May is here and that means it's NZ Music Month, a time to celebrate the incredible music that has come out of Aotearoa and the many talented Kiwi musicians who create it.

This year's NZ Music Month is particularly special as the nation officially emerges from the pandemic and the live music scene begins to thrive once again. With venues across the country hosting gigs by both homegrown talent and international artists, there's never been a better time to immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of New Zealand.

We've handpicked our top five favourite events coming up in New Zealand so you can experience the magic of live throughout May and beyond!

Looking for more live?

Tiny Ruins

Fri 19 May 2023

MEOW, Wellington

To celebrate the release of their fourth album, Ceremony, New Zealand indie-folk band Tiny Ruins will embark on an eight-date headline tour around Aotearoa this Autumn. Catch them at Wellington's MEOW on Friday 19 May!

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Mitch James - The Long Road Home Tour

Sat 24 Jun - Fri 7 Jul 2023

Touring New Zealand

In his first headline tour since 2018 and first ever world tour, The Long Road Home Tour will see Mitch James embark on his first ever headline world tour. Playing 30 dates globally, the tour will head to Germany, Ireland, France, Netherlands, UK, Australia and wrap up in Aotearoa as James prepares to take over stages on home soil.

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Auckland Symphony Orchestra - Love

Sun 14 May 2023

Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland

Join the Auckland Symphony Orchestra as they share a varied selection of some of your favourite tunes dedicated to love, the feeling that has inspired composers since the beginning of time. From Swan Lake to Burt Bacharach and a little bit of everything in between, you're sure to fall head over heels for something in this one. And the best part? Tickets are free, but booking is essential!

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Jenny Mitchell - The Bush & The Birds Tour

Fri 21 Jul 2023

MEOW, Wellington

Wellington's own Jenny Mitchell is bringing her award-winning folk/alt-country sound back to MEOW this July. The Bush & the Birds Tour is an extension of track 11 from her most recent album; a song that pays tribute to the sister's late Grandad Bruce and a celebration of the love of the land, and the creatures that live in it, that he handed down to the Mitchell wh nau.

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Adam McGrath

Thu 18 May 2023

The Tuning Fork, Auckland

Described by RNZ as a "National Treasure" and the Herald as "NZ's toughest minded songwriter", Adam McGrath is more widely known as lead singer and songwriter with one of NZ's most loved roots/country bands, The Eastern. Perfectly timed for your NZ Music Month celebrations, catch him performing live at The Tuning Fork on Thursday 18 May!

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Looking for more events to get around this NZ Music Month? You can find more exciting gigs coming up HERE!