15 – 19 October 2025
Soul, funk, jazz, fusion, rhythm and blues — it’s a celebration of sound across the city this spring. The annual Wellington Jazz Festival is back. The event packs over 200 gigs into five days in venues around the city.
The festival features two major international acts making exclusive New Zealand debuts. Wellington will see two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist and bandleader, Gregory Porter and five-time Grammy Award-winning jazz singer, Samara Joy. Gregory Porter’s unique and timeless sound blends jazz, soul, and gospel. His influences include Bakersfield Southern Gospel and jazz legend Nat King Cole. At just 25 years old, Samara Joy has become a breakout jazz sensation. She’s redefining 21st-century jazz with a rich, mature tone and refined phrasing.
The treats in the programme continue with Australian First Nations soul singer Bumpy, and a commissioned work by New Zealand/Congolese drummer, composer, and rhythm master Myele Manzanza. He’ll be performing with international supergroup, lvdf. The Rodger Fox Big Band returns with a tribute to Ray Charles, and the Aotearoa Jazz Orchestra has its inaugural performance with a Duke Ellington arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite. Many of the hospitality venues in Courtenay Place and its surrounding streets are planning intimate jazz gigs across the festival. Follow the sound of saxophones to find a spot to park up for the night.
She balances vocal tenderness and power to create a hypnotic stage presence. Naarm/Melbourne-based Bumpy has cemented her status as one of Australia’s most compelling artists. She blends contemporary soul, folk, funk and jazz.
At just 25 years old, Samara Joy has become a breakout jazz sensation. The five-time Grammy Award winner has redefined 21st-century jazz with a rich tone, refined phrasing, and a fresh take on Great American Songbook repertoire.
Two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist, composer and bandleader Gregory Porter makes his New Zealand debut. His ’liquid gold‘ baritone commands attention. His style blends jazz, soul and gospel.
One of modern jazz’s most exciting new ensembles. lvdf comprises four international musicians, including Wellington-raised drummer Myele Manzanza. He debuts a bold Wellington Jazz Festival commission.
Wellington is often referred to as the creative capital. If you ever needed proof of that title, then look no further than the Wellington Jazz Festival programme.
17 October 2025St James Theatre
16 October 2025St James Theatre
Looking for a pre or post-show meal or drink? The St James Theatre is at the heart of Wellington and is surrounded by places to stop off before any event.
Every great city needs a great music scene. Whether it’s bleeding onto the streets from your favourite record stores or the rumble of a good back alley venue, Wellington has you covered. Help keep independent music alive with this list of where to get your wax or find your favourite artists.
Spring in Wellington is a bit like the city itself — lively, unpredictable, and full of surprises. As the days grow longer and the city bursts into bloom, you’ll find pockets of sunshine, crisp sea breezes, and the occasional gust.
18 September – 5 October 2025TSB Arena
February to March 2026
31 October 2025The Opera House
3 October 2025The Opera House