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Vegan Street Food Festival

👋 Kia ora, Wellington!
The long weekend is almost here, and Wellington is buzzing with something for everyone - from cozy glow-worm tours to K-pop beats and festival vibes, and everything in between. Ready for a King’s Birthday weekend full of fun and adventure?

⚠️ Heads up: Wellington’s train network will be shut down from Saturday 31 May until Tuesday 3 June for planned upgrades and improvements across the region. Buses will replace trains during this time, so plan accordingly, especially if you’re heading to the Hurricanes game on Saturday night! You can read more here.

📣 Newsletter Update!

Thanks to everyone who voted in our recent poll about newsletter frequency! The results are in, and the majority of you (30%) preferred receiving Welly Buzz once a week on Thursday mornings, giving you plenty of time to plan your weekend.

So, starting next week, you can look forward to your weekly dose of Wellington happenings landing in your inbox bright and early on Thursdays. We appreciate your feedback!

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

• 🎨 NZ Art Show – 200+ artists at TSB Arena - art lovers, this is your weekend!
• 🏮 K-Culture Festival – K-pop, Korean food & more at Michael Fowler Centre - it’s a party!
• 🎸 Salmonella Dub Live – Legendary dub/reggae live at Meow - don’t miss the vibes!
• 🌟 Ōtari Glow Worm Tour – Get enchanted by glow worms on a magical night walk in Wilton.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pet of the Week - Jerry the spoodle
🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – Wellington’s historic rollercoaster ride
🌟 Local Legends – Two small biz gems to check out
🍽️ Food & Drink – 2 buzzworthy bites to try
🎉 Events – What’s on across Wellington this weekend
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – Cosy, cool, and very May
💝 Extra Sprinkles – One charity doing big things

Vegan Street Food Festival

A global foodie experience under one roof! 

From Korean “chicken” to baklava, greek pitas, Sushi rolls to mac n cheese balls. 

One ticket covers it all. 

Come hungry, leave happy!

Sunday June 1st. 6pm

Book Here.

🐾 Pet of the Week – Jerry the Spoodle

Meet Jerry, the coolest old dude in town - recently turned 17 and still full of energy! He loves hill walks (with the occasional sling bag assist), races his humans up the stairs, and even has the bloodwork of a 3-year-old, according to his vet! Bus, cable car, you name it - nothing phases Jerry. What a legend. Thanks to Mary for sharing this precious pup! 🥰

Got a pet that steals the show? 🐾 Nominate your furry, feathery, or scaly friend for Pet of the Week by emailing a photo and blurb to [email protected]!

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – Wellington’s Wild Roller Coaster

Step back to 1939/40 when Wellington’s Centennial Exhibition brought the Cyclone roller coaster to life. Over 2.6 million visitors took the wild ride before it was dismantled. Wellington’s thrill ride memories still live on!

🌟 Local Legends – Small Biz Gems to Check Out:

Sweet Axe Throwing Co. – 60 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington and Brewtown, Upper Hutt

Unleash your inner lumberjack at Sweet Axe Throwing Co. This unique experience offers a fun challenge for friends, families, or team-building. Book your session today for a memorable time out.

Kowtow – 29 College Street, Wellington

Kowtow is revolutionizing fashion with sustainable, organic, plastic-free clothing made from Fairtrade cotton. Visit their flagship store for timeless, ethical fashion.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spots This Week

Atlantis Reef n Leaf – Wakefield CarePark (Wed & Fri), Lower Hutt Riverbank Market (Sat), Harbourside Market (Sun)

Atlantis Reef n Leaf is a vibrant food truck serving a fusion of fresh seafood and Asian-inspired flavors. Specializing in crab on a bun and chicken katsu sando, Eric and the team offer delicious, quick bites. Don’t miss their tangy passionfruit lemonade – the perfect pairing with seafood. A must-try Wellington experience! Check out our reel from last Saturday here.

Cicio Cacio – 167 Riddiford St, Newtown

Step into Cicio Cacio, where Italian passion meets artistry. Try their creamy Risotto with cavolo nero, olives, capers, and nuts, or the rich Tagliolini with lamb sausage carbonara. The cozy, bohemian vibe is perfect for intimate dinners or casual bites. Pair your meal with a fine Italian wine.

