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Let’s go art hunting, Frankies!
Published 15 days ago • 5 min read
Hello, my dear Frankies!
It’s one of my favourite times of year in Franklin...the annual Franklin Arts Trail is back for Labour Weekend!
There are always so many wonderful artists, studios and super unexpected treasures to discover. I’m still thinking about all the cool and (wonderfully) weird creations we found at Altered State Gallery last year!
So download the trail guide, choose a couple of routes and make a day (or two!) of it. Pack some snacks, grab a friend and head out to meet the incredibly talented people creating right here in our beautiful little corner of the world.
Happy exploring!
R. and the Frankie Team xx
Little brainteasers
tirsta evcola
Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
Franklin Arts Trail
Take a wander through Franklin’s creative side
The Franklin Arts Trail is back this Labour Weekend, giving us the perfect excuse to head out, explore our beautiful region and meet some of the talented people creating right here in Franklin.
From Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October, local artists will open their studios, galleries and creative spaces across the district. You can watch demonstrations, discover everything from painting and pottery to textiles and sculpture, and maybe even take home an original piece made just down the road.
The trail is free and self-guided, so download the map, choose a few stops and make a day of it. It’s such a lovely way to support local artists while exploring a little more of our very creative corner of the world. Explore the 2026 Franklin Arts Trail ♥
Paint your own pottery for free! 🎨
Pop into Artisans Alcove this Labour Day and paint your very own ceramic decoration, completely free! Visit Charlotte from Three.23 Handmade and choose your piece, pick your colours and get creative. It’s suitable for all ages, with no booking required.
♻️ Understanding Kerbside Recycling 10.30–11.30am at Waiuku Library, 10 King Street, Waiuku (Free) Waiuku Zero Waste explains exactly what belongs in Auckland’s kerbside recycling bins.
🎨 Waiuku Informal Painters Art Group 10am–2pm at Christian Fellowship Centre, James Bright Lane, Waiuku (Gold-coin donation) A relaxed, supportive weekly painting session, bring your own art materials.
🎉 90K in 90 Days Charity Event for KidsCan 5pm–1am at Appetite, 1/8 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe A charity auction evening with a live band, celebrity MC, food, drinks and prizes, all raising money for KidsCan. More info here
🍻 Thursday Quiz Night 6.30–8.30pm at Pukekohe Golf Club Grab your team and test your trivia skills over a fun night at the club. Check it out!
🎟️ Housie 11am–1pm at 78 Nelson Street Come along for a fun-filled session of Housie with friends and neighbours. All the details here
Friday
👻 Spookers Scream Night 8pm at Spookers, 833 Kingseat Road, Karaka (R13, $59 plus booking fee) Make your way through Spookers’ live haunted attractions over roughly 90 minutes.
🥂 Business and Bubbles: Franklin Young Women in Business 5pm at 11C West Street, Pukekohe Connect with other young women in business over bubbles and good conversation. More info here
Saturday
🎨 Franklin Arts Trail: Day One 10am–4pm at venues across Franklin (Free) Kick off the trail’s first day exploring local artists’ studios and exhibitions around Franklin.
🛍️ Waiuku Retailers Spring Garage Sale 9am–2pm around Waiuku town centre Hunt for bargains and clearance deals throughout town, held alongside the Arts Trail.
🚂 Glenbrook Vintage Railway Steam Train Experience Departures at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm at Glenbrook Station, Glenbrook Station Road (Adult $27, child $13, family $69) Take a scenic 70-minute return steam train journey from Glenbrook to Waiuku, also running Sunday and Monday.
🌸 Vessels + Petals: Opening Day 9.30am–2.30pm at Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe (Free) Celebrate the opening of Pukekohe artist Kirsty McMahon’s exhibition of nostalgic floral still-life paintings.
🚗 NSRA Auckland Nationals Show & Shine 10am–12.30pm at 58 Station Road, Pukekohe (Gold-coin donation) Browse classic cars, hot rods and custom vehicles in a family-friendly display supporting the local fire brigade.
🌙🌷 Moon Bloom Markets at Spookers 2–8pm at Spookers (Free entry, all ages) Browse a relaxed market with stalls for all ages at the Spookers grounds. Check it out!
Sunday
🎨 Franklin Arts Trail: Day Two 10am–4pm at venues across Franklin (Free) Explore the second day of the trail, visiting local artists’ studios and exhibitions around Franklin.
🚂 Glenbrook Vintage Railway Steam Train Experience 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm at Glenbrook Station (Adult $27, child $13, family $69; high tea $67/$45 on selected trains) Take a scenic return steam train journey, with a First Class high-tea option available on selected trains.
🔨 Roy Sharman Collection: Online and Onsite Auction 10am Bid on items from the Roy Sharman Collection, either online or in person. All the details here
🥕 Franklin Country Market 8am at Pukekohe Park Raceway Browse homegrown produce, handmade crafts, antiques and market stalls, with food trucks, live music and a car boot sale. More info here
🧘 Sunday Stretch Sessions 9am at Rxfitness235, 42 Belgium Street, Waiuku Join The Stretch Collective for a 45-minute stretch session to ease into your Sunday. Check it out!
monday
🎨 Franklin Arts Trail: Final Day 10am–4pm at venues across Franklin (Free) Catch the last day of the trail before it wraps up for the year.
🚂 Glenbrook Vintage Railway Steam Train Experience 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm at Glenbrook Station (Adult $27, child $13, family $69) Round off Labour Weekend with a scenic steam train journey from Glenbrook.
🏺 Paint-Your-Own-Pottery Workshop 10am–3pm at Artisans Alcove, 52 Queen Street, Waiuku (Free) A family-friendly drop-in pottery painting session, perfect for Labour Day.
🍳 Good Food, Bright Minds 7–9am at Cafe Queen, Waiuku A collaboration between Cafe Queen and Sanctuary Retreat offering a nourishing breakfast for school kids every Monday during term time.
🍻 Monday Quiz Night 7pm at Good Home Pukekohe, 65 Edinburgh Street Gather your team for a fun weekly quiz night, booking recommended.
Tuesday
🎙️ DigiKōr+ Waiuku Youth Podcast Programme 10.30am–12.30pm at Waiuku Library, 10 King Street (Free, booking required) An eight-week programme for young people not in employment, education or training, covering interviewing, production and podcast-making.
Wednesday
🏇 October Raceday Grandstand opens 12pm, first race approx. 12.50pm at Pukekohe Park, 222/250 Manukau Road (Free admission and parking) A relaxed industry raceday with casual trackside viewing.
🎶🎱 October Beats by Bingo 7.30–9.30pm at Little Ed, 36 Edinburgh Street A Halloween-themed music bingo and singalong night.
👋 Anti-Social Social Club for Teens 3.30pm at Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue A brand-new after-school hangout for teens of all kinds, social, not-so-social, or anywhere in between, everyone’s welcome. All the details here
Word Scramble answer: Artist Alcove
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"Think Waiuku, Pukekohe + surrounds are boring? You haven't signed up for Dear Frankie yet!"
*NEW FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER!* Covering Franklin's community gatherings, gigs and events, job postings, digital farmers market, weekend getaways, local stories and more...all delivered straight to your inbox for free! New editions every Thursday at 9:16 am. Subscribe free! 👇
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