Tips for attending events this summer

1.       Dress for Comfort and Weather:

       Summer days can get hot, so ensure you are dressed correctly for the occasion.

Layer up: If you are attending an event in the evening, temperatures can drop, so consider bringing a light jacket or sweater.

Footwear: Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you’ll be walking or standing for long periods of time.

Check the weather: Although we cannot predict the weather, checking the forecast before attending an event can always be useful to help you prepare.

Sun protection: Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you head outdoors and reapply regularly throughout the day.

Victoria Park (Music in the parks 2024)

2.       Stay Hydrated:

Summer events can get warm and physically demanding, so it’s Important to stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you, and drink water regularly.

Fergusson Domain (Music in the parks 2024)

3.       Arrive Early:

Explore the venue: If it is a large event, arriving early allows you to familiarize yourself with the layout, food stalls, toilets, and emergency exits. It may also give you an opportunity to get setup in a prime spot to enjoy the event.

Fergusson Domain (Music in the parks 2024)

4.       Pack Essentials:

Portable charger: Keep your phone charged for pictures, emergency calls, or coordinating with friends. A portable power bank can be a lifesaver!

Ticket/Pass: Ensure your ticket or entry pass is easily accessible. Whether it is a physical ticket or a digital one on your phone, keep it handy to avoid delays.

Cash or cards: Some events may only accept cash, or there could be smaller vendors without card facilities. It is always helpful to have both as an option.

Victoria Park (Music in the parks 2024)

5. Plan for Parking or Transportation:

Public transport: Check if the venue has public transport options nearby. This can help you determine what time you need to arrive and help you plan your route to the event.

Carpool or ride-share: Consider carpooling or using ride-share apps to reduce stress and make transportation easier, especially if parking is limited.

Arrive early for parking: If you are driving, plan ahead for parking—sometimes the best spots fill up fast, especially at big events.

Victoria Park (Music in the parks 2024)

6. Have a Flexible Schedule:

Events can sometimes run late, or unexpected changes can happen. Stay flexible and open to adjusting your plans as needed.

Fergusson Domain (Music in the parks 2024)

7. Plan for Meals and Snacks:

Food: At large events, food vendors can get busy, so plan your meals around less crowded times if you want to avoid long lines. You can also bring your own snacks if allowed.

Consider food allergies or preferences: If you have dietary restrictions, research the food vendors ahead of time to make sure there are suitable options or consider bringing your own food to ensure you have options.

Victoria Park (Music in the parks 2024)

8. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings:

Whether it is an outdoor festival or an indoor concert, be courteous to the people around you. Respect personal space and be mindful of noise levels, especially during performances or speeches.

If the event is crowded, keep an eye on your belongings, and be aware of your surroundings for safety.

9. Stay Safe:

Know emergency exits: Especially for large events, it is good to know where the emergency exits, first aid stations, and other important facilities are located.

Group coordination: If you are attending with friends, make sure you have a meet-up spot in case you get separated.

Victoria Park (Music in the parks 2024)

Music in Parks 2025

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:

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/music-in-parks/music-events/ 

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!

Gig Buddies at Listen In Festival

Music brings people together like nothing else, part of the reason we launched the Gig Buddies Auckland project. Music can bring people in many ways including creating a community and a sense of belonging, connecting people regardless of race, gender, and age. It creates lasting memories and strengthens bonds between family and friends. Music crosses language barriers and releases dopamine and endorphins to enhance your overall sense of wellbeing.

Julian enjoying his first festival at Atari stage, with Jesse Reyez playing on stage.

Some of our Gig Buddies were lucky enough to get free tickets for Listen In Festival Auckland held in Go Media (Mt Smart) Stadium in Onehunga.

Listen In Auckland is an offshoot festival from Fuzzy, an Australian music production company formed more than 25 years ago. Listen Out is one of Australia’s premier national dance music festivals which includes a dynamic line-up of hip-hop and electronic artists. A concentrated version of the tour was created in 2018 to bring more high-quality dance music to Auckland, thus Listen In Auckland was born.

The festival had two stages playing simultaneously, 909 and Atari.

909 stage was a dedicated rave stage featuring dance music with high energy beats to keep the energy pumping. Some of the featured artists were Sub Focus, a DJ and producer who has become known for pushing the envelope boundaries within electronic Music; John Summit, a Chicago based House and Techno producer who has emerged as a major figure in the dance music world; and Folamour, a French DJ and producer who takes the bright aesthetic of disco and adds some chunky house grooves.

Gabby in front of the 909 stage

Atari stage was my personal favourite, which featured local and international hip-hop artists. Some of the featured artists were 21 Savage, a British born, Atlanta based rapper and songwriter who has attained platinum status; Jesse Reyez, a Columbian-Canadian singer-songwriter whose unique take on pop music with accents from R&B and hip-hop, reinforced by her raw vocal style has been a rising global superstar; and rounding out the lineup, legendary British rapper and song writer Skepta, with a career deeply rooted in grime music scene and has become a notable figure in the music industry.

Caleb in front of the Atari stage

The festival a great success and the buddies had a great time-for some it was even their first major festival/concert. The energy of the crowd was amazing, and the overall vibe was great, plenty of positive interaction with the buddies who had braved the mosh pit. It was awesome to see the crowd dancing and vibing along with the buddies.

Soanna at the viewing deck for the 909 stage

The festival accommodated everyone. We were happy to see some features that made it easy for disabled concertgoers to attend the event. There was an express lane at the entrance for disabled people, so we didn’t have to wait too long in line to get in the venue. The express lane was really helpful for people who get anxious or get tired.

There were also viewing decks accessible at both Atari and the 909 stages for people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues, along with their support. We were happy to take advantage of the viewing decks once we’d had our fill of dancing and raving.

Scream Machine Ride near the refreshment zone

The festival had a great selection of food stalls and trucks providing a variety of options for everyone. Gluten free, vegan, and halal food stall options were a happy sight for some of the buddies. There were even rides available for thrill-seeking concertgoers.

Listen In Auckland also provided a safe space for concert goers who needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival. It had bean bags for anyone who needed to rest and charging stations for anyone who needed to top up their mobile batteries. It was also very well-lit which made it a good meeting place for friends to find each other, considering there were 2 stages, and you could easily get lost in the crowd.

Safe zone beside the first aid tent

We hope to see more events and festivals here in Auckland providing accommodations for disabled people’s needs. This is a big win for the disability community and music lovers alike. A huge thanks and shout-out to the Fuzzy team for providing an unforgettable experience for us all.

Blog post written by Hans