About Saturdays & AV Club
Saturdays & AV Club is a combined lounge and late-night club in Auckland’s Britomart precinct (48 Customs St East). Housed in a 1904 heritage building (formerly Australis House), it blends old-world charm with modern club technology. The space is known for its industrial-chic look – exposed brick, metal beams and concrete floors – and a glowing neon “DANCE OR DIE” sign above the DJ booth that has become an iconic motif (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.aucklandmagazine.com ). Since opening in 2018, this venue has quickly become a cornerstone of Auckland’s electronic music scene (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.aucklandnz.com ). It seats only a few hundred people, giving it an intimate feel, but it packs in JBL-grade sound and bright LED lighting rigs for a high-energy experience.
In 2020 the club was fully renovated as “Saturdays & Side Door,” adding a cocktail lounge area alongside the main dance floor (www.aucklandvenues.co.nz ). The remodel included new polished concrete floors, custom booth seating and large LED screens over the DJ booth (www.aucklandvenues.co.nz ). Today, guests know it simply as “Saturdays & AV Club,” a single venue with a dual personality: the front portion (Saturdays) serves as a stylish bar and event foyer, while the back (AV Club) is a dedicated underground dancefloor. Its boutique vibe, top-end audio-visual setup and “intimate yet lively” atmosphere have made it a must-visit spot (www.aucklandnz.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ) for techno and house fans across Auckland. Many local clubgoers also appreciate the venue’s friendly, inclusive crowd and its “dance all night” spirit, even offering a club T-shirt emblazoned with the “Dance or Die” slogan for fans (www.aucklandmagazine.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Events and Programming
Saturdays & AV Club is primarily an electronic dance music venue. It runs DJ-driven club nights most weeks – usually featuring a mix of local and international talent – rather than live bands. The calendar is packed with events almost every Friday and Saturday night (some weeks also special midweek parties) featuring house, techno, bass and other underground styles (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.aucklandnz.com ). Promoters often dedicate specific nights to theme or collectives, allowing for diverse programming. For example, late-2022 lineups included Australian beatmaker Mall Grab and UK breakbeat legends Krafty Kuts & Plump DJs as headline acts (www.ticketfairy.com ). In contrast, many local nights are organized by Kiwi crews with rising DJs and producers on the decks.
Typical cover charges vary widely. Small local events may be free or just a few dollars at the door, while big headline DJ shows often charge around NZ$25–40 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Door prices are usually announced in advance, and popular parties can sell out, so early booking is recommended for big names. On an average club night the crowd is mostly people in their 20s and 30s, many dancing non-stop under swirling lights until closing at dawn (www.ticketfairy.com ). Since the venue is R18, all patrons must be at least 18 with valid photo ID. In short, expect pumping beats from top speakers, a brisk tempo schedule (often 10pm–4am or later), and a loyal crowd that comes ready to rave the weekend away.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Saturdays & AV Club events are usually sold through event promoters and online ticket outlets (often weeks before the show). The venue itself does not operate a traditional box office, so visitors typically purchase online or through event listings. For smaller in-house nights there may be limited door sales on the night, but big-name shows tend to sell out quickly, so buy in advance if possible. The club’s official site or social channels (and local event calendars) announce ticket release dates; watching those is the best way to know when presales start. For example, special party tickets often go on sale 4–6 weeks ahead of date.
Cover charges and ticket prices depend on the lineup. As noted above, local nights can be cheap (often NZ$5–10 or free for early entry), while a headline DJ might cost around NZ$30–40. (www.ticketfairy.com ) Booking strategies mirror other small clubs: keep an eye on announcements, set reminders for on-sale dates, and grab early-bird tickets if offered. In general, arriving early (before 11pm on peak nights) can also secure entry without a ticket if the event isn’t sold out. Cash is always handy at the door for cover charge, though bars inside accept cards for drinks. Regardless of advance purchase, remember it’s an R18 venue – staff will strictly check ID (passport or driver’s licence) at entry for age verification.
Seating and Layout
Saturdays & AV Club has an open, rectangular floor plan centered on the DJ booth at one end. The main dancefloor is standing-room only, with no fixed theatre seating – most people simply mill about. Along the sides of the space are a few booth seats and bar stools (added during the 2020 remodel (www.aucklandvenues.co.nz )), which are often reserved for small groups or VIP bottle service. The front section (“Saturdays”) features high-top cocktail tables and lounge-style booths near the entrance, but once the night heats up the action shifts to the back (“AV Club”), which is wide open for dancing. Despite the cozy capacity, the space feels roomy; one review notes it remains “very spacious” even at capacity (www.aucklandmagazine.com ).
