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The big, bad Halloween special! ๐ป๐
Published about 1 month agoย โขย 9 min read
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Light and shade solutions
Hello, my dear Frankies!
Halloween has well and truly landed! And Franklin is absolutely bursting with parties, trick-or-treat trails, spooky markets, and more sugar-fuelled fun than you can shake a broomstick at. ๐งโโ๏ธ
Whether your little ones are still small enough to nap in their costumes (so so cute!), your teens are hunting for the best lolly haul in town (aren't we all?), or youโre planning to spend the night sipping something called a โBlack Widowโ (donโt ask, just drink), weโve hunted down every event worth sinking your fangs into.
Special mention to Your Local Bakery and Pik'n'Mix Pukekohe and the halloween donuts! - the collab we didn't know we needed! But just a heads-up - you have to pre-order these spooky pastries asap for pick up tomorrow!
OK, that's enough talk - time to get into it! Grab your costumes, light the pumpkins, and get ready to howl your way through a frightfully good week around Franklin!!
R and The Frankie Team xx
Featuring community news, groups, events, people, places and businesses. The very best of Franklin
๐ป Frankieโs Guide to Halloween in Franklin ๐
๐ป Map of tick or treat houses!
The amazing Caz from South Auckland Trick or Treat Facebook group has put together a super comprehensive map of houses that are dressed up and ready to receive trick-or-treaters this Halloween night! Check out the map here! And make sure you join her Facebook page to get updates - including a Christmas map later in the year!!
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๐ Little Monsters & Preschool Parties
Otaua Aka Aka Playcentre Halloween Discoโ ๐ Otaua Hall | โฐ 31 Oct, 5.30 pmโ Tiny tricksters will love this one! Games, music, and spooktacular treats for the littlies โ all in support of wetland restoration ๐ฟ $5 entry (under 1s + adults free). Email keely@awaroakikarioitahi.nz for tickets.
Cafe Queen Waiuku Trick or Treat Stopโ ๐ Queen St, Waiuku | โฐ 31 Oct from 4.30 pm until lollies run outโ Colouring, music, a gold-coin bake sale, and photo ops โ plus a coffee hit for the parents. โ๐ฌ
Waiuku Cossie Club Kids Halloween Partyโ ๐ Upstairs Lounge | โฐ 1 Nov, 1โ3 pmโ DJ, mini-games, and afternoon tea for the kids. $10 members / $15 non-members. RSVP admin@waiukucossie.co.nz.
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๐งโโ๏ธ Family Fun & Trick-or-Treat Adventures
Pukekohe Fire Station Halloween Party โ 31 Oct, 5โ7 pmโ Spooky engine bay, raffles, sausage sizzle, and free entry โ just bring some cash for food!
Waiuku Volunteer Fire Station Stop โ 31 Oct, 5โ7 pmโ Add it to your trick-or-treat route and score lollies straight from the firefighters!
Clarks Beach Golf Club Kids Party โ 31 Oct, 4โ6 pmโ Dress up, enjoy Halloween games, and grab a bite from the cafรฉ. Prizes for best-dressed! โณ๐
Pik n Mix Pukekohe Fright Night โ 31 Oct, 4โ7 pmโ Free lollies, themed games, and prizes for the spookiest (and silliest) costumes!
Buckland Community Hall Spooky Disco โ 31 Oct, 5.30โ7 pmโ A misty, ghost-filled dance floor with bouncy castles, trick-or-treating, and a witchโs cavern! Gold-coin entry ๐ธ๏ธ
8Count Dance Studio Spooktacular Party โ 31 Oct, 5.30โ7.30 pmโ Spooky dance games, trick-or-treat sweets, and a costume contest! $5 entry โ parents welcome ๐ฏโโ๏ธ
Rise & Shine Cafรฉ Trick-or-Treat Party โ 31 Oct from 4.30 pmโ Cupcake decorating, spooky slushy floats, face painting, lolly jar count, colouring, and a bar for the grown-ups ๐ฐ๐
Halloween Spooktacular at Chinwags Waiau Pa โ 31 Oct from 4 pmโ Free kidsโ face painting (4โ6 pm), Halloween movie, prizes, and happy hour 4โ7 pm. Kidsโ meals $10 and dรฉcor all weekend long!
