🐝 WellyBuzz: Phoenix Homecoming + Halloween Surprises!

TOGETHER WITH

👋 Kia ora Wellington!

We’re back from a short break with a full edition just in time for the long weekend! Whether you’re escaping to the beach or hanging in town, you’re spoiled for choice. Expect spooky markets, classic Minis in convoy through the Wairarapa, and the Wellington Phoenix gearing up for a big season with their first home game. Grab your coffee - or cocktail - and let’s go. 🎉

🔥 Quick Picks

🤘 Amped Up (Sat) – Blindspott, Devilskin & Shepherds Reign bring metal mayhem to Brewtown.
🎻 Wellington Folk Festival (Fri-Sun) – Opening Ceilidh & Workshops – Dance, folk tunes, and masterclasses mark the 60th WellyFest kickoff.
🎧 Andy C Halloween Arena Rave (Sat) – Drum & bass legend Andy C brings a massive arena rave with S.P.Y and Lee Matthews.
⚽ Phoenix vs Brisbane Roar (Sun) – The Nix play their first home game of the A-League season – don your yellow and black and cheer them on.
🎃 ‘Oh The Horror!’ Halloween Market (Sun) – Spooky crafts, art and oddities at Ngaio Town Hall – costumes encouraged!
🚗 NZ Mini Nationals Show & Shine (Sat) – 150 classic Minis (from 1960s originals to new models) on display in Masterton.
🚒 Emergency Services Expo (Sat) – Meet the heroes at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua – free family fun from 10 am.
🏅 Porirua Hall of Fame Tour (daily until Sat) – Discover local legends in this self-guided showcase of Porirua’s heroes – part of Heritage Week.

SPONSORED BY Kapiti WOMEN’S EXPO

Celebrate, shop, and support women in business at the Kapiti Women’s Expo 2025 next weekend (Sunday 2 November) – a vibrant community showcase where businesses from across the region and beyond come together under one roof. Just in time for Christmas shopping, it’s the perfect chance to discover unique gifts, connect with makers and service providers, and treat yourself to something special.

From art and beauty, to fashion, food and drinks, health and fitness, homewares, pet care, and a wide range of professional services - there’s truly something for everyone.

Best of all, entry is by gold coin donation, with proceeds supporting the Kapiti Women’s Refuge. Bring the whānau, enjoy the buzz, and spend the day exploring.

📅 Sunday 2 November 2025 | 🕙 10:00am – 3:00pm
📍 Southward Theatre, Otaihanga Rd, Paraparaumu
💰 Gold coin entry | All ages welcome

👉 Find out more at kapitiwomensexpo.co.nz

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – The glamorous transformation from banking hall to shopping heaven - discover the Old Bank Arcade's story
🌟 Local Legends – A Featherston bookshop that’s straight out of Dickens
🍽️ Food & Drink – A new Te Aro café where butter chicken pizza is a thing
🎉 Events – 50+ things to do around Wellington, Friday through Monday
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – Spring showers and sun tussle for the long weekend
💝 Extra Sprinkles – One charity igniting kids’ potential with mentorship

🕰️ Time Machine: From Bank Vaults to Boutiques

Ever wondered about the history of the Old Bank Arcade site while grabbing a coffee? The corner of Lambton Quay & Customhouse Quay was home to the Bank of New Zealand from 1863, and the main heritage building was completed in 1901. Today it’s a beloved shopping destination keeping much of its Edwardian grandeur intact. Next time you’re there, look up at the ornate ceiling and imagine all the generations who have passed through.

