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- 🐝 Wellington's Mega Weekend - Canes v Blues Semi & Wētā Cave turns 18
🐝 Wellington's Mega Weekend - Canes v Blues Semi & Wētā Cave turns 18
The Canes host the Blues in a home semi-final, Wētā Cave turns 18, a beer fest, glow worm walks + a Fleetwood Mac fundraiser. Winter sorted 🐝
Kirstie and Steve
June 11, 2026
WellyBuzz 🐝
Your Wellington Weekend Sorted
Wellington's Mega Weekend - Canes v Blues Semi & Wētā Cave Turns 18
The Canes host the Blues in a home semi-final, Wētā Cave turns 18, a beer fest, glow worm walks + a Fleetwood Mac fundraiser. Winter sorted 🐝
👋 Welcome
Kia ora Wellington! ❄️
What a week to be a Canes fan - after that 66-12 demolition of the Brumbies, the top-seeded Canes host the Blues in a home semi-final on Saturday night. Off the field, the Wētā Cave turns 18 with a Greg Broadmore book signing on Saturday, Otto's ExBEERimental beer fest pours from Friday, and glow worm walks light up the dark. Add the biggest-ever Philippine Festival and a weekend of markets and gigs and you're sorted. Let's get buzzing! 🐝
🔥 Quick Picks
🧥 Costume Hire Pop-Up Sale (Fri) - Grab a bargain as Creative Show Off sells off its costume stock.
🍺 Otto ExBEERimental Festival (Fri) - Taste brews you've never tried and crown the 2026 winner.
✨ Glow in the Dark Titiwai Tours (Fri) - A magical after-dark glow worm walk in the Botanic Garden.
🌙 Lōemis Night Market (Fri) - Artists, makers, live music and midwinter magic in Newtown.
🎸 The Fleetwood Mac Experience (Sat) - Tribute fundraiser for young Kasen, Upper Hutt.
🏉 Hurricanes v Blues Semi-Final (Sat) - The Canes host the Blues in a home semi, 7:05pm at Hnry Stadium.
🇵🇭 Philippine Festival (Sat) - The biggest yet, with food, music and culture in Lower Hutt.
👗 Sustainable Fashion Market (Sat) - A celebration of sustainable fashion - shop and rethink your wardrobe.
🍵 Crown Lynn Market Day (Sat) - All things Crown Lynn, plus tea and scones at Ngaio Town Hall.
🖤 Not Your Nana's Craft Market 2.0 (Sun) - A loud and proud alternative craft market at Brewtown. R18.
🃏 NZ Card Collectors Show (Sun) - 100+ vendors and 230 tables of cards at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua.
🎂 Wētā Cave Turns 18
The much-loved Wētā Cave in Miramar is turning 18 this month, and the celebrations are already rolling.
The headline moment for this weekend: artist and author Greg Broadmore is in-store on Saturday 13 June for a signing of his new graphic novel One Path: Book Two - The White King (out now via Mad Cave Studios).
There's also a Narnia-inspired campaign running all month (Wētā Workshop worked on the Narnia films 18 years ago too), plus a thank-you to the locals: 18% off Wētā Workshop Tours for Wellingtonians through June. A bigger birthday celebration weekend lands on 27 June - more on that soon. Event details here.
📍 The Wētā Cave, 1 Weka Street, Miramar | 🕙 Sat 11am-2pm | 💰 Free entry
🔫 Featured - LaserPlex
Looking for a weather-proof family day out or a party that runs itself? LaserPlex has just opened in Tawa - Wellington's new home for high-energy indoor fun.
Under one roof you'll find laser tag (with the latest Laser Force gear), VR experiences, gellyball, an air gun range and a golf simulator - plus fully-hosted kids' birthday parties where the grown-ups get to relax in the cafe. There are adults-only nights and a club for ages 8+ too.
Sessions start on time, the gear's clean and the hosts bring the energy. Book your visit here.
📍 2/78 Main Road, Tawa | 🕙 Mon-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm | 📞 021 856 258 | 🌐 laserplex.co.nz
🍽️ Food & Drink
Lucky 8, Courtenay Place
Eight is the lucky number here - and it's lucky for your wallet too.
