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- π City Gallery Reopens, Che Fu Live & WIN Phoenix Tickets
π City Gallery Reopens, Che Fu Live & WIN Phoenix Tickets
Plus Matilda's final shows, 60+ Upper Hutt artists, Carmen Rupe's 90th high tea, Daft Punk robots and a home final for the Pride. Weekend sorted π
Kirstie and Steve
October 08, 2026
WellyBuzz π
Your Wellington Weekend Sorted
City Gallery Reopens, Che Fu Live & WIN Phoenix Tickets
Matilda's final shows, 60+ Upper Hutt artists, Carmen Rupe's 90th high tea, Daft Punk robots and a home final for the Pride. Weekend sorted π
π Welcome
Kia ora Wellington! πΈ
β½ BIG GIVEAWAY! We've teamed up with the Wellington Phoenix to give away 10 double passes to their season-opening double-header on Sunday 18 October! To enter, just reply to this email with the word PHOENIX. Full details below.
City Gallery celebrates its return with a free opening party on Friday ahead of Saturday's official reopening, it's Matilda's final weekend at the St James, and 60+ Upper Hutt artists open their studios for the Art Trail! Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley bring the chaos to the Opera House, Che Fu & The Kratez celebrate 25 years of Navigator at the MFC, and the giant bees are still buzzing around town. It's the last weekend of the school holidays too! π
Jump to: Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Win tickets
π₯ Quick Picks
ποΈ Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley LIVE (Fri) - The radio crew bring the chaos to the Opera House.
πΌοΈ City Gallery Reopening Party (Fri) - Free opening party ahead of Saturday's official reopening.
π Matilda The Musical (Fri-Sun) - Final shows of the premiere Wellington season!
π¨ Upper Hutt Art Trail (Sat & Sun) - 60+ artists across 26 locations - plan your own route.
π§Ά Well Made Craft Festival (Sat) - Makers, artisan food and hands-on workshops in Upper Hutt.
π Wellington Pride Championship Final (Sat) - First final in eight years - back the Pride at the stadium!
π RΔ WhΔnau Queen Carmen (Sat) - High tea for Carmen Rupe's 90th birthday.
π€ Daft Punk Tribute Show (Sat) - So popular it's been upgraded to Meow Nui!
ποΈ Show n Shine (Sun) - Bikes, food carts and a People's Choice vote for a great cause.
π€ Che Fu & The Kratez (Sun) - 25 years of Navigator live at the MFC.
π Sponsor - Conquer Health
See the speakers and book your spot β
Wellington, put your health on the agenda.
One day built entirely around women's health, resilience and healthy ageing. Well Ahead is for women who want to understand what's happening in their bodies as they age and what to do about it now.
Dame Susan Devoy leads a lineup of experts covering energy, sleep, hormones, bone health, nutrition and individual biology. Plus a morning genetics workshop exploring how DNA and lifestyle shape your health through midlife.
Ticket holders also receive a curated goodie bag from our Wellington partners.
Thursday 12 November from 11am, Victoria University Kelburn. Early bird tickets from $50 + GST.
Book your ticket here: https://www.conquerhealth.co.nz/partners-events
π½οΈ Food & Drink
ZAZA Dessert Jungle - AΓ§aΓ fans, this one's for you! ZAZA on Manners Street serves up authentic Brazilian aΓ§aΓ, loaded desserts, shakes and sodas.
Pile on the toppings or grab a feel-good smoothie. Real Greek froyo is coming soon too! π¦
Find them at 79 Manners Street, Te Aro. @zaza.dessertjungle.nz
𧡠Welly Made - Behind the Seam
Ever wondered who made your favourite piece? Behind the Seam, a new platform by Wellington design student Emma Kinvig, goes inside Aotearoa's sustainable fashion workrooms.
First up is local designer Winnie Catherine and the making of her NZ Fashion Week collection, plus a growing directory of slow-made local labels.
Explore the full feature at behindtheseam.org and @behindtheseam.nz
π Events - What's On This Weekend
π
Thursday 8 October - Today
π§ WDB Dance - Morning Silent Dancing
Dance before the city wakes up! Pop on headphones for 40 minutes of feel-good silent disco - no steps and no experience needed. On every Thursday, so reserve your headset in advance.
