February in Whanganui is women's festival La Fiesta time and also a time to celebrate two-wheeled transport during Bike Wise Month. The annual celebrations coincide with the popular Frocks on Bikes event coming up on March 1 this year and with a special film screening this Saturday. The Big Bike Film Night offers "a treasure chest of films". The selection of short films offers tales of character, resilience, challenge, courage, triumphs over adversity and more.
ALL WEEK
La Fiesta Where: Various locations Details: New Zealand's coolest little festival showcasing women. Talented women (and some blokes too) present a stunning range of artistic, educational and entertaining events. See the full programme at lafiestanz.com
Bike Wise Whanganui Where: Various locations Details: February is Bike Wise month and Whanganui has a range of events that celebrate two-wheeled transport. See more at letsgowhanganui.org.nz
Coffee and Cake Cruise When: 2.30pm-4pm Where: Paddle Steamer Waimarie, 1a Taupo Quay Details: A special 90-minute cruise is available to SuperGold cardholders. Includes a complimentary coffee and cake while enjoying a relaxing cruise up the Whanganui River. Tickets $35.
On Ya Bike Programme When:4pm-6pm Where: Velodrome, Cooks Gardens Details: For youth aged 10 to 16. Road, track and mountain bikes available with coaches to instruct. Bring own helmet.
Herbs for Food and Medicine Seminar When: 5.30pm-7pm Where: Ladies Rest, 75 St Hill St Details: Five herbs that can easily be grown and used for food and medicine. Herbal preparations that will be demonstrated include vinegars, infusions and balms. Cost $5. Text Cindy on 022 1077525 to book.
Kowhai Park Runs and Walks When: 5.30pm walkers, children's 1km 5.45pm, runners 6pm Where: Kowhai Park Details: Wanganui Harrier Club's six-week series of 1km, 3km and 5km races starts today. $3 per night, kids under 14 $2 per night, $1 for 1km event. Spot prizes and barbecue ($2).
Thoughtful Thursday When: 6.30pm Where: Confluence, 15 Watt St Details: Meeting Gorbachev: Werner Herzog and Andre Singer's riveting new documentary based on interviews with Russian visionary and former leader Mikhail Gorbachev. $10 (cash) at the door or book at www.confluence.kiwi or call 06 281 3474.
FRIDAY
Fulfilling Friday When: 6.30pm Where: Confluence, 15 Watt St Details: The Ideal Palace: The incredible true story of French postman Joseph Ferdinand Cheval who built a Palais idéal for his beloved daughter Alice. Proceeds from the screening will be donated to Whanganui's Waiora Trust. $10 (cash) at the door or book at www.confluence.kiwi or call 06 281 3474.
Hayden Chisholm and Unwind When: 6.30pm-9.30pm. Where: Lucky Bar + Kitchen, 53 Wilson St Details: Admission $20, students $10. Expect joyful grooves, bittersweet ballads and miraculous saxophone playing.
Open Mic Night When: 7pm Where: Marton Players Theatre, Wellington Rd Details: All welcome. $5 or koha entry.
SATURDAY
Whanganui River Market When: 8.30am-1pm rain or shine Where: Downtown Whanganui Riverbank Details: Local produce and plants, street food, artists, crafts and collectables.
The Foundational Hand When: 9.30am-3.30pm Where: Inkt, 17 Victoria Ave Details: Maggie Salter, expert calligrapher from Kapiti, will teach you the basic skills. Suitable for all ages. $120 for full-day workshop. Door sales only.
Walking Tours When: 10am and 2pm today and Sunday Where: Whanganui i-Site Details: Learn about Whanganui's history, buildings and people. $10 per person. Book at Whanganui i-Site. To book another time phone 349 0508.
Medieval Fayre When: 11am-4pm Where: St Anthony's School, 88 Alma Rd Details: Jousting, sword fighting, obstacle course and horse riding. Produce, baking and goods for sale.
The Big Bike Film Night When: 7pm Where: Davis Theatre, Watt St Details: Best short cycling films from around the world. Tickets $18 adults, children 16 and under $13.
Historic paddle steamer Waimarie will be making some special trips up the Whanganui River this week.
Photo / File
SUNDAY
Hipango Park Picnic Cruise When: 9am-4pm Where: Waimarie Centre, 1a Taupo Quay Details: Bring your own picnic and enjoy the amazing countryside and partake in old school picnic games. To book call 06 347 1863.
Airport Control Tower When: 1pm-3pm Where: Whanganui Airport Details: Viewings of top floor control cab. Koha. Contact Lynn 021 055 5476.
Sunday Grand Jam When: 6.30pm Where: Grand Hotel Irish Bar, St Hill St Details: Free. A relaxed sing-around session for acoustic musicians, singers and listeners. All abilities and styles of music.
MONDAY
Badminton When: 7.30pm Where: Springvale Stadium Details: Feather shuttles, timed games. $8 per session; $6 16yrs and under. Contact Jude Hildreth 343 7669 or Kate Matthews 027 776 6015.
TUESDAY
Turuki, turuki, Paneke, paneke When: 12.30pm-2.30pm Where: Balance Whanganui, Room 120, Community House, Ridgway St Details: Free lifestyle, health and wellbeing course today includes guest speakers sharing their personal and lived experiences of diabetes. Registrations are essential and can be sent to Carla@balance.org.nz or call 06 345 4488.
REBS Farmers' Market When: 2.30pm-5.30pm Where: All Saints' Church hall, Moana St, Whanganui East Details: Local growers selling fruit, vegetables and free-range eggs.
Small Talks When: 7pm Where: Bayleys, Wicksteed St Details: Tickets from Bayleys $15 or $20 on the door. All proceeds to Kidz Kitchen and Garden at Rutherford Junior High.
WEDNESDAY
Knit and yarn When: 10am-noon Where: Ladies' Rest, 75 St Hill St Details: All knitters welcome. Gold coin entry.
If you have an item for this free column, email news@whanganuichronicle.co.nz with details. The deadline for information about events from, and including, Thursday, February 27, to Wednesday, March 4, is noon Tuesday, February 25.
