Events at 17 Galatos St, Auckland

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Matthew Young | Auckland

22 June 2018 Friday / 08:30 PM

17 Galatos St, Auckland

About 17 Galatos St

Galatos (located at 17 Galatos Street, Newton, Auckland) is an iconic multi-level live music and theatre venue in the heart of the city. Housed in a century-old heritage building (originally painted Druids’ Hall, opened 1908 (stqry.app)), Galatos has about three distinct floors of entertainment space: a ground-floor main performance hall, an upstairs lounge/bar level, and a lower-level basement club. The venue seats virtually **no fixed chairs** – it’s designed for standing-room crowds and dancing. In total, Galatos holds roughly the mid-400s in capacity – about 400 on the main floor and another ~130 downstairs (www.ticketfairy.com). This intimate size (around 500 persons) means even well-known acts create a club-like vibe on stage. What makes Galatos special is its unique blend of history and atmosphere. The building’s vintage parquet dance-floor (laid in 1908 with “special regard to the requirements of dancers” (stqry.app)) is still in use today, giving concerts a warm old-school feel. High ceilings and original woodwork combine with exposed brick and moody lighting to create a classic Auckland club interior. Over two decades since Galatos reopened in 1998, it has become a beloved staple of the local music scene (stqry.app). Its tagline is literally “supports Kiwi bands of every kind” (www.ticketfairy.com), and the venue regularly hosts New Zealand artists of all genres – from jazz and roots to rock, hip-hop, reggae and beyond. Despite its small size, Galatos has also attracted major touring acts: for example, some of Coldplay and Foo Fighters’ earliest New Zealand shows took place here (www.ticketfairy.com), and artists like Diplo and The Mars Volta have appeared on this stage (stqry.app). In short, Galatos is a historic, vintage-flavoured nightclub where the community comes together to see live music and dance in an up-close, energetic setting.

Events and Programming

Galatos hosts a wide variety of live events. You’ll find everything from rock and metal concerts to dance, reggae, ska, hip-hop and electronic nights. The schedule ranges from one-off band tours and DJ nights to themed club parties and occasional theatre or film events. For example, past lineups have spanned local indie and hip-hop bands, classic tribute nights, even jazz evenings. Major local festivals sometimes book Galatos – in 2019 and 2023 it hosted events like the Auckland Ska Festival and Sub-Depot Reggae Rodeo sound-system nights (www.ticketfairy.com). There are also lots of recurring theme nights: think retro ’80s dance parties, 1990s throwback nights, or fan-themed “Lorde listening” or funk parties. Essentially, any night of the week you might catch a guitar band one night and a DJ spinning disco or soul tunes the next. Popular shows often sell out quickly – small past events (e.g. a local tribute band or themed party) might cap tickets around NZD $15–$25 (www.ticketfairy.com), while higher-profile concerts can be NZD $30–$50 or more. For example, one retro music night a few years back charged around $18–$20 (www.ticketfairy.com), whereas headline tours (even in this small space) can run closer to $30–$50 (plus fees). Almost all Galatos events are strictly **R18** (no under-18s) due to the liquor licence, so tickets for gigs at this venue are limited to adults. Indeed, the venue enforces age checks at the door (www.ticketfairy.com). Showtimes are typically in the evening (often Fridays, Saturdays or weeknights) – it’s a late-night music venue, so expect most events to kick off after 8pm and run into the night. Because events range from indie band nights to high-energy dance parties, Galatos’ offerings really reflect the creative pulse of Auckland’s underground scene.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Galatos events are primarily sold **online**. The venue operates an official website with a ticket shop, and often uses authorised local promoters or ticket agencies. For any upcoming show, your first stop should be the Galatos website or their social media pages for announcements. Popular shows sell out quickly – for example, when Foo Fighters booked a warm-up show here, all ~500 tickets were gone in minutes (www.ticketfairy.com). It’s highly recommended to buy tickets in advance. If you are late, you can sometimes try for door sales on the day of the event, but that only works if the show isn’t sold out. Generally, Galatos’ promoters will advise on the event listing or Facebook page if any tickets remain at the door (www.ticketfairy.com). Payment can be made online by credit/debit card. Galatos also accepts EFTPOS (cards) at the door for last-minute sales or merchandise (www.ticketfairy.com). Importantly, each ticket is **personal and one-time use**: Galatos assigns a unique code per ticket, so each guest must have their own e-ticket and ID (www.ticketfairy.com). Booking fees (a few NZ dollars) are typically added to cover transactions (www.ticketfairy.com). As a rule of thumb, smaller or community shows often cost in the mid-teens (NZD), while major touring acts at Galatos can command higher prices in the $30–$50 range (www.ticketfairy.com). Note that there is **no regular walk-up box office** counter: tickets must be pre-purchased online or from an event poster link (www.ticketfairy.com). If you’re planning to try door sales, arrive early – by showtime the lineup can be long and tickets limited.

