Events and Tickets at The Grand Wellington
Events and Programming
The venue at 69–71 Courtenay Place, commonly entered in listings as 71/69 Courtenay Pl, is best understood as a multi-level bar, restaurant and nightlife venue rather than a conventional theatre. Its programme combines ticketed music nights, DJ events, sports screenings, social gatherings, private functions, dining promotions and rooftop entertainment. The building’s five levels and separate bar areas allow different events to take place across the venue at the same time.
Electronic music and bass culture are the clearest recurring strands in the public event record. Verified bookings from 2022 to 2024 include drum-and-bass, jungle, dubstep and electronic artists such as Degs, Unglued, Bru-C, Truth, Paige Julia, ASHEZ, Grafix, A Little Sound, Alix Perez, SP:MC, Metrik and The Upbeats. The venue has also hosted hip-hop, R&B and crossover nightlife events, including DJ Noiz, Kennyon Brown, Donell Lewis and Bina Butta in 2022, an old-school R&B party in 2024, and Spawnbreezie in January 2025.
Recent programming also shows that The Grand is used for themed and community-led events rather than only touring concerts. Documented examples include The Grand Send in 2021, Wellington Drag Performer of the Year and Full Circle events in 2023, Shakedown and R&B Fest in 2024, Aerospace New Zealand’s industry meet-up in April 2026, and recurring Froth multi-stage dance events. The 2026 Froth format used four stages with music ranging from ambient selections to high-energy dance sets, supported by visual and lighting installations. ticketfairy.com
The venue’s 2026 activity has also included large-screen sports nights, weekly food promotions and social gatherings. A later-2026 event listing advertises an 18-plus Sip and Sing Australia night on 24 October, with throwback music, dancing and audience participation. This suggests that the current programming mix continues to favour flexible, social events that use the bar environment as much as a traditional performance stage.
A complete public archive of every event held between 2021 and 2026 is not available, so no responsible guide can claim to list every booking. The documented pattern is nevertheless consistent: touring electronic acts, local selectors, bass-music promoters, themed parties, cultural or professional gatherings, sports screenings and private celebrations. Live events are generally intermittent rather than presented as a permanent theatre season.
Tickets and Booking
There is no published, permanent box-office schedule for The Grand. Ticketed events are promoted separately by their organisers, and the purchase window, age restriction, refund terms, door time and entry conditions vary from one booking to another. Some evenings operate as ordinary bar or restaurant service, while special concerts and club nights use advance tickets, door sales or both.
Published examples show a broad price range. The Grand Send in 2021 listed general-admission releases from about NZ$22 to NZ$44. A 2024 Froth event listed a NZ$25 entry price, while Spawnbreezie’s 2025 Wellington show listed general admission at NZ$99 before fees. The 2026 Sip and Sing event advertised staged releases of approximately NZ$41 to NZ$47 including fees. These examples indicate that small club nights can sit in the low-to-mid tens, while headline or specially produced events cost considerably more. ticketfairy.com
For popular events, buying during the first release is the safest approach because promoters may use early-bird, general-admission and final-release tiers. Check the event’s age limit and entry requirements before paying: recent listings have included 18-plus and 20-plus restrictions, physical photo identification requirements, no-refund conditions and fixed last-entry times. Arriving early is particularly useful when the event is general admission or when the room contains a mixture of standing areas, tables and lounge seating.
About 71/69 Courtenay Pl
71/69 Courtenay Pl refers to The Grand Wellington at 69–71 Courtenay Place in Te Aro. It is a hospitality-led event venue with a restaurant, several bar spaces, a rooftop operation known as ABV, function rooms and areas that can be adapted for live music, parties, dinners and corporate gatherings. The venue describes the building as having five levels, each with a self-contained bar.
The most useful published capacity figures are room-specific rather than a single official concert capacity. The Garden Bar is listed at 100 guests, the Lounge Bar at 200, and the Balcony Bar at 500. The venue also advertises whole-venue functions for more than 500 people, subject to the selected rooms, layout and event conditions. These figures are function capacities, not necessarily the licensed capacity for every concert configuration.
The address has a longer commercial history than the current bar brand. National Library records identify E. T. Taylor and Company, wine and liquor merchants, operating at 69–71 Courtenay Place in the early twentieth century. The premises were known as Beehive Chambers, and the business bottled the Beehive brand of Speight’s ale and stout. A historical account from 2003 refers to the attached Stables at The Grand as having previously traded as the Beehive W Bottling Company, and records refurbishment and upgrading work associated with owner Stewart Thwaites.
