New Zealand Music Month 2024

May 1-31

Dates

1-31 MAY, 2024

Welcome to New Zealand Music Month 2024, where the pulse of creativity reverberates through the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau. As May unfolds, join in on a harmonious celebration of collaboration, uniting to cultivate a richer and more interconnected musical landscape across Aotearoa. From pop-up music markets, innovative songwriting ventures, to a magical night of opera, get ready to embrace the spirit of Music Month by exploring new possibilities, supporting artists, and nurturing our local music community—where streets come alive with DJs, pavements resonate with hip hop, and creativity knows no bounds.

Celebrate Music Month in Midtown

Day One | Midtown Street Party | 16 May, 6–9pm
Kick off three days of streetside music with an exciting street party! Picture acoustic performances inside Elliot Stables, with DJs and local hip hop stars rocking the pavements.

Day Two | Fetu Creative Forum | 17 May, 7–9pm
Join a live podcast featuring prominent Tangata Moana songwriters Teremoana Rapley and Rubi Du, facilitated by Lucky Lance and DJ Gene Rivers at the Strand Arcade for an inspiring discussion about New Zealand music kōrero.

Day Three | The Mids | 18 May, 11am-3pm
Don't miss out on the highlight of this 3-day street-level festival of music in midtown: The Mids pop-up marketplace at the Strand Arcade will feature giveaways worth $2000 and a vibrant celebration of music, street culture, and creativity.

Street art exhibition showcasing local talent
Customisable kicks and a sneaker swap meet at Gystforkickz
Sky Pirates Streetwear featuring art by GBAK and Tāmaki street artist Deus
M&A Streetwear and Howlin’ Wolf’s old-school hot towel shaves
Dusty Crate Record Fair and Real Groovy's collection of second-hand vinyl celebrating New Zealand music
From Outside producing an album in-store in real-time

Other city centre stores bringing their vibe to The Mids are: JB Hi-Fi, Marbecks, Holiday Records, Pat Menzies, Trainers Skateboarding, Guitar Gallery, Dangerfield, Odd, Even, HYPE DC and Stirling Sports.

Image credit: Auckland Council

Opera in the Strand | 30 May, 6-9pm

Voices of angels will sing from the bridges high above the Strand's ornately decorated arcade, built a century ago. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera and experience the soaring melodies of New Zealand's top opera talents. Learn more here.

New Zealand Music Month activations in midtown are supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

Celebrate New Zealand Music Month with Auckland Live

Auckland Live Digital Stage | 2 May - 31 May

The Auckland Live Digital Stage will feature 14 new artists from the Auckland Council program Ka Mua Ka Muri Te Iho Auaha, now in its third year. Named after a Māori proverb meaning "walking backwards into the future," this program encourages artists to reflect on their heritage and inspirations to guide their creative journeys.

The young artists have been recorded performing their music and sharing insights about their influences and musical evolution. This year, the council team has captured performances and commentary from En Passant, Juga, Crystal Chen, Brandn Shiraz, and Sam V, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles including classical/jazz piano with rap and singing, folk-inspired pop soul, soul/jazz fusion, hip hop/dancehall/island vibes, and smooth R&B/soul. Learn more here.