For the best views and sound, most clubbers stay close to the center or front of the floor. The DJ is elevated in a booth with large LED screens behind it, so being on the main floor puts you in full view of the light shows. The professional sound system distributes bass and vocals evenly across the floor (www.vybeful.com ), so you’ll be covered almost anywhere – although standing too far back or under side-wall speakers may sound slightly muddy. If you prefer a more relaxed vantage, the side booths or near the back bar offer places to sit and catch up. Note that on busy nights, side areas can fill up, and the best way to hear the music clearly is usually right in front of the DJ or in the middle of the crowd. In any case, be prepared for loud volumes (bring earplugs if you have sensitive hearing) and tight dancefloor crowds once peak hit around midnight.
Getting There and Parking
Location: Saturdays & AV Club sits at 48 Customs Street East in Britomart, just a few blocks southwest of Queen Street in downtown Auckland. It’s a 2–3 minute walk from Waitematā Station (the Britomart train terminal) and a short stroll from the ferry terminal on the waterfront. In fact, Britomart Station is only about a five-minute walk away (www.aucklandmagazine.com ), making it very easy to reach by rail. If you arrive by city bus, alight at stops on Queen or Customs Street – many major routes run past Britomart. For example, buses along Queen Street (like the 1, 2, or 75 routes) or the Waterfront-Hobson buses are all within a few blocks’ walk of 48 Customs St.
Car & Parking: Driving downtown means dealing with city traffic late at night. The nearest parking garage is the Britomart Carpark on Beach Road (behind SAP Arena); it’s a 3-minute walk from the club (www.aucklandmagazine.com ). Other options include the Wilson Parking building on Wellesley Street or street parking (metered on Customs/Commerce Street, although paid hours end in the evening). Be aware that central Auckland parking is often expensive (expect many NZ$ per hour) and that some streets enforce time limits. Rideshare (Uber/Taxify) are popular too – you can be dropped off around Customs Street or on the pedestrian laneways near the venue. Finally, if walking from Queen Street, go south on High St or nearby Hobson/Ditmars – it’s about a 5-10 minute walk from the heart of the CBD. In short, public transit and rideshare are usually easier than driving and parking, given the late-night hours.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, expect a typical nightclub entry. Guests queue outside until doors open (usually around 9–10pm, depending on the night) and undergo a quick security and ID check (no entry for under-18s). Large bags or gear are usually not permitted – bring minimal belongings. Inside, the space is dark, hot and energetic. Cool club visuals and neon lights flash over the dancefloor, the bar and the ceiling. The main bar is located centrally or to one side, serving beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. Prices are on par with other nightlife spots, and beer is often a better deal than spirits. There’s no full kitchen, so food is limited; if you need a meal, eat beforehand or just grab bar snacks (chips/nuts) if available. The club often provides transit fares or QR codes near exits for rideshare taxi-hailing.
Seating is scarce and not guaranteed. There are a few benches and booth seats along the outer walls and in the upstairs lounge side, but once the event is in full swing most people are on their feet. Coats or extras can typically be left at the front (some nights may help you hang a coat behind the bar), but there’s usually no formal cloakroom – so plan to manage your own. Restrooms (marked and separated by gender) are inside; as with any club, lines can form, so use early if needed. For connectivity, there’s generally no guest Wi-Fi (it’s all about the music), but cell reception (or 4G/5G mobile data) works well downtown. The club also sells branded merchandise – notably “Dance or Die” T-shirts referring to the neon slogan – so budget a bit of cash if you want a souvenir (www.aucklandmagazine.com ). Finally, be prepared for a non-stop vibe: attendees often arrive sipping on a pre-club drink, stay late, and party until the last track drops around 4am.
Nearby Amenities
Saturdays & AV Club is in a busy dining-and-nightlife neighborhood. Just steps away are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants serving everything from sushi and tapas to burgers and craft beer. For pre-show meals, the Britomart precinct has options like Asian-fusion bistros, Italian trattorias and New Zealand seafood eateries. If you prefer something quick and casual, there are also food courts and pizza shops in the vicinity. For example, a fusion ramen bar and a modern pizza/pasta place are within a block, and late-night fast options (like food trucks or markets, depending on the day) pop up nearby. After the club, you might try a late-night café or kebab stand on Queen Street, which is only a short walk away.
The area is also a hotel hub. Visitors can find boutique and chain hotels within a few minutes’ walk, including waterfront apartments and business hotels. Notable nearby accommodations include a luxury waterfront hotel (about 5-min walk), a boutique inner-city hotel (3-min walk), and a large central-city complex (under a 10-min walk) for various budgets. After-dance transport is easy: taxis queue outside Britomart at night, and rideshare drivers know the standard pickup points. For very late departures, remember that city trains stop around midnight, so you’ll likely take a taxi or shuttle if leaving after 1am.