Lucky 8 is a buzzy new Courtenay Place spot where most of the tapas, and the cocktail menu, start at $8.88. Owner Paul Wong calls it a "cross-breed" between a high-end restaurant and an edgy late-night lounge, inspired by the roadside beer stalls and street food of Asia.
The multi-area venue has four distinct vibes to wander between - the Side Bar, the Main Lounge, a Private Dining Room and a Terrace over the street - so it works for a quick bite or a long, lazy session.
Find them at 16 Courtenay Place, Te Aro. lucky8.co.nz
🎉 Events - What's On This Weekend
📅 Friday 12 June
Creative Show Off Costume Hire are selling off stock to make some space - pop into the Gryphon Theatre pop-up and grab a bargain.
📍 Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Fri 10am - Sun 12pm | 💰 Free entry
Taste experimental beers from all your favourite breweries and help crown the 2026 crown. Beers pouring from 4pm, winners announced 7pm.
📍 Otto Champagneria & Beer Hall, 125 Featherston Street, Wellington Central | 🕙 Fri from 4pm | 💰 Refer to event link
🎭 Julia
Circa's 50th-anniversary one-woman play about Julia Gillard's famous 2012 "misogyny speech" and the career that led to it.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Fri 7:00pm | 💰 $25-$60
Jamie McCaskill's powerful NZ drama, told through a filmmaker's lens, follows a group of women whose lives intersect at a moment of change. Final weekend.
📍 Circa Two, 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Fri 7:30pm | 💰 $25-$60
A guided after-dark walk into the world of titiwai (NZ glow worms) with the Friends of Wellington Botanic Garden. Runs rain or shine - bring a torch.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn | 🕙 Fri 7pm & 8pm sessions | 💰 $10 adult, under-12 free | 🎟 Ages 7+
Dozens of artists, makers and artisans gather for the midwinter Lōemis market, with a live music soundtrack, freshly brewed beer and globally-inspired food.
📍 Tāwhiri Warehouse, Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown | 🕙 Fri evening | 💰 Refer to event link
A circus and burlesque cabaret showcasing Wellington's professional performers in acts not fit for a family-friendly show.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Fri 7:30pm | 💰 From $34.05 (incl. fees) | 🎟 R18
A French comedy-drama about a wealthy heiress whose plan to stage a landmark Stradivarius concert is derailed by clashing musician egos. French with English subtitles.
📍 The Screening Room, 435 Queen Street, Masterton | 🕙 Fri 11am | 💰 $20 / $17 senior | 🎟 PG
Fight off the winter blues with a fun night of social dancing - salsa and bachata with DJ Shubhi. All levels welcome, BYO drinks.
📍 Dancetopia Dance Studio, 11 Torrens Terrace, Mount Cook | 🕙 Fri 9pm-12am | 💰 $12 entry
Driving techno deep into the long winter night, with Auckland's VNESS headlining alongside BLVIR w FORTUNA and HALO.
📍 38 Dixon Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Fri from 10pm | 💰 $15 + booking fee | 🎟 R18
📅 Saturday 13 June
A special fundraising show in support of Kasen and his family during his cancer journey - all proceeds go to them. Open to the public.
📍 Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club, 11 Logan Street, Upper Hutt | 🕙 Sat 8pm-11pm | 💰 $33.46 (incl. fees) | 🎟 18+
Wētā artist Greg Broadmore signs his new graphic novel One Path: The White King, as the Wētā Cave kicks off its 18th birthday celebrations (see feature above).
📍 The Wētā Cave, 1 Weka Street, Miramar | 🕙 Sat 11am-2pm | 💰 Free entry
Thousands of free comics for all ages (limit two per enthusiast!), plus a drawing competition and live demos from local artists Sam Orchard, Sarah Laing and Jem Yoshioka.
📍 Te Matapihi Central Library, 65 Victoria Street, Wellington Central | 🕙 Sat 9:30am-1:30pm | 💰 Free
It's official - the top-seeded Canes host the Blues in a home semi-final after that 66-12 demolition of the Brumbies. Hnry Stadium under lights with a spot in the final on the line. This'll be huge.
📍 Hnry Stadium (formerly Sky Stadium), 105 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea | 🕙 Sat 7:05pm | 💰 From $15 (Family/Bronze) to $85 (Platinum)
The biggest Philippine Festival in Wellington yet - a full day of food, music, dance and culture for the whole whānau.