π Frank Kitts Park (above the car park), Jervois Quay | π Thu 6:45am-7:25am | π° $11.14 (incl. fee)
π¬ Show Me Shorts - Wellington Opening Night
The short film festival launches with world premieres from Wellington filmmakers, plus wine and snacks on arrival.
π The Embassy, 10 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria | π’ Thu 7:30pm (drinks from 6:30pm) | π° $30.17 (incl. fee) | π M
π
Friday 9 October
ποΈ Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley LIVE - The Genuine Friends TourThe radio trio bring their fan-favourite segments and chaos to the stage.
π The Opera House, 111-113 Manners Street, Te Aro | π’ Fri 7:30pm | π° From $58.49 + handling fee | π R18
π¨βπ§ But Why, Dad? - final shows
Two dads, thousands of questions and a know-it-all robot in this Kiwi kids' music and comedy show. It wraps Saturday!
π Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro | π Fri & Sat 10am & 11:30am | π° $20, family pass (4 tickets) $70
πΊ Camerata Nova - Debut Concert
There's a new chamber orchestra in town! Haydn's Symphony No. 20 and Trumpet Concerto with NZSO trumpeter David Johnson.
π St Peter's on Willis, 211 Willis Street, Te Aro | π‘ Fri 6:30pm-7:30pm | π° Koha at the door
π Uncle Vanya - final shows
Chekhov's classic gets a contemporary vineyard twist. The season closes Saturday. Audience care: themes of mental health and violence and simulated gun shots, use of strong language, haze, flashing lights and vaping.
π Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Te Aro | π Fri & Sat 7pm | π° $25-$60
πΌοΈ City Gallery Reopening PartyAfter two and a half years, City Gallery throws open its doors with art, DJs and live music, ahead of Saturday's official reopening.
π City Gallery Wellington, Civic Square (enter via Victoria Street) | π‘ Fri 6:30pm-10pm | π° Free entry, cash bar
πͺ Mother Courage and Her Children
Maven Theatre Company brings Brecht's anti-war classic to life with humour, stirring music and heartbreaking humanity.
π Te Raukura ki KΔpiti, 34a Raumati Road, Paraparaumu | π’ Fri 7:30pm (Sat sold out) | π° $39.45, students $19.98 (incl. fees) | π R16
ποΈ Oedipus Rex
Victoria Ancient Theatre Society serves up the original murder mystery.
π Student Union Memorial Theatre, Victoria University, 1 Kelburn Parade, Kelburn | π’ Fri & Sat 7:30pm | π° $16.58, concession $10.25 (incl. fees) | π M
πΈ The PaekΔkΔriki Sessions
Original Kiwi music headlined by Glow Becky, with The New Things and Interlopers.
π St Peter's Village Hall, cnr Beach Road & Ames Street, PaekΔkΔriki | π’ Fri 7:30pm | π° $23.25 (incl. fees)
πΊ Flamingo Pier - Woven Together
The much-loved dance act celebrate their new album (out Friday!) with their full live band.
π Meow Nui, 92 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π£ Fri 8:30pm | π 18+ (under 18s with a guardian)
π§ broderbeats presents INTUITION Vol. 3
Main-stage energy and unreleased music, with Dons, Kayseeyuh and San Salva also on the line-up.
π San Fran, 171 Cuba Street, Te Aro | π Fri 9pm | π° From $26.77 (incl. fees) + $2.95 per order | π R18
πͺ© El Horno Reopening Party
The Courtenay Place party bar starts a new chapter under new owners, with drinks specials, a DJ and a dance floor.
π El Horno, 30 Courtenay Place, Te Aro | π Fri 10pm-late
π
Saturday 10 October
β Featured Event
π¨ Upper Hutt Art TrailUpper Hutt's artists, makers and creatives are opening their studios! Over 60 artists across 26 locations are taking part - drawing, painting, ceramics, fibre and textile art, printmaking, sculpture and more. Meet the artists, see the creative process and ask all your questions. Plan your own route with the interactive map on the website, or grab a printed booklet from Whirinaki Whare Taonga or any artist location.
