Summer is here and there's no better way to soak up the sun, enjoy the warm breeze, and bask in the spirit of community with free concerts with Auckland Council’s Music in the Parks! Whether you're a music lover or just looking for an enjoyable afternoon, these concerts offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge.
Gig Buddies has collaborated with Music in Parks to provide free chill-out spaces in almost all the events this summer. For those who need a moment to relax, take a break from the noise, or simply recharge, we got you covered. This peaceful space is to provide a calm respite, allowing you to enjoy the concert at your own pace. Whether you're looking to escape the crowds, cool off in the shade, or simply unwind in a quieter environment, Gig Buddies has you covered.
Site maps for the events that Gig Buddies will be attending are provided below, check them out.
Aotea Square, Queen Street, Auckland City Centre (Saturday- January 18, 1pm-4pm)
Line-up: Georgia Lines, Fin Rah Zel, Fan Club, and Rumpus Machine
Genres: TBC
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
Situated in the heart of Auckland CBD, its an icon spot for gigs and events. Lots of parking spaces at the underground Civic Way carpark (Paid). Please note that the height limit is 2m so disability vans might be unable to park there and will need to find alternative parking. A drop off zone to be located on the access road by the orange cone and fire exit. The venue is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators for the carpark. There are no public toilets close by so will need to utilize the portaloos if need be.
Milford Beach Reserve, Craig Road, Milford, Auckland (Sunday- January 19, 1pm-5pm)
Line-up: Rei, Tali, Big Tasty, Captain Festus McBoyle
Genres: Soul, Funk, Pop
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
A North Shore icon with great views from the beach and pretty close by the busy town centre of Takapuna. Lots of parking available and a few accessible parking spots by the park’s entrance. The venue is wheelchair accessible with pathways going around the reserve but be mindful if you want to roll on the grass as there are uneven surfaces. There are also two large accessible public toilets near the playground along with portaloos provided.
Rifle Range Amphitheatre, Catalina Bay Drive, Hobsonville, Auckland (Sunday, January 26, 1pm-4pm)
Line-up: Paul the Kid, Vanessa Tottle and Ocean Beach
Genres: Electronic, Rock, Pop
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
Rifle Range is an outdoor theatre and recreation facility located along Bomb Point Drive on the Coastal Walkway in Hobsonville. Parking might be tricky as there are only few spots around the event but there are plenty of off-street parking in the nearby suburb. The venue is wheelchair accessible but will need to be cautious when going on the grass as it is uneven. There are two accessible public toilets very close to the stage along with portaloos that are provided.
Monte Cecilia Park, Luck Cresent, Hillsborough, Auckland (Sunday February 2, 1pm-4pm)
Line-up: South for Winter, Aro, Albi & The Wolves
Genres: Folk, Pop
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
This musical event is set in a delightful park beside the historic Pah Homestead and Arts Trust. Parking is limited inside the park but plenty of off-street parking nearby. There are two designated disability parking spaces near the footpath. The park is wheelchair accessible but must take caution when going into the grass as it is uneven. There is one accessible public toilet and portaloos provided.
Aotea Square, Queen Street, Auckland City Centre (Thursday February 20, 4pm-7pm)
Line-up: Anna Coddington
Genres: Pop
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
We’re back at Aotea square again. Join us for an after work special on Thursday in the heart of Auckland CBD. Lots of parking spaces at the underground Civic Way carpark (Paid). Please note that the height limit is 2m so disability vans might be unable to park there and will need to find alternative parking. A drop off zone to be located on the access road by the orange cone and fire exit. The venue is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators for the carpark. There are no public toilets close by so will need to utilize the portaloos if need be.
Fergusson Park, Olea Road, Onehunga, Auckland (Satuday February 22, 1pm-4pm)
Line-up: The Four Fathers
Genres: Funk, Soul, Pop
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
A crowd favourite from last year’s line up, we’re back again this year for more fun in the sun. There are limited parking spaces within the domain but plenty of off street parking. The venue has footpaths for wheelchair access but must have caution when going into the uneven grass surfaces. There are no public toilets nearby but accessible portaloos are provided.
Selwyn Domain, Tāmaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland (Saturday March 1, 1pm-5pm)
Line-up: Captain Festus McBoyle’s Travellin’ Variety Show, Michèle Ducray, Huia Hamon, Lost Tribe Aotearoa
Genres: Electronic, Pop, Reggae
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
One of Auckland’s iconic picnic spots in middle of one of the city’s best waterfront parks. Parking can be challenging with limited parking spaces and a busy suburban shops, so plan ahead or catch public transport which is conveniently 10mins away from Auckland CBD. The venue is wheelchair accessible but the grass areas might be uneven. There are disability toilets nearby as well as portaloos provided.
Albany Lakes Civic Park, Civic Crescent, Albany, Auckland (Saturday March 8, 1pm-4pm)
Line-up: Shallow Dive, Back to the Hillside, SOJØURN,
Genres: Rock, Indie, Reggae
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
A stunning park conveniently located across the Westfield Albany Mall. There is limited parking around the reserve so best to plan ahead. There are wheelchair accessible paths but must be cautious when going on the grass areas as they are uneven. There are no public toilets available but portaloos are provided.
Takutai Square , Auckland City Centre, Auckland 1010 (Friday March 21, 4pm-8pm)
Line-up: TBC
Genres: TBC
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
Another after work special near Aucklands iconic Britomart station. The night will showcase emerging talent in collaboration with Stand Up Stand Out and headlined by some big names to be announced soon.
Central Park, Chapel Street, Papakura, Auckland (Saturday March 22, 1pm-4pm)
Line-up: TBC
Genres: Soul
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
In the heart of Auckland’s Papakura suburb, Music in Parks is proud to partner with Pacific Music Awards to showcase the best in Pasifika music. There are plenty of off street parking but can be quite busy so plan ahead. There are public toilets nearby but are not accessible, portaloos are also provided. The park is wheelchair accessible but the grass area is uneven.
War Memorial Park, May Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland (Sunday April 6, 10am-4pm)
Line-up: Mr Stinky Jim, Rubi Du, Fathe and the Sweetos, Ozi Ozaa, and This Place Here (feat, Swap Gomez and Stephen Small) and Latinaotearoa
Genres: Afrobeat, World, Soul, Funk, Reggae
Accessibility: Limited mobility parking, smoke-free, alcohol-free
For the first time, Music in Parks is taking over the annual CultureFest Music Stage to bring you some of the best music from around the globe – Afrobeat, Ghanaian Highlife and Ethiopian discofunk, a Jamaican-Pasifika songstress and, spinning the crispiest biscuits, Mr Stinky Jim…
Check out the full line up for summer 2025 Music in Parks from their website. Link below:
Not only do these concerts allow you to discover new artists, but they also create a sense of connection among local music lovers. It's an open invitation to enjoy the beauty of both nature and culture in one place. And best of all, it’s completely FREE!
Grab your sunglasses, your picnic basket, and head to your local park for a day of unforgettable music, laughter, and sunshine. We’ll see you there!