🐝 Welly Buzz: Rock Legends, Funky Beats, and What’s On This Weekend

🐝 Hey Wellington!

Crisp autumn vibes are settling over Pōneke as leaves turn gold and mornings feel fresh. This weekend is packed with cosy indoor fun and cool outdoor adventures – from quirky comedy nights to sparkling new exhibits. Check out our top picks and make the most of May in Wellington!

Don’t forget to tag @WellyBuzz for a chance to see your photos in the Buzz!

🔥 Quick Picks This Weekend

• 🎸 ZZ Top & George Thorogood – Rock legends light up TSB Arena Sunday night at 7pm.

• 🎻 Symphony in the Hutt – ABBA meets orchestra in this free Lower Hutt concert.

• 🎶 Joan As Police Woman – Soulful, jazzy live set at Old St Paul’s.

• 🎉 Don’t Call Me 80s – Big synths and bigger vibes at Meow.

• 🛍️ Blue Dragon Book Fair – Thousands of books, all for a good cause in Ngaio.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🐾 Pet of the Week – Meet Tiny One, Island Bay’s cutest chicken.
🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – When Oriental Bay had gender-split public baths.
🌟 Local Legends – Two small biz gems to check out
🍽️ Food & Drink – 3 new spots to eat, drink & unwind
🎉 Events – From Mozart’s Requiem to spooky thrift markets and 80s dance throwbacks – it’s a weekend full of buzz.
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – Mostly fine and mild but expect rain on Sunday.
💝 Extra Sprinkles – Music Club helps Wellington musicians with affordable posters.

🐾 Pet of the Week – Tiny One

Meet Tiny One, the beloved chicken from Island Bay! Tiny One hatched as a tiny chick at an A&P show and has grown into a cherished member of her flock. Now all grown up, she’s still the cutest little chicken, and Gemma’s pride and joy! 🐔

Got a pet that steals the show? 🐾 Nominate your furry, feathery, or scaly friend for Pet of the Week by emailing a photo and blurb to [email protected]!

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – Wellington's First Public Baths

Back in 1862, Wellington opened the Te Aro Baths at Oriental Bay, the city's very first public swimming baths. This saltwater pool was cordoned off by a fence of totara piles, and the bathing times were strictly regulated – blue flags for ladies (9am to 2pm) and red flags for gentlemen (outside these hours). The baths were a social hub, where sporty locals rowed over to enjoy the refreshing saltwater. Over time, the city’s swimming culture grew, leading to the construction of separate pools for men and women. Eventually, in 1963, the Te Aro Baths were replaced by Freyberg Pool, which still stands today. Traces of the original saltwater baths can still be found, connecting Wellington’s historic public bathing culture to its modern poolscape.

🌟 Local Legends – New Biz Gems to Check Out:

Eva’s Garage – 3 Eva St, Te Aro
A one-stop-kitsch spot on Eva St (Te Aro) combining coffee, a barber, florist and gift shop. Pop in for a coffee, a haircut (or cut of cheese!), and admire the vintage red Chevy in the café.

Recovery Hub – 151 High Street, Lower Hutt
Recovery Hub is Lower Hutt’s first dedicated wellness and recovery centre. Opened in 2024, it offers a diverse range of services designed to enhance recovery, relaxation, and overall well-being, offering services like infrared saunas paired with cold plunge pools (ice baths) and compression-therapy boots.

🍽️ Food & Drink – Must-Try Spots This Week

Kazaguruma – 272 Cuba Street, Te Aro
A contemporary Japanese dining experience offering a variety of classics like sashimi, sushi, tempura, teriyaki, and wagyu sukiyaki, alongside creative dishes with an Asian-European twist. They also have an impressive drinks list featuring premium Japanese whisky, sake, shochu, and umeshu, plus local and international wines. Perfect for an intimate dinner or a night out with friends. Check out their dinner menu here.

Two Grey – 2 Grey St, Wellington
With its prime location on Grey Street, Two Grey has reopened after a short break with a refreshed space and menu. A popular spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, it’s great for those enjoying the bustling waterfront or nearby offices. Don’t miss their unique triple-layered breakfast brunch, combining sweet and savoury delights for a fabulous start to your day. Check out their full menu and find your next favorite dish!

Hummingbird Restaurant – 22 Courtenay Place
The iconic Courtenay Place eatery reopened late last year after a four-year hiatus. Now back with a refreshed menu of mouthwatering share plates and inventive cocktails, it’s a classic Wellington night out.

