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- ๐ Harlem Globetrotters, LEGO Art & a Victorian Christmas Fair โ๏ธ
๐ Harlem Globetrotters, LEGO Art & a Victorian Christmas Fair โ๏ธ
Plus Ballet, the Poua & Saints at home, drag kings, a record fair, foraging + the Ice Rink's last skate. School holidays' big finish, sorted ๐
Kirstie and Steve
July 16, 2026
WellyBuzz ๐
Your Wellington Weekend Sorted
Harlem Globetrotters, LEGO Art & a Victorian Christmas Fair โ๏ธ
Plus Ballet, the Poua & Saints at home, drag kings, a record fair, foraging + the Ice Rink's last skate. School holidays' big finish, sorted ๐
๐ Welcome
Kia ora Wellington! โ๏ธ
The last weekend of the school holidays is nearly here, and it's a proper winter cracker. 'Snow' continues to fall on Greytown's Main Street, LEGO art takes over Te Papa, and the Queens Wharf Ice Rink hits its final weekend. Add the Hurricanes Poua and Wellington Saints both at home, a Victorian Christmas fair, and the Harlem Globetrotters at TSB Arena. Let's get buzzing! ๐
๐ฅ Quick Picks
๐ Harlem Globetrotters (Thu) - Basketball wizardry and family comedy - the 100-year World Tour hits TSB Arena for one night only.
๐งฑ LEGO Art Display & Whฤnau Fun Day (Fri-Sat) - LEGO artworks by neurodivergent tamariki at Te Papa, plus free-build fun and Saturday speed-builds.
โ๏ธ Snowfall on Main Street (Fri-Sat) - Snow falls every half hour outside Greytown Town Hall, 6-8pm. Free and magic.
๐ช Alice in Wonderland (Fri-Sat) - The Pantoloons' silly, song-filled panto at Lower Hutt's Little Theatre.
โธ๏ธ Wellington Ice Rink (Fri-Sun) - Last weekend of the Queens Wharf pop-up rink before it packs up Sunday.
๐ Cobblestones Victorian Christmas Winter Fair (Sat) - Artisan stalls, mulled treats and live entertainment in Greytown's heritage village.
๐ด The Duck & Donkey Turns One (Sat) - Free birthday party on the farm at Battle Hill - donkeys, alpacas, cake and coffee.
๐ Hurricanes Poua v Chiefs Manawa (Sat) - The Poua's last home game of Super Rugby Aupiki, 12:35pm at Maidstone Park. GA is free.
๐ต Paremata Record Fair (Sat) - 14 vendors, thousands of records, tapes and CDs at The Supply Room in Paremata.
๐ Wellington Saints v Tauranga Whai (Sat) - Sal's National Basketball League action at TSB Arena, tip-off 7:30pm.
๐งฃ Brewtown Winter Craft Market (Sun) - Cosy market featuring local makers, treats and warm drinks in Upper Hutt, 9am-2pm.
๐ฐ๏ธ Welly's Time Machine
๐ท Provincial Council Chambers, c.1865. Wellington City Libraries, MacDonald Wilson Collection - view source
This month, 161 years ago, Wellington finally pinched the capital from Auckland. Parliament opened here on 26 July 1865 in the former Provincial Council Chambers in Thorndon, after three Australian commissioners were brought in to settle the long-running argument over where the capital should be.
๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Drink
Mood - Cafe & Eatery is the new whฤnau-friendly spot that's taken over the Capital Gateway space in Thorndon.
New owners gave it a fresh makeover, and the word is out - generous brunch plates (the eggs benedict gets a shout-out), great coffee and delicious hot chocolates.
Best of all for the kids: a dedicated play area and free parking, so the little ones are sorted while you finish your coffee.
Open 7 days. Find them at 8 Gateway Lane, Thorndon (Capital Gateway), and follow along on Instagram @mood.thorndon
๐ Events - What's On This Weekend
๐ Thursday night bonus (Thu 16): two big ones tonight - the Harlem Globetrotters bring their 100-year World Tour to TSB Arena (7pm, from $55), and Come Together plays Radiohead's OK Computer in full at the Opera House (8pm, from $79).
๐
Friday 17 July
LEGO artworks by neurodivergent tamariki, plus free-build fun for the whฤnau (also Sat).
