Wellington Jazz Festival

The Wellington Jazz Festival is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest music events. Held over five days every October, it’s a highlight of the music calendar. It brings together top international stars and some of the finest jazz musicians from Aotearoa, New Zealand. With more than 100 gigs, expect everything from smooth soul and classic swing to funky beats and bold new sounds. You can catch GRAMMY award-winners, local legends, and up-and-coming artists. Whether you’re a long-time jazz fan or just curious, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Since 1996, the Wellington Jazz Festival has been a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s music scene. In 2025, the festival set a record with its largest lineup in over a decade, featuring more than 200 performances across 50 venues. The festival is run by Tāwhiri. This award-winning charitable company produces some of Aotearoa’s most iconic arts events, including the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts.

Tama Waipara MNZM is the Festival’s Co-Director. He says, ‘Wellington Jazz Festival is all about celebrating jazz in all its depth and influence. From the more familiar forms of straight ahead, swing, bebop, soul, funk and blues, to electronic, experimental and the emerging sounds of the artform and our own artistic community. It’s a chance for people to experience world-class performances from international stars and plug into the pulse of our own incredible Aotearoa artists. With free street gigs to ticketed shows, there are plenty of ways to join the celebration.’

The festival supports the creation of new jazz music. Festival Co-Director Dolina Wehipeihana says, ‘We’re passionate about supporting local jazz composers to create and perform new work. This programme is a chance for audiences to hear fresh sounds and champion homegrown talent. By spotlighting emerging New Zealand composers and presenting the world premiere of their new composition, the festival creates a space where tradition meets innovation, and audiences can witness jazz evolving in real time.’

The interior The Library, a cocktail bar in Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington. The booths are red velvet and the walls are lined with books.

The Library, a cosy cocktail bar on Courtenay Place, plays host to Wellington Jazz Festival gigs.

The festival is also the perfect way to explore Wellington. The city is known for its creative spirit and buzzing nightlife. Areas like Courtenay Place and Cuba Street are packed with bars, clubs, and live music venues. You’ll discover gigs in cocktail lounges, pubs, and even in secondhand bookshops. Catch a jazz sensation at the historic St James Theatre or relax with a cocktail and some smooth jazz at a classy bar. Many venues offer special food and drink deals during the festival, so it’s a great time to try something new.

Whether you’re visiting from another part of New Zealand or from overseas, the Wellington Jazz Festival is a great reason to come to the capital. The city is easy to get around, with everything close together. You can walk from gig to gig, grab a bite to eat, and soak up the festival vibe. Enjoy the music, be part of something special, and let the rhythm carry you away.

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