May marks New Zealand Music Month!

This year's theme, Our Sounds, Our Spaces, celebrates the people who shape Aotearoa's music scene - from emerging local artists to rising stars on the global stage.

We've handpicked our top five favourite events coming up in New Zealand so you can experience the magic of live music throughout May and beyond! Here's what to catch live across the country:

Strange Universe Winter Series

Strange Universe Winter Series takes over from late May into June, lighting up some of Tãmaki Makaurau's most-loved venues with a stacked lineup. Check out the full lineup HERE.

Cass McCombs

Tue 26 May

Double Whammy, Auckland

Cass McCombs joins the Strange Universe Winter Series with a special performance at Double Whammy on Tue 26 May. Bringing his signature blend of indie rock, folk and Americana, his catalogue spans over 20 years and is defined by rich storytelling and an ever-evolving sound.

Don't miss his long-awaited Aotearoa debut.

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Dry Cleaning

Wed 3 Jun

The Hollywood Avondale. Auckland

London quartet Dry Cleaning return to Auckland for a Strange Universe Winter Series show at The Hollywood Avondale on Wed 3 June. Known for their spoken-word post-punk style, their latest album builds on their sharp, unconventional lyricism and driving sound.

Don't miss their long-awaited return live.

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The Veils

Thu 25 Jun - Fri 10 Jul

Various Venues, NZ

The Veils return home this June/July with their Fragile World Aotearoa Tour, playing shows across New Zealand from 25 June to 10 July. Known for their brooding, cinematic sound and powerful live performances, they've built a loyal following both locally and abroad.

With their new album Fragile World out 19 June, this tour marks an exciting new chapter for the band. Don't miss them live across the country.

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Lou'ana - Disco Witch Album Release - Christchurch

Sat 23 May

Space Academy, Canterbury

Lou'ana brings her Disco Witch album release tour to Space Academy in Christchurch on Sat 23 May. Known as New Zealand's 'Queen of Disco', she blends nu-disco, funk and soul with deeply personal storytelling rooted in her cultural identity.

Her debut album Moonlight Madness earned 'Best Pacific Female Artist' at the 2021 Pacific Music Awards and reached #18 on the NZ Top 20 Album Chart.

Get involved and experience the Lou'ana magic live in Christchurch.

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Frankie Venter A Big Deal to Me Tour AUS/NZ

Fri 8 May - San Fran, Wellington

Sat 20 Jun - The Tuning Fork, Auckland

Frankie Venter brings her A Big Deal To Me Tour to Wellington's San Fran on Fri 8 May and Auckland's The Tuning Fork on Sat 20 June. Rising fast, the New Zealand pop artist is building strong international momentum off the back of her debut EP.

Recently nominated for Best Pop Artist at the 2025 AMAs, she was also personally invited by Coldplay to open two sold-out Eden Park shows - marking her as one of Aotearoa's most exciting rising talents.

Don't miss her live this May and June.

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