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- π The NZ Festival of Christmas and a Special Birthday Party
π The NZ Festival of Christmas and a Special Birthday Party
Plus Engelbert at the Michael Fowler Centre, Greytown's Christmas snowfall, MJ at San Fran, a sunrise Matariki swim + the Wellington Marathon. Rug up, Welly π
Kirstie and Steve
June 25, 2026
WellyBuzz π
Your Wellington Weekend Sorted
The NZ Festival of Christmas and a Special Birthday Party
Engelbert at the Michael Fowler Centre, Greytown's Christmas snowfall, MJ at San Fran, a sunrise Matariki swim + the Wellington Marathon. Rug up, Welly π
π Welcome
Kia ora Wellington! βοΈ
Rug up, because this weekend's a proper wet-and-wild winter one with heaps to keep you cosy. Greytown fires up its NZ Festival of Christmas with pretend snowfall on Main Street, Michael Jackson moonwalks into San Fran, Engelbert Humperdinck plays the Michael Fowler Centre, and Matariki magic glows across the region from a sunrise swim to star maps at the library. The hardy can even take on Sunday's marathon as the weekend dries out. Let's get buzzing! π
π₯ Quick Picks
βΈοΈ Wellington Ice Rink (Fri) - The waterfront pop-up rink is open daily all weekend. Pure winter fun.
πΊ Pacific Night Market (Fri) - Enjoy Pasifika food, crafts and good vibes in Cannons Creek.
π Wellington Saints v Nelson Giants (Fri) - Pro basketball at TSB Arena, tickets from $20.39.
π Winter Zine Market (Sat) - 60+ stalls of indie zines and art, free entry, Te Aro.
π¬ WΔtΔ Cave's 18th Birthday (Sat) - Free cake, meet the makers and a collectibles giveaway in Miramar.
π Greytown Big Switch + Snowfall (Sat) - NZ Festival of Christmas opens with lights, a tractor parade and snow.
πΊ 80s Day Disco (Sat) - Neon, synth-pop and disco balls at Eva Pub, 18+.
π Michael Jackson Party (Sat) - Moonwalk into San Fran for the ultimate MJ dancefloor, 18+.
π Wellington Marathon (Sun) - 4,000 runners take on the waterfront. Cheer them on (or run it)!
π°οΈ Welly's Time Machine
π· Kelburn Cable Car, 1903. Albert Percy Godber, Godber Collection / Alexander Turnbull Library (public domain) - view source
This 1903 photo catches the Kelburn Cable Car on the incline, just a year after it first ran in 1902. It's been carrying Wellingtonians up to the Botanic Garden for over 120 years and is now one of the city's most-loved icons. β¨
π½οΈ Food & Drink
Madama Butterfly is the buzzy new Featherston Street spot we've had our eye on - and with the rain setting in, it's the perfect place to settle in for the afternoon.
Opened in May by an Apache veteran, it's a modern take on Southeast Asian street food: bold, shareable plates full of warm spice, paired with cracking cocktails. It's already pulling a 4.8-star rating, and they'll happily sort the vegans, the kids (high chairs) and even the dog - yep, dogs are welcome inside.
Lunch mains sit around $20-30, with dinner mains up to about $45. Find them at 132 Featherston Street, Wellington Central. Book a table at madamabutterfly.kiwi.
π Events - What's On This Weekend
π
Friday 26 June
βΈοΈ Wellington Ice Rink
The seasonal pop-up rink is open on the waterfront every day this weekend, with music, lights and themed sessions.
π Queen's Wharf, Wellington Central | π Daily 10:00am-10:00pm | π° $26 (5yrs+), $21 (3-4yrs) | π Ages 3+
Te Wehi plays the St James on his first-ever headline tour for debut album I'm Home.
π St James Theatre, 77-87 Courtenay Place, Te Aro | π’ Fri 7:30pm | π° From $86.56 | π All ages
The legendary crooner celebrates 60+ years on stage with timeless crowd favourites.
π Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield Street, Te Aro | π Fri 7:00pm | π° From $142.63 | π All ages
Top-flight national-league basketball comes to the waterfront for a fast, loud night out.
π TSB Arena, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central | π’ Fri 7:30pm | π° Adult from $20.39 | π All ages
π Julia
A gripping one-woman show on Julia Gillard and her famous 2012 misogyny speech. Also Saturday.
π Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro | π Fri 7:00pm | π° Adult $60, concession $40, under-30 $30 | π All ages
A daytime concert celebrating the waltz, from Viennese classics to the Tennessee Waltz.
π Carterton Events Centre, 50 Holloway Street, Carterton | π Fri 11:00am (doors 10am) | π° $42 | π All ages
NZ Arts Laureate Ariana Tikao discusses her debut poetry collection Pepeha Portal. Free, all welcome.
π Te Matapihi Central Library, 65 Victoria Street, Wellington Central | π§ Fri 12:30pm-1:30pm | π° Free | π All ages
Two bestselling Aotearoa fantasy authors in conversation. Free and popular - arrive early.
π Te Matapihi Central Library, 65 Victoria Street, Wellington Central | π Fri 5:30pm-6:30pm | π° Free | π All ages
πΏ Waenga
Te RΔkau's powerful new work follows a young wahine MΔori held in a police cell. Matinee and evening Friday.
π Toi Aro Arts Centre, 3 Market Lane, Wellington | π Fri 1:00pm & 6:30pm | π° General admission $35.84 (incl. fees), concession from $11.28 | π Recommended 12+
Original short works by the New Zealand School of Dance's third-year students. Also Sat (3pm & 7:30pm) and Sun (3pm matinee).
π Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown | π’ Fri 7:30pm | π° Adult $30, concession $20, child $15 | π All ages
A campy queer comedy musical set at a superhero high school. Also Saturday.
π BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria | π‘ Fri 6:30pm | π° Waged $25, unwaged $15 | π All ages
Veteran Kiwi singer-songwriter Charlotte Yates headlines, with floorspots and a jam to follow. Tasty treats at the venue.
π Abandoned Brewery Petone Taproom, 38 Fitzherbert Street, Petone | π Fri 8:00pm (doors 7pm) | π° $20 ($15 members), cash at door or book by email | π All ages
A two-hour comedy showcase and KidsCan fundraiser, hosted by Celebrity Treasure Island winner James Mustapic. Also Saturday.
π The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen Street, Te Aro | π Fri 8:00pm | π° $44.30, concession $34.05 (incl. fees) | π R18
A Spanish-language stand-up night with eight comedians. Β‘Vamos!
π The PowWow Room, Level 1, 74 Courtenay Place, Te Aro | π Fri 7:00pm (doors 6:30pm) | π° $23.25 | π R18
A hardcore and emo gig plus Emo Night, raising funds for Youthline.
π Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π Fri 7:00pm (bands from 7:30pm) | π° $15 | π R18
KΔpiti College students stage the acclaimed folk-and-jazz musical of Greek myth. Also Saturday.
π Te Raukura ki KΔpiti, Coastlands Theatre, 34a Raumati Road, Paraparaumu | π Fri 7:00pm | π° Adult $23.78, student/child $18.65 (incl. fees) | π All ages
Fortnightly Friday trivia with Yeh Nah Quizzes - teams of up to six, prizes and mixed rounds. Bookings recommended.
π Two Grey CafΓ©, 2 Grey Street, Wellington Central | π Fri 6:00pm-8:00pm | π° Free | π All ages
A hands-on Matariki session with a whΔriki star map and glowing star globes. Just turn up.
π National Library of NZ, 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon | π Fri 10:00am-11:00am | π° Free | π All ages
πΊ Pacific Night Market
A free community night market with food and goods at the Cook Islands Hall in Cannons Creek.