🎉 Events: Your Weekend Lineup 🌟

Friday 16 May

🎶 Symphony in the Hutt – Free Family Concert
Arohanui Strings+, Signature Choir & Orchestra Wellington light up Lower Hutt with ABBA hits and more in this beloved annual showcase.📍 Walter Nash Centre, Taita | 🕒 7:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🏉 Hurricanes vs Highlanders
Super Rugby showdown at Sky Stadium. A can’t-miss clash of Kiwi powerhouse teams. 📍 Sky Stadium | 🕒 7:05pm

🎉 Heath Franklin’s Chopper – “The Last Hard Bastard on Earth”
Aussie comedian as Chopper doing dark, absurdist stand-up. 📍 The Opera House, Manners St | 🕒 7:00pm

🎬 Architecture & Design on the Big Screen
Stunning documentaries explore the world’s most fascinating buildings and designers.
📍 Embassy Theatre | 🕒 Ongoing | 🎟️ From $19.50

🎉 Eli Matthewson – Heaven’s Devil
Comic dives into health and politics with biting humour. 📍 Te Auaha (65 Dixon St) | 🕒 6:30pm | 🎟️ comedyfestival.co.nz

🎭 Give Way – The Musical (1st of 2)
Kiwi parody musical on NZ’s give-way rule. 📍 Circa One (1 Taranaki St) | 🕒 8:00pm | 🎟️ circa.co.nz

🎸 FUNHAUS Do Iggy & The Stooges
Raw punk energy from Iggy & The Stooges covers + psychedelic openers.📍 Valhalla, 154 Vivian St | 🕒 8:00pm–late | 🎟️ $25 | R18

🎬 Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival
Catch inspiring architecture documentaries at the Embassy Theatre from 15 May to 2 June, including The Chodge, E.1027, and I Am Martin Parr. Tickets from $19.50.

🎨 Disney: The Magic of Animation
Family exhibition continues (10am–5pm). 📍 Tākina (55 Victoria St) | 🕒 Daytime | 🎟️ takina.nz

🎭 The McCardo: Gilbert & Sullivan with a Tartan Twist
Wellington Comic Opera brings satire and Scottish flair to The Mikado.📍 Memorial Theatre, Vic Uni | 🕒 Fri 16 May 7:30pm, Sat 17 May 2:00pm | 🎟️ From $15

🎶 The Uptakes Bring the Funk
Soul, R&B, and groove-heavy goodness with Louis TM and band — free Friday night boogie.📍 Rogue & Vagabond, 18 Garrett St | 🕒 9:30pm–11:30pm | 🎟️ Free | R18

🎷 Bryn van Vliet & the Brynzilian Big Band
Samba, Bossa Nova, and big band brilliance in this lively jazz composer showcase.
📍 Bedlam & Squalor, 18 Garrett St | 🕒 7:00pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ $15 | R18

🌿 Zealandia by Night
Guided after-dark nature tour spotting native wildlife and glow-worms. 📍 Zealandia Sanctuary

Saturday 17 May

🎤 Joan As Police Woman – Live at Old St Paul’s
The genre-bending icon brings her intimate solo tour to Wellington for one unforgettable night of voice, jazz, and ambient soul.📍 Old St Paul’s, Pipitea

🎭 Give Way – The Musical (2nd show)
Last chance for the Kiwi road-rule satire. 📍 Circa One (1 Taranaki St) | 🕒 8:00pm | 🎟️ circa.co.nz

🎙️ Heaven’s Devil (Eli Matthewson)
Second show at Te Auaha | 🕒 6:30pm | 🎟️ comedyfestival.co.nz

🎤 House of Ick
Award-winning queer sketch show by Ginge & Minge. 📍 Te Auaha – Tapere Iti | 🕒 9:45pm | 🎟️ comedyfestival.co.nz

🧥 KILO Vintage Pop-Up – One Day Only!
Score epic American vintage gear (think Carhartt, Harley, Levi’s + more) priced by the kilo.
📍 25 College St, Te Aro | 🕒 10:00am–6:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🧸 Naenae Playcentre Garage Sale Fundraiser
Family-friendly fundraiser with toys, clothes, books + free sausage sizzle.📍 73 Rata St, Naenae | 🕒 11:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

🕺 Don’t Call Me 80s – The Ultimate Throwback Party
Big synths, big hair, and bigger vibes! DJ Grant Marshall delivers 80s bangers, bootlegs & mashups.📍 Meow, 9 Edward St | 🕒 8:00pm–1:00am | 🎟️ From $25 | R18

🎸 Spike Fck
Melbourne punk/new wave at MOON (167 Riddiford St, Newtown) | 🕒 8:30pm

