What's on in Nelson - Your entertainment guide
NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show: At 600m it’s the highest altitude boat show in New Zealand, with the mountains around Lake Rotoiti the perfect backdrop. From early morning on both days of the weekend you can wander around the boats on land, chat with the owners, view displays with stories of restoration and rebuild and then watch the races on the lake in the afternoon. Saturday, March 2-Sunday, 9am-4pm, Kerr Bay, Lake Rotoiti, adults $20.
Blues Festival: The Tasman Bay Blues Club’s Blues at the Point is at the Honest Lawyer Gardens, Monaco, on Saturday, March 2, featuring seven bands from 1pm until 8pm. Bring a friend, chair or blanket and have a fun afternoon listening to great blues,
Cover Me: Playing hits and anthems from all the eras, Cover Me is a collaboration of Nelson-based musicians Trudi Wilson (vocals and keys), Mark McKenzie (vocals and guitar), Luke Wilkes (vocals and bass), and Jim Boyden (drums). The Boathouse, Friday, March 1, 8pm, $25 on door.
Cable Bay Enduro: Watch some of New Zealand's best mountain bikers in action at the Cable Bay Adventure Park. The event includes the enduro national championships, Friday March 1-Sunday March 3. See https://www.cablebayenduro. com/race-details
Kelly's Conservation Forest open day: Explore a slice of tucked-away regenerating forest at Kelly’s Conservation Forest open day. Activities on offer for children, including orienteering. Free entry, but koha is welcome. 100 Enner Glynn Rd, Saturday, March 2, 1pm-4pm.
Callum Strachan Memorial Cup: In honour of FC Nelson football player and committee member Callum, and in support
of the Cancer Society, the inaugural tournament featuring teams across the region takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Guppy Park and Neale Park, from 9am. Takes two: The 12th annual Summer Tango in Nelson brings together dancers from all over New Zealand, Australia and further afield for a weekend of social dancing" in celebration of the Milonga" at five different venues from Friday March 1-March 3. Contact Contact annemaree@
tangolibre.com for details, and for the next training course.
Mr Nobody: Blues and covers, Golden Bear Brewing Co, Māpua, Friday, March 1 from 6pm.
Estère: After relocating to London in mid2023, the mpress of electric-blue witch hop, Estère returns for an intimate tour of Aotearoa, East St Cafe, Friday, March 1, from 8pm, $25.
Concerto Italiano: Alvaro and Raffaele will take you into a musical journey through Italy, with different schools and styles of music. Nelson Centre for Musical Arts, Friday, March 1, from 7pm, $20. Neighbours Aotearoa: The month-long celebration Neighbours Aotearoa returns for 2024, running from March 1-31 and encourages people to organise activities or events with their neighbours. See https:// neighboursaotearoa.nz/ for details.
Sun City Rockers: Sun City Rock and Roll Club’s first dance of the year with the Don't Frett band. The theme is Summer Days, so get your good gear on and come and dance the night away. Club Waimea, Saturday, March 2, from 7.30pm.
The Perils of Plumbism: The Nelson Institute presents a talk by Dr Gareth Parry about the consumption of meat shot with lead ammunition, a neglected source of potential lead exposure. Elma Turner Library, Sunday, March 3, 2pm, $3.
Guided snorkel day: Bring the whole whānau and explore the waters of Rotokura (Cable Bay) with an experienced snorkel guide. Sea conditions permitting. Pre-registration is required (contact Thalassa@mountainstosea.org.nz). Bring your own gear or get free hire of our mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits. Donations welcomed. Sunday, March 3, from 9am-2pm.
Nelson Italian Festival: Experience "La Dolce Vita" without leaving Nelson. Club Italia and Italian Chamber of Commerce in NZ bring you the Nelson Italian Festival - for the first time taking to the streets, Sunday March 3.
Higgins Heritage Park: Steam up and open day, Sunday, March 3, 10am-3pm. Bingo!: In support of the Nelson Women’s Centre, Two Thumbs Brewery, Monday March 4, 6pm, $2 entry.