Hawke's Bay has plenty of activities and events for people of all ages to enjoy. We list seven of the best on offer this weekend.
(1) The Funky and Familiar Tour
Funky Blues Rock with a 1970s vibe at the Cabana in Napier tonight with the Julie Lamb band who
promise "earworm melodies over ornate arrangements".
Julie Lamb is a consummate storyteller who sings to the heart and mind. The band brings a funky energy - weaving some familiar covers into the sets to set the audience at ease. At the Cabana in Shakespeare Rd from 9pm to midnight. All ages, licensed and door sales are $10.
(2) Abbey Brewery Opening Day - Labour Weekend
An awesome Beer Day Out today to celebrate the opening of the brand new 20BBL (2500L) brewery. Head along to get a close look at the shiny new stainless facility which has been built over winter. Kick back, relax and listen to the chilled sounds of local talents while sipping away on some great NZ craft beers. International class performer Ian Munro is lined up to entertain with a band. The Barenuckle Texas BBQ food truck will be on site and also The Abbey menu. At Abbey Cellars Winery & Brewpub, 1769 Maraekakaho Rd, Hastings from noon to 5pm. All ages, licensed and free admission.
(3) New Zealand Male Choir In the Bay
The New Zealand Male Choir presents an exciting night of song conducted by Hawke's Bay's own Joe Christensen at St Columba's Presbyterian Church in Havelock North. Music will range from waiata to gospel, traditional to folk. Enjoy this celebration of the beauty of the male voice. Special guests include two talented local sopranos, Cindy Walshe and Oriana Kershaw. At St Columba's Presbyterian Church, Columba Way, Havelock North tonight from 7.30pm to 10pm. All ages, adults $25, students and children free.
(4) Tremains Teddy Bears' Picnic
The annual Tremains Teddy Bears' Picnic at Anderson Park is a fun day out for the whole family and is happening again tomorrow. There is free registration for the teddies and free giveaways. There will be plenty of great craft stalls, Mahons amusements, stage shows and lots more. Spin the wheel with prizes up to $600, all money raised goes to HB the Diabetic Society. At Anderson Park, Kennedy Rd, Taradale, Napier from 11am to 3pm. All ages and free admission.
(5) Tour de iWay
Ride Napier's newest urban cycle tracks in this Sunday event. Take your family and friends and explore the latest off-road cycle tracks. You can ride the 7km flat loop off-road ride. Start and finish is at the reserve opposite Napier Boy's High School in Chambers St. Take along the bike and helmet. There is a free bouncy castle and sausage sizzle for all riders as well as a treasure hunt and spot prizes, which include a bike! At Te Awa Park, Chambers St, Napier from 11am to 1pm. All ages and admission is free.
(6) Sir Duke 40th
Head along to the River Park Event Centre in Waipawa tomorrow to rock out to the amazing, and pretty well legendary in Hawke's Bay, Sir Duke, and one of Wellington's top bands, Dougal Spier and the Crying Shame. It's 40 years since Sir Duke formed and they are keen to put on the performance of their life! Don't miss this one! Tickets from Sloan's Saddlery and Hire Centre and gate sales will be available on the day. Full bar facilities, available meals and free camping. At the River Park Event Centre, Pourerere Rd, Waipawa from 2pm to 10.30pm. R18 and $25 admission.
(7) Tom Lee-Richards
After nurturing a loyal following in his adopted home of Australia, New Zealand-born Tom Lee-Richards is bringing his unique blend of alt-folk/pop home for his first-ever Kiwi tour this month, and tomorrow night he will be at The Cabana in Napier. The Melbourne-based singer's 'Madness' tour, coincides with the release of his latest single of the same name and a stunning music video. Madness is a raw and strikingly honest track about the tension of ownership and blame when negotiating relationships. It breathes with the rise and fall of Lee-Richard's hypnotic hook and features the playful vocal weaving of Kiwi singer Monique Shelford, who hails from Napier. At The Cabana, Shakespeare Rd, Napier, from 8pm to 10.45pm. R18 and door sales only.