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday 30 May:

🖼️ NZ Art Show 2025 (May 30 to June 1)
Over 4,000 original works by 250+ Kiwi artists at TSB Arena & Shed 6. Whether you’re a collector or casual viewer, there’s something for everyone.
📍 TSB Bank Arena & Shed 6, Queens Wharf

🌺 Pacific Night Market
Island vibes and delicious food under one roof in Cannons Creek. A vibrant night of community and cuisine.
📍 Te Akapuanga, Porirua Cook Islands Hall, 14 Mentor Lane, Cannons Creek

✨ Glow Worm Night Tour
Explore Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush at night and discover the magical glow worms. A serene, nature-filled adventure.
📍 Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, 160 Wilton Road

🎸 Radiohead Tribute: Hail to the Thieves
Join the ultimate Radiohead tribute band for a night of big singalongs and epic hits at Meow.
📍 Meow, Wellington

🎶 Lisa Tomlins Live at Southern Cross
Wellington soul queen Lisa Tomlins is back with OTC for a night of smooth vocals and dancefloor energy.
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar, 39 Abel Smith Street

🎭 Waenga – Kia Mau Festival
A bold new Māori theatre work exploring identity, sovereignty, and resistance. Created by emerging mana whenua artists.
📍 Te Auaha, 65 Dixon Street

🌺 Pasifika Market at The Hub
A vibrant showcase of Pasifika food, crafts, and services. Everything from sapasui to traditional art and massage.
📍 The Hub, Kelburn Campus, Victoria University of Wellington

🏉 Petone Rugby Club – 140th Celebration
Celebrate one of NZ’s oldest rugby clubs with stories, auctions, matches, live music, and clubroom banter.
📍 Petone Rugby Club, Lower Hutt

💃 NZ Salsa Congress 2025 (May 30 to June 1)
Non-stop Latin energy with parties, workshops, and shows at the King’s Birthday weekend event.
📍 Te Whaea – National Dance & Drama Centre, Newtown

🏛️ Architecture & Design Film Festival
A 19-day celebration of bold buildings and visionary designers, from local gems to global icons.
📍 Light House Cuba, 29 Wigan Street, Te Aro
📍 Light House Cinema Petone, 52 Beach Street
📍 Embassy Theatre, 10 Kent Terrace, Mt Victoria

😂 Early Laughs with Li’i Alaimoana & Paul Ego
Get your laugh on with two comedy legends and their hilarious stand-up and improv at The Fringe Bar.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Wellington

🎙️ Wallace and The Grommets – Live in Wellington
Catch Wallace Gollan and his all-star band for one unforgettable hometown show.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory Street

🎸 The Bruce Springsteen Experience
An international tribute to the Boss, featuring a nine-piece band performing Bruce Springsteen's iconic hits.
📍 Wairarapa Events Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton

🎨 Riversdale Art & Yoga Retreat
A long weekend of painting, yoga, and sea dips at the stunning Riversdale Beach.
📍 South Coast Studio, Island Bay (retreat held at Riversdale Beach)

🍴 Food Truck Friday – Paraparaumu
Delicious food trucks, cheesecakes, and gin in a cozy outdoor setting. The perfect weekend starter!
📍 The Bond Store, 21 Birmingham Street, Paraparaumu

🌟 Matariki 2025: Matariki mā Puanga
A free, vibrant celebration of Māori New Year with light, performance, kai, and cultural workshops.
📍 Queen Elizabeth Park & Memorial Stadium, Masterton | 🗓️ Friday & Saturday

🎸 Electric Power Blues – Live in Petone
A night of blues, riffs, and energy at Abandoned Taproom, featuring Testify and more.
📍 Abandoned Taproom, 38 Fitzherbert Street, Petone

Saturday 31 May:

🎤 For the People – Free Community Concert
An uplifting night of live music, good vibes, and free hot dogs — featuring two special guest bands from Auckland. All ages welcome!
📍 The Potter’s House, Level 1, 28 Warspite Ave, Cannons Creek, Porirua

🎻 NZSO: Mozart & Beethoven – Masterworks Series
A breathtaking evening of orchestral beauty featuring Grieg, Beethoven, and Mozart at Michael Fowler Centre.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield Street

🏉 Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika
Super Rugby action is back! Join the Hurricanes for an exciting home game this Saturday.
📍 Sky Stadium, Wellington | 🕖 7:05pm

🎶 Sounds by the Awa – Music Month Concert
Celebrate NZ Music Month with live tunes, kai, DJs, and a pump track by the river.
📍 Te Tōpūnga Hapori i Daly Street, Lower Hutt

🎧 PUR: Underground Techno at San Fran
Join the PUR crew for a night of deep, relentless techno at San Fran.
📍 San Fran, Cuba Street

🛍️ Community Garage Sale – Karori
Bargains, baking, and hidden gems await at this local favourite — come for the deals, stay for the good vibes.
📍 St Ninian’s Uniting Church, 208 Karori Road

💃 One Dance Championships
Watch top Aotearoa dancers showcase their flair in ballroom and Latin at Wellington College.
📍 Wellington College, Mt Victoria

🌌 Matariki Masquerade Ball – Pipitea Marae
Celebrate 30 years of Matariki with a masked evening of music, kai, and storytelling at Pipitea Marae.
📍 Pipitea Marae, 55 Thorndon Quay, Wellington

🍎 Pick Your Own Apples – Molewood Orchard
Pick sun-ripened apples straight from the tree in Greytown. Perfect family fun!
📍 Molewood Orchard, 17 Mole Street, Greytown