What Makes This Venue Special
What sets Saturdays & AV Club apart is its blend of heritage charm and cutting-edge clubbing under one roof. Few Auckland venues can match its vibe of bright neon art and top-tier sound in a century-old setting (www.vybeful.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The club has earned a cult following for staying true to underground dance culture – DJs and fans alike praise its “crystal-clear” audio equipment and immersive visuals (www.vybeful.com ). The space feels bigger than its size due to the high ceilings and polished finishes, yet the capacity remains intimate, so even visiting artists often remark on the friendly, up-close crowds. Its signature “Dance or Die” neon sign and merchandise give it character, and its reputation as a party guaranteed attracts locals from all over town. In short, this venue matters because it punches above its weight: it’s a high-performance clubbing temple built inside a piece of Auckland history, making every night feel both new and memorable.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Saturdays & AV Club, like many historic downtown buildings, has limited wheelchair access. There are a few small steps at the entry and no internal elevator. Patrons with mobility needs should contact the venue in advance to discuss assistance. Restrooms are on the ground floor and gender-separated, but not fully wheelchair-grade. For visual or hearing sensitivities, note that the dancefloor features strobe lights and very loud music; consider bringing earplugs or taking breaks at the bar area if needed.
Before You Go: Check the club’s social media or local event pages for the latest on door opening times and lineups. Aim to arrive early for popular shows, as lines can form before doors open (sometimes an hour in advance on busy nights). Dress is casual clubwear – no strict dress code, but tasteful party attire is expected (leave work uniforms or sports gear at home). Bring a valid photo ID (passport or NZ driver’s licence) for age 18+ entry, and a small wallet of cash for cover charge and drinks (cards are accepted at the bars too). It’s wise to wear comfortable shoes, as the evening involves a lot of standing and dancing. Finally, remember that the neighborhood can be lively late at night but is safe – friends often walk together back to transit or grab a quick late-night snack after the gig. Following these tips will help ensure your night at Saturdays & AV Club is smooth and fun.
How much do tickets for events at Saturdays & AV Club usually cost? It varies by event. Local or promotional nights can be very cheap (sometimes NZ$5–10 or even free early on), while headline DJ shows typically cost around NZ$25–40. Ticket prices are set by each promoter, so check the specific event announcement. Cover charges at the door will usually be in that range if tickets are still available. (www.ticketfairy.com )
Where can I buy tickets for Saturdays & AV Club events? There is no walk-up box office, so tickets are generally bought online through the event promoter’s sales channels. Look for links on the club’s social media or local event listings. Some small events may sell door tickets on the night, but for popular nights it’s safer to purchase in advance on the official event page. Arriving early can sometimes let you buy at the door if not sold out.
What is the address of Saturdays & AV Club, and how do I get there by public transport? The club is located at 48 Customs Street East in Britomart (Auckland CBD). It’s very close to public transit – Waitematā Train Station (Britomart) is only a 5-minute walk (www.aucklandmagazine.com ). Multiple city buses stop within a block on Queen Street or Hobson Street, so you can choose any route that goes past central Britomart. If coming by ferry, the Britomart ferry terminal is also just a short walk away. In summary: take any Auckland train or bus to Britomart City Center, and the club is a few minutes’ walk from there.
Are there parking options near Saturdays & AV Club? Yes, but parking is limited downtown. The nearest carpark is Britomart Carpark (on Fanshawe St), about a 3-minute walk (www.aucklandmagazine.com ). Other paid parking structures on nearby streets (Wilson Parking on Wellesley or Commerce, etc.) are also options. Street parking is scarce and metered. Because of costs and late-night hours, many visitors prefer rideshare or public transit to avoid parking hassles.
Is the club mostly general admission, or is there VIP seating? Most nights the whole floor is general admission (standing) around the DJ booth. There are a few fixed booths and high-top tables along the edges, which can be reserved for bottle service or VIP guests, but these aren’t guaranteed. If you book a VIP table, you’ll have some seating, but otherwise plan on dancing on your feet. The venue is relatively small, so even general admission feels intimate.
Where is the best place to stand for the best sound and view? For the clearest view of the show, stand facing the DJ booth (which has LED screens behind it) – that’s about mid-center of the floor. Sonically, the best balanced sound tends to be near the middle of the floor (not right at the speakers). Some fans like to hover near the front if they want to see every detail of the DJ’s set-up. The venue’s professional sound system delivers clear audio across the room (www.vybeful.com ), so you’ll get good sound almost anywhere on the main floor.