Seating and Layout

Galatos’ interior is typical of a classic live-music club. The **ground floor main hall** has a stage at one end and a broad open dance floor/general admission area taking up most of the space (www.ticketfairy.com). This floor has *no fixed seats*: everyone stands or dances at ground level (chairs are only set out on request for patrons with medical needs). Around the sides of this room are tall standing tables and bar counters. Up a short staircase is the **upper lounge/bar level**, which overlooks the stage below. It offers a few scattered bar stools and low tables in a casual “burger-bar” style seating area (www.ticketfairy.com). Finally, down one level in the **basement** is a smaller enclosed club room, often used as a secondary stage for DJ sets or opening bands. It is also **all-standing** – think of it as an intimate mini-venue. Because the setup is open, the “best” spot depends on your priorities. Many fans crowd into the **front centre** on the main floor for the most powerful sound and stage energy, especially during rock or dance shows. However, front row can get extremely packed – it’s famously intense (one audience at a Foo Fighters gig joked they were even propping up the floorboards to keep from breaking through! (www.ticketfairy.com)). The **middle of the floor** often provides the best acoustic balance if you want to hear clearly. If you prefer a seat or a drink with a view, head upstairs: the balcony area has tables and chairs and a clear line of sight to the stage (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). Here the music can sound slightly muted, but it’s easier to relax. In general, Galatos encourages a club-style vibe: bar lines on the sides, rail or booth seating at the back, and an open pit in front of the stage. If you need more room, you can often stand toward the **rear or sides** of the main floor – those spots have railings for stability and slightly better footing (www.ticketfairy.com). In short, Galatos is a standing-room-centric venue: pick a spot based on how up-front or laid-back you want your concert experience to be.

Getting There and Parking

17 Galatos Street is in Auckland’s central city (Newton/K’Road area), just a short walk west from Karangahape Road (often called “K’Road”) and about 10–15 minutes’ walk from the Queen St city centre (www.ticketfairy.com). It’s easy to find by transit. Dozens of Auckland Transport (AT) bus routes run along K’Road and nearby Symonds Street; the most convenient stop is often “Aotea Centre/St Kevin’s” (on Symonds St). Catch any bus heading along K’Road or Symonds Street and hop off at that stop, then walk two blocks south on Galatos St (www.ticketfairy.com). There is no train station on Karangahape Road itself. The closest train stations are Britomart (in town, about 8–10 min walk plus an uphill climb) or Mount Eden and Grafton (both a 15–20 minute walk away on the Western and Southern lines respectively (www.ticketfairy.com)). Inside the CBD, the free CityLink loops (InnerLink/OuterLink) also serve the area. Notably, late-night buses generally run through the inner city until roughly 3am (www.ticketfairy.com), after which taxis or rideshares become the safe bet. Rideshare drivers typically drop guests on Galatos St itself or nearby on K’Road (there’s a small drop-off zone on Durham Lane) (www.ticketfairy.com). Driving to Galatos requires a bit of planning due to limited parking. Galatos Street is very narrow, and there’s no private lot for the venue (www.ticketfairy.com). On-street parking is available on nearby side streets, and Galatos has noted that after 6pm local street parking becomes free (www.ticketfairy.com). If arriving earlier, you’ll need paid parking. The closest large car parks are Myers Park (24 Mercury Lane) and Beresford Square (Queen/Upper Queen St), both about a 10–15 minute walk away. According to parking guides, these charge on the order of about NZ$6–$8 for 2 hours during daytime (www.ticketfairy.com). Another option is a Wilson Parking lot at 75 Karangahape Road (entry via Liverpool Street), which offers casual parking from around $5 per hour (www.ticketfairy.com). In summary: street parking is generally free evenings, but pay-for-parking lots are available nearby if you arrive earlier in the day.

