Common Folk

Irish Set Dancing
2025-12-18 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Auckland Irish Club, Rocky Nook Ave, Fowlds Park, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
Free Irish Set Dancing session – the group goes through various traditional sets from Ireland, dances are called, all welcome.
The Auckland Irish Society Clubhouse, Rocky Nook Bowling Club, Fowlds Park, Mt. Albert – First and third Thursdays each month (except Jan.)
If you’re planning on coming contact: Sue and John Sheehan phone: (09) 445 9105 or 027 488 8733

Christmas Party with The Mummers @ The Bunker
2025-12-15 20:00 - 23:00 | The Bunker
Celebrate the festive season with mince pies, Mummers and seasonal songs.

Irish Session @ The Clare Inn
2025-12-14 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-07 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-30 16:00 - 19:00 | The Clare Inn, 274-278 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
Irish session, 4 to 7pm every Sunday

Al Young @ The Tahi
2025-12-14 16:00 - 18:00 | TheTahi Bar + Kitchen, 1 Neville Street, Warkworth, Auckland, New Zealand
Blues veteran Al Young, with bass maestro Garry Trotman, is back at Warkworth’s award-winning Tahi Bar in Warkworth on Sunday December 14 with an afternoon of those good ol’ downhome blues. Great music, great venue, great people … you’ve gotta be there!

Christmas Club night with The Skiffy Rivets @ Titirangi Folk Music Club
2025-12-13 19:30 - 23:00 | Titirangi Beach Hall, Titirangi Beach Road, Titirangi, Auckland, New Zealand
The Skiffy Rivets are worth turning out for, thanks to their fun approach with a repertoire that stretches from the funny to the thoughtful — all delivered with tasty harmonies.
Holly Carrington and Pete Parnham share most of the lead vocals with Pete switching guitars to suit the genre. Meanwhile Sue Tearne adds another whole dimension with top-end harmonies, while Cathy Dyer on bass provides the beating heart of the ensemble.

It’s going to be a great evening with new songs and old favourites!
members $12non-members $15under 18’s free.

Donnybrook Fair & Sammy Leary @ Ōmiha Folk Club
2025-12-13 19:00 - 22:00 | Ōmiha Memorial Hall, 2 Glen Brook Rd, Omiha, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
A very special December double bill featuring the amazing Donnybrook Fair + our very own Sammy Leary! Donnybrook Fair are energetic, charismatic and very talented musicians who are in very high demand. They perform punk infused English/Irish folk, reminiscent of The Pogues and The Dubliners – just the thing for a festive hootenanny. Expect a high-energy fusion of traditional melodies and fast-paced rhythms and songs filled with stories of love, rebellion, and celebration.

Sammy Leary performs traditional and original music often with strong New Zealand themes, but also from the broader folk traditions of Ireland, Britain and the USA. Performing with a varied range of instruments from the banjo to the bones to the concertina and the musical saw, and of course the unaccompanied voice, with Sammy’s enormous repertoire, each performance is different, but as always – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn something obscure about NZ history and you will become a communist.

Carnaval Latino @ Freyberg Square
2025-12-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Ellen Melville Centre, Freyberg Square, Courthouse Ln, Auckland Central, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Celebrating the vibrant cultures of Latin America!!
Come along and enjoy:
Delicious Latin American street food Live music & folkloric dance performances Crafts, local Latinx artists & small businesses Activities for tamariki & whānau Pet-friendly vibes – bring your furry friends!
Let’s dance, eat, connect & celebrate community!

Auckland Bluegrass Xmas Club Night @ The Nix
2025-12-10 19:30 - 22:00 | The Nix, 6 Nixon Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
One of the best things about December in Auckland is the ABC Xmas Club Night. It is a chance for everyone to get together and enjoy some holiday and holiday-adjacent songs.
In a Nutshell:
– What: Auckland Bluegrass Xmas Club Night
– Date & Time: Wednesday 10th December at 7:30pm (doors open: 7pm)
– Location: Ockham Collective at The Nix, 6 Nixon Street, Grey Lynn
– Tickets: FREE!
– BYO: Please bring a plate – sign-up is here so that we don’t end up with too much of the same thing!

