Music and the arts continue to be a beacon of light in the regeneration of Auckland’s midtown, and that leading role is ever-present this NZ Music Month across the city centre.
Kicking off with Opera in the Strand on 1 May, a month-long festival of music will see people dancing or at least tapping their toes in streets, squares and lanes. Every tune, beat, pulse and rhythm will imprint our place in the world as a UNESCO City of Music.
Auckland Council is hosting this free public programme of music for NZ Music Month, supported by the city centre targeted rate.
You’ll hear a live rendition of Whakaaria Mai in the purest of opera voices from the bridges of Strand Arcade and a debut screening of acclaimed jazz pianist Joe Kaptein, soul/ funk grooves of Romi Wrights and hip hop lyricist Idol Essence at Academy Theatre for Auckland Council’s 2025 edition of Ka Mua Ka Muri Te Iho Ahau.
Fruju Peak to play in Vulcan Lane
Fruju Peak will rock experimental jazz in historic Vulcan Lane and the pulse of haka, the call of ancient Māori instruments, and the rhythm of poi will surround waterfront kiosk Te Wharekura.
And with Mighty a 10-foot container hosting top musicians at Te Komititanga, music in photo form adorning the walls of Ellen Melville Centre and street-side light boxes, a music-filled midtown street party and live bands at iconic music stores, audiences will hear the diverse and unique sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson understands the importance of music in building community and celebrating diversity in a city.
“This programme is so extensive we won’t need to walk far to hear live music – from opera in Strand Arcade to jazz in Vulcan Lane and the sound of ancient Māori instruments on the waterfront,” Councillor Simpson says.
“I’m proud to see the city continuing to stamp its mark as a UNESCO City of Music and amplify the uniqueness of our place in the world through music,” she says.
A handful of highlights:
Music in the city centre
Rumpus Machine play in Music in the city centre
Local talent is taking to the streets with live performances every Wednesday and Friday afternoon in the city. Catch rock classics from Rumpus Machine outside JB Hi-Fi and avant jazz tones from Joe Kaptein. Liven up your afternoons with George Villa and Lucian Rice at Real Groovy and local singer-songwriters cropping up across Elliott Street, Wellesley Street, Queen Street and more.
More detail and performance times for music in the city centre.
Music in pictures
A pop-up photographic exhibition will showcase the talent of music photographers across Aotearoa. Since its inception in 2021, the Aotearoa Music Photography Award has awarded over $8,000 in prizes, championing photographic excellence in capturing the vibrant energy of the music scene.
Explore compelling images from gigs, festivals, and community events, where artists and audiences connect through the lens of photography. The exhibition offers a diverse and inclusive platform for artistic expression and dialogue, highlighting photography as a cultural and creative art form. The Auckland Festival of Photography Trust presents this event as part of its annual city-wide celebration of photography and visual culture, championing emerging and established talent and promoting New Zealand's photographic excellence.
More detail and dates at Our Auckland.
Music in the morning
Dance to the beat of a special NZ Music Month edition of Morning People, featuring Pixie Lane x Kazi Flip at Il Brutto, one of Auckland’s finest dance dens – all free.
Expect a high-energy morning rave with crisp sound, deep grooves, and a morning rave that’ll leave you buzzing. Plus, enjoy complimentary Altezano Brothers coffee, All Good bananas, and Karma Drinks to keep you fuelled.
More detail and dates at Our Auckland.
Music on the waterfront
Te Whare Karioi perform at Te Wharekura
Join Rhythm Nation with Te Whare Karioi every Saturday in May at Te Wharekura, historic kiosk turned environmental education space, at the western end of Te Wānanga in Quay Street. The group brings vibrant, interactive performances celebrating Māori music and movement as part of NZ Music Month.
These free, whānau-friendly events invite you to connect with the rich whakapapa of Tāmaki Makaurau through live performance and hands-on musical experiences.
More detail and dates at Our Auckland.
Music at Te Komititanga
Te Komititanga
This NZ Music Month, step into Mighty - a 10-foot container transformed into a micro theatre in the heart of Te Komititanga. With a ticket booth, red carpet, and velvet-draped interior, this pocket-sized venue sets the stage for unforgettable one-song performances.
The lineup is stacked with top musicians, but there’s a twist - you won’t know who you’re seeing until you step inside. With space for just a handful of people at a time, Mighty offers a rare, up-close encounter with live music in its most intimate form.
More detail and dates at Our Auckland.
