Auckland’s city centre is set to come alive with the sound of Aotearoa music this May, as Auckland Live unveils a vibrant and extensive programme for NZ Music Month. From 1 to 31 May, a huge range of live music, popup performances, and free public events will take over iconic venues and public spaces, inviting Aucklanders and visitors to celebrate the nation’s diverse musical talent.
The month-long celebration is designed to support local artists, draw people into the heart of the city, and make live music more accessible for everyone. As a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region’s economic and cultural agency, Auckland Live plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s arts scene. This programme reinforces Auckland’s status as a UNESCO City of Music, a designation that recognises its rich musical heritage and thriving contemporary industry.
Auckland Live Director Daniel Clarke says the initiative is about creating shared experiences that unite people through performance and public space. "Auckland Live’s NZ Music Month programme supports local artists, brings people into the city centre, and makes live music more accessible for Aucklanders," he says.
Free events and pop-up performances
A key focus of the programme is bringing music into everyday urban spaces through a series of free activations. The festivities will kick off on 1 May in Te Komititanga, the public square outside Commercial Bay, with the Vospertron Tron Mob. This unique event features a roaming silent disco led by futuristic robots clad in light suits, playing New Zealand music through wireless headsets for anyone wishing to join in a spontaneous dance party.
From 5–17 May, the popular Mighty series returns to Te Komititanga, offering a truly unique and intimate concert experience. A 10-foot shipping container, styled as a miniature classic theatre, will host one-song acoustic sets for a handful of people at a time. The lineup features some of the country’s most respected musicians, including Geneva AM, Jon Toogood of Shihad, Don McGlashan, and Liz Stokes from The Beths, giving the public a rare chance to see these artists up close and personal.
Complementing the live performances, the FromThePit photography exhibition will transform Karanga Plaza and Te Komititanga into an open-air gallery from 5-27 May. The exhibition showcases striking images of live music from across Aotearoa, celebrating the powerful connection between musicians and their audiences. These free events are part of a broader effort to make the city’s cultural life more accessible, as Wellington artists dominate a national portrait award, with similar events happening throughout the year.
Headline acts in iconic venues
The NZ Music Month calendar is anchored by several major concerts at Auckland’s most celebrated venues. Acclaimed Kiwi group Fat Freddy’s Drop will return to the historic Auckland Town Hall for a sold-out, three-night run from 15–17 May, performing their classic album 'Based on a True Story'. The Town Hall, renowned for its superb acoustics, provides a grand setting for the band’s legendary live show.
Later in the month, celebrated singer-songwriter Marlon Williams will grace the stage of The Civic for a special two-night season on 21–22 May. The Civic, famous for its lavish, atmospheric interior that mimics a starry night sky, will offer a magical backdrop for Williams' powerful performances as part of his Tā te Manawa tour.
Celebrating the industry and community
Beyond public concerts, the programme also honours the artists and professionals who shape New Zealand’s music industry. The Aotearoa Music Awards will be held at The Civic on 28 May, recognising the outstanding achievements of Kiwi artists over the past year in a night of celebration and live performances.
For those who prefer to start their day with music, Morning People will mark its 10th birthday with a high-energy breakfast rave at the Auckland Town Hall on 30 May. The event will feature a special DJ set from the legendary Tiki Taane. The month will close out with Home Brew presents Last Week – Auckland Winter Series at the Town hall on 31 May, capping off a massive month of music.
This city-centre programme runs in conjunction with Auckland Council’s wider Sounds of Tāmaki Makaurau campaign, which supports community-based music events across the entire region. Together, these initiatives foster a thriving and interconnected music ecosystem, with the city centre events encouraging people to explore the heart of Auckland, which continues to evolve with significant developments like the Maungawhau housing opportunity near the new CRL station.
From major concerts to intimate moments in public spaces, these shared experiences help the city centre feel vibrant and connected and give Aucklanders and visitors more reasons to come back and spend time together.
The full programme for Auckland Live’s NZ Music Month celebration is available throughout May. For more information on event schedules and to plan your visit, head to the Auckland Live website.
