About Cross Street
Cross Street is a short creative laneway tucked behind Karangahape Road in Auckland’s CBD (Newton area). At street number 4 is the Cross Street Gallery , a converted warehouse of about 100 m² (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). Unlike a conventional theatre, this venue literally turns a service road into a performance space. Its atmosphere is gritty and intimate – reviewers call it “homely and welcoming” – reflecting K-Road’s bohemian past (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). (Historically K-Road was known for its red-light district and wild house parties (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.crossstmusicfestival.co.nz ); Cross Street’s events revive that free-spirited vibe.) The space is compact, usually holding only a few hundred people, so artists and audience mix closely. In fact, Cross Street even made a pop-culture splash: Netflix’s live-action shot a nightclub scene on this very block (thespinoff.co.nz ). Overall, Cross Street is cherished as a local, community-driven venue – a “block-party” in the city where local Auckland talent is celebrated (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Events and Programming
The headline event is the annual Cross Street Music Festival , first launched in 2018 (www.crossstmusicfestival.co.nz ). Held each late-summer (usually a Saturday in March), it’s a one-day outdoor street festival featuring 100% New Zealand artists. For example, 2024’s fest ran from 3:00 pm to midnight (www.ticketfairy.com ), and the 2025 edition (with a space theme “Out of This World”) ran 5:00 pm–12:00 am (www.ticketfairy.com ) (auckland.scoop.co.nz ). Lineups span many genres – indie rock, folk, hip-hop, electronic, R&B, punk and more (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.debatemag.com ). Recent festivals showcased homegrown acts from Māori soul groups to alt-pop bands; writers noted an “eclectic” mix of sounds representing NZ’s cultural identity (www.debatemag.com ) (thespinoff.co.nz ). Besides music festivals, Cross Street has hosted pop-up markets and art events. In June 2018, for example, a four-day “Cross Street Market” turned the laneway into a vintage bazaar (www.ticketfairy.com ). The gallery venue at #4 is also used for private art shows, product launches and even photo shoots (its 27 m wall space and kitchenette make it versatile) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). In short, programming is mostly local music and community arts – true to the lane’s DIY, neighbourly spirit.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Cross Street events are sold in advance online through official channels (the festival’s website or authorised ticket vendors) (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is generally no walk-up box office at the lane, and shows often sell out due to limited space (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Organisers typically announce on-sale dates via email or social media, so it pays to follow notices and grab the early-bird deals. For instance, 2025 festival early-birds were NZ$45 (with a student/low-wage ticket at NZ$38.50) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Standard ticket prices have been in the NZ$35–45 range (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). (Prices vary by tier; locals and students get discounts.) If the event isn’t sold out, a few tickets might trickle out at the door early on, but that should not be counted on (www.ticketfairy.com ). The safest strategy is to buy online as soon as tickets go on sale.
Seating and Layout
All Cross Street events are general admission with no fixed seating (www.ticketfairy.com ). The setup is simple: one main stage is erected at one end of the closed laneway, and the rest of the street is open space (www.ticketfairy.com ). Guests stand in the lane (often right in front of the stage) or lean on the shuttered storefronts. The organisers usually leave a few casual seating options – benches, hay bales or even beanbags are often placed along the sides for people to rest (www.ticketfairy.com ). However, most attendees stand to watch. Reviewers note that for the best experience you’ll want to push up to the front row (“the front row beckons” for prime viewing (www.ticketfairy.com )). There are no balconies or elevated platforms – just flat pavement – so sightlines are generally good as long as you get there early (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Getting There and Parking
Cross Street sits in the Waitematā (Auckland CBD) area. The official address is 4 Cross Street, Auckland , which is a short laneway running south from Karangahape Road into Myers Park (www.ticketfairy.com ). By car, parking is extremely limited. Cross Street itself has only a handful of spots (one nearby building has about five spaces) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Most visitors use the adjacent K-Road public carpark (you’ll see a multi-storey car park on Karangahape Road within a minute’s walk) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Elsewhere on K-Road and neighbouring streets there are metered spaces (around NZ$2/hour) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Given the scarcity, many people prefer public transport. Numerous buses serve Karangahape Road and nearby Ponsonby Road – important routes include the free CityLink loop and suburban lines like the 105 and 195 (www.ticketfairy.com ). The closest trains are Britomart station (20 min walk or a short bus ride north) and Grafton station (about 15 min walk) (www.ticketfairy.com ). For cabs/Ubers, nearby drop-off points are on Newton Road or at Beresford Square just off K-Road (www.ticketfairy.com ). In practice, it’s easiest to take a bus or train to the vicinity and then walk the last block.
