Midtown is coming alive for 3 days of music this May for New Zealand Music Month!
Imagine acoustic performances in Elliott Stables and DJs and local hip hop stars on the pavements, with backing vocals from Real Groovy, Daikoku, Nahm Thai Street Food, Atrium on Elliott, Howlin’ Wolf, Lyricist Lane (aka Strand Arcade), and the blends of DJ TESI at Darby Street’s Recycle Boutique.
Artists featuring in the Elliott Street festivities are Erin G, Lijah Mavaega, Summer Vee, Crystal Chen; hip hop crews are From Outside, Brandn Shiraz, Lucky Lance and Christoph El Truento; DJ Poppa Jax, Caru, FOBS curated by Thomas Rose (NewSampleWhoDis) who will be wandering among the crowd with a music trivia quiz.
See map and full programme here
16 May, 6–9pm | Opening night - Midtown Street Party
Experience a vibrant showcase of music and culture at this year's Midtown Street Party. Enjoy 10% off vinyl and CDs at Real Groovy, indulge in authentic takoyaki from Yooa and Tako, or head over to The Strand Arcade for rhythmical storytelling from talented MCs. It's a night of music, food, and community not to be missed! See here for full programme line-up.
Midtown Street Party highlights:
Free shaves & pastries | Howlin' Wolf Cuts & Coffee & Cnr. Federal and Victoria Streets | 6-9pm
Howlin' Wolf Cuts & Coffee invites you to fresh cuts, smooth shaves, and complimentary food and drinks, all to DJ Counterpress's beats. Swing by Te Pūkaki for karaoke fun with Hollywood Bakery snacks, and don't forget your chance to win an underground station tour double pass!
DJ delights | Various city centre locations | 6-9pm
Groove to live Djs at Real Groovy, Daikoku Restaurant, outside Bed Bath & Beyond, Recycle Boutique, The Strand Arcade, Yooa & Tako and Hi Toastie.
Underground acoustic performances & timeless tunes | Various city centre locations | 6-9pm
Immerse yourself in live musical performances, including underground acoustic sets at Nahm Thai Street Food, stripped-down sessions in Elliott Stables and the timeless tunes of a local Kiwi musician at Father Ted's Original Irish Pub.
17 May, 7–9pm | Fetu Creative Forum
Join a live podcast featuring prominent Tangata Moana songwriters Teremoana Rapley and Rubi Du, facilitated by Lucky Lance and DJ Gene Rivers at the Strand Arcade for an inspiring discussion about New Zealand music kōrero.
18 May, 11am-3pm | The Mids
The Mids is a pop-up market celebrating music and street culture. Featuring a diverse array of attractions, including a record fair, live DJs, a sneaker swap meet with customizing, streetwear merchandise, and captivating street art, this event spans across the city centre from Wellesley Street to Queens Arcade. Explore iconic streetwear stores, groove to live music, take part in a thrilling skate challenge, enjoy exciting giveaways and discounts, and immerse yourself in an inspiring exhibition of music photography.
The Mids highlights:
Sneaker Swap & Exclusive Streetwear | The Strand Arcade | 11am-3pm
Bring your sneakers for a swap and check out the hottest styles at The Mids! Sky Pirates Streetwear also presents limited edition goodies featuring artwork from Tāmaki graffiti artist Deus, curated by YGB stalwart Lucky Lance.
Art Exhibitions | The Strand Arcade & Queens Arcade | 11am-3pm
Explore the Graffgatherer Art Exhibition, showcasing over 50 miniature truck artworks by Aotearoa’s graffiti writers. Plus, don't miss the Music Photography Exhibition next to Marbecks, capturing the essence of New Zealand music culture.
Skate Challenge | Trainers Skateboarding | 1-3pm
Get ready to shred outside Trainers Skateboarding and test your skills alongside skate friends. Bring your skateboard and learn from the best!
Other city centre stores bringing their vibe to The Mids are: JB Hi-Fi, Marbecks, Holiday Records, Pat Menzies, Trainers Skateboarding, Guitar Gallery, Dangerfield, Odd, Even, HYPE DC and Stirling Sports.
See map and full programme here
New Zealand Music Month activations in midtown are supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.
Big Foot NZ Sneaker Swap Meet
Dusty Crates Record Fair
Sky Pirates Streetwear