🎼 Mozart’s Requiem – One Night Only with Supertonic
Hear Mozart’s haunting masterpiece live in a stunning cathedral setting.📍 Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, Thorndon | 🕒 7:30pm | 🎟️ $25–$35 | All Ages

🎧 24 Hour Party People – Indie Night at San Fran
Madchester, Britpop & indie bangers all night long.📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba St | 🕒 8:00pm–4:00am | 🎟️ $15 cash on door

💃 Wellington Latin Showcase 2025 – Fiesta Time!
Celebrate Latin American culture with sizzling performances by 70+ dancers from Salsa Magic, Estudio de Samba, and more.📍 Te Whaea, Newtown | 🕒 3pm & 7pm shows + 8:30pm party | 🎟️ From $35

🔥 DJ Craze (USA) & Dillinja (UK) Live in Wellington
Two legends of drum & bass hit the decks. With local support from Porcelain, Unwell, and Dynamix.📍 Bangalore Polo Club, 63 Courtenay Pl | 🕒 9:00pm–3:00am

🧸 Johnsonville Pre-Loved Market – Community Fundraiser
Treasure hunt time! Toys, books, clothes, and homewares — all raising funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.📍 Johnsonville Community Centre | 🕒 9:30am–1:00pm | 🎟️ Koha entry

🕷️ Newtown Underground Arts & Thrift Market
Spooky, punk, queer, metal — if it’s weird and wonderful, it’s here. Art, fashion, oddities & more.📍 Newtown School Hall, 16 Mein St | 🕒 9:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry

💃 Quarters: A New Nightlife Era (25+)
House music, great cocktails, no 19-year-olds. Dick Johnson (Magik J) headlines this stylish night for the over-25s.📍 Foxglove Bar & Kitchen, Waterfront | 🕒 8:00pm–late

🎀 Pink Ribbon Fundraiser – Brunch at Southward Car Museum
Support the Breast Cancer Foundation over brunch, raffles, and heartfelt stories.📍 Southward Car Museum, Paraparaumu | 🕒 10:30am–2:00pm | 🎟️ $59.68 | All Ages

🕺 Autumn Céilí Dance – Celtic Beats & Big Smiles
Foot-stomping fun with The Great Beag Céilí Band. Friendly, high-energy traditional dancing.📍 St Michael’s Hall, Kelburn | 🕒 7:30pm-10:30pm

🎭 Show Songs From Stage and Screen – Hutt City Chorale
Musical theatre and film classics from the Hutt City Chorale — plus a cuppa with the choir.📍 St Mark’s Church, 58 Woburn Rd, Lower Hutt | 🕒 2:00pm–4:00pm | 🎟️ $15 door sales, under 12s free | All Ages

🎶 The Phoenix Foundation – Live Instore at Slow Boat
Pegasus hits live! Short set & vinyl signing from local legends at Slow Boat.📍 Slow Boat Records, 183 Cuba St | 🕒 5:00pm–6:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry

🎶 Too Many Chiefs – Spontaneous Combustion Tour
Four legendary Kiwi songwriters, one epic show of stories and satire.📍 Kāpiti Playhouse, Paraparaumu | 🕒 7:30pm–9:30pm | 🎟️ $34.05 | All Ages

🎶 Petit Choux – Debut EP Pre-Release Show
Multilingual indie folk, homemade soup, intimate vibes. A cosy Petone night.
📍 The Petone Depot, 193 Jackson St | 🕒 7:00pm–8:30pm | 🎟️ $20–$30 door sales

🎻 An Afternoon with Elgar – Kāpiti Concert Orchestra
Pomp & Circumstance + cello magic in this classical matinee.📍 Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Raumati | 🕒 2:30pm–4:30pm | 🎟️ From $20.70 | All Ages

📚 Blue Dragon Book Fair 2025
Ngaio’s legendary book fair returns! All proceeds to kids in Vietnam.📍 Ngaio Town Hall | 🕒 Sat 17 May 9am–6pm & Sun 18 May 9am–3pm | 🎟️ Free Entry

👗 Sustainable Fashion Market – My Walk In Wardrobe
Preloved, vintage, handmade — shop slow fashion with serious style.📍 Waikanae Memorial Hall | 🕒 10:00am–2:00pm | 🎟️ Free Entry | All Ages

🛁 Tubs of Fun! – Stand-Up From Sandy Burton
Wellington’s funniest dad in a hot tub-themed stand-up special.📍 Newtown Community Centre Theatre | 🕒 Fri 16 & Sat 17 May, 8:00pm | 🎟️ $20 | All Ages

🍝 A Bella Notte with Disney – Inspired by Lady and the Tramp
Spaghetti for two, animation magic, and Disney vibes at Tākina.📍 50 Cable St | 🕒 6:00pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $97.50pp | R18

