Events at Silent Studios, Auckland

About Silent Studios

Silent Studios is a boutique electronic music venue housed in a reclaimed warehouse at 1/6 Patrick Street, Onehunga (southwest Auckland) (silentstudios.co.nz). Founded by Logan Baker in late 2018, it grew from “just an idea, an empty space and a plumbing company” into a creative club space built almost entirely by the founders and community volunteers (silentstudios.co.nz). The interior is industrial-chic, decorated with local art pieces and its own open-air courtyard. A key feature is the high-end audio rig – a Funktion-One and TurboSound sound system – paired with professional lighting and visuals (silentstudios.co.nz). The venue is designed to allow loud music while avoiding any noise complaints, thanks to solid insulation and careful neighbors. Because it’s privately built and run by enthusiasts, Silent Studios has a grassroots, community feel. In spite of its small size, it has already hosted some of the world’s top underground DJs – for example Traumer, Clive Henry, Steve Bug and Italy’s Dani Casarano – as well as leading local acts like Mood Control, Out of Sorts and Logan Baker himself (silentstudios.co.nz). This makes it notable for punching above its weight: it brings club-level sound and international talent to a neighborhood that previously had few places for late-night dance parties. The venue celebrated its fourth anniversary in October 2022 (silentstudios.co.nz), underscoring its rapid rise as a key player in Auckland’s dance music scene.

Events and Programming

Silent Studios specialises in electronic dance music parties, typically on weekend nights. Events range from local DJ showcases to themed multi-day “weekender” raves. For example, in mid-2023 the club ran a two-night event with drum & bass on Friday and house/techno on Saturday (www.undertheradar.co.nz). In May 2023 they held special NZ Music Month parties (Friday was Bass night, Saturday was House & Techno) (silentstudios.co.nz). Recurring fixtures include winter “Locals Weekender” parties and summer “Shipwrecked” pirate-themed events, as well as anniversary shows. Lineups balance international DJs (often from Europe or the US) with top Auckland talent and collectives. Past visiting artists have included Berlin techno DJs, UK house acts, and many of New Zealand’s finest producers. Because the crowd size is kept relatively intimate (a few hundred people), the vibe is energetic and communal. Cover charges reflect the niche appeal: typical ticket prices run roughly NZ$20–30 early and can reach $30–40 later, with occasional higher-value “supporter” tiers in the mid-$40s (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.ticketfairy.com). Many events do sell out, so it pays to buy tickets in advance.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Silent Studios events are generally offered only through official channels. The venue’s website or social media will link to an authorised ticketing page when a show is announced. In practice, most tickets are sold online (for example via Flicket or TicketFairy) – there is usually no walk-up box office at the door. Fans should monitor the Silent Studios announcements for presale dates. Popular events often advertise that “tickets will sell out” and indeed many nights – especially with high-profile DJs – reach capacity in advance (www.ticketfairy.com). Pricing tiers vary; for instance a late-2024 event showed an early GA ticket at NZ$22 (inclusive of fees) (www.ticketfairy.com), a late GA at $33, and a “supporter” tier around $44 (www.ticketfairy.com). In every case, note that Silent Studios is fully licensed – outside alcohol is never allowed. (“No BYO: the venue has a fully stocked bar” (www.ticketfairy.com).) There are no reserved seats or tables – entry grants general admission and you stand or sit wherever there’s space. Box office sales at the venue are uncommon, so if a show isn’t marked sold-out when you arrive you can often buy right at the door, but always at the higher late price.

Seating and Layout

Silent Studios does not have fixed seating: it’s basically one big open floor. The main dance area faces the DJ booth and sound system at one end of the hall. Because the stage is only slightly raised, the best view is by standing on the floor near the front. Many people also like to watch from the sides or rear of the hall where it’s a bit less crowded. Behind the dance floor is the bar and some bench seating along the walls. Uniquely, the venue also has an adjoining outdoor courtyard (fenced but open at the top). In good weather this beer-garden area becomes part of the party: it has tables and benches and people often step out there to cool off. Acoustically the courtyard is quieter, but you can still hear the music through the open door. In short, everything at Silent Studios is general-admission and standing-room. There are no VIP booths – at most a small side table for event staff. If you want the full experience, grab a spot on the dancefloor or a seat in the courtyard; either way you’ll have a good view of the action.

