The nightlife in Auckland is unparalleled, from world-class music and concerts to underground parties featuring the world's most popular DJs. Are you ready to find the biggest events around? This article will help you find the best parties in Auckland, from techno raves to top international concerts.
If you're interested in getting an up-to-date snapshot of the events taking place today or this weekend in Auckland, just scroll down.
Brief snapshot of Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with over 1.6 million residents. Known for its amazing weather and landscape, Auckland is an urban epicenter with so much to offer. The city has developed an awesome music scene with artists visiting from all over the world.
The vibrant Britomart Precinct is a perfect mix of the city's oldest buildings and new architecture, with dozens of bars and restaurants. If you're looking for something on the waterfront, the Wynyard Quarter is a newly redeveloped part of the city where you can eat, drink, and find a place to party.
One of New Zealand's biggest festivals, Pasifika, which celebrates Pacific and Māori culture, attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.
Event venues in Auckland
The city has a diverse range of venues catering to all tastes, from chic and upscale bars to impressive music venues. Whether you want to catch the latest UK grime acts or the hottest new DJs, you can find an event you'll love in Auckland this weekend and beyond.
In Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, Pointers is a must-visit location. it’s open for food and drinks during the day before transforming into one of the city's most prominent dance clubs at night. If you like the drums and bass, Pointers is the perfect hangout on Friday and Saturday nights.
For an underground-style venue that also features new resident artists in its gallery, Neck of the Woods may be the place for you. This “no-frills” venue is one of the premier destinations in the city for live music. Just down the road is the Thirsty Dog, a saloon-style bar offering a more relaxed place to see artists perform.
Finally, The Studio, one of Auckland's oldest entertainment venues, puts on club nights for music fans of all tastes. This iconic venue is the perfect place to catch international touring bands, many of which choose to perform there when they're passing through the country.
Annual events in Auckland
Auckland hosts many incredible raves and festivals annually that unite people for shared experiences. The annual festival Shipwrecked had humble beginnings as a camping trip among friends to a boutique festival surrounded by three idyllic lakes in Te Arai. A smaller, scaled-down version of this festival called Adrift happens in November, with local liquid DnB and house acts taking the stage.
St. Jerome's Laneway Festival brings the world's biggest indie, rock, and pop acts to Auckland every January. What started as a series of weekly events in Melbourne, Australia, expanded to a traveling festival, with Auckland hosting it for over 10 years. Popular acts, including The 1975, Tame Impala, and Billie Eilish, have performed at this festival.
Situated on the stunning beaches of Tāpapakanga Regional Park — around 90 minutes away from Auckland — Splore Festival is a three-day bespoke music and arts event. Each year, revelers are invited to participate in the festival theme and enjoy a program of live music, workshops, and the Saturday night carnival.
To find out what's happening soon and buy tickets to events in Auckland today, check out the listings on this page!