Drag Queens, wine, music, and gardens – what more could you ask for on the weekend? Wairarapa is slowly becoming a hotspot for performers nationwide to stop by and I’m hearing no complaints.
Drag Up Your Life
Iconic Tāmaki Makaurau drag performer, Ivanna Drink, is making a pitstop in Masterton today. Everyone is welcome to a Rainbow Storytime this afternoon at the Masterton District Library. From 3pm to 4pm, Ivanna will be leading a fabulous and inclusive storytime.
Afternoon tea and a ‘star wand craft’ are included in the day. Ivanna will also be making an appearance in the evening as she hosts Drag Bingo at the Copthorne Hotel in Solway, Masterton.
Ivanna Drink came 8th in the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under and primarily works in Auckland.
Doors open at 6pm, giving attendees enough time to grab a drink and a bite to eat before the first calls are made at 7.30pm.
Pūkaha’s annual garden tour
The 13th annual garden tour is on this weekend to raise funds for Pūkaha and its conservation efforts.
The two-day, self-drive garden tour will feature gardens in North Wairarapa and will include a mix of fan favourites and newcomers that haven’t been on the tour before.
The event plans to go ahead, rain or shine and monies raised are to go toward forest restoration. While two-legged children are welcome, the four-legged furry kinds will have to stay home.
Some gardens will have the opportunity to buy treats to take home but it will be cash sales only.
Tickets can be booked online through eventfinda, or by phone [0800 289 849].
Sunday at the vineyard
Gladstone Vineyard hosts its Sunday sessions on the first Sunday of every month. Tomorrow’s session will hopefully be full of sunshine and will mark the first session of the warmer months.
Local musicians will be performing while the cellar door opens its doors and guests can “kick back, relax, and soak in the sun.” It will be a family-friendly event and the organisers have said that “dogs are welcome to bring their owners.” Starting at 12pm sharp tomorrow, it’s time to sit back and unwind with a glass or two of local product [or whatever you prefer].
Music matters
Wellington-based singer-songwriter Ebony Lamb will be making a stop in Featherston tonight as part of her nationwide tour to celebrate the release of her debut self-titled album.
The album is played and produced with two of New Zealand’s most celebrated modern musicians – Bic Runga and Kody Nielson.
The record’s first single ‘Take My Hands at Night’ is nominated for the 2023 APRA Silver Scroll Award.
Lamb will be playing at Kiwi Hall in Featherston tonight from 6.30pm.
