Nelson Tasman will surprise you with venues that range from the classy to the quirky to the downright funky. Wherever you are in our region, there should be an unforgettable night (and maybe some crazy dancing) within reach.
Fast becoming the go-to bar for music heads in Nelson City. With its wildly popular open mic night on Thursdays and regular bands across the weekend, there’s plenty of good music to be found. This is not a big bar, but somehow, there’s always room, along with craft and international beers, local wines and the best chilli bowls in town.
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East Street has been making vegies sexy since 2010. As music lovers, they also make room for their favourite bands and DJs with cool beats and Kiwi artists coming through town.
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Run during the day as Nelson’s largest al fresco café, Deville hides its dark gothic heart well. With a fusion food menu that is as wildly popular as ever, evenings often open up to progressive outer space funk, heavy techno beats, travelling indie rock, and twisted disco.
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NCMA's calendar is brimming with music events of every kind. From its very popular and coolly casual Live Lounge on Friday evenings to lunchtime concerts and full-blown classical experiences in New Zealand’s largest wooden heritage auditorium, NCMA has a lot to offer music lovers.
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This historic building over the water on Nelson’s Rocks Road has witnessed countless gigs from local, national and international bands over many years. With a gorgeous and large deck over the water and a room that can fit over 200 patrons, this is a major venue in Nelson’s music scene. Ah, smell the wood…
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The pet project of local music fan Geoff Sherlock, Room Twenty5 is a crazy cross between the ultimate music man cave and a dreamer’s band room. Eighty fans max in 100 square metres – that’s the kind of cool intimacy to expect at gigs from a surprising array of legit artists from James Reid to Greg Johnson. Check out their Instagram to find out what gigs are on.
Purpose-built as a music and theatre venue, this fantastic room hosts a variety of music events throughout the year—from solo artists to 10-piece bands and stand-up comedians to one-act plays.
The Playhouse is a popular wedding and event venue with stunning landscaped gardens.
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It's the coolest little country bar you’ve ever seen. This small but pumping venue is uncompromising in its commitment to good times – from heavy beats to bar bands. The menu is simple but superb, and an indoor/outdoor flow fits those long Golden Bay nights.
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1259 SH60, Onekaka, Golden Bay
An institution on New Zealand’s gig circuit – The Mussel Inn is the must-do of every music fan at the top of the South Island. Built lovingly by Andrew and Jane, and run unapologetically as an oasis from an unnecessarily modern world, the Mussel Inn’s rustic room has seen the best of NZ music at one time or another. It’s a bit cosier in winter, but summer is long…as is the gig list.
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