Getting There and Parking

Silent Studios is located at 1/6 Patrick Street, Onehunga (silentstudios.co.nz). Onehunga is a southwest suburb of Auckland, adjacent to the airport and harbour. By car, the venue is easily reached from the Southwestern Motorway (SH20). From the Auckland CBD or Southeast, take the Onehunga or Maahela Street exit onto Onehunga Mall, then turn right on Princes Street and left on Patrick Street. From the south, exit SH1 at Hillsborough/Onehunga Mall and head toward the same roads. Parking on Patrick Street itself is very limited (it’s a short industrial lane), so many visitors park on nearby streets like Arthurs Road or Denton Park Road. After business hours these on-street metered zones often become free – but always read signs carefully. There’s also a small carpark by Onehunga Train Station (New Railway Station road) about a 5-minute walk away. In practice, many patrons prefer rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxis due to the tight parking. The club also notes that if you get dropped off, Patrick Street has a small turning circle, or you can pop out onto Princes St for wider access.

For public transport, Onehunga is convenient. The Onehunga train line (ONE) runs from Britomart/Newmarket to Onehunga Station; if you alight there, it’s about a 7-minute walk north along Onehunga Mall and Princes Street to Patrick St. Several AT Metro buses also serve Onehunga. For example, the 309 University-Mangere loop bus stops at Onehunga Station and Onehunga Mall, and buses 36/38 run between the city, Mangere and the airport via Onehunga. If you’re coming from central Auckland by bus, aim for a route that stops at Onehunga Mall or Station. Once off the bus or train, look for Princes Street, then turn into Patrick Street (there may be a small sign or local map pointing the way to Silent Studios). Especially at night, it’s a straightforward short walk.

Inside the Venue

On entering, you’ll find a clubby crowd in a concrete-floored hall. Staff will ask for photo ID (the venue is strictly 18 and over (www.ticketfairy.com)) and may do a quick security pat-down or wand check. Once inside, the layout is simple: the DJ booth with its lights and Funktion-One speakers is at one end, and the bar counters are mid-floor. There is comfortable but casual club lighting (moving beams, strobes, projection visuals on the back wall). The cover charge includes entry, and drinks are sold from a bar table (there’s no kitchen, but occasionally a food truck or burger stand is parked outside for big events). Since Silent Studios is fully licensed, outside alcohol is banned (the event listing itself reminds patrons: “No BYO – we’ve got the drinks covered!” (www.ticketfairy.com)). Bottled water and soft drinks are available for purchase, and water taps are usually provided. The toilet facilities are in the back, standard for any nightclub (basically a few stalls labeled men/women). There is typically a small coat-check rack near the entrance where you can leave jackets for a token; this varies by event.

The atmosphere is very relaxed and community driven. Patrons wear whatever they’d wear to a dance party – mostly casual or club attire. A small merchandise stand may appear at special gigs (for a touring DJ’s t-shirts or CDs), but Silent Studios itself doesn’t have a permanent merch shop. Cell reception inside is generally good on most carriers, though it can get a bit spotty if the party crowds the networks. Wi-Fi is not usually offered. The covered courtyard off to the side offers another dimension: people often stream outside to chat, smoke (smoking is only allowed outdoors by law), or just experience a slightly quieter vibe. It’s also the spot for hanging out between sets.

Nearby Amenities

If you plan to grab a bite before the show, Onehunga’s main street (Onehunga Mall/Princes St) is just a short drive or bus ride away. There are cafés, pizza and burger joints, Thai and Indian restaurants, fish & chip shops, and the Onehunga Cosmopolitan Club (a local bowling club/pub with a bistro menu). The brand-new Homecoming Brewery (on the waterfront near the harbour) serves craft beer and pub food. These all tend to close around 9–10pm, so arriving “arvo” or early evening is a good idea. For late snacks after a show, options are limited; usually the best strategy is to eat before the gig or wait until you return toward the city.

There aren’t many hotels in Onehunga itself. The closest hotels are near Auckland Airport (~2–3 km north; e.g. Novotel Auckland Airport, Sudima), which is only a 5–10-minute drive via SH20. These are popular with travelers and also convenient for club-goers. Central Auckland (Queen St) hotels are about 10 km away (~20–30 min drive depending on traffic). Taxis, rideshares or a train ride back into the city are options if you stay downtown. As always, plan your trip home ahead of time – late-night transport beyond a car/taxi can be sparse.

