If you're looking for some inspiration for what to do in the region this weekend look no further. We list 7 of the best events on in Hawke's Bay.
1. Port Ahuriri School 150th Jubilee
Port Ahuriri School is celebrating 150 years with a weekend full of fun activities. Come and celebrate with your former classmates for what will be a weekend to remember! Bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy on the field on Saturday before a chance join your fellow ex-classmates for a class photo. Sunday will bring a church service at Knox Church before a platter long lunch. For more details visit www.portahuriri.school.nz.
2. Swing Band Era Concert
Napier's Cabana will be hosting the 19 piece Liberty Swing Band, with vocalist Jo Gibbs, who will be performing a one-time special concert of swing hits from the 30s and 40s. The best music of the great swing era bandleaders and singers, such as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald will be featured in this not-to-be-missed night. The event, running from 7.30pm to 9.30pm Sunday, is open to all ages and costs $20 per ticket. To buy a ticket visit www.eventfinda.co.nz.
3. Tremain's Teddy Bears Picnic
If you're looking for a bit of free, family-friendly fun then the Tremain's Teddy Bears Picnic is the event for you. This fun day out is designed for the whole family and includes a free registration for teddy bears, along with lots of races and games. Craft stores, food caravans, pony rides and 4x4 Jeeps will be on offer so bring along a picnic and park up in the sun. This event will run from 11am Sunday at Anderson Park in Taradale.
The Grand Opening of the 2017 Speedway Season is going to be a big night with visiting drivers in almost all classes; SuperStocks, TQ Midgets, Stockcars, Ministocks and SuperSaloons. Get a group of your friends and family together, grab a jacket and head to Meeanee Speedway for a night of high speed thrills. There will be food outlets on site for hot dogs, chips, fried chicken, stuffed potatoes and more. This speedy event will run between 7pm and 10pm Sunday. Adult tickets cost $20, children $10 and family passes (two adults and up to four children) cost $50. Under 5-year-olds are free and there will be door sales only.
5. Lotto Napier City Rovers U19 National Youth Tournament
Some of New Zealand's top young football stars will descend on Napier this weekend as the annual U19 Youth Tournament gets underway. Kicking-off on Saturday morning will be the first of more than 120 games of exciting football being played at Park Island over Labour Weekend. The group stages will be held at Park Island, both Saturday and Sunday at 9am, with games continuing all weekend and culminating in the top two facing-off in the big final at Bluewater Stadium, 12:30pm, Monday. For a full list of all the fixtures visit www.cityrovers.co.nz.
6. Napier Urban Farmers' Market
Held every Saturday in Clive Square, the Napier Urban Farmers' Market is a great excuse to get out and about at the start of the weekend. The market offers a true Hawke's Bay experience with the best and brightest produce on offer, as well as the chance to speak to the growers themselves. Head down Emerson St to Clive Square between 9am and 1pm to find freshly roasted coffee, divine treats and all the produce you need to fill the pantry.
7. Keirunga Labour Weekend 2017
Locos from all over the North Island will be operating this Labour Weekend so bring the whole family and a picnic for a great day out! Mr Whippy will be selling icecreams too and sausages, hot chips and fresh coffee will be on offer from the Lions Club of Havelock North Village caravan. They'll be open from 11 am to 4 pm from Friday to Monday. It costs $2 per ride and concession cards for 12 rides can be purchased for $15. Under 2-year-olds are free. To get to Keirunga Park Railway from the Havelock North shopping centre head up Joll Rd, turn right into Tanner St, and then left into Pufflett Rd. There is no Eftpos.