Inside the Venue
Cross Street events have the informal vibe of a backstreet festival. On arrival staff typically scan your ticket and slip on a wristband – expect a quick bag check at the gate (www.ticketfairy.com ). Once inside, the laneway is buzzing with music and decorations. The fest is often decked out like a mini–Mardi Gras or a neon “wonderland” (www.ticketfairy.com ), with colourful lights and murals. Food and drink are sold at stalls and pop-up bars along the street (www.ticketfairy.com ) (for instance, local craft beers and spirits are popular). You’ll also find merchandise tables and sponsor booths. Restrooms are mostly outdoor porta-potties, but note that the building at 4 Cross St has a proper bathroom (and even a shower) available for attendees (www.ticketfairy.com ). No official coat-check is provided, so plan to keep jackets and bags with you or wear them. Importantly, the event is fully cashless – bring cards or a payment app rather than relying on cash (www.ticketfairy.com ). Overall the setting is very casual: people lounge on benches and picnic tables nearby between sets and then jump up to dance with the next act (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Nearby Amenities
Cross Street lies in the heart of Auckland’s creative K-Road/Ponsonby neighbourhood, so dining and lodging options abound. Karangahape Road itself has dozens of eateries and cafés – from the famous Mexican Cafe and Korean dumpling shops to pizza joints, sushi bars and hip coffee bars (www.ticketfairy.com ). A block north, Ponsonby Road offers even more restaurants and pubs (it’s common to grab brunch on K-Road, then head over to a Ponsonby rooftop bar pre-show). If you need accommodation, the city centre is nearby. Budget-friendly hotels like the Ibis Budget and Kiwi International (both on Queen Street) are only a 10-minute walk away (www.ticketfairy.com ). Premium hotels in downtown Auckland are also an easy taxi or bus ride off K-Road. For cyclists, there is a city bike-share kiosk on Karangahape Road. And if you stay late, Beresford Square (beside K-Road) has taxi ranks for the journey home. In summary, Cross Street is surrounded by the best of Auckland city nightlife and amenities (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What Makes This Venue Special
Cross Street’s magic comes from being a true urban block party. Rather than a formal hall, it’s literally a twist of the street that turns into a festival site (www.ticketfairy.com ). Both performers and punters love the DIY ethos: bands play just meters from the crowd, and there are no barriers between audience and stage (www.ticketfairy.com ). Locals appreciate that the energy (and money) stays within K-Road. Reviewers often note the communal feel – one described the event as “homely and welcoming” despite the crowds (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue also honours the area’s diversity: K-Road has long been a queer and arts hub, and Cross Street continues that tradition. For example, recent festivals have explicitly included drag performances and queer-empowering acts in the lineup (www.ticketfairy.com ). Each year’s edition also has a creative theme, with fresh art installations on the street – in 2018 a retro “vintage market” theme turned the laneway into an old-time bazaar (www.ticketfairy.com ), while other years have featured neon props and interactive video displays. In short, Cross Street is beloved for its authenticity and surprise: it’s a one-of-a-kind city block that transforms into an intimate neighbourhood festival (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Dress and plan for comfort. You’ll likely be standing outside for several hours, so wear sturdy shoes and layers. There’s no weather cover except for the stage roof – in past years the festival has even moved indoors only under special circumstances (like 2021’s scaled-down event) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Bring a light jacket or poncho if rain is forecast. Carry only essentials in a small bag (staff will wristband and may search it upon entry (www.ticketfairy.com )). Since there’s no coat check (www.ticketfairy.com ), keep valuables on you. The event is fully cashless, so pack your credit/debit card or mobile wallet (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you want a front-row spot, arrive well before showtime to claim space. There is usually an exit stub or wristband to allow re-entry (in 2024 they gave a “return ticket” slip (thespinoff.co.nz )), so you can step out briefly if needed, but it’s best to assume you’ll stay in for the evening.
The Cross Street Festival prides itself on being accessible: the lane is flat and organisers say wheelchairs are welcome (www.crossstmusicfestival.co.nz ). Families should note the age policy varies. Early editions were strictly R18, but recent years (like 2025) have been all-ages (www.ticketfairy.com ). When events are all-ages, children must be with an adult and cannot buy alcohol. On R18 years, expect ID checks and no minors allowed. Lastly, remember basic etiquette: it’s a friendly community event, so be respectful. Photography for personal use is fine, but keep in mind the space is intimate – professional cameras or large tripods might not be allowed. And since K-Road is a council smokefree area, assume no smoking on the festival site. Follow any posted rules at the gate, and you’ll have a great experience at this unique Auckland venue.
Where exactly is Cross Street and how do I get there?
Cross Street runs between Karangahape Road and Myers Park in central Auckland (Newton). The official address is 4 Cross Street, Auckland (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s a narrow alley just off K-Road near Beresford Square. Many people take the bus or CityLink to Karangahape Road (Beresford Square) and then walk a block down the laneway. The nearest train stations are Britomart (about 20 min walk) and Grafton (15 min), followed by a short bus or walk (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What types of events happen at Cross Street?
Cross Street mostly hosts grassroots music and arts events. Its main annual event is the Cross St Music Festival (since 2018), a one-day block party with New Zealand bands and DJs (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.debatemag.com ). The lineup spans genres from indie and rock to hip-hop and electronic. Occasionally there are other pop-ups – for example a vintage market was held there in 2018 (www.ticketfairy.com ) – or gallery exhibitions in the Cross Street Gallery space. Check the event calendar for any upcoming shows or markets in the laneway.