The exact opening date of the current The Grand operation is not clearly published. Council licensing records and venue listings place The Grand in the early 2010s, although older records sometimes show the premises as 67–71 Courtenay Place rather than the present 69–71 format. The safest conclusion is that the current hospitality operation emerged in the early 2010s within a site with substantially older commercial history.
Seating and Layout
The Grand does not publish a standard theatre seating plan, seat numbers or a permanent concert configuration. Seating depends on the room and the event. The Balcony Bar can be arranged for a gig or a sit-down dinner and includes an indoor area and a balcony overlooking Courtenay Place. The Garden Bar is described as covered and comfortably seated, while the Lounge Bar provides a larger upper-level function space.
For a dance or DJ event, expect standing areas and general admission rather than assigned seats. For a meal or social gathering, tables, booths and lounge-style seating are more likely. A balcony-facing position can provide a better sense of the Courtenay Place atmosphere, while a table near the sound or performance area may be preferable for an event where music is the main focus. There is no verified VIP layout that applies across all bookings.
Acoustics will vary significantly by room. The building’s separated levels, bars, stairs and mixed dining areas mean that sound at a bass-music event should not be assumed to resemble a purpose-built concert hall. Promoters have used multiple stages, separate music areas, projection and visual installations for larger club nights, so the final listening experience depends on the organiser’s production design and the room selected.
Sound, Lighting and Production
The published function information confirms access to an AV system and microphone in the Garden, Balcony and Lounge Bars. Staging is specifically listed as available in the Balcony Bar. The venue does not publish a detailed technical specification covering house speakers, consoles, wireless microphone inventory, lighting fixtures, rigging points, stage dimensions, video walls, power distribution or decibel limits.
For larger nightlife events, production may be supplied or supplemented by the promoter. The Grand Send advertised a high-level sound and visual production package, while Froth promoted four stages with visual and lighting installations. Those descriptions demonstrate the scale some organisers can achieve, but they should not be treated as a permanent house specification. Artists, producers and private hirers should obtain a current technical brief for the particular room before confirming an event.
Getting There and Parking
The venue is on Courtenay Place in Te Aro, close to Wellington’s main entertainment, dining and cultural precinct. Courtenay Place is served by frequent city buses, and the street is part of the central public-transport corridor linking the railway station, Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and the eastern side of the central city.
The Airport Express bus operates between Wellington Airport and Wellington Railway Station, stopping through the central city and Courtenay Place. From Wellington Railway Station, visitors can continue by bus or walk south through Lambton Quay, Willis Street and Manners Street towards Te Aro. After-midnight bus services on Saturday and Sunday mornings also use Courtenay Place or Manners Street for departures, although routes and stop locations should be checked on the night.
The Grand does not advertise dedicated customer parking. On-street parking around Courtenay Place is time-controlled and affected by ongoing public-realm and transport changes, so read the signs carefully. A nearby commercial option at Bond Street lists night rates from about NZ$17, weekend rates from about NZ$21 and higher daytime casual rates; prices can change, so allow time to park and walk.
There is no published dedicated rideshare bay for The Grand. Evening transport changes allow short drop-offs and pick-ups in parts of Courtenay Place, but drivers should use a legal kerbside location and avoid blocking bus lanes, entrances or pedestrian areas. For late events, pre-arranging a pick-up from a nearby side street can be easier than waiting directly outside the busiest section of Courtenay Place.
Inside the Venue
The experience is more pub-and-club than formal theatre. The ground-level hospitality offer includes restaurant dining, stone-grill meals, craft beer and standard bar service. ABV occupies the rooftop and is described as a sheltered, heated cocktail and craft-beer bar overlooking Courtenay Place. The Garden Bar includes a private bar, televisions, pool tables, darts and a covered outdoor smoking area for functions.
For ticketed nights, expect event-specific entry screening, age checks and rules set by the promoter. Physical photo identification has been required for some recent 18-plus events. Door times, last entry, photography rules, bag restrictions and refund conditions are not published as one universal venue policy, so the conditions on the individual event listing take precedence.
The venue and restaurant listings identify Wi-Fi, table service, full bar service and food options. There is no consistently published information confirming a coat check, merchandise counter, dedicated concert box office or permanent cloakroom. Merchandise, food service and access to particular bars may change when a private or ticketed event takes over several floors.
