About 9 Edward St
9 Edward Street is home to Meow, a small independent live-music bar and late-night tavern in the heart of Wellington’s Te Aro district. Open since around 2009–2010, it quickly earned a reputation as Wellington’s “musical living room” (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue occupies a brick-lined storefront in a narrow laneway between Willis and Manners Streets, giving it a hidden-gem feel (www.ticketfairy.com ). Inside, Meow’s vintage lounge-café decor (exposed black-painted ceilings, art-covered walls, cosy booth seating and a low round stage) and fully stocked bar create a relaxed, community vibe. Signature touches – like a rotating list of New Zealand craft beers on tap and creative bar snacks (past specials included wild wallaby wontons and mash-up sliders) – add to its notoriety (www.ticketfairy.com ). Despite its modest size, Meow has become an integral part of the capital’s live-music scene: over a decade of continuous programming has cemented its status as a cornerstone venue for local and touring acts (www.ticketfairy.com ). (It’s officially licensed as a tavern with late-night hours – in fact the on-license covers 8am–4am daily (wellington.govt.nz ) – which explains why it often serves well into the small hours.)
Events and Programming
Meow offers a packed, eclectic calendar year-round. Expect something almost every night of the week: jazz and blues nights; folk or singer-songwriter showcases; alternative rock and world-music gigs; open-mic and poetry evenings; and high-energy club/DJ parties, especially on weekends. For example, the Wellington Jazz Cooperative meets at Meow monthly (usually the 3rd Sunday) for jam sessions or concerts, often tied into the Wellington Jazz Festival every spring (www.ticketfairy.com ). Spoken-word and slam poetry nights (often run by Verb Wellington) regularly draw creative crowds (www.ticketfairy.com ). Promoters also run special club nights – for instance series like “Immersion” or “High Tide” bring in local and international DJs (drum’n’bass, electronic, world-fusion, etc.) (www.ticketfairy.com ). And on any given week you might catch reggae, cabaret or even comedy nights. Meow occasionally hosts bigger touring bands too; recent headliners have included alt-rock acts like Blonde Redhead (June 2024) and New Zealand punk outfit WITCH (March 2024) (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, Meow’s programming is remarkably diverse – from grassroots acoustic jams to sold-out indie shows – with a friendly, living-room vibe that keeps both artists and audiences coming back.
Regular jazzy nights: Wellington Jazz Club meets monthly (usually Sunday evenings) for jazz jams and concerts (www.ticketfairy.com ).Poetry & spoken word: Weekly open-mic or poetry slams (often in partnership with local arts groups like Verb Wellington) featuring poets, storytellers and comedy (www.ticketfairy.com ).Club/DJ nights: Asian and electronic dance nights (e.g. “Immersion” series) showcase local and international DJs spinning everything from drum’n’bass to global beats (www.ticketfairy.com ).Singer-songwriters & bands: Acoustic showcases and indie-rock concerts support local musicians. Meow’s low stage makes even small shows feel intimate and energetic.Special events: Annual spots include gigs during the Wellington Jazz Festival and Fringe Festival, often with double- or triple-billed lineups. Festivals and promoters sometimes book the venue for offbeat or niche tours.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Meow events are typically sold as electronic tickets through the venue’s or event promoters’ online channels (www.ticketfairy.com ). There is no permanent physical box office – Meow functions more like a bar than a theatre – so patrons are expected to buy in advance. For popular shows or touring acts, tickets often go on sale weeks ahead and may sell out quickly. It’s a good idea to subscribe to Meow’s mailing list or follow its social media for announcements of upcoming gigs. For big acts, promoters sometimes run presales (e.g. fanclub or newsletter presales) before tickets go on general sale. Smaller local gigs and open-mic nights are sometimes free or very low cost; occasionally a handful of tickets are held for “door sales” if the show isn’t already sold out. On the night of an event, doors generally open 20–30 minutes early (www.ticketfairy.com ) to allow people to queue or buy last-minute tickets. (Because tickets aren’t officially refundable, make sure you can attend before purchasing.)