Halloween Trail at Lake Hill Estate โ 31 Oct & 1 Novโ An interactive trail for little adventurers with fairy maps, potion-making, games, treats, and prizes โ the ultimate whimsical family day out ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ญ
Pukekohe Cossie Club Kids Halloween โ 31 Oct, 6โ8 pmโ Bouncy castle, face painting, loads of dancing, and a lolly-filled night for kids. $10 members / $15 non-members.
Ninjas R Us Halloween Fright Night โ 31 Oct, 6โ8 pmโ Jumping disco, Halloween guests, lollies, prizes, and spooky tunes! $20 per ninja (ages 3โ14). Book here
Pekapeka Walk โ Finding Franklin Bats โ 31 Oct, 7.20 pmโ Celebrate our native bats! Listen with detectors and watch them glide across the night sky ๐๐ฆ Tickets here
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๐ Food, Drink & Treat Stops
Halloween at the Friday Night Market โ Roulston St, Pukekohe | 31 Oct, 4.30โ8.30 pmโ Best-dressed comps, food trucks, classic games, and treats for all ages โ Franklinโs biggest community hangout ๐ฎ๐ฌ
235 Kai Halloween Special โ Waiuku Community Space | 31 Oct, 5โ7 pmโ Free kai from the Aunties โ good food, good vibes, everyone welcome. RSVP online to save your spot.
Ed Street Bar & Restaurant Halloween Cocktail Night โ 31 Oct from 8 pmโ Try the โLove Potion Brain Haemorrhageโ and โBlack Widowโ cocktails, with spot prizes for best dressed ๐ธ๐ธ๏ธ
Your Local Bakery ร Pik n Mix Collab โ Pick up Fri 31 Octโ Halloween donuts with custard, jam, and a giant skull gummy on top ๐๐ฉ Order here
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๐บ Adults After Dark (18 +)
Elsie Bar at Tuakau Hotel Halloween Party โ 31 Oct, 7 pm โ lateโ Live band, DJ, drink specials, and prizes for best dressed โ the perfect night out ๐ถ๐ท๏ธ
The Longkeeper Spooky Night โ 31 Oct, 9 pmโ12 amโ Live music by Local Loop, spooky cocktails, and prizes for both best and worst costumes!
Ed Street Bar & Restaurant Halloween Cocktail Night โ 31 Oct from 8 pmโ Try the โLove Potion Brain Haemorrhageโ and โBlack Widowโ cocktails, with spot prizes for best dressed ๐ธ๐ธ๏ธ
Waiuku Cossie Club Adults Halloween Night โ 31 Oct, 7 pm onwardsโ DJ Tons spinning spooky beats, prizes for best dressed โ where the monsters come out to play!
Rise & Shine Halloween Quiz Night โ 1 Nov, 7 pmโ Dress up and test your trivia! Prizes for best costumes, spooky cocktails, and happy hour 6โ7 pm.
Moonbloom Halloweekend Markets at Spookers โ 1 Nov (1โ9 pm) & 2 Nov (3โ9 pm R18)โ Alternative night markets with spooky vendors, food, and live entertainment โ a gothic dream come true.
Spookers Scream Nights: Enter the Wastelands โ 31 Octโ2 Nov, 8 pm R18โ For the true thrill-seekers. Enter the haunted wastelands and see if you make it out alive ๐ฑ๐๏ธ
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So, there you have it! From fairy dust to full-blown fright nights, Franklin has officially gone spooky! โจ
And remember, if you head out to any of these events, tag @todearfrankieso we can see your costumes, haunted selfies, and lolly hauls.
