Overview
There's a stacked lineup of artists touching down in Aotearoa this summer, from local and Aussie names to huge global acts.
Make the most of the long balmy nights ahead and catch one of your favourite groups or discover a new artist at one of the many gigs around Wellington and Auckland. Ahead of the New Year's Eve launch of the remixed iconic McDonald's 'Make It Click' jingle at Rhythm and Vines summer festival, we've teamed up with McDonald's to round up some of the top concerts you need to catch this summer.
Auckland
January to March will be a bustling few months of music in Auckland, with everyone from rock legends of the 80s to homegrown heroes and American country stars performing across the city.
Nothing says summer quite like belting along to some country hits, so kick things off in January with Luke Combs. The American multi-platinum star will take over the massive Eden Park for two nights on Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18.
Follow this up with frenetic beats from British DJ Nia Archives. The popular producer and singer will be performing at Auckland Town Hall on Sunday, January 26, with tickets starting at $79.90. At the same venue, fellow Brit and hip-hop hotshot Dizzee Rascal will make the crowd go 'Bonkers' on Thursday, January 30 with his We Want Bass tour.
Then, relive the 'Summer of '69' when Canadian rocker Bryan Adams touches down in February. The 80s superstar is performing at Spark Arena on Tuesday, February 4, supported by English crooner and X Factor alumni James Arthur.
Enjoy a full day packed with tunes on Thursday, February 6. Bring a picnic blanket to Parrs Park for the free Waitangi at Waititi festival from 9am–4pm, featuring Aotearoa's own Mark Williams, Stan Walker, Ladi6, Che Fu and The Kratez, and Corrella. In the evening, pull on your cowboy boots and make your way to Spark Arena for American country and folk artist Tyler Childers' Mule Pull tour.
Close out March with Kehlani's smooth, soulful tunes. You can catch the American singer at Spark Arena on Sunday, March 23 — an ideal farewell to summer as we slip into the cooler months of autumn.
Oliver Crawford
Wellington
Go from grunge rock and jazz and reggae to electrifying beats and genre-bending rap in Wellington this summer.
Start your season of music off strong with a throwback to the 90s as rock icons Everclear grace the stage at San Fran on Tuesday, January 21. Tickets are a steal at only $69.90, so throw on some flannel and baggy jeans, and get ready for some head-banging.
Embark on a hour's drive out of the city to Brewtown, Upper Hutt, on Saturday, January 25 for an idyllic day of sunshine, dancing and icy bevs. New Zealand notables Fat Freddy's Drop will be showcasing their reggae, soul and jazz tunes at the sprawling outdoor venue, which is home to nine eateries, breweries and a distillery, as well as an adventure park, escape room, putt-putt golf course and axe-throwing course.
Los Angeles rapper Lil Darkie will bring his contemporary, genre-melding style of hip-hop to San Fran on Wednesday, February 12. A few days later, UK-based DJ Dimension will take over Wellington's largest indoor venue for a rousing set that's sure to have you cutting some shapes. Nab a final release ticket while you still can for the gig at TSB Arena on Friday, February 14.
Squeeze in one last groove as Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap venture down under for the first time in March. In the past year, the Belfast group have seen a rapid rise to stardom with the release of an acclaimed second album and a biopic film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Kneecap will perform at the newly opened Meow Nui on Wednesday, March 5.
Discover what else is happening around New Zealand this summer with our guide.