What's on in Whanganui this week? February 28 - March 6

Whanganui is home to the largest unmodified refractor telescope still in use in New Zealand. Photo/Stuart Munro

The Ward Observatory, located at Whanganui's Cooks Gardens, houses the largest unmodified refractor telescope still in use in New Zealand.

Built in 1901 and administered by the Whanganui Astronomical Society, it is named after Joseph Ward, the society's first president and long-time director.

In 1926 the observatory was gifted by the Astronomical Society to the council.

Since 1984 the Ward Observatory and its telescope have had a Heritage New Zealand Category 1 rating.

The observatory is open for public viewing on alternate Friday evenings after dark.

THURSDAY

La Fiesta
When: All week
Where:Various locations
Details: Whanganui's coolest little festival celebrating women. See lafiestanz.com

Art Group
River City Artists - from beginners to established artists
When: 9.30am to 4pm
Where: Christ Church Community Hall, 243 Wicksteed St
Details: Val 343 6316 or 027 459 9448, Richard 343 5646.

Meditation
When: 6pm to 7.30pm
Where: Whanganui Community Arts Centre, 19 Taupo Quay
Details: Drop-in classes from Gen Demo from Amitabha Buddhist Centre. Suggested donation $12.

Thoughtful Thursday film night
When: 6.30pm.
Where: Confluence, 15 Watt St
Details: La Fiesta screening - Kusama: Infinity. Heather Lenz's documentary about the 89-year-old top-selling female artist in the world. Entry by donation at the door or book at confluence.kiwi

Kowhai Park Runs
When: From 5.30pm.
Where: Kowhai Park, Anzac Parade.
Details: Start of six-week series. Pay at event.
Car Care Tips for Women

TOMORROW

Lanterns on the Awa
When: 7.30pm
Where: Moutua Quay
Details: Celebrate the lunar new year with lanterns, live entertainment and delicious dumplings.

Stargazing
When: At sundown (clear sky permitting)
Where: Ward Observatory, Cooks Gardens, St Hill St
Details: Entry is by donation (suggested charge of $2). Call Ross 027 245 8066 with queries.

SATURDAY

River Traders Market
When: 8.30am to 1pm.
Where: Downtown Whanganui riverbank.
Details: Goods, produce, food.

Historic Walking Tours
When: Tours leave at 10am and 2pm each Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Whanganui i-Site.
Details: Learn about Whanganui's history, buildings and people. $10 per person. Other times are possible - call the i-Site in good time.

Painting from Start to Finish
When: 10am to 4pm
Where: UCOL Whanganui
Details: Learn to create a painting from your own original photographic images with Pauline Allomes. Enrol at Community Education, 24 Taupo Quay. Ph 06 345 4717
Tickets $20 to $25 at the Royal Wanganui Opera House, ph 06 349 0511 or buy online at whanganuivenues.co.nz

SUNDAY

Castlecliff Market
When: 11am to 3pm.
Where: 5 Bryce St, Castlecliff.
Details: Goods, produce, food.
Laughter & Joy Workshop

Pauls Rd Live
When: From 11am
Where: Pauls Rd
Details: Annual concert featuring seven bands. $20, under 12 free. Profits to support Whanganui families living with child cancer. Tickets from Gatshack, 71 Ridgway St, Ph 06 345 4789

Kai Iwi Beach Dig
When: 12pm
Where: Kai Iwi Beach, Mowhanau
Details: Support Whanganui Lifeguard Service and have fun building castles, digging for treasure and watching lifesaving demos. Bring a picnic, sausage sizzle available. Gold coin for beach dig. Enquiries to paula.fore@mitre10.co.nz

Frocks on Bikes
When: 2 to 4pm.
Where: 75 St Hill St.
Details: Dress up in your finest frock, suit, or superhero costume and join in a fun adventure ride around town. Family friendly route available. All wheels without engines are welcome.
$5, free for kids and students. Registrations from 1.30pm. Ph 06 345 6833.

MONDAY

Whanganui Film Society
2019 opening night
Where: Davis Lecture Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum .
Details: Tanna: Before Cyclone Pam on the Island of Tanna in Vanuatu, a young woman falls in love with her chief's dashing grandson, Dain. Join at nzfilmsociety.org.nz or at the venue.

Grassroots Singers
When: 6.30pm
Where: Duncan Pavilion, Castlecliff Beach
Details: We welcome new (and current) singers. Ph Mary Ann 06 343 9981.

TUESDAY
Slimming Support
Slimmers Support Group - lose weight and keep it off.
When: 5pm.
Details: $10 joining fee with $2 weekly - inquiries Ngaire 347 1613.

Tai Chi for Health
When: Beginners classes at 5.30pm.
Where: 97 Putiki Dr.
Details: $3 per session
Inquiries: A modified form of tai chi specifically for health. Suitable all ages and fitness. Miriam 345 1395 or kevin.miriamas@gmail.com

Ukuleles
When: 7pm-9pm
Where: Club Metro, 13 Ridgway St
Details: River City Ukes - bring your ukulele to gain confidence and skills.

Al-Anon meeting
When: 7.30pm.
Where: Quaker Rooms, 256 Wicksteed St.
Details: Confidential and anonymous programme for those affected by a friend's or family member's drinking. No fees but koha appreciated.

WEDNESDAY

Beach Sculpture
When: 3.30 to 5.30pm
Where: Meet by Duncan Pavilion, Rangiora St
Details: Create a sculpture from natural resources. Gold coin donation for fish and chip tea and fruity dessert. Inquiries to Graham of Progress Castlecliff Coastcare 027 222 8378.