Accessibility and Inclusive Facilities
Public information about accessibility is inconsistent. Some restaurant directories describe The Grand as wheelchair accessible, while a 2024 event listing for R&B Fest stated that the venue was not wheelchair accessible. No current venue-issued access plan was found specifying step-free entrances, lift access between levels, accessible toilets, viewing positions or evacuation arrangements.
This matters because the venue occupies several levels and event layouts can change. Visitors who need step-free access, accessible seating, an accessible toilet, assistance with stairs or a clear evacuation plan should confirm those details for the particular event and room before buying. Do not assume that an accessible restaurant listing guarantees access to the Balcony Bar, Lounge Bar, Garden Bar or rooftop.
Nearby Amenities
Courtenay Place is one of Wellington’s strongest pre-show dining areas. Nearby options documented by Wellington’s visitor agency include Hummingbird for modern European share plates, Dragonfly for contemporary Asian food and cocktails, Chow on Tory Street for Asian-inspired small plates, Nicolini’s on Blair Street for Italian dining, and a range of late-night bars along Courtenay Place.
The venue is also close to the Embassy Theatre, Te Papa, the waterfront, the Opera House and the wider Te Aro nightlife district. That makes it practical to combine dinner, a film, a museum visit or another performance with an evening at The Grand. Te Papa is a short walk from Courtenay Place, and most buses serving the railway station and airport use the nearby central-city corridor.
For a popular Friday or Saturday event, arriving 30–60 minutes early is sensible if you want dinner, a table or time to pass entry checks. Allow longer if you are driving, collecting tickets at the door, attending a sold-out event or travelling during Courtenay Place construction and transport changes.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Grand’s distinction is its combination of historic commercial character and adaptable nightlife infrastructure. The site’s Beehive Chambers and bottling-store history connects it to Wellington’s nineteenth- and early twentieth-century hospitality and retail economy, while the current operation uses multiple bars, dining rooms, a rooftop and function spaces for contemporary events.
It also occupies a useful middle ground in Wellington’s cultural ecology. The venue is smaller and less formal than a major theatre or arena, but larger and more flexible than a single-room bar. That makes it suitable for touring DJs, bass-music promoters, themed parties, professional meet-ups, community functions and informal celebrations. The public event record shows that its strongest identity is social, late-night and music-led, with room for other formats when the organiser needs several bars or distinct areas.
There is no published study isolating The Grand’s economic contribution. Its likely impact is best understood through the wider Courtenay Place precinct: the venue brings diners, nightlife patrons, touring performers, private-event guests and workers into Te Aro, supporting spending across food, drinks, transport and nearby businesses. Wellington’s broader events sector has been credited with substantial citywide economic benefits, but those figures should not be attributed specifically to The Grand.
Visitor Tips and Information
Check the exact room before attending. “The Grand” may refer to the main bar, Balcony Bar, Garden Bar, Lounge Bar or ABV, and the experience can differ between a seated dinner, general-admission club night and private function. Wear comfortable shoes for standing events, carry physical photo identification for age-restricted nights and avoid bringing more than you need.
Do not rely on a generic venue assumption for accessibility, door times, refunds, photography, bags or age limits. These conditions are often set by the event organiser. If a show is likely to be loud or crowded, ear protection can improve comfort. For a quieter visit, a restaurant booking or early-evening rooftop drink is generally a better fit than a late-night ticketed event.
Dress codes are not published as a single venue-wide rule. Smart-casual clothing is suitable for dining and functions, while nightlife events may be more informal, subject to the promoter’s entry policy. The venue does not publish a universal merchandise, coat-check or ticket-pickup procedure, so allow time to resolve event-specific arrangements at the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 71/69 Courtenay Pl in Wellington?
71/69 Courtenay Pl refers to The Grand Wellington at 69–71 Courtenay Place, Te Aro. It is a multi-level restaurant, bar and events venue with separate function areas, a rooftop bar called ABV and spaces used for concerts, DJ nights, social gatherings, sports screenings and private functions. Some listings shorten the address to 69 Courtenay Place.
Is The Grand Wellington a concert hall?
No. The Grand is primarily a hospitality and nightlife venue rather than a purpose-built concert hall. It hosts music events, but its rooms are also used for dining, parties, meetings and private celebrations. That means layouts, sound levels, seating and production can change substantially from one event to another.
What music is usually played at The Grand?
The documented music programme is strongest in drum and bass, jungle, dubstep, electronic music, hip-hop, house and related club styles. The venue has also hosted R&B parties, touring artists, local selectors and themed singalong events. Its programming is promoter-led, so the genre can vary considerably between dates.
Does The Grand have regular live music every week?