🔧 Repair Café – Te Aro Zero Waste
Bring in your broken items and get free repairs from skilled volunteers at Te Aro Zero Waste.
📍 Te Aro Zero Waste (Sustainability Trust), 2 Forresters Lane

🧶 Artisan Craft Market – Wainuiomata
Shop for locally crafted treasures at this premium handmade market.
📍 Queen Street, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt

🏀 Wellington Saints vs Otago Nuggets
Catch the Saints' last game of the season at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua

🎸 Battle of the Bands – Wellington Regional Final
Eight bands, one epic night at Valhalla. Come cheer on the next big thing!
📍 Valhalla, Vivian Street

Sunday 1 June:

🌱 Vegan Street Food Festival
Embark on a global flavour journey with vibrant, plant-based eats in the heart of Wellington.
📍 Bhakti Lounge, 1st Floor, 175 Vivian Street

🎎 2025 K-Culture Festival
Celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavours of Korea with a vibrant showcase of music, dance, food, and more — hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington

🎷 Sunday Jazz: Paul & Julien Dyne
Enjoy a soulful jazz session with Paul Dyne and his son Julien at The Rogue. Free entry, koha encouraged.
📍 The Rogue & Vagabond, 18 Garrett Street

🔊 Salmonella Dub – Look For Gold Release Party
A 3-hour bass-heavy journey through remix anthems, live visuals, and epic guest sets — ft. Whirimako Black, Mighty Asterix, Ladi J & the Sal Dub SoundSystem.
📍 Meow, Wellington

💀 7 Deadly Sins – Rave & 7th Birthday Bash
A wild rave night with hardgroove, techno, and psytrance at Otto.
📍 Otto Champagneria & Beer Hall, Wellington

🚀 Sci-Fi Sundays: Spaceballs
Watch the cult classic "Spaceballs" on the planetarium dome.
📍 Space Place, 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn

🧛 Vampire’s Kiss – Nicolas Cage Cult Classic
Watch Nicolas Cage’s wild take on turning into a vampire at The Roxy Cinema.
📍 The Roxy Cinema, Miramar

🎶 Aotearoa’s BIGGEST Record Fair
Thousands of records, tapes, merch, and more — plus craft beer, good vibes, and free entry. Vinyl lovers, this is your crate-digging dream day out!
📍 Brewtown, Upper Hutt

🐾 Small Dog Social Walk – Petone
A fun beachside playdate for small pups at McEwan Park.
📍 McEwan Park, Hikoikoi Reserve, Petone Beach

🎥 Harold and Maude – Sunset Classics
Catch this cult classic about life and friendship at St Peter’s Village Hall.
📍 St Peter’s Village Hall, Paekākāriki

🎉 Bollywood Tamasha Party – King’s Birthday Weekend
Dance the night away at this high-energy R18 Bollywood banger!
📍 The Garden Hotel, 63 Courtenay Place, Wellington

🎻 NZSO at The Runholder – Concert & Dinner
A string quartet, royal roast, and great music at Te Kairanga Vineyard.
📍 Te Kairanga Vineyard, 89 Martins Road, Martinborough

🍷 Meet the Maker: Amy Farnsworth of Amoise
Sip organic, low-intervention wines with winemaker Amy Farnsworth at Rosella.
📍 Rosella, 18 Majoribanks Street, Wellington

🤘 Sprayfest 2 – Metal for a Cause
A brutal night of metal mayhem raising funds for NZ legend Alex Beere.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Wellington

🪐 Low Sensory Hour – Space Place
A calming, accessible experience with dimmed lights, reduced sound, crafts, and a relaxed planetarium show — perfect for sensory-sensitive visitors.
📍 Space Place, 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn

🚶 Beacons of Hope – Commemorative Walk Tour
Mark 40 years since Bruce Burnett’s passing with a guided tribute walk honouring Aotearoa’s early HIV activists — featuring stories, voices, and the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
📍 Starts at Āwhina Centre, 220 Willis Street, Wellington

⛅ Welly Weather Watch:

• ⛅ Friday: Some morning cloud, then fine. Strong southerlies, turning northwesterlies in the morning. High 17°C, low 11°C.

• ☀️ Saturday: Fine. Strong northwesterlies, easing in the morning. High 16°C, low 11°C.

• ☀️ Sunday: Fine. Northwesterlies, easing. High 15°C, low 9°C.

💕 Extra Sprinkles – Charity of the Week

Everybody Eats Wellington – 60 Dixon St. This pay-as-you-feel charity is tackling food waste and insecurity by providing delicious meals to those in need. Support their mission by volunteering or grabbing a meal next time you're in the area!

🐝 That’s a wrap for this week’s WellyBuzz! We hope you have an amazing long weekend soaking up the events, whether you’re salsa dancing till dawn, hunting glow worms, or just snuggled up with a hot brew at a market. Enjoy the extra day off, have fun, and stay safe on those windy hilltops. We’ll be back in your inbox next Thursday with more Wellington wonders.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

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