How do I purchase tickets and what do they cost?
Tickets are sold in advance online through the official festival site or authorised outlets (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is usually no general box office at the venue. Watch for announcements (email or social media) to know when tickets go on sale. In recent years, prices have been modest – for instance, the 2025 festival offered early-bird tickets at NZ$45 (with a student discount at ~$38.50) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Full-price tickets typically range NZ$35–45 (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Because space is limited, events often sell out quickly, so it’s best to buy early.
Will tickets be sold at the door?
Usually not. Most Cross Street events sell out before the day of the show, so organisers do not guarantee on-site sales. Occasionally, if a show had unsold tickets, a few might be sold at the gate early on, but this is rare (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s safest to assume door sales won’t be available and to secure tickets in advance.
Are children allowed at Cross Street events?
Policies vary by event. Early editions of the festival were 18+ only, but recent years have been all-ages (www.ticketfairy.com ). For any “all-ages” event, children may attend if accompanied by an adult – however they cannot consume alcohol. Always check the specific event notice: if it’s labeled R18, minors will not be admitted.
Is Cross Street wheelchair accessible?
Yes – the festival and gallery space are designed to accommodate wheelchairs (www.crossstmusicfestival.co.nz ). The laneway is flat and the gallery building has ramps and an accessible restroom. Organisers explicitly state that Cross Street events are wheelchair-friendly, though it’s always wise to query any special access needs before attending.
What food and drink are available at Cross Street?
You’ll find local food trucks and pop-up bars along the street during events (www.ticketfairy.com ). These offer snacks, street food and beverages (often including local craft beer or spirits). The festival is cashless – purchases are by card or mobile pay (www.ticketfairy.com ). Generally, the on-site vendors cover all food/drink needs, so bringing personal snacks or alcohol isn’t necessary or typical.
Is Cross Street an indoor venue?
No – it’s primarily outdoors. The actual street is fully open-air when events happen (www.ticketfairy.com ). (The building at 4 Cross St can only host small shows indoors; for the big music festival the doors shut to traffic and everyone is outside.) Be sure to dress for the weather. In 2021 the festival was moved inside the gallery due to special restrictions (www.ticketfairy.com ), but normally you should expect an al fresco experience.
Are cameras or video allowed?
Casual photography with smartphones or small cameras is generally fine at Cross Street events. Keep in mind it’s a relatively small crowd, so try not to block sightlines. Professional cameras with telephoto lenses, tripods or video rigs might be restricted, so it’s best to check on entry if you have larger equipment. The vibe is informal, but it’s still someone’s live show.
Where do I find bathrooms?
Temporary portable toilets are set up along the street for each event. Additionally, attendees can usually use the proper restroom inside the Cross Street Gallery building (next to the stage area) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The gallery’s bath even has a shower, which is handy for performers. Signs or staff should direct you to the facilities once you’re in.
Is there a coat check at Cross Street?
No – Cross Street does not have a coat or bag check (www.ticketfairy.com ). Plan to keep jackets, backpacks or any extra layers on you or on a chair. If you need to travel light, consider renting a locker elsewhere or wearing what you bring.
Is smoking allowed at Cross Street?
No. Smoking (and vaping) are not permitted on the festival block. Karangahape Road is a designated smokefree area under Auckland regulations, and that rule extends during Cross Street events. If you need to smoke, you must step well away from the street party (e.g. beyond the block boundary) where it’s legal.
Where can I park to attend Cross Street?
Parking in the immediate area is very limited. Cross Street itself has only a few spots (one nearby building reportedly has about five) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The nearest paid parking is on Karangahape Road – there is a public multi-storey car park a minute’s walk away (www.ticketfairy.com ). A few metered spaces line K-Road (around NZ$2/hour) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Given the trouble of parking, many visitors prefer to take the bus or train and walk in.
What is the best place to watch the show?
Because it’s general admission, choose a spot that matches how you like to experience a gig. Hardcore fans suggest lining up at the front edge of the stage for a full view and sound (www.ticketfairy.com ). The sides of the street often have benches or beanbags if you prefer to sit while watching. Anywhere on the flat street generally has decent sightlines; just try to arrive early if you want front-row access.
How can I get to Cross Street by public transport?
Cross Street is easiest reached by buses that run along Karangahape Road or Ponsonby Road. Key routes are the free CityLink loop and the 105 (Westmere – Britomart) or 195 (New Lynn – Britomart) services (www.ticketfairy.com ). Exit at a Karangahape Rd stop near Newton or Beresford Square, then walk to the laneway. If you’re coming by train, Britomart is about a 20 min walk (or short bus ride) and Grafton station is ~15 min away. (www.ticketfairy.com )
Where do taxis or rideshares pick up and drop off?
The usual drop-off/pickup point is at Beresford Square, just off Karangahape Road – taxis often line up there late at night. Rideshare drivers will also usually stop near Newton Road or Beresford Square and walk you the rest of the way. All are a short walk from the Cross Street entrance (www.ticketfairy.com ). Because the laneway itself is closed to traffic, cars can’t pull directly onto it.
