Wednesday 7 March 2018

Autumn harvests more events for coolest little capital

It may be officially Autumn, but there’s still a spring in the step and a sunny disposition shining on Wellington as locals and visitors are spoilt for choice with festivals, fairs, events, and activities happening all over the capital in the next few weeks.

Mayor Justin Lester says the next few weeks will have something for everyone, with most events, performances, and exhibitions free and accessible to all.

“We’re excited to be hosting the New Zealand Festival, Readers and Writers, and the Fringe Festival – and proud supporters of a variety of fun, family-friendly, and diverse events coming to town, further showcasing Wellington as the creative heart of New Zealand.”

Events are happening in the heart of the city, on the waterfront, and around our communities, so check out the Council’s events page to make sure you don’t miss out. Here are just some of the highlights:
• Council and Wellington Sculpture Trust, bring PARK(ing) Day to Cuba Street this Friday. Check out 25 parks transformed into temporary open spaces by artists, architects, designers, students, local organisations and independent citizens. There’s a ‘people’s choice’ and ‘judge’s choice’ award for the day – so don’t forget to vote for your favourite.
• ‘Process’ opens at Toi Pōneke Gallery this Friday, bringing together original works by the 12 Handshake 4 jewellers who are currently half-way through their 2-year mentorship programme.
• We’re long-time supporters of the Aro Valley Fair, so we’re excited to announce it’s coming to town this Saturday 10 March. Always a hugely popular event for Wellingtonians, this family friendly event features a variety of performers and activities, food trucks and fun, from 10am-6pm. Rain day Sunday 11 March.
• Parks Week kicks-off on Saturday 10 March, celebrating the role parks play in our communities, with highlights on the calendar including the always popular Dogs in Togs at Khandallah Pool, Beach Yoga, Berhampore Nursery Open Day, and a Te Kopahou 4WD Adventure.
• Skateboarding is now an official Olympic sport, with its inclusion at the 2020 games in Tokyo – and you can check out some its stars at Bowlzilla, including our very own Oceania representative rider Bowman Hansen, carving up the bowl at Waitangi Park this Saturday 10 March.
• While you’re in the area, the COEXISTENCE international outdoor art exhibition is still running at Waitangi Park.
• Meanwhile, down on the water, over 40 adult teams and more than 30 schools from all over Aotearoa and Australia will race Saturday and Sunday to determine the champions of the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival.
• Join us in celebrating the rainbow community with the annual Wellington International Pride Parade on Saturday 10 March from 7pm-8.30pm. The absolutely positively wonderful parade is always a highlight on the capital’s calendar, with entertainers, musicians, and supporters from all walks of life taking part in the festivities – and you’re all invited too!
• On Sunday 11 March, one of Wellington's longest-running community fairs, will have stalls, performers, and kids activities for all to enjoy. The Kilbirnie Festival will be celebrating its 25th anniversary from 10am-4pm on Evans Bay Parade near Kilbirnie Park, with some activities happening in St Patricks College hall too.
• On Saturday 24 March, the Heineken Urban Polo event will see polo and music collide at Kelburn Park from 2pm.
• Always a highlight on the Wellington calendar, CubaDupa is set to bring sensational sights, sounds, flavours and festivities to the Cuba Quarter over the weekend of 24-25 March. With stages showcasing over 250 performances, food stalls, markets, and installations – there’s definitely something for everyone.
• Neighbours Day Aotearoa (24-25 March) and Local Food Week (19-25 March) are also happening this month, aiming to grow neighbourhoods, and get communities engaged, connected, and active in their city – while also celebrating local food and sustainability.
ENDS

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