warmen
Auckland saxophonist Shane Warman leads a six-piece band through Coltrane, Glasper, and more - perfect Sunday jazz in Seatoun.
📍 Seatoun Bowling Club, 16 Dundas St | 🕝 2:30pm–4:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58 | 👤 All ages

🎻 Jazz Festival: Luca Ciarla solOrkestra
Italian jazz violinist Luca Ciarla transforms the stage with loops, voice, and electronics, creating a one-man orchestra of dazzling improvisation.
📍 The Undercurrent | 🕠 5:30pm–6:30pm | 🎟️ $28.92 | 👤 All ages

🎹 Jazz Festival: The Enigma
Organ-driven grooves meet fearless improvisation as this high-energy trio brings Hammond organ, guitar, and drums together for a wild jazz ride.
📍 The Undercurrent | 🕞 3:30pm–4:30pm | 🎟️ $23.25 | 👤 All ages

🎶 Jazz Festival: Greer Castle and Tim Honiss
Late-night jazz with sultry vocals and elegant piano, reimagining swing standards and timeless ballads from the golden age.
📍 The Undercurrent | 🕙 10:00pm–11:00pm | 🎟️ $16.58 | 👤 All ages

🎶 Jazz Festival: Emy and the Car Crash
Fielding’s genre-hopping oddball brings her quirky spin on classics - from Ella to Nina - for a late-night set full of surprise.
📍 The Undercurrent | 🕢 7:30pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58 | 👤 All ages

🎶 WJF – Lisa Tomlins Quartet
Acclaimed vocalist Lisa Tomlins brings smoky ballads, swing, and soul to the historic Thistle Inn for one night only.
📍 The Thistle Inn, 3 Mulgrave St | 🕡 6:30pm | 🎟️ $16.58–$54.55 | 👤 R18

🎬 Sci-Fi Sundays: The Shape of Water
Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning fantasy screens under the stars with popcorn included, plus an optional live star talk after.
📍 Space Place, Carter Observatory, 40 Salamanca Rd | 🕕 6:00pm-8:00pm | 🎟️ $25 | 👤 R17

💃 1920’s Dance Party with the Aro Valley Jazz Jam
Step back to the roaring ’20s with Charleston lessons, vintage vibes, and live jazz that’ll get your feet flying. Period dress encouraged!
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar | 🕒 3:00pm-4:30pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | 👤 All Ages

🎷 Big Tin Band – Jazz Festival
Original jazz compositions, from tender ballads to fiery swing, in the relaxed setting of Petone’s Abandoned Taproom. Grab a pint and let the groove carry your Sunday.
📍 Abandoned Taproom, Petone | 🕒 4:00pm | 🎟️ Koha $5 | 👤 RP18

🛍️ Greytown Country Market
Stroll the stalls in Stella Bull Park and browse artisan goods, crafts, plants, vintage finds, and more - with coffee and BBQ sausages to fuel your treasure hunt. Proceeds support the Greytown Trails Trust.
📍 Stella Bull Park, Greytown | 🕒 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | 👤 All Ages

🎷 Sunday Jazz
Wind down your weekend with smooth swing and classic jazz from The Undercurrent All-Stars, served up with complimentary snacks and cozy vibes.
📍 The Undercurrent, Tory St | 🕒 3:30pm-4:30pm | 🎟️ $16.20 | 👤 All ages

🧵 Artisan Craft Market
Browse premium handmade goods from local makers in a warm, welcoming waterfront market at Wharewaka o Pōneke.
📍 Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, Taranaki St Wharf | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Admission | 👤 All ages

🛍️ Ōtaki Craft Market
A lively market on State Highway One with art, crafts, native plants, antiques, pre-loved treasures, and a feast of food stalls from hangi to waffles.
📍 Ōtaki Market | 🕒 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | 👤 All ages

🥁 WJF – Tim Geldens Trio
Sydney-based drummer Tim Geldens joins NZ jazz mates for a lively set of originals and rhythmic twists on standards, drawing inspiration from Wayne Shorter and Chick Corea.
📍 Cuba Barbers, 216 Cuba St | 🕒 2:00pm–3:00pm | 🎟️ $16.20–$22.75 | 👤 All ages

And there you have it - theatre, jazz, markets, heritage tours, and even a haunted house tour to cap it off. Don’t forget to tag #WellyBuzz if you’re out and about - we love seeing where your weekend takes you. Until next Thursday, keep warm, keep curious, and keep buzzing.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