Close to home: Older and bolder

The Tarnished Frocks and Divas exhibition and parade will take place in Tauranga later this month. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Tauranga's biennial Tarnished Frocks and Divas is an imaginative extravaganza that incorporates an exhibition and parade of remodelled retro clothing, and performances by singers, dancers and musicians, all of whom are women in their forties and beyond. It runs August 20-22.

On the web: tfandd.co.nz

Day of daffodils

Historic Otahuna Lodge near Christchurch opens its gates on September 6 to raise money for cancer. The 1895 homestead is surrounded by twelve hectares of magnificent gardens including the Great Lawn, where around a million daffodil bulbs bloom each spring. Visitors can also sample wonderful cuisine, and enjoy live entertainment and gardening demonstrations. Admission is $15 (adult), $5 (child). Gates are open 10am-4pm.

Contact: (03) 329 6333
On the web: otahuna.co.nz

Waiheke gets the blues

Waiheke is happy to have a dose of winter blues during its first-ever Winter Blues Festival, August 29-30. Five atmospheric venues will host a range of top acts, and the admission fee of $30 gets you into all venues, all weekend. Details are online.

On the web: whatsonwaiheke.co.nz

Classy glass

Wanganui celebrates its many talented glass artists during the Festival of Glass, September 19-October 4. As well as hot glass demonstrations and open studios, there'll be a Glass Information Centre, with a glass art exhibition, demonstrations and contemporary glass works to purchase. Mainstreet retailers will showcase stunning new glass works, and the Sarjeant Gallery and Whanganui Museum will host associated exhibitions.

On the web: wanganuiglass.com

Fresh fare

The Cambridge Farmers' Market is held every Saturday morning at Victoria Square, and the Hamilton Farmers' Market runs every Sunday morning at the River Road car park. The Hamilton Country Market is held in Garden Place from 8.30am-1pm on the second and last Saturday of every month, and the Frankton Market runs every Saturday morning in Commerce Street.