Weekender: Two nights of fabulousness

Fabulous/Arabia (Mike Fabulous and Lawrence Arabia (aka James Milne). Photo / Amelia Handscomb

Our top picks for your next weekend getaway.

Fabulous/Arabia are celebrating the release of their first song together in seven years, Henry, with a mini tour this weekend taking in Wellington (Friday) and Hastings (Saturday). The duo — James Milne (Lawrence Arabia) and Mike Fabulous (Lord Echo) — will perform their A Tour Called Henry with the help of the Boogie Boys: Tom Watson and Hayden Eastmond-Mein (Lawrence Arabia band), Riki Gooch (Cave Circles/ ex-Trinity Roots) and Toby Laing (Fat Freddy's Drop). Meow, 9 Edward St, Wellington, Friday July 27, 9pm; Common Room, Hastings, Saturday July 28, 8pm.
Tickets $25/$20 at undertheradar.co.nz

We get the presents

The Phoenix Foundation gets on stage for one night a piece in Wellington and Auckland with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra to perform a special show in honour of their 20th birthday. They'll be performing unique arrangements of many of their classics, alongside some of their soundtrack work from films. Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, Thursday August 2; Auckland Town Hall, Friday, August 3, 7.30pm. Tickets from
$32 at ticketmaster.co.nz

Run around the great lakes

The Hoka One One Taupo Marathon marks its 25th year next Saturday and on the start line will be five people doing the event for the 25th time. Don't worry if you're not up for the whole 42km — there are various options for all fitness levels, including a half marathon, 10km, 5km and a Kids Dash event. Saturday August 4, 7.30am 4.30pm.
Visit taupomarathon.co.nz

Freeze for a good cause

Hit the surf in Papamoa this weekend for the annual Papamoa Polar Plunge, and give your chosen Tauranga-based non-profit organisation the chance to win $1000. Each entrant must donateagold coin and dive in and out of the ocean; the winning organisation will then be drawn from the pool of participants. Papamoa Beach Domain, Papamoa Beach Rd, Tauranga, Sunday July 29, 11am-1pm. All ages, free.
Visit papamoabeach.co.nz