There is a wide array of music festivals available in the Wellington area. And though there are still many from which to choose, some of the best festivals have already taken place. Don’t worry though, just mark your calendars for next year and start making your travel plans. And while you’re in town, consider Wellington bus hire. Don’t spoil a good day at a music festival by having to deal with traffic, confusing directions, and tight schedules!
Homegrown
Sponsored by Jim Beam, the line-up at this year’s Homegrown is huge, to say the least. With the Electric Stage, Dub and Roots Stage, City Stage, Lab Stage, and the ever-popular Rock Stage, there is no shortage of performances to take in. If you hurry, early bird tickets may still be available for this extravaganza.
March 22 (Friday), from 5:30 PM until 10:30 PM, the pre-party will take place at Frank Kitts Park.
On March 23, the first acts will perform, beginning at 1PM. The last band of the evening starts at 11 PM, with numerous performances in between at any given time.
Just a handful of this year’s acts will include Villainy, Opshop, Three Houses Down, P-Money, Savage, Mitch James, The Upbeats, The Black Seeds, Sons of Zion, Stan Walker, Blindspott, Shapeshifter, and more.
This year will be the 12th celebration of its kind, and tickets are selling out fast. There will be, in addition to music stages, food vendors and carnival rides all along the waterfront promenade. This year, however, is the first year for the March 22 pre-party. So, don’t miss a new opportunity to extend your music festival fun. There’s a little something for everyone here, but if you’re buying a ticket and you’re under 18, you will need to register on the festival’s “under 18 database”.
Camp a Low Hum
About 70 km north of Wellington, at Tatum Park, this “non-festival” of sorts is a well-kept secret among locals. If there are rules, this party breaks them. Without exception. There are no VIP passes, there is no security. And you won’t know until you arrive which international and local acts, numbering approximately 70, will be playing. But you need to get on board if you want to go because tickets sell out extraordinarily fast.
By the way, it is a BY0 alcohol environment. This is Wellington at its finest! Because of its eclectic nature, you’ll need to keep an eye out for the when and where of this year’s celebration – if there is one.
Strange Summer Tour
On Wellington’s Cuba Street, on Friday, April 5, the Strange Summer Tour will be held from 8 PM to 11:55 PM at San Fran. All ages are welcome at this celebration presented by Stone Cold Records. General admission tickets are $20. When it comes to New Zealand’s underground music scene, this is the ultimate. Bands that you may see this year will include Strangely Arousing and Summer Thieves. Still to be announced is the local opener, but rest assured that each show will provide a flavor that is unique and electrifying. You will not be able to leave the dance floor with DJ Straw Hat at the helm! Eclectic sets will feature bangers, funk, hip-hop, house, and jazz – sometimes all at the same time!
Watch for ticket availability on the internet and don’t miss your opportunity to take in one of the most unique experiences on Wellington’s music festival scene.
Wellington’s Milk and Honey Festival
For more of a local taste, from 10 PM until 4 AM, on Friday, March 8, at Wellington’s Club 121, the Milk and Honey Festival takes place. This year’s headliners include, among others, Amy Jean, Peach Milk, Half.Queen, DJ Alexa Casino, and more. This 18-years of age and over event actually takes place in three cities, for one night, and is a celebration of International Women’s Day. Wellington is blessed to be one of those cities. The finest female Aotearoa artists, numbering no less than 20, will help make this celebration one for the record books.
For this festival, the crew and the majority of musicians are female. For the last 12 months, massive planning has gone into this event. All facets of the New Zealand music industry will be represented by these talented women. The gig environment provides a respectable, inclusive, and safe place to party.
Wellington Beach Party
In the Wellington region, at Rona Bay’s Bishop Park, from 12 PM until 11:30 PM, on Saturday, March 9, there is a party at the beach! All ages are welcome at this, the biggest beach party in Wellington. Some of the most famous musicians in Australia and New Zealand will make appearances. There’s no better place to be this year, starting at 12 PM, for classic tunes.
Tickets are available online. Those under 18 pay $16.33, general admission is $28.62. Book your transportation early because the turnout is considerable.
Summer in Dowse Square
In the Wellington region at Dowse Square, from 4 to 6 PM, on Sunday, March 3, admission is free to this memorable extravaganza. All ages are welcome, and the festival takes place regardless of weather.
There are few better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon than by enjoying games, puppet shows, singing, dancing, and live music. Bring your water bottles, sun hats, picnic gear, and the kids. For details, see the Facebook page.
QB Music Festivals
These festivals are held frequently and headline numerous entertainers. Saturday and Sunday, June 1st and 2nd will feature Chris Kane and the Topp Twins – respectively.
Thursday and Friday, May 30th and 31st, will feature Newtown Rocksteady and American All-Stars – respectively.
Shows begin at 8 PM, and are held at 836 Ferguson Drive in the Wellington Region, at Expressions Whirinakis Arts and Entertainment Ct. Generally, tickets are $30 and all ages are said to be acceptable. These performances feature key members of the music scene in Wellington and offer the perfect sampling of all that the area has to offer in the way of musical talent.
Why bother yourself with fighting traffic, searching for road signs, trying to read directions and watch the road at the same time, and refraining from alcohol consumption while at the festival when all you have to do is look into Wellington bus hire for you and your friends. With a professional at the wheel, you can nap, sightsee, and extend the party long past the closing of your festival. Come to New Zealand and be sure to visit Wellington for some of the most spectacular events on the planet.