Stay spooky, stay safe, and remember: friends who trick-or-treat together, stay together โฅ
Celebrating all the businesses, artists, creators and crafters we have here in Franklin โฅ Nominate your favourites here/image
Meet Dave and Luc - the father-and-son team from Light and Shade Solutions
โ Light & Shade Solutions
the father-and-son team bringing comfort, colour, and calm to Franklin homes
If youโve ever stood in front of a sun-drenched window wondering why is choosing blinds so complicated? What is a Venetian? Is it different to a shutter? How do I measure this? Who can I call?! youโre not alone (can you tell how this stuff stresses me out?!). And thatโs exactly where Franklin local business Light & Shade Solutions comes in.
Based right here in Franklin, this family-run duo - Dave Pitout and his son Luc - are the perfect blend of old-school craftsmanship and new-school know-how. Daveโs been in the game for over 40 years, so heโs seen every shutter, roller blind, Venetian, honeycomb and Ziptrak under the sun (literally). Heโs the one whoโll pop round for a measure-up, share honest advice, and make sure you get the right fit for your home and your budget - no sales targets, no showroom mark-ups, just straight-up good service.
Luc brings the modern touch - he handles the installs, the ladders, the levels, the finishing touches - making sure everything looks seamless and runs smoothly. Between them, theyโve built a reputation for being reliable, friendly, and very, very local.
Need help choosing the right product? Not sure whatโs best for your windows or your wallet? Let Dave put his 40+ years of experience to good use and do the hard work for you. Light & Shade Solutions offers a free, no-obligation measure & quote service, and the best bit - you donโt even need to leave home. Theyโll bring the showroom to you so you can see exactly how each option looks in your own space.
โจ Free quotes, expert advice, and honest local service - thatโs the Light & Shade difference.
๐ Franklin Young Mariners Kayaking Sessionโ Elbow Ski Club, 6.30โ8.00pm Love the outdoors, camping, and water? Join Franklin Young Mariners for a kayaking session. Open to girls aged 8โ19โno experience needed! First three visits free. Parent helpers welcome. Contact rachel.capon@ymnz.org or 021 731 977. youngmariners.org.nz
๐จ Y Studioโ Waiuku Library, 3.30โ4.30pm Creative drop-in sessions for ages 13+, exploring art mediums and critical thinking. Every Thursday during term time.
๐ธ Thursday Cocktail Happy Hourโ Little Ed, 6โ7pm All your favourites, just a little bit cheaper!
๐ง Quiz Trivia Nightโ Blue Ox Babe, 7pm Bring your brainy mates for a fun evening of trivia and good vibes.
๐ Food Truck Night Marketโ Pukekohe Park Raceway, 4.30โ8.30pm An eclectic mix of street eatsโThai, Asian, Mexican, Indian, Turkish, hangi, and gourmet burgers! franklinmarkets.com
Friday
๐ป Waiuku Library Coding Clubโ 3.30โ4.30pm (fortnightly) Free coding sessions for kids aged 7+, run by a local volunteer parent. Register via franklinoutreach@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
๐ Food Truck Fridayโ Roulston Street Carpark, 4.30โ8.30pm International street food and good tunes in the heart of Pukekohe. franklinmarkets.com
๐ป Coding Makerspaceโ Pukekohe Library, 9.30โ11.30am Create your own games in Scratch or Pythonโno experience needed. Ages 7+, bring your own device.
๐ฏ๏ธ Candle-Making Workshopโ Little Batch Wax Co HQ, 152A Manukau Rd, 10amโ1pm Create your own 400g soy wax candle while enjoying cosy bites and drinks. A hands-on, feel-good experience.
๐ธ Spring Mini Portrait Sessionsโ Pukekawa, 1st & 15th Nov Capture the season with mini photo sessions by Nectar Photography. Book now!
๐ง Pukekohe Repair Cafรฉโ Franklin: The Centre (Pukekohe Library), 10amโ1pm Fix your broken items for free! Furniture, clothes, bikes, toys, and more. Promoting repair-renew-reuse. More info
๐ช Michelle Keenan Wellness Studio Open Dayโ Upstairs, 15 Martyn Street, Waiuku, 11amโ2pm Trial a class for just $5 and see whatโs on offer at the studio!
