Warkworth: 17 and 18 October, 12pm-5pm
Spend a relaxed afternoon or two wandering around gardens that range from quirky to showcase. We have picked four with a difference in Warkworth – take your time to explore. There are ponds, immaculate flower beds, big old trees and fantastic veggie gardens. You can savour Devonshire teas, buy French-inspired giftware and view magnificent tapestries.
Tickets are $15, available from Warkworth i-Site and Tumbleweed Matakana.

Sunday 4 October 11am-2pm
Queen Street, Warkworth
Book a seat or a table and join us for lunch on the footpath in Queen Street, Warkworth. Bring your own picnic or buy from local cafes, then buy a chair for $15 or $40 for a family of five.
Proceeds will help the family of Eva, a two-year-old who suffers from congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Entertainment will be provided by Rodney Jazz Revival, ‘On Canvas’ Quartet and buskers.
Tickets available from Ray White Real Estate, Warkworth, or email eventswarkworth@xtra.co.nz

Sunday 18 October 12-4pm
The Matakana Coast is home to dozens of talented artists and artisans, and this self drive/walk tour of galleries and studios offers a unique opportunity to see a wonderful variety of artists in and around Matakana, Leigh and Pakiri.
Download a map here or collect from the local i-sites and plan your own tour of art and afternoon tea.

Sunday 11 October 12.30pm
Mahurangi River, Warkworth
The rafts return! Get your floaties on and be prepared to get wet in a no-holds-barred race on the Mahurangi River. Or join the wimps on the Warkworth wharf and egg ‘em on… unless you prefer tomatoes! There’ll be a barbecue to warm you up and some super prizes for first, last, best raft and best costume. You won’t want to miss the re-launch of this popular race.
Enter for free by Friday, October 9 at Barfoot and Thompson Warkworth, or phone 425 8742 or email warkworth.service@barfoot.co.nz

Friday 16 October 6-10.30pm
Lucy Moore Park, Warkworth
Flares, headbands and platform shoes will be back in fashion when Warkworth celebrates the ’70s at Lucy Moore Park. The hit musical Mamma Mia, featuring the songs of ABBA, will play on the big outdoor screen and viewers are invited to dress for the disco decade.
Music and Movies in the Park starts with a picnic, live music and family entertainment at 6pm and the movie will screen at sunset. The Coffee Kitchen will be there with a range of healthy food and hot and cold drinks for those who prefer to buy their dinner.
Entry is by gold coin donation.

Saturday 24 October 7pm

Mahurangi East Community Centre
The Festival Grand Finale makes a comeback with the kind of dancing your grandparents would recognise. Popular dance band D’Starlights will set the mood, and three-time New Zealand and Australian ballroom dance champions Robert Rowe and Doreen Hamilton are travelling from Australia to demonstrate their signature moves. Supper will be provided; BYO drinks and glasses.
Tickets are $50 from Warkworth and Orewa i-Sites.