Labour Weekend is shaping up to be a big one in Whāingaroa, with art studios opening across town and the countryside, live music throughout the weekend, markets and plenty of reasons to get out and explore.
At the heart of the weekend is the 16th annual Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW), with 48 studios showcasing more than 70 local artists from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October.
Running from 10am–5pm each day, the free, self-guided art trail takes you into studios and creative spaces around Whāingaroa, with everything from painting, sculpture and photography to Japanese Gyotaku fish printing, textiles, jewellery, glass, mosaics, 3D printing and bespoke furniture.
There’s plenty happening beyond the studio doors too, including live painting, installations, demonstrations and workshops.
Start your RAW adventure at the Old School
Not sure where to begin? Head to the Raglan Arts Centre, 5 Stewart Street, where you can pick up a RAW Arts Guide and map and visit the Preview Exhibition before choosing your route.
The exhibition brings together work from participating artists, making it an easy way to get a taste of what’s on offer before heading out on the trail.
You can also visit The Hatch at the Raglan Town Hall, showcasing 17 emerging Whāingaroa artists.
RAW Open Studios
Saturday 24 – Monday 26 October
10am–5pm
Studios across Whāingaroa
Free
Country & Blues takes over Raglan
Music lovers have plenty to choose from too, with the Raglan Country & Blues Festival running from Friday through to Monday.
This year’s line-up includes The Warratahs, Simon Thompson, Trenwith Family, Debbie Shepherd, Sarita Murdoch, Neil Hersey, The Dollys, Dave Maybee, WilkieMac and more.
The weekend programme includes:
Friday 23 October – 7.30pm
Songwriters Showcase
Raglan Bowling Club Pavilion
$20
Saturday 24 October – 1pm
Youth Concert
Harbour View Hotel
Koha for performers
Saturday 24 October – 7.30pm
Artists Showcase
Harbour View Hotel Garden Bar
$30
Sunday 25 October – 5pm
Country Gospel Showcase featuring Trenwith Family with Debbie Shepherd
Raglan Area School
$30
Sunday 25 October – 8pm
The Warratahs, supported by Tux Severne
Harbour View Hotel Garden Bar
$45
Monday 26 October – 11am
Music Over Lunch with WilkieMac, visiting artists and guests
Harbour View Hotel Garden Bar
Free
More happening around town
There’s even more to discover while you’re out exploring.
The Raglan Bow St Market is on at the Raglan Town Hall on Saturday, while Karioi & Kava takes over The Yard on Saturday night with Melodownz, 2Brew and Kanikani’ky.
For those up early on Saturday, riders in the Raglan 500 set off from Bankart Street at 6.30am on their 500km self-supported cycling adventure.
And, of course, Labour Weekend is a good excuse to slow things down between events – grab a coffee, wander around town, head to the beach or wharf, explore the shops and galleries and make a weekend of it.
Make a weekend of it
With dozens of artists, live music, markets and events happening across Whāingaroa, there’s no need to try to squeeze everything into one day.
Grab a RAW map, choose a few studios, stop somewhere for lunch, catch some live music and see where the weekend takes you.
Raglan Arts Weekend: 24–26 October, 10am–5pm
Raglan Country & Blues Festival: 23–26 October
Pop into the Raglan iHUB while you’re in town for local information and ideas for exploring Whāingaroa.