๐๏ธ Waiuku Retailers Spring Garage Saleโ Waiuku Town Centre, 9amโ2pm Shop local, grab a bargain, and enjoy live music in the town square.
๐ถ Happy Fish Liveโ Ed Street, Pukekohe, from 9.30pm A super fun live band to keep your Saturday night buzzing.
๐ค Grit & Gratitudeโ One Hero Society of Performing Arts, 7.30โ11pm An intimate evening of acoustic music with singer-songwriters Rosie & Maggie. Warm, raw, and deeply connective.
Sunday
๐ธ Pukekohe Farmers & Artisans Marketโ Pukekohe Town Square, 9amโ12.30pm Sweet treats, flowers, produce, and live music from Edwin Judd.
โป๏ธ Jumble Sale at Pukekawa Hallโ Pukekawa Hall, 9amโ4pm Declutter and sell your goods! Tables $15. Book with Elizabeth de Morgan, 027 346 9838.
โ Coffee & Candles: A Sensory Pairing Experienceโ Your Local Coffee Roasters, 173 Manukau Rd, 10amโ12.30pm A unique workshop combining coffee tasting and candle making.
๐๏ธ Surf Lifesaving Karioitahi Community Open Dayโ 10amโ3pm Explore the new club, meet the members, and celebrate local surf culture.
๐ฏ Open Day at WAR (Waiuku Airsoft Rangers)โ Gates open 8.30am All are welcome! Hire gear available. New players encouraged. Register here
๐๏ธ Franklin Marketโ Pukekohe Park Raceway, 8am Browse local crafts, produce, antiques, and car boot stalls. Live music and food trucks. Event link
monday
๐ป Monday Quiz Nightโ Appetite, 7pm Bring a team for laughs, trivia, and good food.
๐ฒ Board Game Eveningโ Otakumart, 6pm Play, relax, and connect. Bring your own games or try theirsโeveryoneโs welcome.
Tuesday
๐ Melbourne Cup Luncheonโ The Franklin Club, 12pm $60 includes bubbles, buffet lunch, and a punters pass. Limited tickets!
๐จ Painting Clubโ Franklin Arts Centre, 6โ8pm Bring your project and enjoy two hours of uninterrupted creative time with fellow artists.
๐โโ๏ธ Stride Tribe Run Clubโ Waiuku, 6pm Fun, free, and pressure-free run or walk. 3km, all levels welcome!
๐ง Hatha Yoga with Maureenโ Waiuku Lions Hall, 9.30am Gentle flow yoga for balance and relaxation.
๐ง Tuesday Quiz Nightโ Ed Street, Pukekohe Grab your crew and test your knowledge for prizes and bragging rights.
Wednesday
๐ Comedy Quiz Nightโ The Village Bar, Patumahoe Join quiz master Jim for a laugh-filled trivia night. Free to playโbook a table on 09 236 3571.
๐ฉโ๐ Anti-Social Social Club for Teensโ Pukekohe Library, 3.30pm A safe and welcoming after-school hangout for teens of all personalities.
๐ง Vinyasa Yoga with Nigelโ Waiuku Lions Hall, 6.30pm A flowing yoga class to build strength and calm.
๐ง Wednesday Quiz Nightโ Ed Street, Pukekohe Fun trivia, great prizes, good vibes.
๐ชก Embroidery Exhibitionโ Counties Embroiderersโ Guild Explore traditional and modern embroidery works, with โHave a Goโ opportunities later this month.
Word Scramble answer: Skeletons!
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p.s. If someone awesome sent you this email and you want to subscribe yourself, sign up here ๐ dearfrankie.co.nz
"Think Waiuku + surrounds are boring? You haven't signed up for Dear Frankie yet!"
Find out what's going on in town this week - the fun way! ๐ฅ
*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! ๐
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