Andrew London Duo @ The Bunker
2025-12-08 20:00 - 23:00 | The Bunker
ANDREW LONDON DUO – Ever popular Andrew and Kirsten London putting the spotlight on Kiwi life with upbeat humour and satire.

Whangateau Folk Club with hoop
2025-12-08 19:00 - 22:30 | Whangateau Hall, 533 Leigh Road, Leigh, New Zealand
The Ministry of Folk is bringing some goodtime feelings to Whangateau in the guise of the indie folk band hoop. hoop have been going strength to strength, having just released a new single, “Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way” from their forthcoming EP to be released in December. hoop are a five-piece indie folk band from Tāmaki Makaurau, weaving together lush harmonies, emotive instrumentation, and genre-blending songwriting to deliver music that feeds the soul.
Club night! Floor singers first half. Email whangateaufolk@gmail.com to book a spot.
$20 on the door, cash or bank transfer accepted. Doors open at 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start.

The Nukes @ Titirangi Theatre
2025-12-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road, Titirangi, Auckland, 0604, New Zealand
Join ukulele group, The Nukes, for a road trip like no other – a song-journey from Rakiura (Stewart Island) to Cape Reinga, woven together with harmony and laughter. Celebrating over 15 years together the Nukes have built a reputation built upon finely crafted original tunes, comic flair and great musicianship, all of which have made them one of New Zealand’s most endearing, and enduring live acts – and their newest show is set to be a crowd-pleaser.
This special performance blends The Nukes signature songwriting with a fresh twist – the inclusion of war-era classics that showcase the group’s warm four-part vocal harmonies. At the heart of it all is the humble ukulele, transformed in their hands into a truly musical and expressive instrument. Expect toe-tapping tunes, classic ballads, and moments of musical magic as The Nukes take you on a tour of Aotearoa – one story and one song at a time.
This all-ages show once again reunites original members Snapper, Ben, and Dave, and also features Dave’s son Josh (JayP) in the line-up.

Balfolk Auckland @ St Stephen's Church Hall
2025-12-08 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-01 19:00 - 20:30 | St Stephens Church Hall, 65 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay, Auckland, New Zealand
Balfolk Auckland: a weekly dance gathering in which traditional European dance forms are presented as a vibrant experience.

Open Mic @ Kāhui St. David's
2025-12-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Kāhui St. David’s, 70 Khyber Pass Road, Auckland, New Zealand
Calling all rangatahi artists for a cosy, supportive and whānau-friendly open mic! We are inviting rangatahi artists to an open mic for our youth community and their whānau. This is a chance for young performers to practice their craft, share their voice and connect with others in a relaxed space at the beautiful Kāhui St. David’s.
Everyone is welcome to come along, make a cup of tea, cheer on our up and coming artists and enjoy a beautiful evening of music and performance. If you or someone you know is keen to perform, you can sign up here: tinyurl.com/RangatahiOpenMic
Ages 16 to 29 Up to 15 minute sets

Floor singers fundraiser for Angel @ Barebones Acoustic Folk Club
2025-12-07 14:30 - 18:00 | Workshop 26, 26 Donovan Street, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland, New Zealand
“Floor-singers Fundraiser” event to raise some money to help valued community member Angel through a difficult time.
“A multi-instrumentalist musician and tutor, many will remember him as the guy with dreadlocks, playing a huge piano accordion in The Dogs Bollix Band and Genghis Carney. Others will know him previously as your sound engineer in The Mill tent at the Auckland Folk Festival or at an open mic or venue somewhere. He has done much in the background of the folk and Irish music scene in Auckland and given considerable amounts of time helping young musicians realise their potential and talent. Over the last ten years, he has worked closely with the Auckland Irish Society, with the choir for Christmas and St Patrick Day events, music and technical support for charity fund-raisers, and the yearly seniors festive season dinner.As a valued supporter of the Barebones Acoustic Folk Club, he has always given encouragement to myself to keep being “a trooper”, running the club and promoting live folk music performances and I’ve had the delight of performing trad music with him many times over the years.A talented gardener (who gives away much of his produce to those less fortunate), a huge humanitarian and animal lover, he won’t let a cat go hungry and helps others in need whenever he can, sometimes going without himself.Now we can to do something for him. Thanking you in advance for your support.”
Entry $10.00 cash at the doorNo bar, so it’s BYOTea/Coffee/Cake at 1/2 time – Gold coin donation please.All proceeds raised will go to helping Angel.