๐ Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Street, Te Aro | ๐ Fri 17 from 10am (also Sat 18) | ๐ฐ Free with museum entry | ๐ All ages
โ๏ธ Snowfall on Main Street
Snow falls every half hour outside the Town Hall, set to music and lights.
๐ Greytown Town Hall, 89 Main Street, Greytown | ๐ Fri 17 & Sat 18, 6-8pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
โธ๏ธ Wellington Ice Rink
The Queens Wharf pop-up rink hits its final weekend after seven winters!
๐ Queens Wharf, Wellington Central | ๐ Daily 10am-10pm, to Sun 19 (final weekend) | ๐ฐ Adult $26, child $21, family $70 | ๐ Ages 3+
Free school-holiday fun wraps up with an 11am Hula Hoop Show and Workshop.
๐ Johnsonville Shopping Centre, 34 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville | ๐ Fri 17, hula hoop show 11am | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
Free nature-inspired printmaking with local artists for Matariki - bring a tote to stamp.
๐ Zealandia Te Mฤra a Tฤne, 53 Waiapu Road, Karori | ๐ Fri 17, 10am-3pm | ๐ฐ Free craft (sanctuary admission applies) | ๐ All ages
Free outdoor whฤnau play - Giant Jenga, tower building, skipping and more.
๐ Aotea Lagoon, 3B Papakowhai Road, Papakowhai, Porirua | ๐ Fri 17, 11am-2pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
Kids make a leather keepsake with the real Wฤtฤ Workshop tools. Parents go free.
๐ Wฤtฤ Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Road, Miramar | ๐ Fri 17 - Sun 19, 11:45am-12:45pm | ๐ฐ Child $32, caregiver free (plus fees) | ๐ Ages 6-14
๐ช Alice in Wonderland
The Pantoloons' silly panto, packed with laughs, songs and audience fun.
๐ Little Theatre, 2 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt | ๐ Fri 17, 11am & 1pm (also Sat 18, 11am) | ๐ฐ $19.65; family pass $70.40 (incl. fees) | ๐ All ages
The Royal NZ Ballet (RNZB) dances three works, incl. a Frederick Ashton premiere.
๐ St James Theatre, 77-87 Courtenay Place, Te Aro | ๐ข Fri 17, 7:30pm (also Sat 18, 1:30pm & 7:30pm) | ๐ฐ Refer to event link | ๐ All ages
Emma Rutherford's hour of music, storytelling and comedy on chasing a creative dream.
๐ BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria | ๐ Fri 17 & Sat 18, 7pm | ๐ฐ Waged $25, unwaged $15 (plus fees) | ๐ All ages (parental guidance)
๐ญ Waenga
A powerful Theatre Marae work from Te Rakau, Aotearoa's oldest Mฤori theatre company.
๐ ลrongomai Marae, 1 Railway Avenue, Maidstone, Upper Hutt | ๐ก Fri 17, 6:30-8:20pm | ๐ฐ From $10.25 (GA $34.05, incl. fees) | ๐ 12+ (under 12s free with an adult)
Crooked-alt-rock four-piece bring their #1 NZ Alt debut album to Meow.
๐ MEOW, 9 Edward Street, Te Aro | ๐ข Fri 17, 7:30pm | ๐ฐ $20 (plus fees) | ๐ All ages
Billy T-nominated Li'i Alaimoana returns with a new hour of stand-up.
๐ The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Te Aro | ๐ Fri 17, 8pm | ๐ฐ $30.98 (incl. fees) | ๐ R18
Pลneke's best stand-ups fundraise to send the Barden Party to Scotland.
๐ The Cavern Club, 22 Allen Street, Te Aro | ๐ข Fri 17, 7:30-9:30pm | ๐ฐ $25 (plus fees; optional koha) | ๐ R18
The award-winning comedy-circus troupe test-drive a new show - priced at just $20.
๐ Newtown Community & Cultural Centre, cnr Rintoul & Colombo Streets, Newtown | ๐ Fri 17, 8-9pm | ๐ฐ $23.25 (incl. fees) | ๐ R16
The Taskmaster NZ star brings his political stand-up to Carterton.
๐ Wairarapa Events Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton | ๐ Fri 17, 7-8pm | ๐ฐ $45 (plus fees) | ๐ R15
A ladies' cultural night of Gidda folk dance, food and live music from Gurlez Akhtar.
