Jazz Bites

Overview

Wellington Jazz Festival is a huge event crammed into just a few days — this year's lineup features 100 gigs in just five days. It would be a challenge to see even a small percentage of all that's on offer, but the diverse program means there's something for all levels of jazz knowledge, from fairweather fans who just want some pleasant background music while they drink beer to hardcore followers who are amped to encounter some of the jazz world's biggest names.

Keep your evenings free from 7-11 June and head along to a show or two, with cocktails and kai on either side. Here's your guide of what to see, dance to, eat and stumble across.

Thanks to a partnership with the good folk of Wellington On a Plate, Jazz Fest has incorporated delicious pre and post-show dining and drinking deals into its program. A smattering of the city's bars, restaurants and food trucks are serving up appropriately themed dishes and bevvies including Creole-inspired pizza at MOON in Newtown, an early evening three-course jazz supper at Field & Green (that includes a scoop of their incredibly brilliant ice cream), paella and sangria deals at Basque and woodfired burger + patatas bravas combos at El Matador.