What’s on in Nelson: Your entertainment guide
Booze & Craic – a night of Irish and Scottish comedy: Booze & Craic is bringing the laughs back to The Playhouse in Mapua with award-winning, world-travelled comedians from the Emerald Isle and Bonnie Scotland. Today, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at The Playhouse Cafe and Theatre. Tickets: $28.62 or $49.12 with a donation. R18.
Adam NZ International Chamber Music Festival: Every two years, co-artistic directors Gillian Ansell and Helene Pohl of the New Zealand String Quartet invite international and national musicians to gather for 10 days of shared excellence in performance and collaboration, resulting in a programme ranging from classical favourites to new commissions, as well as artist talks and master classes. Until tomorrow, at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts.
Top of the South Motor Show 2024: A fun family event catering for anything with wheels, and an opportunity for all clubs related to motoring’s past, present or future. Tomorrow, 10am to 3pm.
Nelson A&P Showgrounds, Richmond. Nelson Paintvine in the Park – Magical Dragonflies: Paintvine in the Park is a beginners’ painting class held in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful parks and gardens. Sit in the sun and paint the day away. In this two-hour painting session, you’ll learn techniques with acrylics led by expert Paintvine artists. Queens Gardens, tomorrow, 2pm to 4pm. Cost: $49.
Wim Hof Fundamentals Workshop: This workshop delves into the latest science and understanding of the three pillars that make up the Wim Hof Method: breathing technique, ice plunging and mindset. Tomorrow 9am to 1pm, at the Kina Beach apple shed, Kina Beach Rd, Upper Moutere. Cost: $150. Adults only.
Baton Valley ride: Cyclists can explore a little-known part of the Tasman region when Baton House opens its doors in a fundraising event to help people living with chronic fatigue syndrome. Cyclists can make their own way to Baton House on the Great Taste Trail and enjoy a three-course meal. Tomorrow. Koha entry. Secure your spot at thebatonhouse.nz/events.
Blues at Fairfield House: This will be Rich and the Poor Boys’ first performance at Nelson’s Fairfield House. The band was formed in March last year, and members Rich, Andrew, Denny and Jason play the music they love – hard-driving Chicago blues. All four have years of experience playing blues music here and in the UK. Sunday, 4pm, at 48 Van Diemen St. Cost: Tasman Bay Blues Club members (with current membership card) and students $10; door sales $15; under-5s free.
Jazz on the Village Green: Whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon, this series promises something for everyone. Sunday afternoons until the end of March, 1pm to 3pm, at Founders Heritage Park, Nelson.
Operatunity’s Greatest Hits: An exciting variety show celebrating best-loved songs from the past 23 years. Monday, 11am to 12.45pm, at the Hope Community Church. Cost: standard ticket $39; door sales $42; group discounts available.
Honest Lawyer 5k Fun Run and Walk Series: This popular 5km series is back for an eight-week run to Easter, having started on February 5. Registration for the second week is from 5.15pm on Monday, at The Honest Lawyer garden in Monaco, Nelson. Schedule: early runners and walkers (over 30 minutes) 6pm start; runners (under 30 minutes) 6.15pm start; results and spot prizes 7.15pm. All proceeds to good causes in Nelson Tasman.
Enchanting Baroque Voices – Soprano Arias: Dive into a world of timeless elegance and musical mastery proudly presented by the Baroque Music Community and Educational Trust of New Zealand. Expect a night of enchanting soprano arias, where the ethereal voice of Pepe Becker intertwines with the exquisite sounds of the Southern Baroque Ensemble. Wednesday, February 14, 7pm, Nelson Cathedral. Cost: adults $49.42 (including fees); senior, student and child rates apply.
Sharland Cycles 5k Fun Run and Walk Series: This series of 5km events for runners and walkers is organised by Waimea Harriers and based at Club Waimea in Richmond. Held on Wednesday evenings, it runs until March 27. The safety briefing is at 6pm at Club Waimea, followed immediately by the walkers’ start and then all runners 10 minutes later. Cost: $3 entry; free for schoolchildren.
Starlet of Aotearoa/NZ 2024: Contestants from all over the country will strut, shake and shimmy in front of judges to compete for the title of Starlet of NZ “Grand Winner” 2024. Doors open at 7pm, and the bar will be open. Saturday, February 17, 7pm- 10pm, at the Red Door Theatre, Nelson. Cost: $39.18 or $54.55 for VIP, including fees.
Toss Woollaston exhibition: Viewpoints – Tasman Bay and Kaiteriteri at Atkins Gallery, Founders Heritage Park, until March 2. Gallery opening hours are Saturdays 10am to 4pm, Sundays 12pm to 4pm, and other times by appointment.
Feasts on Fridays: Enjoy your favourite street food from Nelson Tasman at Kirby Lane every Friday between 4.30pm and 8.30pm this summer. This is a familyfriendly event so everyone is welcome. Running until March 15.
Tākaka Open Mic Night: The Gypsy Pickers host and perform for the Open Mic Night at Roots Bar, Tākaka, every Thursday. This is a popular night with locals and travellers. Bring along your songs, instruments and dancing shoes for a fun and entertaining evening. Starts 8.30pm. No cover charge.
Animal Antics: A hilarious exhibition curated from the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards Collection. Immerse yourself in a world of mischievous monkeys, clumsy cats, and photo-bombing fish, captured in their most comical moments. Until May 5 at the Nelson Provincial Museum.
Summer movies al fresco: Outdoor cinema events are happening all over the region. Movies start at 8.30pm. Cost: $2 adult; $1 child. Upcoming movies include: Paddington 2 at Brightwater Domain, Friday, February 16, 7.30pm; Shrek at Fairfield Park, Saturday, February 17.
Food Truck Fridays: A wide array of food and live music at Founders Park cafe. Until Friday, February 23, 4pm to 8pm. Free entry.
Te Hītori Aotūroa: Learning from Nature: A thought-provoking exhibition that delves into the world of birds, bones and bugs, showcasing natural history highlights from the Nelson Provincial Museum’s collection. Precious specimens on display range from majestic toroa (southern royal albatross) and snowy owls to New Zealand’s newest celebrity, the pūteketeke. Until May 5.