๐ Lower Hutt Events Centre, 30c Laings Road, Lower Hutt | ๐ Fri 17, from 5pm (doors 4:30pm) | ๐ฐ From $30 | ๐ All ages
Thousands of second-hand books fill St Peter's Village Hall for the community trust's fair.
๐ St Peter's Village Hall, cnr Beach Road & Ames Street, Paekฤkฤriki | ๐ Fri 17, 6-9pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-2pm | ๐ฐ $5 opening night (Sat/Sun refer to link) | ๐ All ages
๐
Saturday 18 July
A Victorian Christmas at Greytown's heritage village - stalls, festive food and live music.
๐ Cobblestones Heritage Village, 169 Main Street, Greytown | ๐ Sat 18, 10am-2:30pm | ๐ฐ $5 entry koha | ๐ All ages
The farm cafe's free first birthday - sausage sizzle, animal cake, alpacas and ducks.
๐ Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, 610 Paekฤkฤriki Hill Road, Pauatahanui, Porirua | ๐ Sat 18, 9am-3pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
The Hurricanes Poua's last home game of Super Rugby Aupiki. GA standing is free.
๐ Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt | ๐ง Sat 18, 12:35pm kick-off | ๐ฐ Grandstand $15 adult / $5 child (plus fees); GA standing free | ๐ All ages
๐ต Paremata Record Fair
Fourteen vendors, thousands of preloved and new records, tapes and CDs.
๐ The Supply Room, 105 Mana Esplanade, Paremata, Porirua | ๐ Sat 18, 11am-3pm | ๐ All ages
Dollhouses, dioramas, live demos and free kids' workshops at Pฤtaka (also Sun).
๐ Pฤtaka Art + Museum, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua | ๐ Sat 18 & Sun 19, 10am-4pm | ๐ฐ Adults $5, kids $2 | ๐ All ages
Stamps, coins, postcards and 1,100+ exhibits from dealers and societies.
๐ Knox St Columba Presbyterian Church, 574 High Street, Lower Hutt | ๐ Sat 18, 10am-4pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
Celebrate Matariki: 1,800 plants to go in, plus a free barbecue for helpers.
๐ Bothamley Park (Champion Street entrance), Porirua | ๐ Sat 18, 10am-12:30pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
A handmade market with 30+ stallholders - preserves, knitwear and more.
๐ Tawa Salvation Army Church, 177 Main Road, Tawa | ๐ Sat 18, 10am-2pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
Bring clothes to mend, household and electrical items, tools to sharpen and instruments - volunteers help you fix, not bin them.
๐ Ngaio Union Church, 3 Kenya Street, Ngaio | ๐ Sat 18, 10am-1pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
Dance, music and poetry for Disability Pride Month, launching Trish Harris's book on Deaf and disabled artists.
๐ Ngฤ Paiaka Bleachers, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library, 65 Victoria Street, Wellington Central | ๐ Sat 18, 2:30-4pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
One of Aotearoa's most lauded songwriters brings his 11th solo album to Meow.
๐ MEOW, 9 Edward Street, Te Aro | ๐ข Sat 18, 7:30pm | ๐ฐ $55 | ๐ R18
๐ผ Echoes of Broadway
A one-night open mic for musical-theatre singers - SIX, Hadestown and more.
๐ Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba Street, Te Aro | ๐ข Sat 18, 7:30pm | ๐ฐ $20 | ๐ All ages
Auckland post-metal trio Exit Sign make their Wellington debut for album 'The Fallen'.
๐ Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Te Aro | ๐ Sat 18, from 7pm | ๐ฐ $15 (plus fees) | ๐ R18
The Wellington Saints host Tauranga Whai in the Sal's National Basketball League (NBL).
๐ TSB Arena, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central | ๐ข Sat 18, 7:30pm (doors 6:10pm) | ๐ฐ Adult from $20.39 each (plus Ticketmaster handling fee) | ๐ All ages
A fresh batch of drag kings are crowned for the first time, hosted by Willy SmacknTush.
๐ The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Te Aro | ๐ Sat 18, 8-10pm | ๐ฐ From $23.25 early bird; $28.92 general admission (incl. fees) | ๐ R18
๐
Sunday 19 July
A cosy winter market of local makers, treats and warm drinks.
๐ Brewtown, 27 Blenheim Street, Upper Hutt | ๐ Sun 19, 9am-2pm | ๐ All ages
The Rogue's funky, soulful Sunday jazz with saxophonist Evie Patterson.