π Te Akapuanga Hall (Porirua Cook Islands Hall), 14 Mentor Lane, Cannons Creek, Porirua | π Fri 5:30pm-8:30pm | π° Free | π All ages
π
Saturday 27 June
The NZ Festival of Christmas opens with old-school games, night markets, the light switch-on and a Light Up Tractor Parade.
π Main Street, Greytown | π Sat 3:00pm-8:00pm | π° Free | π All ages
A White Christmas moment in midwinter - artificial snow falls to music and lights every half hour. Part of the Big Switch night.
π Greytown Town Hall, 89 Main Street, Greytown | π Sat 6:00pm-8:00pm (every 30 mins) | π° Free | π All ages
ποΈ Greytown Country Market
A festive street market with Christmas and winter stalls of arts, crafts and vintage goods.
π McMaster Street, Greytown | π Sat 2:00pm-8:00pm | π° Free | π All ages
A country-themed family food fair with kids' games, mini train rides and tractors, raising funds for the school playground.
π Greytown School, 73 East Street, Greytown | π Sat 3:00pm-7:00pm | π° Free entry | π All ages
Chef Martin Bosley shucks fresh oysters in the courtyard with Champagne, mulled wine and live music. No bookings.
π Aperitif Wine Bar, 101 Main Street, Greytown | π Sat 3:00pm-7:00pm | π° Free entry | π All ages
A free, family-filled day of dance, crafts and live rehearsals at the St James, inspired by the children's ballet The Bomb.
π St James Theatre, 77-87 Courtenay Place, Te Aro | π Sat 10:00am-2:00pm | π° Free (dance workshops require registration) | π All ages
πΎ Woof Market
A dog-friendly market by the harbour with toys, treats, accessories and art. Bring your good boy (on a leash).
π Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua | π Sat 10:00am-3:00pm | π° Free | π All ages
π± Cat Show
The Sacred Temple Birman Cat Club's annual longhair show, with raffles and public voting.
π Indian Cultural Society Hall, cnr Udy & Nelson Streets, Petone | π Sat 10:00am-4:00pm | π° Adult $10, child/senior $5, family $20 (door sales only) | π All ages
Weta Cave celebrates 18 years - meet Richard, Tania, and other artists, grab a slice of cake, and enter a Narnia giveaway.
π The WΔtΔ Cave, 1 Weka Street, Miramar | π Sat 1:00pm-3:00pm | π° Free | π All ages
Free beginner tango lessons - no experience or partner needed, running both Saturday and Sunday. Register by email.
π Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown | π₯ Sat 10:30am-12pm & 1:30pm-3pm | π° Free (register: [email protected]) | π All ages
60+ stalls of zines, art and indie creativity, with an accessibility hour 11am-12pm. Free entry.
π Victoria University School of Design, 139 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π Sat 11:00am-4:00pm | π° Free | π All ages
Sample six classic Kiwi "brown bottle" ales with Kiwiana snacks and old-school tunes.
π Rumours Rum Bar, 64 Taranaki Street, Te Aro | π Sat 2:00pm-3:30pm | π° $80.18 (incl. fees) | π All ages
Nonstop 80s anthems, neon and disco balls for a daytime dance party. Final tickets selling fast.
π Eva Pub, 31-35 Dixon Street, Te Aro | π Sat 3:00pm-8:00pm (last entry 5pm) | π° From $40 + booking fee | π R18
DJs spin all the MJ classics plus throwback hits. Moonwalks encouraged.
π San Fran, 171 Cuba Street, Te Aro | π Sat 4:00pm-8:00pm | π° Final release $28.83 + fee | π R18
A guided adults' painting class at a KΔpiti distillery, gin tasting tray included. No experience needed.
π The Bond Store, 21 Birmingham Street, Paraparaumu | π Sat 4:00pm-6:00pm | π° $59 | π R18
Orchestra Wellington and the NZ String Quartet play Elgar and BartΓ³k's Concerto for Orchestra.
π Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield Street, Te Aro | π’ Sat 7:30pm | π° Adult from $61.17 | π All ages
A space-themed drag spectacular of high fashion, camp and sci-fi fantasy with a stellar lineup.
π Ivy Bar & Cabaret, 63 Cuba Street, Te Aro | π Sat 10:00pm | π° From $16.58 (incl. fees) | π R18
π PUR Techno Night 010
Deep, driving techno for the late-night crowd, with an Εtautahi guest on the decks.
π Afters.NZ, 38 Dixon Street, Te Aro | π Sat 10:00pm-3:00am | π° Third release $25 + fee | π R18
π
Sunday 28 June
Around 4,000 runners hit the waterfront across full, half, 10k and Kids' Magic Mile events.
π Hnry Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea | π Sun from 7:00am | π° Entry via wellingtonmarathon.co.nz | π All ages
A joyful Matariki dip to reset and support wellbeing, followed by warming kai and hot drinks. Free - register to come along.
π Worser Bay Beach, 231 Marine Parade, Seatoun | π Sun from 7:00am | π° Free (registration required) | π All ages
π Harbourside Market
Wellington's much-loved Sunday market - fresh produce, food trucks and treats by the waterfront.
π Corner Cable & Barnett Streets, Te Aro | π’ Sun 7:30am-2:00pm | π° Free entry | π All ages
ποΈ Εtaki Market
A vibrant outdoor market with art, craft, produce, antiques and food trucks.
π Εtaki Market, 58 Main Highway (State Highway 1), Εtaki | π Sun 10:00am-2:00pm | π° Free | π All ages
Three of NZ's top musicians - flautist Barbara Hill, cellist Robert Ibell and Jonathan Berkahn on harpsichord - play an intimate afternoon of baroque Bach (J.S. and son C.P.E.) at Futuna Chapel.
π Futuna Chapel, 67 Futuna Close, Karori | π Sun 2:00pm (doors 1:30pm) | π° $15 on Humanitix or at the door | π All ages
Join Te Papa scientists on an easy walk through Εtari's native plant collection. Tickets sold out - members free.
π TΔne Whakapiripiri, Εtari Visitor Centre, 150 Wilton Road, Wilton | π Sun 2:00pm-3:30pm | π° $10.25 (members free) | π All ages
The community film festival screens the landmark 1991 road movie.
π St Peter's Village Hall, cnr Beach Road & Ames Street, PaekΔkΔriki | π Sun 5:30pm | π° Waged $15, unwaged $10 (door sales) | π All ages
π§οΈ Welly Weather Watch
π§οΈ Friday 26: Rain with heavy falls easing in the afternoon. Gale southerlies. High 9Β°C, low 7Β°C
π§οΈ Saturday 27: Occasional rain from morning. Southerlies, gale south of the harbour. High 10Β°C, low 8Β°C
π¦οΈ Sunday 28: Showers, some heavy, clearing in the morning then cloudy. Southeasterlies. High 12Β°C, low 8Β°C
Friday is the wild one - MetService has an Orange Strong Wind Warning (severe gale southerlies gusting 120km/h) plus a heavy swell warning, so batten down the hatches. It eases over the weekend, and Sunday should dry out nicely for the marathon and that sunrise swim. Rug up regardless! (Forecast issued Wed 24 Jun.)
π Extra Sprinkles - Charity of the Week
Wellington Free Ambulance is something special - since 1927, Wellington and the Wairarapa have been the only places in the country where you'll never get a bill for an ambulance. That free service relies on community donations to keep its paramedics on the road. You can chip in at wfa.org.nz/donate or call 0508 932 3733
Whatever the weather throws at us, there's warmth, music and even a bit of snow to be found this weekend. Stay cosy out there Wellington.
NgΔ mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve π
NgΔ mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve π
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