🌟 Local Legends – Small Biz Gem to Check Out:

The Dickensian Bookshop & Tea Rooms (78 Fox St, Featherston)

Part bookshop, part time machine. This Featherston treasure is filled with vintage volumes, leather-bound classics and curious antiques. Owners Patsy and Dave have created a cosy, book-lover’s haven - think stacks of rare books, delicate porcelain and warm tea aromas. Pop into the Tea Rooms for a cream tea and fresh scone, and you’ll almost feel Charles Dickens slide into the next seat. A must-stop on any Featherston Booktown wander. 📚☕

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spot This Week

Lovy’s Eatery – 43 Vivian St, Te Aro

Wellington’s newest comfort-food crush. From the moment you step in, it feels like your local – bright smiles, good coffee, and the smell of something sizzling. Their Butter Chicken Bliss pizza has already gone semi-legendary (yes, it works), and those paratha tacos are a flavour bomb. Round it out with their over-the-top French toast and you’ve got brunch perfection. Fresh, friendly, and full of heart – that’s Lovy’s. 🍕🌶️

🎉 Events: Your Labour Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday 24 October:

🎻 Wellington Folk Festival – Opening Ceilidh & Workshops
The 60th WellyFest begins with ceilidh dancing, local performers and masterclasses.
📍 Brookfield Outdoor Education Centre, Wainuiomata | 🕒 from 3:00pm (running through to Sunday evening) | 🎟️ Festival pass or day ticket - see weblink above

🍲 Filipino Restaurant Week 2025
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Philippines as Filipino Restaurant Week debuts across New Zealand! From adobo to halo-halo, participating eateries in Wellington and beyond will serve up special set menus celebrating the country’s rich culinary heritage.
📍 Various Filipino restaurants across Wellington | 🗓️ Oct 20–26 | 💰 Fixed-price menus | 👤 All Ages

💃 Simply Weekend 2025
Get ready for three days of dance parties, workshops, competitions, and an unforgettable ball at Te Papa! Hosted by iDance Wellington, this annual celebration brings together dancers of all levels for a weekend of rhythm, connection, and fun.
📍 Various venues | 🕖 Fri, Sat, Sun | 👤 All Ages

🎈 Play Week at Aotea Lagoon
Celebrate Play Week Aotearoa with a fun, family-friendly afternoon at Aotea Lagoon! Bring the tamariki for hands-on activities, games, and creative play with the Play Trailer - all about inspiring whānau to get outdoors and play together.
📍 Aotea Lagoon, Porirua | 🕓 4:00pm–6:00pm | 💰 Free | 👤 All Ages

🎶 Benefit Show for Displaced Children of Gaza and Ukraine
Four Wellington bands - LUNG, S H E, Electric Tapestry, and Antu Marama - unite for a powerful benefit gig supporting children displaced by conflict in Gaza and Ukraine.
📍 Newtown Community Centre | 🕒 7:00pm | 💰 $16.58 | 🎟 All Ages

🕷️ Skullduggery Art Show – Halloween Exhibition & Tour
A showcase of spooky works from local artists + a guided evening tour.
📍 Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St | 🕒 10:00am–7:00pm (tour 5pm and 6pm). Times vary Sat and Sun | 🎟️ Free entry

🎫 Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons
NZSO plays the beloved game’s soundtrack in a concert experience.
📍 The Opera House, Wellington | 🕒 8:00pm | 🎟️ from $89

💃 A Freaky Friday – Drag Night
Glam meets horror in a drag showcase full of theatricality and flair.
📍 Ivy Bar & Cabaret, 63 Cuba St | 🕒 9:30pm–11:30pm | 🎟️ $23.25

🎪 Circus of the Night – Burlesque & Circus Cabaret
A risqué, R18 cabaret with aerials, acrobatics and burlesque.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | 🕒 7:30pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ From $34.05

🕺 You Should Be Dancing – Disco Party
A dance night with vintage vinyl: 80s, 90s & 00s hits.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba St | 🕒 From 8:00pm | 🎟️ $21.62

🎸 Queen + Bee Gees Tribute Show
Two legendary tribute acts in one night - be ready to sing.
📍 Porirua Club, 1 Lodge Pl | 🕒 8:00pm - 10:20pm | 🎟️ $33.30