📍 Lower Hutt Event Centre, 30c Laings Road, Lower Hutt | 🕙 Sat 10am-5pm | 💰 Refer to event link
Wellington's beloved six-piece folk darlings - winners of the 2025 NZ Folk Alliance Best Original Album - bring their new album Broken River to an intimate house concert. Gate 6:30pm, music 7pm.
📍 Hilltop House Concerts, 17 Upland Road, Kelburn | 🕙 Sat 7pm (gate 6:30pm) | 💰 $34.05 (incl. fees) | 🎟 All ages
An exhibition reimagining the nine Atua of the Matariki cluster through body art, opening with drinks and kai. Open to all.
📍 Pātaka Art + Museum, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua | 🕙 Sat from 3:30pm | 💰 Refer to event link
A special performance on Zealandia's Heritage Lawn weaving taonga pūoro, Sámi joik, Brazilian percussion and voice into one living sound journey.
📍 Zealandia, 53 Waiapu Road, Karori | 🕙 Sat 12pm-2pm | 💰 Free with sanctuary entry (members free)
My Walk in Wardrobe brings NZ's largest sustainable fashion market - preloved, upcycled, vintage and handmade clothing, shoes and accessories across around 40 stalls.
📍 Waikanae Memorial Hall, 7 Pehi Kupa Street, Waikanae | 🕙 Sat 10am-2pm | 💰 Gold coin entry
The coolest and weirdest market in Welly - jewellery, art, and quality thrifted and upcycled goods, all in the school hall.
📍 Newtown School Hall, 16 Mein Street, Newtown | 🕙 Sat 9am-2pm | 💰 Free entry
A brand-new market day for sellers and buyers of all things Crown Lynn, with tea, coffee, scones and cakes while you shop.
📍 Ngaio Town Hall, 1 Ottawa Road, Ngaio | 🕙 Sat 10am-2pm | 💰 Refer to event link
The home of Wellington wrestling brings the body slams and big characters back to the ring. A fun night out for the whole crew.
📍 The 162, 162 Gracefield Road, Lower Hutt | 🕙 Sat 5:30pm-8pm | 💰 From $10.25 GA (incl. fees), family passes available | 🎟 All ages
Hosted by Eastern Hutt Rotary - meet the health providers in your community and grab a free health check.
📍 Walter Nash Stadium, 20-22 Taine Street, Taita, Lower Hutt | 🕙 Sat 10am-1pm | 💰 Free
Drop off your unwanted electronics at this easy drive-thru recycling event - the team unloads everything for you.
📍 Tawa College, 38A Duncan Avenue, Tawa | 🕙 Sat 9am-3pm | 💰 Free
Bring broken household items to be fixed for free or koha by volunteers - plus free adult bike riding lessons and bike repairs. Think The Repair Shop.
📍 Upper Hutt Baptist Church, 1 Milton Street, Upper Hutt | 🕙 Sat 10am-2pm | 💰 Free / koha
Hutt Valley band Something Like That plus UK DJ Hexadecimal, topped off with a wicked laser show and visuals. Funk, rock, reggae and more.
📍 St Peter's Village Hall, cnr Beach Road & Ames Street, Paekākāriki | 🕙 Sat 7pm-10:45pm | 💰 $20
Warm up for the NZ Card Collectors Show with a drink and a trade - bring your binders, you never know what you'll unearth.
📍 The Borough, 162 Main Road, Tawa | 🕙 Sat from 6:30pm | 💰 Refer to event link
A guided night-time walk through Ōtari-Wilton's Bush to spot glow worms among the native ngahere. Magic for kids and grown-ups alike.
📍 Ōtari-Wilton's Bush (Visitors Centre), 150 Wilton Road, Wilton | 🕙 Sat 7pm-8pm | 💰 $10.25 adult (incl. fees), under-12 free | 🎟 Not for young children
📅 Sunday 14 June
The country's biggest card show is back for its 5th year - 100+ vendors and 230 tables of sports cards, Pokémon, MTG and more, plus live breaks, free valuations and games for the kids.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua City Centre, Porirua | 🕙 Sun from 10am | 💰 $5 adults, under-18 free
Wellington's beloved Sunday market - fresh produce, artisan food and a proper waterfront wander, every single week.