Inside the Venue

When you arrive at Galatos, enter through the ground-floor lobby and bar area. Here staff will scan your e-ticket and check your ID (you must present a valid photo ID as all patrons are 18+ (www.ticketfairy.com)). Security personnel are always on site and may perform bag checks. Once inside, you’ll see bar counters on each level: the main hall at the back, the upstairs lounge bar, and even a small bar in the basement area during shows (www.ticketfairy.com). Galatos is fully licensed, serving full‐strength beer, win e, spirits and mixers (cocktails are often available as well). You’ll often find merchandise tables near the front of the main stage selling band tees or EPs, and the bar accepts EFTPOS cards for both merch and drinks (www.ticketfairy.com). Behind the reception desk is a coat/locker check if you need to stow a jacket or large bag (www.ticketfairy.com). The restrooms at Galatos are all on the ground floor (one of them is wheelchair-accessible) (www.ticketfairy.com). There are no public toilets upstairs or in the basement, so be sure to use the facilities on the first floor before going off to your spot. Inside, expect a true nightclub atmosphere: dim lighting, flashing stage lights, and very loud live music (www.ticketfairy.com). Galatos often gets packed on show nights, so it can feel hot and crowded. Smoking is **not** allowed indoors – if you step outside to smoke, staff will give you a hand stamp (“pass-out”) so you can return (www.ticketfairy.com). Note also that cell phone reception can be spotty inside the thick-walled building (www.ticketfairy.com), so you may want to arrange a meetup spot with friends in advance. In essence, Galatos is like stepping into a classic downtown nightclub: check your coats, pass through the door into a throbbing bar/venue space, top up a drink at the counter and enjoy the show from the crowd or balcony.

Nearby Amenities

The neighbourhood around 17 Galatos St (the K’Road/Newton entertainment district) is packed with conveniences for gig-goers. In just a few minutes’ walk you’ll find numerous cafés, casual eateries and restaurants. Karangahape Road itself has everything from fish ’n’ chips joints to ethnic takeaways and pubs. In particular, popular spots near Galatos include the historic **Cleveland Castle** pub (traditional Kiwi pub fare) and **Cassette 77** (a trendy craft beer taproom) – both are just 2–3 blocks away (www.ticketfairy.com). Stroll south along Queen Street and you’ll encounter plenty of Asian restaurants and 24-hour diners. For a more sit-down meal before a show, fans often head to nearby favourites such as the **White Lady Bar** (famous for its burgers) or grab tacos at **The Taco Truck** parked near Myers Park (www.ticketfairy.com). If you’re in the mood to drink before a show, there are dozens of bars and pubs within easy reach. Symonds Street and K’Road are both lined with wine bars, brewpubs and friendly taverns – you can enjoy a crafty pre-concert drink and still make it next door in time. After the event, late-night public transport is still available: city buses (including free CityLink/AucklandXpress routes) continue running until roughly 3:00am (www.ticketfairy.com). Otherwise, plenty of taxis and rideshares wait on Queen Street or at nearby hubs (like Britomart), which is only a 10-minute walk away. Accommodation is also nearby: for example, the City Centre by Rendezvous hotel on Upper Queen Street is only about a 5-minute walk from Galatos (www.ticketfairy.com). In short, whether you need a quick coffee shop, a late-night kebab, or a place to crash after the gig, everything from convenience stores to cocktail lounges is within a short stroll of 17 Galatos Street (www.ticketfairy.com).

What Makes This Venue Special

Galatos stands out in Auckland’s music scene because of its **unique history and intimate atmosphere**. It occupies a busy downtown block, but once you step inside it feels like a hidden gem. The heritage of the old Druids’ Hall is still very much part of the experience – even the dancefloor’s wood has tales to tell. Local lore notes that the parquet floor was famously laid to be “the fastest” in town for dancers (stqry.app), and that old-time character is still felt under the modern lights. Architecturally, the venue has high ceilings, an upstairs viewing mezzanine and vintage signage, which is quite different from newer concrete club spaces. These touches give every concert a bit of old-school charm. Galatos is also renowned for the **historic gigs** it has hosted. It has served as a launchpad for many big names before they hit stadiums. Notably, Coldplay played their first ever New Zealand show at Galatos in 2001 (thespinoff.co.nz), and Foo Fighters did a warm-up gig here in 2003 (www.ticketfairy.com). The club’s basement even was the site of Lorde’s first Auckland shows in 2013 (thespinoff.co.nz) – performances credited with “announcing her arrival” on the world stage (thespinoff.co.nz). Stories from these nights are still shared by fans (for example, Foo Fighters’ energy was so intense attendees quipped about propping up the floorboards to keep them from collapsing (www.ticketfairy.com)). These moments of music history give the venue a special place in local culture. Finally, the **vibe** of Galatos is wonderfully raw and communal, which many punters and performers love. Because it’s only around 500-capacity, a sold-out concert at Galatos feels visceral and sweaty in a way a big arena can’t replicate. The crowd is typically right up at the stage, singing along or dancing – it’s described as a “raw, sweaty and electrifying” atmosphere (www.ticketfairy.com). Galatos takes pride in championing Kiwi talent; their stated mission is to “support Kiwi bands of every kind” (www.ticketfairy.com), and indeed local bands often headline alongside international acts. For artists, playing Galatos is said to be a rite of passage; for audiences, it’s prized for the way it blends historic charm with live-energy. All these elements – century-old character, legendary gigs, and a tight-knit crowd – combine to make 17 Galatos Street a standout venue in Auckland’s nightlife.

