UPTOWN DOWNTOWN lights up Tauranga and Mount Maunganui

Uptown Downtown

UPTOWN DOWNTOWN lights up Tauranga and Mount Maunganui over Easter with an electrifying mix of jazz-oriented acts from all across Aotearoa.

On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April, pockets of the city will transform into a live-music playground as extraordinary musicians take over bars, restaurants, lounges and hidden corners, filling each space with rhythm, soul and irresistible groove. From sultry evening sets to sun-soaked afternoon sessions, participating venues become their own micro-festival, buzzing with energy and discovery.

This is your chance to move with the music, quite literally. Wander from Uptown to Downtown, following the sound of brass riffs, walking bass lines and smooth vocalists as they echo through Tauranga’s bars and restaurants and Mount Maunganui’s coastal hotspots. Each venue curates its own atmosphere, whether you’re craving high-octane funk-fusion, intimate acoustic jazz, or a modern twist on classic swing. With so many incredible artists in rotation, every stop offers something new and unforgettable.

Gather your friends, grab a bite, raise a glass and let the music lead the way. UPTOWN DOWNTOWN is all about celebrating community, creativity and the joy of live performance, right where people love to be. It’s the perfect way to explore the region’s best hospitality while soaking up world-class jazz in its most natural habitat. Make a night of it, make a weekend of it, because at Easter, Tauranga and the Mount become the country’s hottest jazz destination. Think Jazz, Think Easter, Think Tauranga.

Katikati Jazz Street Party

Get ready for an unforgettable day in the heart of Katikati!

EVERYTHING IN ITS RIGHT PLACE

Tauranga Big Band. Taking its name from the Radiohead classic.

The Lockie Bennett Trio

Lockie Bennett is a jazz guitarist based in Wellington, who specialises in bop-oriented music

COCKTAIL SWING

Experience the glitz of the Big Band era with hot jazz and cool cocktails

THE HURRICANE PARTY

Dance up a Storm!

KOKOMO AND FRIENDS

This will be Kokomo like you’ve never seen them before
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April 2026
Various Locations to be confirmed.
Admission:

Free Entry