🎸 Live & Unplugged at Abandoned Brewery
Petone’s Abandoned Taproom hosts a raw acoustic rock night with Burning Embers, No Look Drop & The Flash Harry’s.📍 38 Fitzherbert St, Petone | 🕒 8:00pm | 🎟️ $10 | RP18

🏀 Wellington Saints vs Manawatu Jets – Sal’s NBL Showdown
High-stakes hoops action at TSB Arena. Come loud, leave hoarse.📍 TSB Arena, Wellington | 🕒 Rapid League at 6:30pm, NBL tip-off at 7:30pm

🌽 Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
Crafts, produce, eats, and live tunes in the countryside.📍 Solway Showgrounds, Masterton | 🕒 9am–1pm | 🎟️ Free | All Ages + Pets Welcome

Sunday 18 May

🎸 ZZ Top & George Thorogood Rock Wellington - Don’t Miss This!
Two rock legends. One epic night. ZZ Top and George Thorogood & The Destroyers hit the capital for The Elevation Tour — a must-see for blues-rock fans.📍 TSB Arena | 🕒 7:00pm

🌮 Mantra, Mocktails, Music & Mexicano
Loaded nachos, live mantra, mocktails, and a guest talk with Devamrita Swami.📍 Bhakti Lounge, 175 Vivian St | 🕒 6:15pm–9:00pm | 🎟️ $10.25–$16.58 | All Ages

🎻 Amici Ensemble in Concert
NZSO players perform Faure and Brahms in an elegant Waikanae concert.📍 Waikanae Memorial Hall | 🕒 2:30pm | 🎟️ From $10–$50 | All Ages

🍷 Meet the Maker: Wilco Lam of Oraterra Wines
Taste three boutique Martinborough wines with the winemaker himself.📍 Rosella, 18 Majoribanks St | 🕒 3:30pm–5:30pm | 🎟️ $25 tasting, +$25 optional snacks | R18

🏍️ DGR 2025 – Wellington Charity Ride
Slick bikes and sharper suits ride out in support of men’s health.📍 Wellington Central | 🕒 10:30am–3:00pm

🧘‍♀️ Kapiti Wellbeing Fair Returns
20+ stalls, free wellness talks, and kai at this coastal community event.📍 St Peters Village Hall, Paekākāriki | 🕒 10:30am–2:30pm | 🎟️ Free entry

🎺 Sunday Jazz – Ben Hunt Presents Nancy & Cannonball
Live jazz tribute to Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley with a top local lineup.📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, Te Aro | 🕒 5:00pm–7:00pm | 🎟️ Koha welcome

❤️ Fundraiser for Adam Vardey – Honouring a Local Legend
Support a beloved coach, mentor and koro facing terminal illness.📍 Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua | 🕒 2:00pm–4:00pm |💬 A tribute to a life of service, leadership, and aroha.

🍛 Indian Food Fiesta Fundraiser – Petone
Street food, sweets and snacks for a good cause. Come hungry!📍 Indian Cultural Hall, 119 Nelson St, Petone | 🕒 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟️ Free entry

🏃‍♂️ Oxford Crescent School Cross Country – Harcourt Park
Upper Hutt’s future track stars race rain or shine — whānau welcome.📍 Harcourt Park, Upper Hutt | 🕒 1:00pm–4:00pm | 🎟️ Free to attend

📚 Author Talk: The Pinchers (Unity Books)
Meet Swedish duo Anders Sparring & Per Gustavsson behind the hit series.📍 Unity Books (57 Willis St) | 🕒 3:00pm | 🎟️ Free

🌦️ Welly Weather Watch

⛅ Friday: Partly cloudy. Northerlies. High ~18°C, low ~14°C.
🌦️ Saturday: A few showers, clearing in the afternoon. High ~17°C, low ~14°C.
🌦️ Sunday: Showers, clearing to partly cloudy in the afternoon. High ~18°C, low ~10°C.

💕 Extra Sprinkles – Phantom Billstickers Music Club

Phantom Billstickers has launched Music Club, offering affordable street poster campaigns for Wellington's emerging musicians. This initiative removes cost barriers for artists looking to promote their music. With A3 posters displayed on streets, Music Club helps amplify your sound and keep you visible.

Applications are now open for bands, artists, and venues eager to get their work seen. Musicians, this is your moment! Get your music out on the streets and amplify your sound. Apply now and make your music unmissable!

Ngā mihi nui, and have a fantastic weekend exploring our beautiful city (rain or shine). Stay warm, Wellington, and see you out there!

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝

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