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. 

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.

Outer Base at Leigh Sawmill

This is definitely my one of my top 5 (top 3 even!) for the weekend, Base FM's family friendly afternoon is back this Sunday at the lovely, lovely Leigh Sawmill. DJs Dan Paine and Dylan C will be playing plus some other nice Base FM DJs. It's a free event and there will be music playing from 3pm. Great playground there and aww man, the pizzas!