Nadia Reid @ Powerstation
2025-12-06 20:00 - 23:00 | Powerstation, 33 Mount Eden Rd, Grafton, Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
This December acclaimed songwriter Nadia Reid journeys back to New Zealand in celebration of Enter Now Brightness; her critically lauded fourth album which was released on Chrysalis in February 2025.
The Manchester-based expatriate New Zealander is known for her ruminative and well-crafted folk-inflected songwriting, and with Enter Now Brightness she presents a record of poise and great beauty, the sound of a cellular shift, of pain giving way to tenderness and joy.

hoop & Moon Goose @ DEPOT Artspace
2025-12-06 19:30 - 22:00 | DEPOT Artspace, 28 Clarence St, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand
Known for curating Auckland’s Ministry of Folk events, indie folk band hoop. now steps fully into the spotlight with their fourth EP – a rich and heartfelt collection of songs exploring life, love, loss, lockdown, and the occasional social or political reflection.
Wrap Me Up in Winter combines the song writing talents of Devonport local Nick Edgar (The Wonderfish Collective, Helium Project) and Al Baxter (Ministry of Folk, The Mollymawks) all tied together with lush harmonies and emotive instrumentation from a band that has been performing together for over ten years.
The EP offers an eclectic mix – from Celtic influences to Americana roots. Expect soaring strings from the gifted Emily Allen (violin, viola) anchored by the driving rhythm section of Rusty Knox (drums) and Glenn Coldham (bass). This is music to feed your soul.
Opening the night are the mesmerising Moon Goose – a duo weaving haunting harmonies, layered folk textures, and luminous storytelling into every song.
With Holly Dove (vocals, guitar, Celtic whistle) and Britta Hamill (vocals, violin), Moon Goose blend traditional songs from their travels in England and Scotland with their own compositions, crafting music that invites you to dream, reflect, and maybe even dance. Their sound is rich with mystery, melancholy, and magic – a perfect prelude to hoop.’s winter tales.
Sarah Cowie’s exhibition The Moon Looked at Me Funny will provide the backdrop to the show.
A glass of wine is included with your ticket, provided courtesy of our hospitality partner Toi Toi Wines.
Don’t miss this intimate and unforgettable night of music, art and connection.

Auckland Céilí/Cèilidh Band - Makarau Hall Fundraiser
2025-12-06 18:30 - 21:00 | Makarau Hall, Makarau Road, Makarau, Kaukapakapa, New Zealand
Get ready for a foot-stomping, family-friendly night of traditional Celtic music and dancing!
The Auckland Céilí/ Cèilidh Band brings the spirit of Ireland and Scotland to the beautiful rural MAKARAU HALL. A family-friendly evening of Celtic dancing for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just curious to try, this event is all about joy, connection, and rhythm. No experience needed—just bring your energy and a smile.
This is a FUNDRAISER for the Makarau Hall. All ticket proceeds go to the hall. The live traditional Celtic band is funded by The Daphnie Stevens Community Music Scholarship. A light supper is provided in the ticket price.

Micheal Young @East Coast Folk Club
2025-12-05 20:00 - 22:30 | East Coast Folk Club, Torbay Senior Citizens Social Centre, Torbay, Auckland, New Zealand
Micheal Young became obsessed with the guitar at the age of 18, inspired by the likes of James Taylor, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, Joe Walsh, Chet Atkins and the Beatles. A few years later he latched on to the progressive fusion music of The Tony Rice Unit, David Grisman Quartet, Tony Trishka with Skyline, and New Grass Revival and added a mandolin to his toolkit. His love for vocal harmonies has grown from his participation in the New Zealand bands “Wires & Wood”, “Too Far Gone”, “ReInTarNayShun” and “Rainberry Pie”, as well as his album of duets “Double Helix”. Along the way he became a successful recording engineer, producing two Tui award winning albums. After honing his skills on upright bass he became a founding member of the up and coming folk/rock/soul band “Albi & The Wolves” which is keeping him very busy at the moment.
Micheal will be joined by Ded Mackenzie on vocals, David Blackman on violin, Cathy Dyer on bass and Miles Shephard on mandolin.