Visitor Tips and Information

Galatos is a lively, no-frills club venue, so here are some insider tips to make your visit smooth. Remember it is **strictly R18**, so **bring photo ID** (NZ driver’s licence, passport or Kiwi Access card) or you won’t get in (www.ticketfairy.com). The environment is very casual: wear whatever you’d wear to a nightclub. Because shows are standing-room, comfortable closed-toe shoes are a wise choice. (It’s hot and crowded when the music’s pumping, and some people even recommend earplugs for very loud rock or dance gigs (www.ticketfairy.com).) The coat/bag check at the entrance is available, so leave large bags and backpacks there – the venue may enforce a clear-bag policy (www.ticketfairy.com). Photography with your phone is generally okay for personal snapshots, but leave professional cameras or video gear at home unless the event explicitly allows them (www.ticketfairy.com). Get there early. Galatos concerts often have queues at the door, especially for popular shows (www.ticketfairy.com). Doors typically open around showtime (usually 8–9pm), so lining up 30 minutes early can help you get a preferred spot or grab early drinks. Speaking of drinks, the bar can get very busy between sets, so many fans recommend grabbing any needed drink right away when you arrive. Note: Galatos is fully licensed and sells all beverages onsite – **outside food or alcohol cannot be brought in** (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). Finally, cell phone signal is often weak inside the thick walls (www.ticketfairy.com), so it’s wise to pick a meeting spot with friends beforehand in case you lose reception. With these tips – ID in hand, tickets in pocket, and earbuds packed – you’re ready for a great night at Galatos.

What is located at 17 Galatos Street in Auckland?

17 Galatos Street is home to Galatos, a well-known multi-level live music and nightlife venue just off Karangahape Road. It’s essentially a historic nightclub and concert hall that hosts local and international acts in its three performance areas (main hall, upstairs lounge, basement club).

What is the capacity of Galatos (17 Galatos St)?

Galatos is fairly small by concert standards. The main hall holds about 400 people and the basement another ~130, so **total capacity is roughly in the mid-400s** (www.ticketfairy.com). In practice, you can expect a full-room headcount of around 450–500 for a sold-out gig (around 500 was noted for early Coldplay/Foo Fighters shows (thespinoff.co.nz) (www.ticketfairy.com)).

What types of events happen at Galatos?

Galatos hosts a wide range of live events. On any given weekend you might find rock or metal concerts one night, indie or hip-hop shows another, or DJ dance nights (disco, reggae, ska, etc.). They also have themed parties and occasional theatre or film nights. The venue is known for local festivals (e.g. Auckland Ska Festival, reggae nights) and recurring theme nights. In short, Galatos is a general live music and club venue covering most genres (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com).

How do I buy tickets for Galatos events?

Tickets are sold online – typically through Galatos’s official website or authorized local outlets (www.ticketfairy.com). For each show, the venue’s site or event page will link to ticket sales. Popular shows sell out fast, so it’s best to book in advance. A limited number of last-minute or door tickets may sometimes be available if the event isn’t sold out (www.ticketfairy.com), but there is no permanent box office. Each ticket has a unique code, so everyone needs their own e-ticket (www.ticketfairy.com).

How much do tickets to Galatos shows cost?

Ticket prices vary by event. Smaller local or themed nights tend to run around **NZD $15–$25** (www.ticketfairy.com). Bigger headliner concerts at Galatos usually cost in the **$30–$50+ NZD** range (before booking fees) (www.ticketfairy.com). Always check the specific event listing, but as a rule of thumb light dance or tribute parties have cheap tickets (~high teens NZD) while large touring acts charge more. (www.ticketfairy.com)

Is Galatos a seated venue or general admission?

Galatos is primarily a **standing-room (general admission)** venue. The main floor in front of the stage is a large open dance floor with no fixed seating (www.ticketfairy.com). If seating is needed (e.g. for medical reasons) staff will provide a chair, but usually audiences stand. The upstairs level has some loose tables and chairs (like a lounge) for people to sit, but most of the action is on your feet on the dance floor (www.ticketfairy.com). The basement is also all-standing.

