Kids will get a chance to ride with sports stars in classic cars ahead of the matinee performance of the Kāpiti Variety Concert at Southwards on Wednesday 15 April.
the blurb:-
Ronald McDonald House is one of those places no parent ever wants to need but when life takes an unexpected turn, these homes become a lifeline, not just for children in hospital, but for their families too. With three specialist children’s hospitals across Aotearoa, they help ease the load for whānau facing the toughest days, offering comfort, care, and community when it matters most.
On April 15, Southward Car Museum transforms into a festival of kindness, a day where music, laughter, and vintage engines roar for a cause that touches hearts across the motu.
From morning till evening, the grounds hum with family fun:
Free Daizy Design Face Painting thanks to H&G Real Estate
Vintage car rides (two for $5) with sporting legends John Saker, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, and Angelo Robinson, powered by Gear Jammers Rod & Muscle Car Club Inc and Ross Church.
Yummy kai from Laliesfood (GF available) and sweet scoops from
The Ice Cream Truck, honestly, dream job right there.
At 2.30 pm, the Matinee Variety Show bursts into life, a joyful showcase of local talent, laughter, and heart. It’s the kind of show that reminds us why community matters: voices rising, kids dancing, and everyone cheering for something bigger than themselves.
Then, as the sun dips, the lights rise.
At 7 pm, The Crimson Club take the stage, their signature mischief and musical mayhem igniting Southward Car Museum Theatre in a blaze of cabaret with Kiwi swagger. It’s bold, bonkers, and brilliantly heartfelt, a night where laughter meets artistry and every note hums with aroha.
Shona Jaunas, rage‑violin rebel with wicked Kiwi charm. She wields her bow like a lightning rod, channeling fury, finesse, and pure fun. One minute she’s tearing through riffs like a rock goddess, the next she’s melting hearts with a whisper of melody.
Janet Holborow – Mayor of Kāpiti, cello, flute, kick drum; proving mayors can rock [it would be something to witness at least! —Eds].
Dr Mel Garber, accordion alchemist, theremin whisperer, fearless vocalist. She’s part scientist, part sorceress, conjuring soundscapes that shimmer, swirl, and surprise. Expect goosebumps, giggles, and a touch of glorious madness.
The Crimson Club , cabaret chaos at its clever, cheeky best. A troupe of musical mischief‑makers who turn every tune into theatre and every laugh into connection. Think glitter, guts, and glorious Kiwi irreverence, the kind of performance that leaves you buzzing long after the curtain falls.
Tickets are on sale now via Eventfinda:
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/…/ronald…/kapiti‑coast (eventfinda.co.nz in Bing)
Every ticket, every ride, every ice cream helps Ronald McDonald House give families a home‑away‑from‑home during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
Let’s fill Southwards with love, laughter, and music, because when we come together, we make the tough days a little lighter and the world a little kinder.
Netball star Ameliaranne Ekenasio, and basketball legends John Saker and Angelo Robinson will be on hand to ride with kids in the classic cars on the Southwards circuit. Organisers are offering two rides for $5 so it should be a popular attraction. The rides are from 11.30am to 2pm with the matinee performance starting at 2.30pm.
All proceeds from the event will support Ronald McDonald House Charities. Please note, Tina Cross will perform only at the 7.00 pm show.
Ronald McDonald House Variety Concert Wednesday, 15 April · 2:30pm & 7:00pm
To Book: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/ronald-mcdonald-house-variety-concert/kapiti-coast