Congratulations SunLive readers, after a long, long week of toil and work - you've made it to Saturday!

Hopefully the weather plays ball as the MetService forecasts cloudy periods and a chance showers this afternoon, so if you're brave why not check out the Sand to Surf at Mount Maunganui, or stay indoors and peruse some art at the Real Opotiki exhibition in Goddard Arcade on Devonport Road.

Hundred of competitors are expected to turn out for the first of seven events in the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series when the Sand to Surf 2016 hits the water at Mount Main beach from 9am-2pm.

There's four different events - the ‘I'm Going Long' 2.6km swim around Motuotau and Moturiki Islands, the ‘Step it Up' 1000m swim, the ‘Give it a Go' 500m swim, and the 'OceanKids' 200m swim in the shallow waters along the Main Beach shore line which is suitable for children aged 7-12.

The long-distance event kicks off at 9.30am, with the 1000m and 500m races hitting the water at 11.30am, while the 200m children's race will start at 12.30pm.

For more information visit: oceanswim.co.nz/events/sand-to-surf-mt-maunganui/

For the past week down at Goddard Arcade on Devonport Road, 27 artists have been displaying their works for free as part of The Real Opotiki art exhibition which finishes tomorrow.

The exhibition, which is run in collaboration with the Opotiki District Council, features works created by established and emerging artists who have a strong connection to the Eastern Bay of Plenty township.

The Real Opotiki exhibition showcases a wide range of works including traditional landscapes and portraiture, sculpture, photography, jewellery, Maori Pihe Pihe and hand-woven kete.

The kaupapa – or purpose – of the exhibition has been two-fold: to raise funds for a new a multipurpose community space planned for the town, and to do that in a new and interesting way which also promoted Opotiki in a positive manner.

The Real Opotiki exhibition is in the Goddard Arcade, Devonport Road, Tauranga, until Sunday, November 20.

These are only two of the fantastic events happening today. Check out more from SunLive's full What's On listing below.

And if you're driving down Maunganui Road today and see Beni Hafoka and the Cans for Canterbury crew parked up opposite Links Ave Reserve this morning, why not give them a toot?

Or better yet, why don't you stop in and make a donation or food, water and non-perishable items for the people in and around Kaikoura who were affected by Monday's 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

WHAT'S ON – Saturday, November 19:

Bay Network Singles Club

Weekly social activities for those 55-70+. Dining, barbecues, games, concerts, outings. Jean 576 9988

Bowls Matua

Every Sat. Split sixes from 12.45pm. Prizes, fun, bar. Casual bowlers welcome.

Busting Out with Kerre McIvor

Evening with media personality Kerre McIvor, includes 3-course meal, glass of wine on arrival & fundraising auction. Come dressed in evening wear. At ASB Baypark 6pm - late. Presented by Boobops & Tauranga Breast Cancer Support Service. www.asbbaypark.co.nz

Car Boot Sale

Greerton Village School, Greerton Road 7.30am-12pm. Cost $5 for a single site & larger sites by arrangement. Shirley 577 1116 or 0274 146

Christmas Social Dance

Dec 10 at Greerton Hall, 1247 Cameron Rd 7.30pm. BYO drinks & nibbles. Entertainment by Helen Riley. Just come on the night. Supreme Dance Centre 544 2337 or 027 322 1786

Come Dancing

Te Puke Scottish Soc monthly dance, Te Puke Memorial Hall. Live band, great supper & wonderful company. Entry $7. Valerie 573 7093

Dragon Boating

Give it a Go month during November. Women all ages. Every Sat 7.30am & Tues & Thurs 5.30pm. Sulphur Pt. Heather 021 610 505

Flower Reading Workshop

Dec 3 at Hair Linez, Old Railway Station, Jellicoe St, Te Puke 1-3pm. You can read flowers? How? Come & enjoy an afternoon of learning what flowers can tell you about yourself & others. Bring flowers. They need stems, leaves & flowers. Use flowers, trees, bushes or even weeds. RSVP Elaine 573 5361

Fun, Fresh & Saucy

Introduction to Cuban dance with 2 world class Cuban instructors. Elizabeth Community Centre, 169 Elizabeth St, Tga 3-4pm. $20. Kate 021 744 056 or [email protected]

Handel Messiah

St Mary Immaculate Church, Cameron Rd/First Ave, Tauranga 7.30pm. Jayne Tankersley, Stephen Diaz, Iain Tetley & Tavis Gravatt with musical director Chalium Poppy & NZbArok. Tickets: Adults $35, students/children $25 available & Baycourt & online (service fees) & cash sales at the venue.

Narcotics Anonymous

Open meeting every Sat 7.30- 8.30pm & every Sunday 7-8pm at Hanmer Clinic (behind Super Liquor) 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton. Every Mon at 7-8pm & every Fri 7.30-8.30pm at Hillier Centre, 31 Gloucester Rd, Mt Maunganui. If using drugs is causing you problems, maybe we can help. 0800 NA TODAY

Papamoa Community Park

Join in the fun - growing soil, food & community. Fun for all ages, dawn till dusk. Gardening bees 2nd & 4th Sat 9am - 3pm. Between 51 & 53 Hartford Ave, Papamoa. Chris 021 0241 5454 or [email protected]

Papamoa Cruisers – Slow

Bikers/mobility scooters. Bikes can be put on trailer 8-11.30am, Community Church Car Boot Sale, 30 Evans Rd, Papamoa. 'Cruise” is part of Waimapu Estuary leaving near Shell service station from 15th Ave 2pm. Iain 572 2987 or 0275 722 987

Papamoa Garden Circle

Final meeting of the year in the Dune Room, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Papamoa 11am. (Note earlier start time). Featuring the annual Rose Show & a fashion parade. Visitors welcome. Bring a plate with lunch items for shared lunch.

Papamoa Scout Quiz Night

Quiz night fundraiser Nov 26 at Gordon Spratt Reserve Community Sports Centre. Doors open 6.30pm, tickets $20pp includes light supper. Bring your loose change for raffles, auctions & spot prizes. Tables of 6 or 8 - email Sheree at [email protected]

Petanque @ Blake Park

Every Saturday - coaching & competitive play 1pm. Equip available, all levels welcome. Linda 544 2818

St Peter's Anglican Church Fair

Katikati War Memorial Hall 8.30am. Books, cakes, children's toys, Christmas things, white elephant, silent auction & more.

Te Puke Community Markets

Jubilee Park, Te Puke. Brought to you by Te Puke Toy Library. Stall holders $10. Monique 027 356 9545

Te Puke Forest & Bird Walk

Orokawa Bay, Waihi. Carole 575 2662

The Artery Acrylic Painting Classes

Nov 19 & 20 10am - 3pm. Silver Smithing Classes Nov 26 & 27 9am - 12pm. www.theincubator.co.nz

The Shades

A lineup of local talent, professional performance & cheeky humour with special guest soprano Natasha Wilson. Nov 26 at Holy Trinity, 215 Devonport Rd, Tauranga 7.30pm. Tickets from www.waipuna-hospice.co.nz or the Hospice Shops. Adults $40, students $20.

Village Radio

Community radio broadcasting from Tauranga Historic Village 1368 kHz AM. Music of 1940's - 90's weekends 9am - 5pm, weekdays 10am - 5pm. Specialty programmes. www.villageradio.co.nz or 571 3710

Contact Julie to place a listing here: [email protected]