π 26 locations across Upper Hutt (map on website) | π Sat & Sun 10am-4pm
π¦ Underground Arts Market
Welly's original spooky market! Goth, punk, metal, alternative and queer artists and local makers.
π Newtown School Hall, 16 Mein Street, Newtown | π Sat 9am-2pm
π§ Upper Hutt Repair Cafe
Volunteers fix your broken bits and bobs, from bikes and clocks to clothing and toys. Items arriving after 1:30pm may not have time to be repaired.
π Upper Hutt Baptist Church, 1 Milton Street, Upper Hutt | π Sat 10am-2pm | π° Free or koha
πΈ Wellington Orchid Society 49th Spring Show
Stunning orchid displays, plants to buy and potting demos.
π Walter Nash Centre, 20-22 Taine Street, Taita | π Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-3pm | π° $4, under 12s free
π Bookshop Day at The Grimoire
The Grimoire opens its warehouse (look for the pink and purple doors!) with special edition romantasy and fantasy, flash tattoos, blind date with a book, an adult toy stall and goodie bags for the first 25 in. Coffee cart from 9:30am.
π The Grimoire, Unit I, 69 Eastern Hutt Road, Taita | π Sat 10am-4pm | π° Free entry
π§Ά Well Made Craft FestivalShop handmade pieces, meet the makers and graze on artisan food, plus ticketed workshops from sourdough to stained glass.
π Whirinaki Whare Taonga, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt | π Sat 10am-2pm (some workshops to 4pm) | π° Free entry, workshops from $30
π₯ Tartan Up The Green
Bagpipes, Highland drumming and dancing take over Brewtown. Gather the clan!
π Brewtown, 27 Blenheim Street, Upper Hutt | π Sat 11am-4pm | π° Free entry
π Wellington Pride v Northland - FPC Championship Final
The Pride's first final in eight years! Back our wΔhine as they take on Northland for the Farah Palmer Cup Championship title. Gates open 11:30am.
π Hnry Stadium, 105 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea | π Sat 12:05pm kick-off | π° Adult $20, student $10, under 16s free, family pass $40
π¨οΈ WhΔnau Print Making
Print native manu and rΔkau designs with kupu MΔori - bring a tee or tote!
π Zealandia Te MΔra a TΔne, 53 Waiapu Road, Karori | π Sat 10am-3pm | π° Free (koha or gold coin appreciated)
π Staglands Treasure Hunt
Hunt for letter clues around the reserve and win a prize. Final weekend!
π Staglands Wildlife Reserve, 2362 Akatarawa Road, Upper Hutt | π€ Fri-Sun 9:30am-5pm | π° Adult $31, child $13
π RΔ WhΔnau Queen Carmen
Celebrate Carmen Rupe's 90th birthday with high tea while The TΔ«whas read from her memoir My Life, Having a Ball! Tickets are limited.
π Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf | π Sat 11am-2pm | π° $40, student/unwaged/Gold Card $25 (book on 04 472 8904)
πΌοΈ Cornelia Parker at City Gallery
City Gallery officially reopens with the first major Aotearoa exhibition by celebrated British artist Cornelia Parker. Tickets required.
π City Gallery Wellington, Civic Square | π Sat & Sun, timed entry 10am-4pm | π° Adult $25, concession $22, child $2 + fees
πͺ΄ NZ Bonsai Expo 2026NZ's best bonsai on display, plus vendors and public native bonsai demos (Sat 10:30am & 2pm, Sun 10:30am).
π Lower Hutt Events Centre, 30c Laings Road, Lower Hutt | π Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-2:45pm | π° Refer to event link for registration options
π¦ T.REX Planetarium Film
Sam Neill narrates this dino doco in the Space Place planetarium.
π Space Place, 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn | π Fri 4pm, Sat & Sun 2pm & 4pm | π° Adult $16, child $10
π€Ό Valiant Pro: Live at The 162
Hard-hitting pro wrestling and a family-friendly night out.
