Overview
We teamed up with McDonald's to round up six music festivals popping up in Auckland and Wellington that will make for an unforgettable summer.
From pop princess Charli XCX to 80s legends Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, hip-hop icons Ludacris and Akon, and homegrown stars Stan Walker and Lee Mvtthews, these festivals have stacked lineups that are sure to include at least one of your favourites.
Juicy Fest
Start the year off with some hip-hop and R&B bangers this January. Juicy Fest is bringing the nineties and noughties back with a lineup that includes music superstars Ludacris, Akon, Fat Joe, Jeremih, Ray J, Jay Sean and Montell Jordan.
The one-day festival will take over Wellington's Hutt Park on Friday, January 10 and the Auckland Showgrounds on Saturday, January 11. Only final release tickets are left, so you'd better book your tickets 'Right Now (Na Na Na)'.
Golden Lights Music Festival
If pumping beats are more your thing, head to Golden Lights Music Festival at Trusts Arena in Auckland on Friday, January 10.
With a lineup that features artists and DJs from both around the world and closer to home, such as Becky Hill, Luude, Jyoty, Sachi and Girls Don't Sync, you can be sure you'll be dancing the afternoon away.
Auckland Folk Festival
Keen for something more laidback? The long-running Auckland Folk Festival will return for yet another year from Friday, January 24–Sunday, January 26 at the Kumeu Showgrounds, a half-hour drive from Auckland.
The weekend event has been running for over 50 years, bringing contemporary folk tunes to Aotearoa, along with food stalls, craft and clothing vendors, and music and dance workshops. The lineup for this year includes Adam McGrath, BB & Alex, the Basant Madhur Ensemble, Charm of Finches, Rennie Pearson and Pony Baby.
Charlie Hardy
Laneway Festival
Brat summer has officially arrived — the hottest artists from across the globe will land down under for this year's Laneway Festival on Thursday, February 6.
Charli XCX, Clairo and Beadbadoobee will be joined by Barry Can't Swim, Djo, Remi Wolf, Olivia Dean and many more at this one-day extravaganza at Auckland's Western Springs Stadium. First release tickets are already sold out, but you can still get your hands on second release or VIP tickets.
Sounds Series
From electronic synth to pop and classic rock, get ready for some 80s throwback bops at the Auckland Sounds and Hutt Sounds festivals in February and March — neon clothing optional.
On Thursday, February 27, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, the Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey, Jon Stevens (formerly of INXS and Noiseworks), Diesel and The Narcs will all take the stage at the Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, followed by Brewtown, Upper Hutt (less than an hour's drive from Wellington) on Sunday, March 2.
Homegrown Festival
Though it's great to be able to catch international artists on this side of the world, Aotearoa's own music scene shouldn't be overlooked. Celebrate local artists at the Homegrown Festival on Friday, March 14–Saturday, March 15.
With five stages dotted across the Wellington Waterfront, ticket-holders can curate their own lineup — performers include Stan Walker, Lee Mvtthews, Sir Dave Dobbyn, Sons of Zion, The Upbeats, Mitch James and Lady Shaka — and are welcome to come and go as they please throughout the day.
Discover what else is happening around New Zealand this summer with our guide.