The Titirangi Festival of Music is back this Labour Weekend, and it’s bringing two full days of live music, big names, and the kind of community energy that actually feels good to be part of.
After taking a break over the pandemic, the festival made a low-key return earlier this year with a one-off Matariki show. But this Labour Weekend, it’s back properly, with a lineup that blends iconic Aotearoa artists and local talent in a way only Titirangi can pull off.
It all starts on Saturday 25 October with a full day of music and performances across Titirangi Village. It’s free, it’s outdoors, and the whole village gets involved, local musicians, kapa haka, dance crews, and for the first time, a dedicated cultural stage that’s all about celebrating the diverse voices of Aotearoa. There’s no gates or tickets for this one, just good music, a welcoming vibe, and a chance to be part of something that feels connected.
On Saturday night, things move indoors for a ticketed show at DECO with none other than Annie Crummer headlining. She’s a living legend with the kind of stage presence that pulls you all the way in. She’s joined by Arjuna Oakes, whose mix of soul, jazz and low-key introspection has been quietly getting under people’s skin, in the best way. It’s intimate, it’ll sell out, and if you’re into seeing world-class talent up close, this one’s unmissable.
Then on Sunday night, the festival takes over The Hollywood in Avondale for its biggest show of the weekend. Anika Moa is at the centre of it all, witty, emotional, totally captivating. She’s joined by Black Comet, fronted by Laughton Kora and bringing serious funk energy, and Thabani Gabara, a jazz saxophonist and composer who’s been making waves and fully deserves the spotlight. This one’s also ticketed, and it’ll be huge.
There are other ticketed events across the weekend too, with a range of prices to keep things accessible—so whether you’re going all-in or just picking one or two shows, there’s a way in. But make no mistake: this is a festival that knows its community. It brings in big names, but keeps the heart local. Whether you’re standing in the middle of the village watching a young kapa haka group or sitting in an art deco cinema hearing Anika Moa belt out something that makes your chest ache, you’ll feel it.
Titirangi knows how to hold space for both. For art and culture, for fun and meaning. And that’s why people come back. It’s not about hype. It’s about something real.
Tickets and full event info at titirangifestival.co.nz — and honestly, don’t wait too long.