In practice, the easiest way to guarantee entry is to book online in advance. Box-office style walk-up sales happen only if a show isn’t sold out – so arrive very early if you hope to buy a last-minute ticket. Plan on getting there at or before the posted “doors” time to secure your spot (www.ticketfairy.com ). For sold-out concerts, there’s typically no re-entry past capacity, so treat a published seating plan or ticket as final. Depending on the promoter, tickets may be tiered (e.g. early-bird, general, VIP); pricing varies by show, with free or inexpensive entry to open jams, and moderate fees (often in the $20–40 range for larger indie acts). The box office tends to check ID and may verify tickets at the door, so keep your photo ID handy (NZ driver’s licence or passport) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Seating and Layout
Meow’s floor plan is simple and mostly general-admission. The venue is a single rectangular room (no balcony), with a small raised stage at one short end, and a long bar along one wall. A few cushioned booths and barstools line the side walls, but most of the central floor area is open space for standing. When a band plays, the crowd gathers on the floor in front of the stage, often dancing or jumping. This means that the best views and fullest sound are up near the front center, right in front of the stage. If you want a front-row position or guaranteed space, it pays to arrive early and “stake out” a spot before the room fills up (www.ticketfairy.com ).
If you prefer a seat or more personal space, the edges and back of the room are better. There are usually a few free chairs or booths on the sides and rear; these tend to fill up, but if you breeze in before the music starts you might snag one. From an audio perspective, Meow’s house PA is professional-grade, so the sound is quite good even off to the sides. In fact, sound engineers note that you can hear a full mix from the side pews or back corner (www.ticketfairy.com ). The very back (near the entrance) is sometimes quieter and a bit dimmer, which can be nice for standing out of the crowd, but the sightlines are poorer. In summary: front-center yields the clearest sound and best views, while the side benches and back bar area offer a bit more elbow room if the room is crowded. (www.ticketfairy.com )
Getting There and Parking
Location: 9 Edward Street (Te Aro, Wellington 6011). Technically on Edward Street, the entrance is accessed via a short pedestrian laneway that connects Willis Street and Manners Street. The official address is often shown as 159 Willis Street (the corner of the laneway), but Signs and maps will point to Edward Street. It’s in the Te Aro neighborhood just south of the CBD, only a few blocks from Lambton Quay and Courtenay Place. (For reference, Eventfinda lists the venue at “9 Edward St, Te Aro, Wellington” (www.eventfinda.co.nz ).)
Driving: There is no on-street parking on Edward Street itself (it’s a narrow laneway). Nearby paid garages include Wilson Parking’s Hall Street lot (spanning 7–11 Hall St, a 3–5 minute walk) or the Manners Street parking building. Metered street parking exists on adjacent roads like Willis Street and Taranaki Street, but it can be scarce during evenings. A paid parking spot in the area might cost on the order of $5–$10 for a few hours, depending on duration.Rideshare/Taxi: A practical option is to be dropped off at Willis Street (near Victoria, by the Food Court entrance). From there it’s a short walk down the little laneway that runs behind the Willis Street Food Court all the way to Meow’s doorway. This drop-off point also has easy access to main thoroughfares. After the show, rideshares can pick up on Willis or Victoria Street.Public Transport: Many city bus routes run along Willis and Manners Streets (for example, routes between Courtenay Place and the city centre run frequent evening services). To get there by bus, disembark at a Willis Street stop near Victoria or at the Bus Boulevard on Lambton Quay and walk 5–10 minutes south to the laneway. The nearest train station is Wellington Railway Station (Lambton Quay), about a 10–15 minute walk north (down Lambton and right on Willis). On busy gig nights, taking a cab or ride-share is common, but you can also walk from nearby summer attractions. Wellington’s reliable late-night buses or shared shuttles can get you home if leaving after midnight.
Inside the Venue
Layout and Atmosphere: Enter Meow via a discreet feline neon sign on Edward Street (down a short, covered alley). Inside is a single-level, open space with low ambient lighting, funky art on the walls, and a stage that sits just a foot or so above the floor. The overall feel is intimate and informal – part bar, part living room – rather than like a traditional club. Expect music at moderate-to-high volumes (it’s loud during shows) and an energetic crowd moving on the floor. The bartenders and staff are known to be friendly and the audience tends to be up-close with the performers.
Bar and Food: Meow has a full-service bar with a wide drinks menu. You’ll find rotating taps of local craft beers (often from Wellington breweries), plus bottles of New Zealand beer, wine by the glass, and classic cocktails. The kitchen (though small) serves light pub fare until around 9–10pm (www.ticketfairy.com ). Menu items are typically shareable snacks like nachos, dumplings or sliders – enough to tide you over but not meant to be a full dinner service. (Many gig-goers choose to eat beforehand, given the music-focused vibe.)