What Makes This Venue Special

Silent Studios stands out in Auckland’s nightlife for its DIY ethos and community spirit. Unlike a corporate club, it was built from scratch by people in the local music scene on a minimal budget (silentstudios.co.nz). That grassroots quality means the vibe is very warm and inclusive – you often see the owners or promoters happily behind the decks or mixing drinks late into the night. The Funktion-One sound system is widely praised; visitors regularly comment that this small hall sounds clearer and punchier than much larger venues. The combination of inside and outside spaces is also rare for a club in Auckland – an open-air courtyard lets people gorgeously mingle under the night sky.

Culturally, Silent Studios has become an incubator for underground dance culture. It regularly hosts community-driven collectives (like the Out Of Sorts crew, K2K nights, etc.) and has even been featured as a key venue in local media covering Auckland’s music resurgence. Many past guests cite it as the place where they first danced to new genres or discovered emerging DJs. Famous “moments” include events like Logan Baker’s own two-decade DJ celebration (www.ticketfairy.com) and the annual Shipwrecked festival launch, which bring people together in a way that only a passionate local venue can. According to the venue’s own description, it is “a community of creatives and music lovers” – a tag that captures why both artists and audiences love it (silentstudios.co.nz). In short, its unpolished charm, top-tier sound, and community focus make Silent Studios a beloved outpost of Auckland’s club scene.

Visitor Tips and Information

Entry Requirements: All public events are strictly 18+ (www.ticketfairy.com). Bring valid photo ID (passport, NZ driver’s licence or Kiwi Access Card); you will not be admitted without it. The door staff will scan or mark your ticket and may perform a quick security check (they often use a handheld detector). If you have a coat or large bag, you can coat-check it for a small fee; this is recommended in winter as Cloakroom space is limited. If you want to save valuables, the cloak area is generally safe but you may prefer to leave non-essentials at home.

What to Bring: Carry your e-ticket or have it ready on your phone. Have some cash or a card for drinks (though cards are accepted at the bar). If you sweat or plan to dance hard, dress in layers – you can always remove a hoodie or scarf. Earplugs are a smart idea if you’re sensitive to loud bass (the Funktion-One rig can be intense). Remember that the weather in Onehunga can be breezy at night if you walk from far; a light jacket for after-hours is useful.

Venue Rules: No outside food or drinks – as noted, BYO alcohol is banned (www.ticketfairy.com). Smoking is allowed only in the courtyard or designated outdoor areas – bring a lighter if you smoke, but vaping indoors is also banned like smoking. Photography with phones is fine; just be respectful of others enjoying themselves in each shot. Keep moving in the hot zones so you don’t block hallways or exits. The venue’s promotions always stress “respect the neighbours” and “respect the crew” (www.ticketfairy.com) – in practice this means exiting quietly at night, cleaning up your trash (bins are provided), and treating the staff courteously. Avoid arguments or fights: security is professional but will eject troublemakers. If you follow the normal rules of a late-night club, you’ll fit right in.

Accessibility: The main entrance has a small step up; there is no automatic ramp. Inside, the floors are flat and wide, but the club does not have special seating for wheelchairs. If you have specific accessibility needs (mobility, vision, hearing), it’s best to contact the venue beforehand. They have accommodated wheelchairs on a case-by-case basis, but there’s no guarantee of a fully accessible setup. The bathrooms do not have disability lifts or helpers unless arranged. As with any warehouse venue, plan cautiously if you require assistance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t arrive too late – DJs often start early sets, and latecomers may only be let in between acts. Also, rush hour on the motorway can bite if you come straight from downtown; allow at least 30 minutes from the city center. Many patrons underestimate how the crowd spills into the street during busy nights – be careful walking on Patrick/Princes Street (use sidewalks). The venue typically closes around 2-4am, after which few transport options exist, so have a ride (taxi/rideshare) ready if you don’t plan to walk to the train station. Finally, people sometimes forget earplugs – the system is that good that a long set can leave you ringing. Bring them if you want to last all night comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions