Stuff To Do This Weekend

Merry Easter! Or whatever it is where supposed to say at this year. How about, oh my god look at the beautiful weather! Suck it naysayer meteorologists.


There's a free easter egg hunt out in Hobsonville at 10:30 today but it's restricted to the first 100 kids so go, get there now!


Nothing else really seems to be happening today so I recommend lying around in the sun which is exactly what I am going to do today. Might build a pillow fort under the trees for Haeata to keep her busy.


We are however very, very excited for tomorrow because Base FM's annual Shake and Bake is on! This is a free day event from 12 - 6pm for the whole community with live music and DJs - always a good time. This year it's moving down to Silo Park in the Wynyard Quarter which is cool because all the usual Silo markets will be set up and there's a really cool Cut Collective exhibition happening inside the actual silos. One of Haeata's favourite playgrounds is right there in Wynyard Quarter too. Fun for the whole family! Bring a picnic or treat yourself to some of the delicious food on offer in the market. Did I mention there will be a bar?
Dylan at Base has written up a very helpful guide to all the acts playing tomorrow so go check that out if you need some further enticement.


Drop by the Parnell Markets (8am - 12pm) on your way to Shake and Bake for some treats for your picnic and the kids can join in some Easter activities like Easter egg decorating and Easter hat making. 


And then maybe cruise by the Kapiti Icecream shop before you hit the waterfront because they're giving away kids icecreams with every adult icecream purchased! Sounds like you can decorate the ice creams too - fun and delicious!


If you're feeling like something a little different there's a Berba grape harvesting festival happening at the Souljans Wine Estate all weekend long from Saturday - Monday. You can even get in on some grape stomping at 2:15 every day! There will also be live music and free tastings. 


 Also on tomorrow there is an Easter egg hunt on in Takapuna, an Easter carnival at the Longroom in Ponsonby, and an Easter festival in Onehunga.


On Sunday there's a carnival on at Leigh School from 9am - 2pm and in true Leigh style they are really laying it on - something for everyone! Fresh snapper and crayfish, a wine auction, live music, carnival rides including the famous Leigh Fisheries Giant Ice Slide, and the classics like a coconut shy, lucky dips and face painting.


While you're up in that area go check out the Autumn Indie Craft Bazaar in Matakana. As well as Retro, indie, vintage, up-cyclyed, handmade crafts with an edge they'll have 

live music, entertainment, jousting, food and wine specials, train rides, pony rides, animal experience, adventure play grounds and bouncy castles. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and as usual, let me know if I've left something out!

Cut Collective exhibition in Silo Park

From Friday 6th - Friday 13th of April the giant silos in Silo Park will be open to the public for a collaborative exhibition put on by Cut Collective, Jon Baxter and a host of other artists. The show is called Public Access 5 and is all about making art accessible to the public while also making an Auckland landmark accessible. The artwork will be really cool and interesting for kids and who wouldn't want the opportunity to have an explore inside those cavernous towers! 


Check out this tumblr set up to document the progress of the exhibition going into the silos with some really cool pictures. 


Base FM's annual free Shake & Bake party is on in Silo Park this Saturday from 12pm - 6pm so that would be your perfect opportunity to get down there and check out the exhibition.  

Base FM Youth Workshops - Easter School Holidays

If you've got teenagers or know any teenagers who are interested in making music then this is the holiday programme to beat all holiday programmes.

For the third year running Base FM is putting on free youth workshops from April 10 - 12, aimed at providing teenagers with the opportunity to explore a range of musical ventures.

There will be 7 sessions over 3 days, covering:
• Origins of DJ culture
• New technologies (serato)
• Making Beats
• Lyrical Workshop
• Studio Production & Recording
• Broadcasting (radio)
The third day will be a live-to-air session on Base FM. 

This is a really amazing opportunity to not only do something more productive than sitting around watching TV all week but learn some really cool skills and have a lot of fun. Sure wish there was something like this when I was in high school!

The workshops are free for anyone aged 14 - 17 so if you know somebody who might be interested get them to send an email to info@basefm.co.nz with "Youth Workshops" in the subject line. Places are limited so get in quick! 

Shake and Bake

This is still a little while off but I'm giving you all the heads up now so you can plan your Easter weekend accordingly! On Saturday, April the 7th Silo Park will be infiltrated by the Base FM crew for a whole day of free music thanks to Che Fu, Julien Dyne, Team Dynamite and a host of Base DJs.  They're teaming up with Silo Sessions for the day which means all the great Silo Park market stalls will be there plus a licensed bar stocked full with New Zealand artisan beers (like Stoke - YUM) and other delicious refreshments. 


As if all that wasn't enough Cut Collective is going to be exhibiting their work inside one of the silos.


Silo Park is right next to the great Wynyard Quarter playground so definitely a perfect day out for the whole whanau. 


My personal recommendation is to drop by the fish market just before 12, pick up some smoked salmon, some marinated mussels and a raw fish salad then get yourself some Hungarian Fried Bread in the markets at Silo Park, a few beers, fluffies for the kids and then find yourself a patch of grass and kick back and enjoy the music. Happy Easter!

Outer Base photos

Yesterday was this summer's final* Base FM Outer Base session up at the beautiful Leigh Sawmill. This wonderful cafe/bar is on Pakiri Rd, just north of Auckland and so worth the trip. Sunday saw a great turn out of both Leigh locals and the extended Base FM family. The sun was streaming down in the courtyard and Base DJs Dylan C, Dan Paine and ReggieD all took turns spinning tunes to add to the atmosphere. 

I was talking to a friend who has two kids and she saying how much she loved the day. She could kick back in the sun with a beer and catch up with friends but at the same time spend time with her (adorable) little boys and not have to worry about rushing back to a babysitter. I kept hearing the same story from different parents there all day yesterday. You're constantly walking the tightrope between being a good mum or dad and still being your own person as a parent. It's nice when you don't have to even worry about that balance and just do it all at the same time. 

A lot of the Base FM DJs have got kids so there were a pile of them running all over the place yesterday. They all made friends instantly and then went running off to the playground leaving the parents to relax and maybe just order another beer. Nice, lazy afternoon - just how I like my Sundays. 

*I say final but I heard some rumours that since yesterday was such a huge success they might just try and squeeze in another Outer Base before autumn really sets in. Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted!

Stuff To Do This Weekend

Alright, so apparently we've got one of those awesome weather bombs headed our way on Saturday but the good news is it's supposed to be all clear again by Sunday.


With that in mind I'm still going to include Saturday's activities (always an optimist, even regarding Auckland and rain!) but I've added my favourite rainy day things to do too. 


-So, if this whole massive storm thing doesn't end up happening then you might want to take your more fashion forward little people down to Britomart and Silo Park for the free Fashion Festival shows.Otherwise, Frocks on Bikes could be very interesting with high winds down in Silo Park!


-If we do have crazy, horrible weather tomorrow and staying locked up inside with the kids is driving you even more crazy and horrible then I would definitely recommend the Auckland Art Gallery or the Auckland Museum. As well as the great areas dedicated to children and the cool activities in the North Atrium from 1 - 3 on Saturdays, the Art Gallery has got the amazing looking Degas to Dali exhibiton starting tomorrow. The Art Gallery has free entry and I take Haeata there all the time. The Degas to Dali exhibition is $20 for adults, $10 for kids under 14 and FREE for under 4s! I definitely need to take advantage of all things free under 4 for the rest of this year.


On Sunday the weather is supposed to be a whole different story which is good because there's a whole lot of good times scheduled for that end of the weekend.


-Motat is throwing a Children's Day on Sunday. Free entry for all kids under 16! There will be horse and cart rides, rides in military vehicles and the steam train, lolly making, a blacksmith in action and facepainting. And just to make the day even cheaper, Grabone has got 50% off tickets on offer right now! Get in quick! 


-The weather slightly up north in Leigh is supposed to be even better on Sunday so head up to the Leigh Sawmill for Outer Base from 3pm. This is Base FM's last Outer Base afternoon for the summer and always it will be well worth the trip out of town. Get a pizza and some beer and listen to some beautiful music care of the Base DJs while the kids tear up the very kid-friendly courtyard - they have swings, a boat and a maypole. Fun! 


-Later in the day The Mamaku Project are playing for free in the Auckland Domain on Sunday from 6 - 7:30. Expect a fusion of French and Pacifica roots in a dub/reggae/live electro style. They have Simon Sweetman's thumbs up so definitely worth checking out.


Have a great weekend everyone - I'm off to get as much work done outside as possible until this weather bomb hits and we are forced to take shelter in the lounge with popcorn and DVDs. Such a hard life.  

Leigh Sawmill Playground

Last Outer Base of the summer!

Apparently this lackluster summer is coming to an end - I refuse to believe it (March/April summer please!) but just in case, make sure you're up at Leigh Sawmill this Sunday for the last Outer Base session of the year. This Sunday afternoon gig is free, family friendly and a good chance to kick back in the sun while some of Base FM's best DJs play. Grab a brew and relax while the kids run around the huge courtyard. 

Stuff To Do This Weekend

Umm yeah, a few things to do this weekend!


First off, sigh....Christmas Shopping. Might as well make it fun and support your local industries! There are a whole lot of craft markets on at this time of year and I've written up a list of all the ones happening this weekend. You're welcome!


Now, this next one I am very excited for ... Little Bushman are playing for free at the Wynyard Quarter on Saturday! Don't miss them, they are amazing live. 


While you're down there you can go check out the Margaret Mahy themed sandpit also at the Wynyard Quarter. Kids can dig up illustrated treasures and on Saturday there will be spot prizes. 


If you've got older kids you should also get down there on Friday night for the first of the Silo Sessions free outdoor movies. This weekend, Sione's Wedding is screening up on one of the silos at 9pm. There will also be stalls and street food on offer. 


Saturday is Love Your Mountain Day at Maungawhau/Mt Eden. Lots of free things organised for kids and a good chance to explore the maunga without any cars in the way. 


The Tamashii Drumming group are performing for free at the Auckland Art Gallery on Saturday. If you haven't taken your kids there yet, do it this weekend. It's surprisingly kid-friendly and a really beautiful space. 


The Teddy Bear's Picnic is on at Western Springs on Sunday from 11 - 4. It's a free event with lots of entertainment and activities planned. 


And if you feel like getting right out of the city this weekend, Outer Base is on at the Leigh Sawmill this Sunday at 3pm. It's totally free, it's totally kid-friendly and a good time. DJs, beats and a really nice vibe. 

Outer Base at Leigh Sawmill

I post this once a month event every month because it really is just such a great idea. Bring all your friends, bring the kids, and kick back and chill, maybe have a bit of a kanikani while Base FM DJs spin out some nice beats. 


Very kid-friendly venue and very kid-friendly people. 


This Sunday from 3pm, absolutely free.