Many a night, students turn to the tried and true options of a good time. You either end up at Subs (again) or stay at home watching 123Movies because you don’t have Disney+ (again). Sure, these are the staples of a Saturday night for a reason, but going to live music gigs can be just as fun, and way more exciting than trying to desperately close pop-up ads. While it can be a bit daunting stepping into the unknown, it shouldn’t be scary trying something new. That’s why Critic Te Ārohi has developed a venue guide to help you on your way in deciding what live music venue is right for you!
The Crown
Dunedin’s most iconic venue is still kicking, having hosted gigs since The Chills, Straitjacket Fits and 3Ds were playing in ye ol’ days of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Equipped with a TV by the pool table, you're afforded the option of watching the show without losing your hearing or your limbs in the musty mosh (great for your first introduction to the scene).
Preferred genre: Punk/metal/alternative rock
Expected crowd: Geezers in leather jackets
Next Show: Flipper Fest
If this venue were a shoe: Doc Martens
Yours
Yours proudly hosts the drag scene in Ōtepoti and, as one of the few venues to be all-ages, is all about allowing a blossoming youth scene to develop.
Preferred genre: Electronica/folk/Noise
Expected crowd: Goth teens
Next Show: Goth Night
If this venue were a shoe: Heelys
Inch Bar
As the coziest venue in Dunedin, Inch Bar allows for intimate sets of stripped-back music. It’s also a great venue for the drag scene and craft beer (non-pretentiously).
Preferred genre: Folk/singer songwriter
Expected crowd: You know that guy that wears the big hat and has the cane? That guy.
Next Show: Cozy Comedy Open Mic
If this venue was shoe: Comfy running shoes
U-Bar
The home of the breathas and sheathas of Dunedin’s surf rock scene. Hosting Pint Night (almost) every Wednesday, as well as an array of other gigs, U-Bar’s on-campus location offers the perfect opportunity to make the most of live music. Grab a cheap pint and ignore how sticky the floors are.
Preferred genre: Surf Rock/alternative rock
Expected crowd: Breathas and sheathas
Next show: Bring the Noise finals
If this venue was shoe: White Air Forces
The Duck
A fun, cute, weird little vibe. The lil’ guy of Dunedin.
Preferred genre: Folk
Expected crowd: Peninsula locals
Next show: Check the gig guide
If this was a shoe: A nice heel
Errick's
Errick’s, set up in an old brewery, offers a big venue for all the big artists, and all the good vibes to go along with it. It most recently saw performances by Tiny Ruins, Vera Ellen and The Hypocriticals, but hosts a whole range of events, musical and otherwise.
Preferred genre: Pop/alternative rock
Expected crowd: Tipsy middle age people
Next show: 1 Drop Nation
If this venue was a shoe: Worn out vans
Dunedin Folk Club
Exactly what it says on the tin.
Preferred genre: Ska
Expected crowd: People you went to primary school with but weren’t friends with
Next show: Donna Dean
If this venue was a shoe: Slippers
Catacombs
“It’s really fucking loud” – Sam
“You can feel the glare of the VIP people looking down. But when I’m there, I’m one of them” – Nina
Preferred genre: Alternative rock
Expected crowd: Sam and Nina
Next show: Check the gig guide
If this venue was a shoe: Crusty Birks
Indigo Room
The jazz venue, known for their jazzy-jazz nights.
Preferred genre: Jazz
Expected crowd: Dudes in turtlenecks with circle rim glasses or your lecturer
Next show: Probably some jazz show
If this venue was a shoe: Tap shoes
Pearl Diver
Pearl Diver’s interior is quintessentially hipster, and includes a great smoking area and a foosball table. Kane Strang played there, so that’s the vibe.
Preferred genre: Alternative rock
Expected crowd: People in headscarves
Next show: Shotgun Wedding
If this venue was a shoe: Limited-edition Converses
Maggie’s
Cafe by day, bar by night, Maggie’s is the beloved haunt of indie rockers and oat latte sippers who love dogs
Preferred genre: Alternative rock/Indie
Expected crowd:
Next show: KMTP (solo) with Pearly
If this venue was a shoe: Doc Marten’s Mary Janes
Moons
Stumble in after your bottomless brunch at Catalyst and bump into the craft beer drinking middle-aged upper middle-class type beat
Preferred genre: Blues
Expected crowd: Your music teacher who’s trying not to bump into his students
Next show: Phil Corfield
If this venue was a shoe: RM Williams