🧙 Dungeons & Demons – Improv Comedy
Improv meets fantasy in a D&D-style comedy adventure.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Tce | 🕒 From 6:30pm | 🎟️ From $15

🎧 Vegyn (DJ Set)
Electronic producer Vegyn on a rare NZ DJ date.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward St | 🕒 7:00pm–10:45pm | 🎟️ $40

🥁 NZ Drum & Dance Camp 2025
Four days of rhythm, workshops, and kai in the bush with drummers Epizo Bangoura, Yaw Asumadu, and Jimi Dale. Pure good vibes. 🪘🌿
📍 Kaitoke Outdoor Centre, Upper Hutt | 🕖 Fri 24 – Mon 27 Oct | 💰 From $195 (single day) / $495 (full camp) | 🎟️ All Ages

(And that’s just Friday folks!)

Saturday 25 October:

🤘 Amped Up
Get ready for New Zealand’s loudest night of metal mayhem as Blindspott, Devilskin, and Shepherds Reign join forces for an unholy triple-header at Brewtown.
📍 Brewtown, Upper Hutt | 🕓 4:00pm–10:30pm | 💰 From $89 | 🎟 R18

🚗 NZ Mini Nationals – Classic Car Show
A gathering of over 150 Minis - nostalgia, colour and community.
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Masterton | 🕒 9:00am–12:00pm | 🎟️ Free

🎪 Queensgate Night Market
Auckland’s famous night markets have arrived in Lower Hutt - bringing the same epic mix of street food, shopping, and live entertainment to Queensgate every Saturday night.
📍 Queensgate Shopping Centre | 🕖 5:30pm–11:00pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🎬 Vista Foundation 48Hours Grand Finals 2025
Celebrate the best short films created in just 48 hours, as top teams from across New Zealand hit the big screen at Wellington’s iconic Embassy Theatre.
📍 Embassy Theatre | 🕖 Bar 6:00pm, Doors 7:00pm, Show 7:30pm | 💰 From $16.58 | 🎟 All Ages (Licensed, M Rating)

🎃 The Creepy Cute Market – Halloween Edition
Back by popular demand, this spooky-sweet market teams up with the Skullduggery Art Show for a day of eerie art, fashion, and curiosities. Costumes encouraged!
📍 Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St | 🕘 9:30am–2:30pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎭 All Ages

🌈 Paekākāriki School Rainbow Gala & Plant Sale
A colourful community day returns with plants, food, fun stalls, kids’ activities, and live entertainment - perfect for the whole whānau. All proceeds support Paekākāriki School.
📍 Paekākāriki School | 🕙 10:00am–1:00pm | 💰 Free entry | 🎟️ All Ages

🌈 Paekākāriki Pride Party
Paekākāriki Pride returns for its 8th year with an all-out 80s Dance Party - big hair, bold moves, and DJ sets from Vinyl & Proud. Cash bar and treats by Paekākāriki School PTA.
📍 St Peter’s Village Hall | 🕖 7:00pm–11:00pm | 💰 From $16.58 | 🎟 R18

💀 Fright Night at the Museum
Step into the shadows at Cobblestones Museum for a night of eerie whispers, cryptic clues, and ghostly encounters in this immersive Halloween mystery experience.
📍 Cobblestones Museum, Greytown | 🕖 8:30pm–10:00pm | 💰 From $10.25 | 🎟 PG 9+

🎧 Atomic
Wellington’s longest-running club night is back - all vinyl, all night, spinning the best of New Wave, New Romance, and Synth Pop at San Fran.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba St | 🕗 8:00pm–4:00am | 💰 $20 door sales | 🎟 R18