Facilities: There are toilets available on-site, so you won’t have to leave the building during a sold-out show (www.eventfinda.co.nz ). However, be aware that the restroom stalls are modest in size (they may not be fully wheelchair-friendly (www.ticketfairy.com )). Meow accepts credit/debit card and NFC mobile payments at the bar (thecommunity.co.nz ), so you don’t necessarily need cash (though having some on hand can be handy). Keep an eye on your belongings – there is no formal coatcheck desk (www.ticketfairy.com ), so patrons usually drape coats over chairs or carry small items. If the show is very crowded, staff might point you to a corner or rack to hang your coat.
Rules and Tips: The venue enforces a few standard club rules. The space in front of the stage is strictly standing-room on gig nights (no reserved chairs there) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Flash photography or professional cameras are generally not allowed during concerts (www.ticketfairy.com ). (Casual phone photos without flash are usually fine.) There is never any smoking inside Meow by law – instead there is a small covered courtyard/doorway area just outside where patrons step out to smoke or vape (www.ticketfairy.com ). Also note that Meow’s soundtrack policy is largely up to the act, so expect everything from quiet jazz to thumping dance music depending on the event. Above all, the vibe is casual: most people come dressed comfortably (jeans and sneakers are common (www.ticketfairy.com )) and ready to mingle or dance.
Nearby Amenities
Because Meow sits in a central laneway, there are plenty of options close by for food, drinks and lodging:
Press Hall (80 Willis St): Just steps from the laneway, Press Hall is Wellington’s modern brick-and-timber food hall (www.nzherald.co.nz ). It houses several sit-down eateries and bars – from taco joints to ramen bars to burger pubs – making it ideal for pre-show dinner or post-show snacks. (Outdoor courtyard seating is available in good weather.)Little Food Court: The adjacent laneway is lined with a handful of casual strike-a-light dining spots – things like a late-night pizza shop, taco stand or Asian ramen bar. These are open until late, offering a quick bite before or after Meow’s nightly events.Bars and Pubs: Right next door is the Little Beer Quarter (LBQ), a popular craft-beer bar and pizzeria that often stays open late. Its proximity is more than nominal: LBQ once held a charity beer sale to support Meow’s owners, underlining the friendly neighborhood feel (www.rnz.co.nz ). A few blocks away on Willis/Manners you’ll find other well-known pubs (e.g. Sprig & Fern brewpub, Regal Beer Co. and others) that cater to night owls. If you want more of a lounge vibe, minor venues like Golding’s Free Dive (rice on 5 Edward Lane) are also nearby.Accommodation: Te Aro has many late-night cafes and motels. Popular central hotels like the Rendezvous Hotel or Travelodge are within a few blocks (just north on Pipitea or Victoria streets). For a more local stay, boutique lodging on Cuba St or short-term rentals in Te Aro are convenient. Because the venue is centrally located, plenty of Wellington CBD hotels are only a 10–15 minute walk away.Other Tips: If you’re arriving early, consider grabbing afternoon coffee at a nearby café (for instance, Cuba Street cafes or the Night ‘n Day convenience store/deli on Manners media). For late-night transit, the area is well-served by 24-hour Uber/Taxi services and bus routes. Overall, Meow’s location makes it easy to combine a night of music with dinner/drinks at other local spots.
What Makes This Venue Special
Meow at 9 Edward Street isn’t just another bar or club – it’s an institution in Wellington’s cultural fabric. Its uniqueness comes from its intimate scale and character. Performers often remark on how close the audience is to the stage, and audiences comment on the feeling of being in someone’s living room rather than a cavernous hall. The quirky decor and art-covered walls give the place a distinct personality. Drinks rotate frequently, shining a spotlight on New Zealand microbreweries and winemakers, and the playful menu has earned a cult following (locals still talk about that kumara burger or deer-salami toastie). Over many years, the owners Damian Jones and Rahine O’Rielly have carefully fostered a venue that is fully equipped for music (professional PA and lighting, even though the space is small) while feeling warmly DIY. This balance – “something the city was crying out for,” as one bartender put it (www.rnz.co.nz ) – is a big part of why Meow stands out.
Part of Meow’s charm is also the sense of community. Regulars span all ages and scenes, and the staff know many patrons by name. Local musicians aspire to play Meow as a rite of passage. In fact, when Jones decided to expand into a larger 1000-capacity venue (“Meow Nui”), the goodwill around Meow was evident: neighboring bars and brewers raised funds to help them get started (www.rnz.co.nz ) (www.scoop.co.nz ). This kind of support shows how integral 9 Edward Street’s venue has become: it feels like Wellington’s music scene built it, and every event reinforces that local legacy. Whether it’s your first time at a gig or your fiftieth, Meow consistently delivers an up-close, high-energy experience that keeps audiences buzzing long after the last set.