📍 Cnr Cable Street & Barnett Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Sun 7:30am-2pm | 💰 Free entry
Internationally acclaimed Russian concert pianist Nikolai Saratovsky performs in the intimate Mulled Wine Concerts series.
📍 Paekakariki Memorial Hall, 98 The Parade, Paekākāriki | 🕙 Sun 2:30pm | 💰 $35 adults / $15 students under 16
Pianist Jian Liu contrasts NZ composers (Lilburn, Farr, Whitehead) with Chinese composers (Tan Dun, Zhang Zhao) in a journey through landscape and memory.
📍 St Andrew's on The Terrace, 30 The Terrace, Wellington Central | 🕙 Sun 3pm (doors 2:30pm) | 💰 $44.30 / $10.25 (incl. fees)
Join young classical vocalists for a lunch hour of beautiful singing, accompanied by Kathryn Mosley. A lovely free-ish way to spend the midday.
📍 St John's in the City, cnr Willis & Dixon Streets, Te Aro | 🕙 Sun 12:15pm (45 min) | 💰 Entry by koha
The Klezmer Rebs return to the beautiful Futuna Chapel with a rollicking set of authentic Yiddish and European folk - world and ethnic music to warm a winter Sunday.
📍 Futuna Chapel, 67 Friend Street, Karori | 🕙 Sun 2pm (doors 1:30pm) | 💰 $15 (Humanitix or door)
The Royal NZ Air Force Band spans classical, ceremonial, jazz and contemporary in this Waikanae Lions charity concert for Mary Potter Hospice.
📍 Southward Theatre, Otaihanga Road, Otaihanga | 🕙 Sun 1:30pm-3:45pm | 💰 $30 reserved (plus fees)
Part three of Zealandia's Lōemis food series - a multi-space cheese feast by award-winning chef Pierre-Alain Fenoux, from fondue stations to a 'chalet' of savoury treats and desserts, with live music from Trio Firefly.
📍 Zealandia, 53 Waiapu Road, Karori | 🕙 Sun 6pm-9pm | 💰 From $135 (earlybird) | 🎟 All ages, licensed
Flea Bag's bold, strictly-R18 sex-positive market - a loud and proud, queer-celebrating mix of art, craft, lingerie and more.
📍 Brewtown, 27 Blenheim Street, Upper Hutt | 🕙 Sun 10am-3:30pm | 💰 $6.15 (incl. fees) | 🎟 R18
Night two of the Out Loud series - an epic display of Aotearoa's queer-led rock and indie music.
📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Sun from 7pm | 💰 $10 ($20 with donation) | 🎟 R18
Wellington's favourite monthly bachata party, with a free beginners' lesson to start. Everyone welcome - just support the bar.
📍 Southern Cross, 39 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro | 🕙 Sun 6pm-9pm | 💰 Free (lesson 6:30pm)
A friendly monthly market of handmade treasures - woodwork, preserves, local honey, jewellery, artwork and fresh flowers.
📍 Waikanae Beach Community Hall, 22a Rauparaha Street, Waikanae Beach | 🕙 Sun 10am-1pm | 💰 Free entry
A vibrant outdoor SH1 market with art and craft, native plants, antiques, produce and a great spread of food trucks.
📍 58 Main Highway (SH1), Ōtaki | 🕙 Sun 10am-2pm | 💰 Free entry
⛅ Welly Weather Watch
⛅ Friday 12 June: Mainly fine, then the chance of a shower from evening. Northerlies turning southerly in the afternoon. High 14°C, low 7°C
⛅ Saturday 13 June: Mainly fine, rain at night. Northerlies developing in the morning. High 14°C, low 10°C
🌦️ Sunday 14 June: A few showers, mainly in the evening. Northwesterlies. High 16°C, low 12°C
A mild winter weekend - mostly fine by day, with rain arriving Saturday night and a few showers Sunday evening. Pack a brolly for the Canes! (MetService, issued Wed 10 June)
Whether you're chasing glow worms, raising a glass at the beer fest or roaring the Canes on at the semi, have a brilliant weekend out there.
Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝
Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝
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