🚒 Emergency Services Expo
Get up close with the heroes who keep our communities safe at this free, family-friendly day of emergency vehicle tours, crew meet-and-greets, activities, and food trucks.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua | 🕙 From 10:00am | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🥕 Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
Spend your Saturday morning under the redwoods at this vibrant weekly market - live music, local produce, artisan goods, and freshly made food straight from the Wairarapa region.
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Masterton | 🕘 9:00am–1:00pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🌿 Pharmaceutical Botany – Guided Walk
Discover how native and exotic plants like kōwhai, tōtara, and flax connect to human health on this one-hour downhill walk through Wellington’s Botanic Garden.
📍 Botanic Garden, Kelburn (meet at the Cable Car entrance lookout) | 🕐 1:30pm–2:30pm | 💰 $5 (cash only) | 🎟 All Ages

🏅 Porirua Hall of Fame – Self-Guided Tour
Explore stories of Porirua’s legends in sport, culture, leadership.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua | 🕒 9:00am–5:00pm | 🎟️ Free

🦖 Dinosaurs: Surviving Extinction
Life-sized dinosaur displays and interactive learning.
📍 Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt | 🕒 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟️ Entry by donation

🎧 Andy C – Halloween Arena Rave
Wellington braces for a high-voltage DnB spectacle.
📍 TSB Arena, Queens Wharf | 🕒 5:30pm–12:00am | 🎟️ $119

(Saturday = sorted!)

Sunday 26 October:

⚽ Wellington Phoenix vs Brisbane Roar
The Nix’s first home game - bring the roar, bring the faces.
📍 Sky Stadium | 🕒 3:00pm | 🎟️ from $30

🧵 Ōtaki Craft Market
Browse art, crafts, antiques, produce, and handmade goods at this vibrant outdoor market, complete with food trucks, live buskers, and local charm on the Kapiti Coast.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Otaki | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🎻 Halloween’s Haunting Harmonies
The Kapiti Concert Orchestra blends spooky classics like Danse Macabre and Night on Bald Mountain with film favourites from The Addams Family and Phantom of the Opera. Dress up for a frightfully fun concert!
📍 Ōtaki Memorial Hall, Main St, Otaki | 🕝 2:30pm–4:30pm | 💰 From $28.92 | 🎟 All Ages

🎸 OdESSA – Oak Park Avenue 20th Anniversary Show
Wellington funk-rock legends OdESSA return to celebrate 20 years of their debut album Oak Park Avenue, performing it live in full with support from Love Party and Dunk Tha Funk.
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba St | 🕔 5:00pm–10:00pm | 💰 From $26.77 | 🎟 RP18

🌿 Wellington Botanist Market
The Exchange Atrium transforms into a plant lover’s paradise with greenery, pots, botanical art, and local crafts.
📍 The Exchange Atrium, 21 Allen St, Wellington | 🕘 10:00am–3:00pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🐎 Thompson Handicap Raceday
A spring racing highlight at Trentham featuring eight thrilling races, hospitality options, and free general admission in a vibrant trackside setting.
📍 Trentham Racecourse, Upper Hutt | 🕛 From 12:30pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🍷🐶 WineDogs – Martinborough
Sip, stroll, and socialise with your pup at Luna Estate’s dog-friendly festival featuring wine tastings, fashion parades, prizes, photo booths, food trucks, and live music.
📍 Luna Estate, Martinborough | 🕙 10:00am–5:00pm | 💰 From $65 | 🎟 All Ages

🐾 Picnic and Puppy Pride Dog Show
Pack a picnic and join the fun at this paws-itively fabulous afternoon of rainbow costumes, fancy dress, and prizes for the best-dressed pups - part of Paekākāriki Pride Festival.
📍 Campbell Park, Paekākāriki | 🕐 1:00pm–4:00pm | 💰 Free entry (koha to enter your pup) | 🎟 All Ages

🏀 Tokomanawa Queens vs Hoiho | Piki Pink
Cheer on the Queens in a special Piki Pink round supporting breast cancer research - with live music, community vibes, and a chance to see legends like King Kapisi and Che Fu courtside.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua | 🕑 From 2:00pm | 💰 Adult $25.30 | 🎟 All Ages