π The 162, 162 Gracefield Road, Lower Hutt | π Sat 5:30pm | π° GA $10.25, front row $16.58 (incl. fees)
π Watch All Blacks v Australia at Sports & Rec
Wellington's new waterfront sports bar opens Thursday in the old Shed 22, with eight supersized screens, an F1 simulator and a kids' play area.
π Sports & Rec, 4 Taranaki Street, Wellington Central | π Sat kick-off 7:10pm
π―οΈ Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
A string quartet reimagines Hello, Someone Like You and Skyfall under the glow of a thousand candles.
π Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, 2 Hill Street, Thorndon | π‘ Sat 6:30pm | π° From $73 (cheaper zones sold out, no booking fees) | π Ages 8+
πΌ Petite Messe Solennelle
Supertonic choir takes on Rossini's gloriously theatrical mass with four soloists.
π Alan Gibbs Centre, Wellington College, 15 Dufferin Street | π Sat 7pm | π° $40, concession $30
πΈ Where's Jai
The Auckland pop-rock five-piece with two female lead vocalists, whose debut album hit #2 on the NZ charts.
π San Fran, 171 Cuba Street, Te Aro | π Sat 7pm | π° From $30.87 (incl. fees) + $3.95 per order
π₯ Midnight Mango Live!
NZ burlesque star Breathless Labelle and her husband Mr. Breathless bring an evening of the coolest covers and laughs.
π Double Vision Brewing, 128A Park Road, Miramar | π Sat 8pm | π° Free | π All ages
π€ Other Voices - The Music of Siouxsie & the Banshees
Christchurch's Other Voices play two hours of Banshees classics, from Spellbound to Hong Kong Garden.
π Moon, 167 Riddiford Street, Newtown | π Sat doors 8pm, show 9pm | π° $29 + booking fee (early birds sold out) | π R18
π€ DISCOVERY - Daft Punk Tribute Show
So popular it's been upgraded to Meow Nui! Robot helmets and every era of Daft Punk classics.
π Meow Nui, 92 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π Sat 8pm | π 18+ (under 18s with a guardian)
π―οΈ Candlelight: Ed Sheeran Meets Coldplay
Fix You, Perfect, Viva la Vida and more, reimagined by string quartet Vivid Strings in the candlelit Cathedral.
π Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, 2 Hill Street, Thorndon | π£ Sat 8:30pm | π° From $68 (cheapest zones sold out, no booking fees) | π Ages 8+
π» Anti-Pageant 2026
Aotearoa's Drag Monster 2026 is crowned in a night of twisted glamour.
π Ivy Bar & Cabaret, 63 Cuba Street, Te Aro | π£ Sat 8:30pm | π° Standing $31.49 (incl. fees), seated sold out | π R18
π₯ NZ vs The World - NZ Improv Festival
The festival finale pits some of Aotearoa's best improvisers against international talent.
π BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria | π Sat 9pm | π° $20 waged, $15 unwaged
π FROTH: Danse Macabre
Four DJs and six hours of mind-melting tech and heavy bass to kick off spooky season.
π Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π Sat 9pm-3am | π° $16.43 (incl. fee) | π R18
π
Sunday 11 October
ποΈ Show n Shine 2026Riders Against Cancer roll into Brewtown with bikes, food carts, raffles and a People's Choice vote, raising money for Cancer Society Wellington.
π Brewtown, 27 Blenheim Street, Upper Hutt | π Sun 10am-12pm | π° Free for spectators
ποΈ Sunday Funday Markets
The very first Sunday Funday Market from Foxtail Events! Local art, handmade goodies, plants, clothing and treasures.
π The Exchange, enter via Allen & Blair Streets, Te Aro | π Sun 10am-3pm
πͺ The Circus Hub Open Day
Try aerial silks, trapeze and juggling, plus performances and face painting. Bring stretchy clothes!
π The Circus Hub, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown | π Sun 11am-3pm | π° Free entry
π² Free Ride Block Party
Free bike servicing, health checks, kai, music and activities for the tamariki.
π Honiana Te Puni Reserve, The Esplanade, Petone | π Sun 12pm-3pm | π° Free
π Matilda The Musical - final weekend
Revolting children and Tim Minchin's brilliant songs! The premiere Wellington season takes its final bow on Sunday.
