News Release

6 March 2017

Wellington living up to coolest little capital moniker

Wellingtonians and visitors are going to be spoilt for choice with the number, diversity, and range of events and exhibitions happening in the capital over the next few weeks – and the Council is right behind them all.

Despite being officially autumn, the summer vibe will be in the air with everything from Beach Yoga, to Dragon Boat races, and Cuba Dupa – the ultimate celebration of all the city has to offer.

“We take our coolest little capital title very seriously, and the busy March calendar shows why we still deserve it,” says Mayor and Arts portfolio leader, Justin Lester.

“There are events happening on and off the water, in the heart of the city, and out in our communities. Most of them are free, so we encourage Wellingtonians to check out the Council’s events page and get involved in some of the many opportunities on offer – there really is something for everyone.”

• There’s a huge array of outdoor activities celebrating our green spaces, with Parks Week offering up the always popular Dogs ‘n’ Togs, Beach Yoga every day this week, guided walks discovering the secrets of our parks and gardens, and the launch of the Matairangi Nature Trail in Mount Victoria.

• The always popular Dragon Boat Festival takes to the water for its 28th year, and Bowlzilla will be the stage for some of our potential 2020 Olympic skateboarding participants as the title contenders switch it up this weekend.

• The creative communities will be well represented with the annual Performance Arcade kicking-off this Friday with eight days of events, arts, and performances all located on Wellington’s Waterfront.

• Alice Alva’s exhibition opens at Toi Pōneke on Friday, investigating the physical connections between traditions of textile and pattern making, domestic crafts, ornamentation and decoration. There’ll be a talk and embroidery workshop at 1.30pm on Saturday 18 March.

• The annual international PARK(ing) Day event will see public car parks in Cuba Street transformed into temporary exhibition spaces on Friday 10 March.

• This weekend, Aro Valley Fair will be the destination of choice for many, as has been the case since its 1978 inception. Out in the Park and the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will both be entertaining, inspiring and raising awareness the following weekend.

• The weekend of 25-26 March will see restaurants, bars and cafes taking over Cuba Street, with stages and event spaces providing entertainment for all ages with activities, music, dance, circus, theatre, and installations. Keep an eye out for the Toi Pōneke art market and music stage featuring Tiki Taane, A Girl Named Mo and more.

• The Wellington Phoenix will be hosting the Newcastle Jets, and the All Whites’ World Cup qualifier against Fiji will be at Westpac Stadium to round off the month.

“It’s also fitting that the Neighbours Day Aotearoa weekend of 25-26 March is all about growing neighbourhoods – really summing up the month of events, festivals and exhibitions designed for all communities to get engaged, get connected, and get active in their city,” adds the Mayor.

ENDS

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