What is the age restriction at Saturdays & AV Club? The club is R18 only. All patrons must be 18 or older to enter. You will be asked to show a valid photo ID (like a passport or NZ driver’s licence) at the door. If you’re under 18 or can’t produce ID, you will not be admitted.
Is there a dress code for Saturdays & AV Club? There is no formal dress code, but smart-casual club attire is expected. That means neat, party-friendly clothing – avoid beachwear, work uniforms or overly casual gym clothes. Most people wear jeans or nice sneakers with a fashionable shirt or top. The line tends to be relatively relaxed, but strongly avoid anything too scruffy or offensive if you want easy entry.
What security or entry policies should I be aware of? Security is fairly strict. Expect bag checks and possibly metal detecting at the entrance – large backpacks are usually not allowed. Re-entry is normally not permitted, so once you go inside you stay until closing (no back-and-forth). Photography (with phones) is fine, but professional cameras or video recorders are usually prohibited. Also, by law there’s no smoking inside – any smoking must be done outside. Basically, bring only what you need (ID, phone, wallet) and follow staff instructions.
Can I bring a camera or record video inside? Phone cameras and GoPros are normally fine for personal photos, but check each night’s rules. Filming with large cameras or tripods is not allowed on the dance floor. Slow shutter flashes are permitted, but intense photo strobes or lasers to film can be banned. In general, casual photography for social media is okay, but professional setups without permission are not.
Are food and drinks available inside the club? Yes. There is a full bar serving beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the night. Prices are typical for a downtown nightclub. There is no full kitchen, so food is very limited – usually just bar snacks or finger foods if anything. It’s a good idea to eat beforehand or grab something outside if you need a meal. Bringing outside food or drinks into the club is not allowed by liquor license law.
Does the venue have coat check or lockers? Saturdays & AV Club generally does not have a formal coat check. Some nights staff may hang a small number of coats by the bar, but they may get shifted after hours. It’s safest to carry only what you need. If security allows a larger bag, they may tag it at the door, but do not count on locked storage. Light jackets can usually be tucked under tables. Better to travel light and keep belongings with you on the floor.
Is the club wheelchair accessible? Because the building is heritage, accessibility is limited. There are a few steps into the club and no elevator. The main floor is on one level once inside, but getting in from street level might require a lift or assistance. Restrooms are on the ground floor but not specifically adapted. Patrons using wheelchairs or with mobility needs should contact the venue in advance; staff can try to assist or direct them to the most accessible entryway.
What is the capacity of Saturdays & AV Club? The club is relatively small – on the order of a few hundred people total. Event listings describe the cocktail lounge holding about 300 people combined, and Soundvibe calls it “XS – 200–500” for capacity (www.soundvibemag.com ). In practice it feels intimate; if an event sells out, it will feel packed, but it’s never as big as a large concert hall. This keeps the vibe energetic and close-knit.
What nights of the week is the club open? As of recent schedules, the club is open late on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Typical hours are Wednesday 10pm–4am, Friday 5pm–4am and Saturday 8pm–4am (localista.co.nz ). (On Thursday and Sunday it is usually closed.) However, event programs can change, so always check the latest event listing – sometimes special parties or holidays add an extra night.
Are children allowed at the venue? No. The venue is R18, meaning it is strictly for adults. Children or anyone under 18 are not admitted under any circumstances, even if accompanied by an adult. This is by law for late-night licensed music venues in New Zealand.
What does the ‘Dance or Die’ sign mean? “Dance or Die” is a playful club slogan. It’s a big neon sign above the DJ booth that reflects the fun, high-energy ethos of AV Club. It doesn’t have any literal meaning – it’s just meant to be a tongue-in-cheek phrase encouraging everyone to dance as if life depends on it. It’s also printed on club T-shirts and stickers as a nod to the club’s party spirit (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.aucklandmagazine.com ).
Are Saturdays & AV Club the same space or two different venues? They are parts of the same venue at 48 Customs Street East. “Saturdays” usually refers to the front lounge/bar area (and private event space), while “AV Club” refers to the main dancefloor out back. In practice however, events often use the entire combined space and it’s operated as one club. When tickets say “Saturdays & AV Club,” it just means both sections of the venue are in play.
Is there a coat check or storage area at the club? There is no dedicated coat check room. Some nights staff may help hang a small number of coats near the bar, but otherwise you will need to carry your coat or keep it on a chair. If you bring a large bag, security may tag it at entry and keep it behind the bar, but this is at their discretion. In general, plan to keep your belongings with you and wear a light jacket or none at all for dancing.
