What’s Up

Top Billing

We’re excited to see Beast of a Feast is back on 4 March at Soper Reserve (you might remember the great day out back in 2018). Now the event gurus from Red Hearing have taken the reins and are bringing together some of Aotearoa’s best music, drinks and food. Goodshirt (left) are headlining, plus names like The Grogans, Jamie and Nathan Haines, Fleetwood Mac Tribute and Frank Booker. With 14 breweries on board, you can get cold ones from Panhead, Yeastie Boys, 8 Wired and locals stars Slab and Mount Brewing Co, plus Terry mixed drinks. Feast on food from FTP Vegan Eats, Karaage Boy, Delicious Dosa, Māorimex and loads more. Definitely a Mount summer highlight.

→ Tickets, beastofafeast.co.nz @beastofafeast

Something Special

Special Studio designs and produces stylish, sculptural 3D-printed homewares. The products, including side tables, stools, bins and planters (Lulu Stool pictured right), are made from recycled plastic and manufactured on demand to reduce waste. Special Studio is opening a public space in the CBD (formerly the site of Sumer gallery) to showcase the whole process and let people see how the products are printed. Head along to check out the space at the open day and factory sale on 25 February (launch weekend). “This studio is a testing ground for further expansion,” says designer Matt Watkins. “Here we can design, test and refine our processes and products, before sending the print files to locations closest to the customer, saving time and freight costs.” The studio will be open Saturdays, and on weekdays by appointment.

→ 3 Waihirere Ln, Tauranga CBD specialstudio.co

Down to Earth

Described as a “family camping wonderland, an epic dance party, a retreat experience, and so much more“, the Earth Beat Festival, 22–26 March, has a whānau-focused, community vibe. It’s about strengthening our relationship and connection with the earth and each other, to inspire new and regenerative ways of living. There’s an eclectic line-up for its four stages (plus youth stage), including The Black Seeds, Mo’ Horizons and Lou’ana, as well as comedy, live art, healers, wellness circle, workshops and kids’ activity zone.

→ Ātiu Creek Regional Park, 414 Run Rd, Auckland (75-minutes drive from central Auckland) earthbeatfestival.com