Where is 17 Galatos Street located, and how do I get there?

17 Galatos Street is in central Auckland’s Newton district, just south of Karangahape Road (K’Rd). It’s a 10–15 minute walk west from Queen Street. By public transit, Wellington and OuterLink city buses run down K’Rd and Symonds Street. A convenient stop is the “Aotea Centre/St Kevin’s” (on Symonds St) – from there Galatos is two blocks south (www.ticketfairy.com). There is no train station on K’Rd; the nearest stations are Mount Eden or Grafton (each a 15–20 minute walk away) (www.ticketfairy.com). Taxis and AT NiteBus services operate late, and the venue suggests free city-link buses run until around 3am (www.ticketfairy.com).

Is parking available near 17 Galatos Street? How much does it cost?

Street parking around Galatos is very limited (Galatos Street itself has almost no spaces). After 6pm parking on nearby side streets is **free** (www.ticketfairy.com). Before evening you’d need paid parking: the closest garages are Myers Park (24 Mercury Lane) and Beresford Square (Queen/Upper Queen St), about a 10–15 minute walk from Galatos. Those charge roughly NZ$6–$8 for two hours (www.ticketfairy.com). There’s also a Wilson Parking lot at 75 Karangahape Road (entry off Liverpool St) from around $5 per hour (www.ticketfairy.com). In short, after 6pm street parking is free; earlier on you’ll need to use a paid carpark.

Are there restaurants or bars near Galatos for pre-show dining?

Yes – Galatos sits in a bustling dining/drink district. Within a few minutes’ walk you’ll find casual cafes and takeaways (pizza, fish-n-chips, ethnic cuisine) on K’Road and easy streets (www.ticketfairy.com). Notable nearby spots include the Cleveland Castle pub and Cassette 77 beer bar on K’Road (www.ticketfairy.com). Just a block south, Queen Street is lined with Asian eateries, fast food and diners. You can also try the White Lady Bar (burgers) or grab tacos from The Taco Truck at Myers Park (www.ticketfairy.com). For drinks, pubs and wine bars on Symonds Street and K’Road are nearby (www.ticketfairy.com). Essentially, from takeaway snacks to full sit-down meals, plenty of choices are within walking distance (www.ticketfairy.com).

Why are concerts at Galatos considered special or historic?

Galatos has a unique heritage and has been the site of several landmark gigs. Its building was originally a 1908 dance hall with a famous “fast” wooden dance-floor (stqry.app), so even today it feels like stepping into history. Legendary acts have played Galatos early in their careers: for example, Coldplay’s New Zealand debut was here in 2001 (thespinoff.co.nz) and Foo Fighters did a warm-up show here in 2003 (www.ticketfairy.com). Even local star Lorde’s first Auckland gigs were in Galatos’ basement (2013) – events that “announced her arrival” on the world stage (thespinoff.co.nz). Because of its limited size (~500 capacity) and vintage charm, every sold-out show at Galatos has an intimate, high-energy feel that fans love. In short, marrying a century of history with now-famous performances makes it a beloved venue in Auckland’s music story.

Is Galatos wheelchair-accessible?

Partially. The ground-floor lounge and bar are at street level, and Galatos does have an accessible (wheelchair) restroom on the main floor (www.ticketfairy.com). However, because the building is old there are some small steps (even at the front door) and no elevator to the upper and lower floors. If you require full wheelchair access, it’s best to contact the venue ahead of time. (A visitor review even noted “watch the step when you walk in the door” (www.tripadvisor.co.nz), so take care on entry.)

What should I bring to Galatos, and what items are not allowed?

Bring ID and your ticket: Galatos is R18, so you must have government ID (www.ticketfairy.com). Dress code is casual. Comfortable shoes (and even earplugs) are recommended for standing-room concerts (www.ticketfairy.com). You can bring your cellphone and a small backpack or bag, but large bags/backpacks may need to be checked at the coat-check. Note that outside food or booze is not allowed; the venue is fully licensed, so buy drinks at the bar (www.ticketfairy.com). Also, photography with phones is generally okay, but professional cameras and video recorders are usually prohibited unless specified (www.ticketfairy.com). Smoking is only permitted outside with a special pass-out for re-entry (www.ticketfairy.com).

Are minors allowed at Galatos?

No. Galatos is licensed as an adult venue, so entry is restricted to those aged 18 or over (www.ticketfairy.com). Always carry valid photo ID (NZ driver’s license, passport or REALMe Kiwi Access card) – if you can’t prove your age, you will be turned away at the door. Galatos strictly enforces this R18 rule at every event (www.ticketfairy.com).