What’s On in Nelson

■ The Suter Art Gallery is holding a 50/50 Fundraiser Art Auction on August 23 at 5.30pm. Exhibition open for viewing and to place bids.

■ Solitude, a play based on the true story of Annie Chaffey, who hid in Kahurangi National Park with her lover for 40 years, is being performed by DramaLab’s Martine Baanvinger at Mapua’s Playhouse Theatre tonight at 8pm. Tickets $20; for bookings, call 03 540 2985.

■ NCMA Lunchtime Series presents Bob Bickerton, August 22, 1pm. Traditional Irish music, taonga pu¯ oro and an ear-dipping exercise into synthesis.

■ Nelson Civic Choir and Nelson City Brass present A Night at the Opera at the NCMA on August 24 at 7.30pm.

■ NCMA Lunchtime Series presents Mosaic World Choir, August 29, 1pm.

■ The NZ International Film Festival is at at Nelson’s Suter Cinema until August 28. Visit nziff.co.nz for schedule and tickets.

■ The Top Dog Film Festival Tour will be at Nelson’s Suter Theatre on September 8 at 6pm. A two-hour compilation of short films featuring man’s best friend, suitable for all ages. Tickets, children $16.30, adults $26.30 from trybooking.com.

■ Author Elspeth Sandys will talk about her new book A Communist in the Family: Searching for Rewi Alley in a Friends of the Library talk at Nelson’s Elma Turner Library on Sunday, August 18 at 2pm. $2.

■ An open mic poetry session to celebrate Phantom Billstickers National Poetry Day is being held on August 23 from noon to 1pm at Nelson’s Elma Turner Library, supported by Nelson Live Poets.

■ The Pop Up Events Wedding Fair is being held at Nelson’s Founders Heritage Park on August 24 from 10am to 4pm. Entry $10; the first 150 people through the door receive a free goodie bag. Tickets from eventbrite.co.nz.