William SmithNo matter the era, vibing to live music will always be better than jamming out to Spotify or Apple Music—especially in Auckland, a city where bangers never sleep.
And if you want a slice of our immersive, raw, and booty-shaking sonic soirees, we’ll help you vibe out.
From The Whammy Bar to Cassette Nine, we rounded up the city’s headliners when it comes to headbanging or grooving live tunes. We also went beyond bops and venues by adding handy tips!
Neck of The Woods
Address: 155B Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Contact Details: 09 320 5221
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Fri to Sat – 10 pm to 4 am
- Sun – Closed
The underground-style Neck of The Woods will get your after-hours groove on with its pulsating weekly events.
It hosted killer music events like the iconic Hip Hop Smile, the energizing Electric Wire Hustle, and various renditions of the epic HOMO HOUSE.
When the beats drop here, cocktails and bites flow at the bar. Take them to the laid-back upstairs area if you need a break from the dancefloor.
| Tip: Don’t forget to check out Neck of The Woods’ upcoming live music events. This tip applies to all the venues here. |
Studio The Venue
Address: 340 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Clocking in over 15 years of non-stop hits, Studio The Venue is an OG in Auckland’s live music scene. Frenetic lighting, several stories, and a perfect mix of classic and contemporary decor make this spot as iconic as it gets.
Jampacked crowds won’t be an issue here, too. The entire establishment can host around 600 to 1000 fans.
As for previous music extravaganzas, this joint has witnessed the likes of Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, the Pendulum DJ SET | Afterparty, and Ellie Goulding.
| Tip: Avoid dress code issues by not wearing sandals. Other than that, any drip is allowed, including casual tees or shorts. |
Cassette Nine
Address: Vulkan Chambers, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Contact Details: 09 366 0196
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue – 8 pm to 3 am
- Wed to Sat – 8 pm to 4 am
- Sun – Closed
Whether it’s a blast-from-the-past bash or a freshest-hits fete, Cassette Nine delivers. They’ve been around for 15 years, serving cocktails and burgers galore along with infectious live music, so it’s no longer a surprise.
The venue’s usual lineup can include international artists on a tour, local legends, and even up-and-coming stars.
In terms of looks, it’s a mishmash of whimsy and timeless pub decor, with soft, minty lighting and ceilings teeming with glitzy disco balls.
| Tip: Cassette Nine regularly hosts events like comedy gigs and art exhibitions. If these are your jam, visit their page for announcements. |
Ponsonby Social Club
Address:152 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
Contact Details:
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed – 5 pm to 2 am
- Thu to Sat – 5 pm to 3 am
- Sun – 5 pm to 2 am
Vinyl’s perpetual coolness is in Ponsonby Social Club’s DNA. This Ponsoby Rd icon is a hub of live DJs, bands, solo performers, raves, and enough espresso martinis to melt your dancefloor jitters away.
Moreover, the club boasts a track record of talk-of-the-town events like Boteco Beats and a packed gig by DJs Andy JV & Dean McCarthy. The same thing can be said for their upcoming live shows.
| Tip: If you’re an organizer or a crew of pals seeking a party venue, consider renting Ponsonby Social Club. |
Galatos
Address: 17 Galatos Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Contact Details: 021 335 011
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – Closed
- Thu to Sat – 7:30 pm to 1 am
- Sun – 7:30 pm to 12 am
Famed for being the first venue Lorde performed before transcending into music royalty, the 20-year-old Galatos is a spot with an undeniable history of melodic magic.
Though not the grandest in scale, the venue is a hotbed of tight-knit communities spanning different genres. Metal, jazz, pop, hip hop, indie—almost every style is played here.
You can see this philosophy in their upcoming events, consisting of performers bringing 80s disco bops, gloomy metal riffs, and hip-swinging pop jams.
| Tip: Don’t be late. The venue can get crowded, and being there early ensures a great view. |
The Tuning Fork
Address: Spark Arena, 42/80 Mahuhu Crescent, Parnell, Auckland 1010
Contact Details: 09 358 1250
Once just a warm-up joint, Tuning Fork has evolved into a full-blown venue for all sorts of music shindigs.
It thrives through versatility, serving as the hotspot for music-themed quiz nights, album launches, world tours, and more.
Just take a peek into their forthcoming functions. There’s a tribute for One Direction, a gig dedicated to Led Zepellin, and a 2000s-to-2010s pop party.
| Tip: You can make special requests concerning accessibility by contacting The Tuning Fork’s number above. |
The Portland Public House
Address: 463 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021
Contact Details: 021 108 6367
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 4 pm to 12 am
- Thu – 4 pm to 2 am
- Fri – 3 pm to 2 am
- Sat – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 12 am
At the Portland Public House, you’ll come for the food and stay for the gigs.