There is no published weekly concert calendar comparable with a theatre season. The venue hosts recurring or returning event brands, but live music and DJ nights appear intermittently. Regular hospitality promotions, sports screenings and private functions are also part of the programme. Check the specific event listing rather than assuming a performance occurs on a fixed weekly schedule.
How much do tickets usually cost?
Verified examples range from about NZ$22 for an early-release club event to around NZ$99 for a higher-priced touring show, before or after fees depending on the listing. Many dance and bass-music events fall somewhere in the low-to-mid tens, while special productions, headline artists and hosted experiences can cost more.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Door sales depend on the organiser, capacity and remaining availability. Some ordinary bar evenings do not require a ticket, while special events may sell advance tickets only or offer limited door entry. If the listing says an event is sold out, do not assume tickets will be available at the venue.
Does The Grand have assigned seating?
Generally, no permanent assigned seating plan is published. Dining and private functions may use tables, booths or lounge seating, while concerts and club nights may be general admission with standing areas. If seating is important, check the event’s room description and arrive early, because the layout may be arranged for the specific organiser.
What is the largest room at The Grand?
The Balcony Bar is the largest publicly listed function room, with a stated capacity of 500 guests. It includes a large indoor area, a private bar and a balcony overlooking Courtenay Place. The figure is a function capacity and may not equal the permitted capacity for every concert, dinner or production layout.
How many people can the whole venue hold?
The venue advertises whole-venue functions for more than 500 guests, but it does not publish one definitive current total capacity for every floor combined. Actual attendance depends on which rooms are open, whether the event is seated or standing, the licensed configuration and any production, catering or access requirements.
Is The Grand wheelchair accessible?
Public listings conflict. Some restaurant directories describe the venue as wheelchair accessible, while a 2024 event listing stated that the venue was not wheelchair accessible. No current room-by-room access plan was located. Guests requiring step-free entry, accessible toilets or accessible viewing should confirm the exact event space before purchasing.
Is there parking at The Grand?
The venue does not advertise dedicated customer parking. Courtenay Place has nearby street parking, but time limits, pricing and transport works can change. Commercial parking buildings are available within walking distance; one nearby Bond Street facility publishes evening, weekend and daytime rates. Allow extra time, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
What is the easiest public transport route?
Courtenay Place is on Wellington’s central bus corridor and is served by routes connecting the railway station, Lambton Quay, Manners Street and the eastern central city. The Airport Express also travels through Courtenay Place. From Wellington Railway Station, visitors can take a city bus or walk south through the Golden Mile towards Te Aro.
Are there buses after midnight?
Metlink operates after-midnight services on Saturday and Sunday mornings, with many services departing from Courtenay Place or Manners Street. Availability depends on the destination, date and public holiday calendar. For late events, check the final departure before entering the venue and keep a taxi or rideshare option available as a backup.
Does The Grand have a rooftop?
Yes. ABV is the rooftop bar associated with The Grand. It overlooks Courtenay Place and is described as sheltered and heated, with cocktails, craft beer, food and entertainment. Access may depend on opening hours, private hires, weather, age restrictions or whether another event has taken over the upper levels.
Can I dine at The Grand before an event?
Yes, the venue operates a restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner service, including stone-grill dining, bar food and drinks. During a large ticketed event, dining access or service times may change. If dinner is important, book or arrive early and check whether the event uses the same room or several floors.
Does The Grand provide sound and lighting equipment?
Published function information confirms an AV system and microphone in the Garden, Balcony and Lounge Bars, with staging available in the Balcony Bar. The venue does not publish detailed equipment models, lighting plots or rigging specifications. Larger concerts and club events may bring additional production, so organisers should request a current technical brief.
What identification is accepted for events?
Age-restricted events can require physical photo identification, and recent listings have specified no ID, no entry. The exact acceptable documents and age limit are set by the event organiser and New Zealand licensing requirements. A digital image may not be accepted, so bring the original physical identification stated in the event conditions.
Are ticket refunds available?
Refund rules are event-specific. Several recent listings have stated that sales are final or that tickets are non-refundable, while changes, transfers or resale may be governed by the organiser’s terms. Read the conditions before payment, particularly for themed events, fixed-date tours and events with staged ticket releases.
Is The Grand suitable for children?
Some restaurant visits and daytime functions may be suitable for families, but late-night ticketed events frequently carry 18-plus or higher age restrictions. The event’s advertised age limit controls entry, not the venue’s general restaurant opening. Families should also consider noise, crowds, alcohol service and whether the selected room is a late-night club environment.