🎸 Sunday Jazz – Callum Allardice
Ease into your Sunday evening with soulful, funky jazz from local guitarist Callum Allardice and his quartet, joined by special guests from Newtown and Sydney.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett St | 🕔 5:00pm–7:00pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages (Licensed)

🎧 DJ Hybrid (UK) | Labour Sunday Session
UK drum and bass heavyweight DJ Hybrid takes over The Garden Hotel for a massive Labour Sunday session with support from Baeoli, Young Gho$t, and the Breakaway Soundsystem crew.
📍 The Garden Hotel, Courtenay Place | 🕓 4:00pm–2:00am | 💰 From $27 | 🎟 R18

😂 PopRox Improv Comedy Nights
Wellington’s best-dressed improv troupe returns to Circa with a night of quick wit, long-form chaos, and side-splitting laughs in a cabaret-style setting.
📍 Circa Theatre | 🕖 7:00pm–8:15pm | 💰 From $25 | 🎟 All Ages

🎷 Sunday Jazz Club
Unwind with smooth live jazz every second Sunday at Parrotdog Bar, featuring rotating local trios and an easygoing afternoon vibe.
📍 Parrotdog Bar, Lyall Bay | 🕒 From 3:00pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🏛️ Heritage Festival – Self-guided Tour of Truby King Park
Explore the fascinating history of Truby King Park at your own pace with a QR trail revealing stories of early healthcare, gardens, and the people who shaped them.
📍 Truby King Park, 21 Manchester Terrace, Melrose | 🕗 8:00am–7:00pm daily | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎪 ‘Oh The Horror!’ Halloween Craft Market
Creativity, weird gifts and a costume parade.
📍 Ngaio Town Hall, 1 Ottawa Road | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🎸 Christof van der Ven (Live in Concert)
Soulful, intimate folk sounds in Newtown.
📍 MOON, 167 Riddiford St | 🕒 6:00pm | 🎟️ $25 + booking fee

🛍 Riversdale Beach Labour Weekend Market
Local produce, crafts, music - Wairarapa charm by the sea.
📍 Riversdale Beach Reserve | 🕒 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🪶 The Epic Life of Kahe Te Rau-o-te-Rangi
Discover the legacy of Kahe Te Rau-o-te-Rangi - one of just five wāhine to sign Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Te Whanganui-a-Tara - as Miria Pōmare shares her family’s powerful kōrero. ✨
📍 Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay | 🕙 10:30am–12:00pm | 💰 From $10 | 👤 All Ages

Monday 27 October:

🪖 Wrights Hill Fortress – Labour Day Open Day
Step back in time and explore Wellington’s World War II coastal battery tunnels, weapons displays, and historic photos on this special Labour Day open day.
📍 Wrights Hill Fortress, 50 Wrights Hill Road, Karori | 🕙 10:00am–4:00pm | 💰 $10 adults / $5 under 15 / $20 family | 🎟 All Ages

🏖️ Labour Day Swim – Freyberg Beach
Why not wrap up Labour Weekend with a fun community swim - 730m or 1300m options, no membership needed. Bring a tow float and dive in! 🌊
📍 Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay | 🕑 2:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

⛅ Welly Weather Watch

🌤️ Friday: Fine. Northwesterlies. High 17°C, Low 11°C.
⛅ Saturday: Mainly fine, chance of a shower. Strong northwesterlies High 17°C, Low 10°C.
🌦️ Sunday: A few showers. Strong Northwesterlies. High 16°C, Low 12°C.
🌧️ Monday: Rain, becoming persistent with heavy falls. High 16°C, Low 12°C.

💝 Extra Sprinkles – Charity of the Week

This mentoring charity pairs tamariki aged 6–12 with caring adult volunteers to build confidence and connection. Become a mentor or donate to support their work at bigbrothersbigsisters.org.nz. 💛

Whatever you get up to – whether it’s hitting a halloween market, exploring some local history, or dancing until the wee hours – have a safe and happy long weekend. Enjoy the extra day off, and make the most of our vibrant region.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