Their jalapeno poppers and hand-cut fries are a foodie’s dream—both perfect with their cocktails, gins, and spritzers. Gobble them in the outdoor garden for a more refreshing snack experience.
In terms of live music events, there are bingo games paired with beats, disco nights, and slow rock performances.
| Tips: Given the popularity of The Portland Public House, making reservations is highly suggested. |
The Lula Inn
Address: 149 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Contact Details: 09 365 2690
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 12 pm to 9 pm
- Wed – 12 pm to 10 pm
- Thu – 12 pm to 11 pm
- Fri – 12 pm to 2 am
- Sat – 10 am to 2 am
- Sun – 11 am to 9 pm
Sun-soaked, airy, and downright beachy, The Lula Inn is a slice of tropical bliss.
Most of the venue’s live music events are laid-back—a vibe that matches the serene waterfront scenery unfolding here. There are a few exceptions, though, like boogie and disco nights.
If the vistas and songs aren’t enough, you can always swing by for bottomless beers (beer garden auckland), bubbles, and dumplings.
| Tip: Ensure to check the weather forecast before dropping by. The bar has retractable roofs, but dressing appropriately for the weather is always a smart move, particularly in a beachside venue. |
Wynyard Pavilion
Address: 17 Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Contact Details: 09 303 1002
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 11:30 am to 10 pm
- Fri – 11:30 am to 11 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 11 pm
- Sun – 9 am to 9 pm
Wynyard Pavilion isn’t just another beachside joint; it’s a waterfront hangout for chill-seekers and music fans.
What sets it apart is its diverse spaces catering to different moods and live music events. There’s a sun-drenched garden best for smoother gigs and a yacht club-inspired bistro for upscaled sonic shindigs.
Those not in the mood for a touch of sunlight can always relax at the bustling main bar. The events here differ daily: it can be a Latin-themed party, a music-filled wine night, or another melody-infused affair.
| Tip: Get a feel of the venue by taking a virtual tour. This is perfect for those planning to book it for a casual catch-up or a live gig. |
The Zookeeper’s Son
Address: 715 Mount Albert Road, Royal Oak, Auckland 1023
Contact Details: 09 625 7550
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 12 pm to 9 pm
- Thu -12 pm to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 1 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 9 pm
With past events that rocked the house, such as the Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen Tribute Show and RnR Music, The Zookeeper’s Son sets the stage for a fuego night out.
Here, ice-cold beers and head-bopping beats never run out. In addition, they have wallet-friendly daily deals guaranteeing you won’t savor the music on an empty stomach and wallet.
| Tip: Opt for Friday or Saturday for the best musical experience. Fridays feature a rotating 5-piece band playing dance floor-worthy tunes from 9 pm to midnight. Saturdays showcase Mischief Band, a lively 5-piece group bringing beloved anthems to the suburbs from 9 pm to midnight. |
Whammy Bar
Address: St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Contact Details: 09 377 3004
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Sat – 8:30 pm to 4 am
- Sun – Closed
It’s hard to find a venue that can top Whammy Bar when it comes to uncompromising indie, metal, punk, and rock shows.
This small, intimate joint pops with atmospheric feels and neon aesthetics, creating the perfect backdrop for underground music artists and their fans.
Noteworthy local and international artists have jammed here, like the intense Cattle Decapitation, the soulful Balu Brigada, and the quirky Okilly Dokilly.
| Tip: Arrive fashionably late. Whammy Bar thrives in the after-hours, and the real magic often happens when the night is in full swing. |
The Powerstation
Address: 33 Mount Eden Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1023
Almost all of Auckland’s artists dream of performing at The Powerstation, a legendary venue with 30 years of legacy.
From hosting industry giants like The Ramones and Kendrick Lamar to then-emerging talents like Lorde and Drax Project, this multi-story spot is a living, breathing testament to AKL’s music history.
It continues to bring the heat, too. As of March 2024, The Powerstation promises a solid lineup with names like Skillet, Sleater-Kinney, and Skids.
| Tip: Visit the news section of The Powerstation’s website to discover discounted tickets. You can see the ones on sale in the page’s right corner. |
Ding Dong Lounge
Address: 26 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Contact Details:
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 6 pm to 2 am
- Fri to Sat – 6 pm to 4 am
- Sun – Closed
The alternative music scene is undying in Auckland, and The Dingdong Lounge is one of the reasons why.
From late-night rock DJs to punk parties, this is a cozy hub for free-spirited music and fans not into snoozefests.
Their menu is no slouch, either. The fries, fried chicken, and cocktails can fuel you up for after-hours of non-stop alternative hits, may it be Blink-182’s hits or Paramore’s top tracks.
| Tip: Apply for a membership if you want discounts on tickets, exclusion on the cover charge, and more perks. |
