Your NZ Music Month Guide

1-31 May 2025

Dates

1-31 MAY, 2025

It’s time to turn up the volume and celebrate our local sounds this May in the city centre! This New Zealand Music Month, the city centre is the place to be, with an exciting lineup of free live performances, outdoor gigs, talks with industry leaders, morning raves and a vibrant Midtown Street Party.

From soulful tunes to opera classics, and homegrown favourites to fresh emerging gems, there’s something for every music lover. Whether you’re catching a live band at an iconic music store, experiencing the magic of opera in the Strand Arcade, or soaking up the electric energy of the Midtown Street Party, it’s all about celebrating the creativity and diverse sounds that make Auckland, a proud UNESCO City of Music, so unique. Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the pulse of NZ’s music scene this May.

Celebrate Music Month in Midtown

Midtown Street Party | 15 May, 5–9pm

This street party is for everyone with fresh tracks and the best of Auckland’s homegrown musicians on repeat. Celebrate with live DJs spinning slick beats in The Strand, an epic merch market and a rare exhibition of archival photography of NZ's most popular artists from the 80's to present day.

Opera In The Strand | 1 May, 6–9pm

After a successful debut in 2024, this free event will feature top New Zealand opera singers performing in the historic Strand Arcade, with no tickets or bookings needed. Enjoy the glorious colour, costumery and melody in this iconic setting.

Music In The City Centre | All month, various times

Local talent is taking over the streets with live performances every Wednesday and Friday afternoon in the city. Catch Rumpus Machine outside JB Hi-Fi and smooth jazz tones from Joe Kaptain and Fruju Peak in Vulcan Lane. New Zealand bands will play in Real Groovy and local singer-songwriters will pop up across Elliott Street, Wellesley Street, Queen Street and more. Join on Wednesdays and Fridays 12 – 1:30pm and 4:30 – 6pm.

While you're in midtown be sure to check out: JB Hi-Fi, Marbecks, Holiday Records, Pat Menzies, Trainers Skateboarding, Guitar Gallery, Dangerfield.

Image credit: Auckland Council

At Ellen Melville Centre

Afrokin Youth Fest | 3–12 May

Bringing the rhythms of African heritage into harmony with NZ Music Month, Afrokin Youth Fest will showcase artists of African descent who are bringing fresh sounds and global influences to Aotearoa’s music scene.

Aotearoa Music Awards Photography Exhibition | 8–10 May, 9–5pm

Visit the Ellen Melville Centre for the annual pop-up photographic exhibition celebrating NZ Music Month, showcasing the talent of music photographers across Aotearoa. Presented by the Auckland Festival of Photography Trust, explore compelling images from gigs, festivals, and community events, where artists and audiences connect through the lens of photography.

Lunchtime Live: Pop, Rock + Daydreams | 16 May 1–2pm

Day Dreamer band will ignite the city with their electrifying fusion of punk, indie rock, and funk in a free lunchtime performance at the Ellen Melville Centre. Designed to bring live music to the heart of the city, this high-energy event offers an accessible, all-ages space for workers, students, and locals to gather, unwind, and connect. So, take a break, soak in the sound, and lively up your Friday!

Stop By Te Komititanga

Light Box Exhibition | 1–20 May

Check out a shortlist of photographs submitted for the 2024 Aotearoa Music Photography Award! This exhibition features stunning works from both professional and amateur photographers, capturing the energy and diversity of music events across Aotearoa and abroad. Showcasing a multitude of genres and styles, the photographs are presented on outdoor lightboxes in Te Komititanga Square.

Mighty | 27–30 May

Step into Mighty - a 10-foot container transformed into an intimate 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 some of Aotearoa’s most talented 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 purest form. Line up, step in, and experience the magic of music in a whole new way.

More Events

Rhythm Nation with Te Whare Kairoi | Every Saturday in May, 11am - 12pm

Join us every Saturday in May at Te Wharekura and surrounding Te Wānanga for a vibrant, interactive performance celebrating Māori music and movement as part of NZ Music Month. Led by Te Whare Karioi, from the heart of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, these free, whānau-friendly events invite you to connect with Tāmaki Makaurau’s rich whakapapa through live performance and hands-on experiences. Feel the pulse of the haka, hear the call of ancient instruments, and move to the rhythm of poi.

Silo Sounds presented by Audio Foundation & Noa Records | Silo 6, Silo Park | 11 May, 3 - 5pm

Local sonic artists fill the unique architecture of Auckland's Silo 6 with an array of acoustic sound and music. Featuring a clarinet sextet, a large improvising 'conduction' ensemble and roaming Taonga Puoro players, this event is sure to amplify the senses and engage the ears!

The Sounds of the City: How Music Shapes a Thriving Auckland | The Civic | 20 May, 5 – 7:30pm

NZ Music Month x Auckland Conversations have facilitated a panel discussion with key music industry leaders about the influential role music has in shaping our city. From cultural growth to energising the economy, music is more than just entertainment – it's a catalyst for change.

Ka Mua Ka Muri Te Iho Auaha | Academy Cinemas | 3 May, 5:30 – 8pm

Ka Mua Ka Muri Te Iho Auaha, named after the whakatauki loosely translating to "walking backwards into the future," is a multi-faceted program that champions diverse musical talent from across Tāmaki. Experience the magic of Ka Mua Ka Muri Te Iho Auaha through the theatrical release of their recent season of online performance including interviews with talented local artists, or a spectacular live concert in a displaced library setting. Featuring five incredible local artists including hip hop lyricist, Idol Essence, Stand Up Stand Out 2024 winner TEMA, soul/ funk singer Romi Wrights, acclaimed jazz pianist Joe Kaptein and Tui award winning artist Bailey Wiley.