Shanty night @ The Bunker
2025-12-01 20:00 - 23:00 | The Bunker
Shanty NIght with members of The Maritime Crew. Includes floor singers – always a rousing night.

Bunker Hill Unplugged @ The Bunker
2025-11-30 20:00 - 23:00 | The Bunker
Four songwriters presented by Micheal Young.

Musical Sound Journey @ The Button Factory
2025-11-30 16:30 - 20:00 | The Button Factory, 2 Abbey Street, Aucklad, New Zealand
Auckland world-fusion musicians Matt Reece and John Goudge, take you on their unique Musical Sound Journey.Welcome to the Button Factory – Central Auckland’s creative space for art, music and dance. Matt and John will immerse you in a fusion of instruments from all around the world, while you are surrounded by artworks.Matt Reece is a long-time student of instruments from around the world, including overtone flutes, kalimba, ngoni (African harp), taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments), didgeridoo, and percussion.John Goudge has been a singer/songwriter, composer, and musical director for nearly four decades. As part of Musical Sound Journey, he fuses sound effects, synthesizers, guitars, and voice with world music.

Daughters of Orpheus Return - Workshops with Tui Mamaki & Medena Ensemble
2025-11-30 10:00 - 16:00
“Daughters of Orpheus Return”
Freshly returned from the homeland of the music, Tui Mamaki is offering a Series of Open Workshops with Medena Ensemble:
4 OCT : NEDELINO village
= Potent diphonic mountain song, learned with Aneta Emilova
5 OCT : BISTRITSA village
= Driving diphonic trance-lore, learned with Dina Koleva
1 NOV : PLEVEN region
= Swift ornamented 7 rhythm, for trio, learned with Gergana Dimitrova
2 NOV : PIRIN region
= Beautiful slow 7 rhythm, for trio, learned with Gergana Dimitrova
29 NOV : RODOPA mountains
= Uplifting frolic song, for trio, learned with Elichka Krastanova
30 NOV : RODOPA mountains
= Langourous ornamented solo, learned with Elichka Krastanova
LOGISTICAL
Location: Auckland
Times : 10am-4pm
Cost : $125-150 single day / $225-275 weekend
Requires : Previous folklore vocal experience OR an individual introduction session to acquire appropriate voice production basics.
ENQUIRIES : tuimamaki@gmail.com / 021 155 55 82

Piping of the Haggis @ RSA Birkenhead
2025-11-29 19:00 - 22:00 | RSA Birkenhead, 1 Recreation Drive, Birkenhead, Auckland, New Zealand
Join us and the music of Dave Ewart for the Piping of the Haggis! A long held tradition in Scotland. Come listen to the Bagpiper and taste the Haggis!

Celtic Christmas Celebration @ Red Beach Church
2025-11-29 15:00 - 17:00 | Red Beach Church, 76 Red Beach Road, Red Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Celebrate the season with a concert full of energy, colour and Celtic spirit. Enjoy a vibrant mix of traditional carols and songs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Cornwall, along with familiar Christmas favourites.
Experience the warmth of choral harmony, the joy of the season and a touch of Celtic charm. The perfect way to begin your Christmas celebrations.

Rod MacKinnon @ Pah Homestead
2025-11-29 12:00 - 13:00 | The Arts House Trust, Pah Homestead, 72 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, New Zealand
Rod MacKinnon is a singer/songwriter with a varied original repertoire. His roots are in folk music, which he has developed eclectically over the years, reflecting on life, frequently with quirky observations. His music covers a range of genres from folksy blues to jazzy ballads.

Schools' Cultural Festival 2025 @ Rocket Park, Mt Albert
2025-11-29 10:00 - 16:00 | Rocket Park, 751 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
Celebrate Auckland’s unique culture with the Albert-Eden Schools Cultural Festival 2024 and enjoy performances, food trucks, activations and more. This year there are 13 schools participating with 34 performances.
