Cuba Street Carnival

Hopefully Wellington’s glorious summer weather will hold on for another few days, and treat the city’s citizens to what promises to be a fantastic Cuba St Carnival, this Saturday (Sat 26 Feb).

It’s the last Carnival before the south end of Cuba St will be irrevocably altered by the impending bypass, so there’s bound to be a few emotional performances and tributes to the old end of the street over the weekend.

One of the highlights of this year’s event will be Saturday night’s parade, which begins at the Courtenay/Cambridge Corner and going along Courtenay, up Taranaki, into Ghuznee and then onto Cuba, ending at Abel Smith Street.

The indie kids might want to be aware that the Phoenix Foundation and SJD are playing the main stage in the middle of the day (12.30pm and 2.30pm respectively). There’s also a plethora of world, dub and dance acts playing tunes on the Cuba and World stages from early in the day ’til around midnight, so whatever your tastes, you’ll probably find something you like over the course of the day. Except maybe country. Or classical.

Anway, there’ll also no doubt be a big selection of random stalls down the length of the street selling an equally random number of goods and food. Looking for a hemp hat or a new crystal for your collection? Maybe a yummy vegan nosh-up? Perhaps a new pair of fire-pois? You’ll probably find it all at the Carnival.