Visitor Tips and Information
To make the most of your night at 9 Edward Street, keep these practical tips in mind:
Plan Ahead: Popular shows at Meow fill up fast. Always buy tickets online in advance if you can, and arrive early. Doors often go up 20–30 minutes before showtime (www.ticketfairy.com ), so arriving at or before that time can secure you a good spot or seat. If the gig does sell out, there’s typically no admittance once capacity is reached – don’t loaf around outside hoping for a miracle (www.ticketfairy.com ).Age Policy: Meow serves alcohol late, so it’s primarily an 18+ venue in the evenings (usually after about 8pm). Early shows (like Sunday jazz afternoons) may allow younger teens, but always check the event listing. If under-18s are permitted, an adult must accompany them. The venue will check IDs, so bring valid ID (NZ driver licence, passport or KiwiAccess card) if you look under 25 (www.ticketfairy.com ).Accessibility: Good news in Wellington – Meow’s entrance is at street level with a wide doorway, and the performance area has no internal stairs (www.ticketfairy.com ), so the floor is mostly wheelchair-accessible. The drinking and viewing area is all on one level. Just be aware that the restroom doorways might be a bit narrow and there isn’t a lift (though you likely won’t need one internally). If you have specific needs, it’s wise to contact the venue ahead of time, but in general those with mobility aids can enter and enjoy shows here (www.ticketfairy.com ).What to Bring: Aside from your ticket and photo ID, the venue is casual: dress comfortably (jeans or a T-shirt are fine) (www.ticketfairy.com ). It can get warm on the dance floor, so layering is fine. Leave large bags or bulky items at home if possible – there’s no coatcheck, so patrons just drape jackets on chairs or hang them in a corner (www.ticketfairy.com ). Many people bring earplugs for loud concerts, as the sound can be intense up front. and (if needed) a portable phone charger, in case you stay late; the vibe is friendly and the crowd often lingers to chat after sets. Also note that smoking and vaping are only allowed outside – step into the small courtyard area beside the entrance if you need to smoke (www.ticketfairy.com ).Cameras and Photography: Generally, casual phone photos are fine for personal use, especially during club nights or open mic sets. However, for full-band headline concerts, flash photography and professional cameras (DSLRs, large video rigs) are usually prohibited (www.ticketfairy.com ). If you want pictures, confirm the policy on the event page or with staff when you arrive. Even for allowed photography, be mindful not to block others’ view.Behavior: The atmosphere at Meow is friendly and respectful. That said, it’s still a public bar: rowdy or aggressive behavior isn’t tolerated. Security or staff may eject anyone who is unruly. It’s wise to keep valuables close (as you would in any crowded bar) because tight spaces can mean accidental bumping. Also, because the venue can reach its capacity quickly, group meet-ups are easier if everyone has tickets beforehand and you arrive together.Cultural Consideration: Because Meow is in New Zealand (Aotearoa) we use local English – e.g. “centre” not “center,” and roads like “Willis Street” are pronounced with a short “i.” Locals call Wellington “Pōneke,” and the downtown area “Te Aro,” which reflects Te Reo Māori names. Don’t be surprised if some event posters or on-stage announcements use Māori words or references; that’s common here. Just relax and enjoy – audiences here are generally accepting of all kinds of expression.
Where is 9 Edward Street, and what’s the best way to get there?
9 Edward Street is a small laneway between Willis and Manners Streets in central Wellington (Te Aro). The venue’s entrance is via the pedestrian alley just off Willis Street. It’s easily reached by city bus (bus lines run along Willis/Manners) or by walking from Lambton Quay (Wellington Station). There’s no onsite parking, so consider public transport, Wilson Parking on Hall St (3–5 min walk) or a rideshare drop at Willis/Victoria and walk down the laneway.
How do I buy tickets for shows at Meow / 9 Edward Street?
Most tickets are sold online through the venue or event promoters. Check Meow’s official site or social media for links when a show is announced. Popular gigs often sell out fast, so it’s wise to buy in advance. A limited number of tickets may be held for sale at the door if a show isn’t sold out; if you want on-the-spot entry, arrive very early on the day to maximize chances of a door sale.
What is the seating configuration? Are there good seats?
