Uptown Downtown lights up Tauranga and Mount Maunganui over Easter with an electrifying mix of jazz-oriented acts from all across Aotearoa. On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 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.