๐ The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett Street, Te Aro | ๐ Sun 19, 5-7pm | ๐ฐ Free entry | ๐ All ages (licensed)
A multilingual choir of Samoan, Tokelauan and Mฤori students.
๐ Pฤtaka Art + Museum, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua | ๐ Sun 19, 2-3pm | ๐ฐ $5 koha (free for Friends & children) | ๐ All ages
NZSO players on a Chamber Music NZ tour - Mozart, late Beethoven and Piazzolla.
๐ Waikanae Memorial Hall, 7 Pehi Kupa Street, Waikanae | ๐ Sun 19, 2:30pm | ๐ฐ Public $50, Waikanae Music Society members $40, students under 25 $10 | ๐ All ages
South African sensation Mel die Storieverteller brings 'Internet Sensasie', in Afrikaans.
๐ Little Theatre, 2 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt | ๐ Sun 19, 4-5:30pm (doors 3pm) | ๐ฐ $44.30 (incl. fees) | ๐ R14
Moon's monthly showcase, headlined by Banjo Ben and the Breeze, with Don Mackay and Hamish.
๐ Moon, 167 Riddiford Street, Newtown | ๐ก Sun 19, from 6:30pm | ๐ฐ $16.58 (incl. fees) / $15 door | ๐ All ages
Isabella Falconer and friends fundraise for her Sydney Fringe lead role.
๐ Khandallah Town Hall, 11 Ganges Road, Khandallah | ๐ Sun 19, 7-8:30pm | ๐ฐ $30, students $20 (plus fees) | ๐ All ages
Forager Felicity Joy of Wild Botanica reveals the edible plants under your nose.
๐ Innermost Gardens, Lawson Place, Mount Victoria | ๐ Sun 19, 1-3pm | ๐ฐ $85 (plus fees) | ๐ All ages
Help make Newtown's streets and parks sparkle - a feel-good hour of mahi.
๐ Newtown Community & Cultural Centre, cnr Rintoul & Colombo Streets, Newtown | ๐ฅ Sun 19, 10:30am-12pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
Clear weeds and replant natives in Khandallah Park, then share afternoon tea.
๐ Khandallah Park, Woodmancote Road, Khandallah | ๐ Sun 19, 1:30-3:30pm | ๐ฐ Free | ๐ All ages
๐ง Prickly Pixie Market
A brand-new Wellington craft market of local handmade goods. Debut day!
๐ Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba Street, Te Aro | ๐ Sun 19, 11am-5:30pm | ๐ All ages
๐
Monday 20 July - Bonus
The FIFA World Cup final kicks off 7am NZ time - watch it over a buffet breakfast on the waterfront.
๐ Whairepo Cafรฉ, Te Wharewaka o Pลneke, Taranaki Street Wharf, Wellington | ๐ก Mon 20, 6:30-9am | ๐ฐ $55 per person (plus fees) | ๐ All ages
โ๏ธ Welly Weather Watch
โ๏ธ Friday 17 July: Fine, with northerlies developing before dawn. High 13ยฐC, low 8ยฐC.
โ๏ธ Saturday 18 July: Fine with northerlies. High 13ยฐC, low 8ยฐC.
โ๏ธ Sunday 19 July: Fine, northerlies easing in the morning. High 13ยฐC, low 6ยฐC.
A crisp, fine winter weekend - clear skies and barely a shower in sight. Rug up and make the most of that sunshine! (MetService, issued 15 July.)
โจ Extra Sprinkles - Charity of the Week
This winter we're shining a light on DCM (Downtown Community Ministry) - a hyper-local Te Aro charity working alongside people experiencing homelessness in central Wellington.
DCM runs a foodbank, a rough-sleeping outreach team, a Housing First programme and on-site health and financial support, on a kaupapa of ending homelessness together. Wellington's cold, wet July is when their mahi is most stretched.
Find them at 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro. Learn more or donate at dcm.org.nz.
DCM runs a foodbank, a rough-sleeping outreach team, a Housing First programme and on-site health and financial support, on a kaupapa of ending homelessness together. Wellington's cold, wet July is when their mahi is most stretched.
Find them at 2 Lukes Lane, Te Aro. Learn more or donate at dcm.org.nz.
Rug up and enjoy the last of the school holidays - Wellington does winter better than anywhere. See you out there! โ๏ธ
Nga mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve ๐
Nga mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve ๐
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