Meow does not have traditional reserved seats – it’s a standing-room venue with only a few bar stools and benches along the sides. The stage is small and low, so the best view is up front in the audience. If you prefer to sit, grab one of the side benches or stools early (they fill up quickly). The room is so small that even the back corner has decent acoustics (www.ticketfairy.com ), though sitting up front-right by the stage gives the most direct sound and view.
What is the capacity of the venue?
Meow is an intimate, clock-house-sized venue. It’s often described as “intimate” or “roomy but fills up fast.” On a busy night the crowd usually caps out around 100–150 people (www.ticketfairy.com ). Because it’s standing-room, once the fire-occupancy limit is reached they typically stop letting people in. Always assume a popular show will be packed to capacity.
Are tickets sold at the door? What if an event is sold out?
If an event isn’t sold out online, Meow usually sells a few tickets at the door on the night of the show. Doors typically open 20–30 minutes before showtime (www.ticketfairy.com ), so arrive early if you’re hoping for a door ticket. However, if the show is already sold out in advance, they generally will not admit anyone once capacity is reached (www.ticketfairy.com ). In other words, there’s no guarantee of entry at the last minute for popular gigs.
Is there parking available at or near Meow?
No dedicated parking lot exists at 9 Edward St itself. The street is only a narrow pedestrian laneway. Nearby paid options include Wilson Parking’s lot on Hall Street (7–11 Hall St) and the Manners Street parking building, both a 3–5 minute walk away. Limited metered parking on Willis or Taranaki St is also an option. Many visitors find it easiest to use a taxi or rideshare drop-off at Willis/Victoria (then walk down the laneway) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What public transport options are there?
Buses run frequently on Willis, Manners and Victoria Streets, all within a 2–5 minute walk of the venue. The Wellington Railway Station (on Lambton Quay) is about a 10–15 minute walk north. For evening shows, many people take a cab or ride-share. Drop-off on Willis or Victoria is convenient, and then enter Meow through the Little Food Court lane. After the show, Wellington’s late-night buses or ride-share options can get you home safely.
Is Meow wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The main entrance is at street level with a wide doorway, and the entire music room is on one level (no internal stairs) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Wheelchairs and mobility aids can generally navigate the space easily. The main limitation might be the size of the restroom stalls, which can be tight for accessibility. If you need special accommodations, it’s a good idea to call or email the venue in advance, but in general the floor itself does not present barriers.
Are cameras or video cameras allowed inside?
Casual cell-phones for snapshots are usually fine, especially during club nights and open sets. However, flash photography or large professional cameras are often prohibited, particularly at headlining concerts (www.ticketfairy.com ). Always check the event details: if it’s a special guest show, they may have a strict no-flash rule. In any case, avoid blocking other patrons’ view with tripods or flashes, and respect any requests from staff.
Does Meow serve food and drinks? What should I bring?
Yes – Meow has a full bar with local beers, wine and cocktails, plus a small kitchen for late-afternoon and early-evening snacks (www.ticketfairy.com ). Typical menu items are shareable pub-style bites (nachos, dumplings, sliders). You can pay by card or mobile tap at the bar for drinks. Outside food is not allowed, and there is no outside coatcheck. We recommend bringing your ticket (digital or printed) and a photo ID. Dress code is casual – just wear something you can dance in. Some people bring earplugs if sensitive to loud sound.
Are there age restrictions or dress codes?
Meow is generally 18+ after about 8pm, since it’s a full bar. Early evening shows (like Sunday jazz sessions) may be all-ages. Under-18s should come with an adult and check the event listing first. There’s no strict dress code – most patrons wear casual clubbing attire. It’s a good idea to avoid sports jerseys or flip-flops, but really, anything neat and comfortable for dancing should be fine (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Can I bring a bag or coat to a show?
Large coats or bags can be inconvenient. There is no formal coat-check, but staff will usually point you to a safe corner or have you hang outerwear on chairs (www.ticketfairy.com ). For light items (light jacket, small backpack) you can carry them in or tuck them under a stool. In general, travel light – the venue prefers fewer bulky belongings in the crowd. Keep valuables with you, or ask staff if they can hold something small at the bar.
What if I bring under-18 guests?
Under-18s are allowed only at certain early or all-ages events (like Sunday matinees or open mics that say “family-friendly”). If in doubt, treat most Meow events as 18+ after 8pm. When minors are allowed, they must be accompanied by an adult, so plan to arrive together. The venue will ask for ID at the door if it looks like someone might be a minor in the evening. The Wellington Jazz Club night (3rd Sunday) is explicitly 16+ with membership, but standard shows require 18+