π St James Theatre, 77-87 Courtenay Place, Te Aro | π’ Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm & 7:30pm, Sun 2pm | π° From $92.24 + handling fee (Sun nearly sold out)
π· Meet the Maker: Halcyon Days at Rosella
Hawke's Bay winemakers Amy Hopkinson-Styles and Olly Styles pour three small-batch natural wines, with matching bites from the Rosella kitchen.
π Rosella, 18 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria | π Sun 1pm & 2:30pm sittings | π° $85 per person
πΆ Chris Skinner & James Lyons - Music & Stories
Songs and the stories behind them, honouring the centenary of Suzanne Aubert's passing.
π Our Lady's Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay | π Sun 2pm | π° $20.50 (incl. fees)
π‘ Cable Car Spring Sundays
Ride the Cable Car for just $3 one-way or $6 return from 3pm until close, every Sunday until 18 October.
π Wellington Cable Car, 280 Lambton Quay | π Sun from 3pm | π° $3 one-way, $6 return
π Ray O'Leary - I Can See O'Leary Now The Ray Has Gone
The Taskmaster NZ favourite brings his brand-new show to the Hannah. Saturday's sold out, so Sunday's your shot!
π Hannah Playhouse, 12 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro | π Sun doors 5:30pm, show 6pm | π° $39.90 (incl. fees) + $3.95 per order | π Recommended 15+
π€ Che Fu & The Kratez - 25 Years of NavigatorChe Fu and his band celebrate 25 years of his landmark album Navigator.
π Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield Street, Te Aro | π Sun 8pm | π° From $61.07 + handling fee
π€ Weezel - Thirty Years of Pinkerton
Wellington's Weezer covers band marks 30 years of Pinkerton with the album, Blue Album favourites.
π Valhalla, 154 Vivian Street, Te Aro | π Sun doors 7pm, show 7:30pm | π R18
π Heads Up - Coming Up
β½ WIN Wellington Phoenix double-header tickets!The Nix open their 20th season with Nix Day Out at Hnry Stadium on Sunday 18 October - two matches, live music and family fun on one ticket! The women face Melbourne City in a Grand Final rematch (12:15pm), Drax Project play pitchside, then the men take on Melbourne Victory, the club's very first opponent back in 2007 (3pm). Gates open 11:45am, with face painting, freebies and activities all day. We've got 10 double passes to give away!
To enter, just reply to this email with the word PHOENIX. You can also enter on our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok. Rather not leave it to chance? Tickets are from $25 (juniors from $5) in the Family Zone and go up on matchday - grab them here.
π· Wellington Jazz Festival
Five days of jazz across the city, Wed 14 to Sun 18 October, with Rebirth Brass Band, Benjamin Clementine and free gigs too. Macy Gray's already sold out!
Five days of jazz across the city, Wed 14 to Sun 18 October, with Rebirth Brass Band, Benjamin Clementine and free gigs too. Macy Gray's already sold out!
β
Welly Weather Watch
π€οΈ Fri: Cloud clearing to a fine morning. Easterlies. High 19Β°C, low 11Β°C
β Sat: Partly cloudy, light winds. High 18Β°C, low 12Β°C
π§οΈ Sun: Occasional rain, clearing in the evening. High 16Β°C, low 12Β°C
β Sat: Partly cloudy, light winds. High 18Β°C, low 12Β°C
π§οΈ Sun: Occasional rain, clearing in the evening. High 16Β°C, low 12Β°C
π Extra Sprinkles - Charity of the Week
Conservation Volunteers New Zealand
Fancy getting outdoors and doing something good for nature? This non-profit runs hands-on conservation days all around Welly, no experience needed. Coming up: a Mental Health Awareness Week day at Montgomery Reserve, Karori on Fri 16 Oct.
Register and see all upcoming events
Fancy getting outdoors and doing something good for nature? This non-profit runs hands-on conservation days all around Welly, no experience needed. Coming up: a Mental Health Awareness Week day at Montgomery Reserve, Karori on Fri 16 Oct.
Register and see all upcoming events
Whether you're art trailing or singing along to Matilda one last time, have the best weekend!
NgΔ mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve π
NgΔ mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve π
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