25 reasons why we’re going to Laneway 2025!
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival in Tāmaki Makaurau is one of New Zealand’s premier music events, attracting tens of thousands of music lovers! Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, this event offers something for everyone, combining trailblazing artists with the best summer vibes. Here are 25 reasons why Laneway Festival is a must-attend experience.
1. Killer Lineup
It’s renowned for its stellar lineup, showcasing both international superstars and up-and-coming artists across various genres.
Past lineups have featured artists like Billie Eilish, James Blake, Jamie XX, Lorde, Billie Eilish, The War on Drugs, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Florence & The Machine, Jorja Smith, The 1975, Rufus Du Sol, BENEE, Omar Apollo, Steve Lacy, Dominic Fike - and much more! Check out all the iconic past line-ups here.
Expect top-tier performances from artists in 2025 including the headliners Charli XCX, Clairo & Beabadoobee that span indie rock, electronic, hip-hop and more, celebrating diversity!
2. Supports local artists
While the festival draws international acts, Laneway also puts a strong emphasis on local talent. Aotearoa’s music scene is full of incredible artists, with this year’s line-up including:
Elliot & Vincent - A two-piece rock ’n’ roll band whose primal, beating rhythms and sculptural, driving guitar lines create a thrilling sonic landscape, known for their raw power and gripping intensity in their live performances.
Vera Ellen - wildly prolific and Taite Music Prize-winning singer-songwriter celebrated for her introspective music. Her albums are full of hooked-to-the-brim melodies, and guided by Vera’s clear, confident, and relaxed vocal presence.
RNZŌ - At 17 years old, RNZŌ is the youngest artist on the Laneway Festival lineup, and he’s determined to leave a lasting impression. Born in Hamilton, raised in Kawerau, he has an irresistable flow that caught the attention of hip-hop fans across the Motu has a clear sense of identity and purpose that not many artists of his age can claim. You’re in for a real good time.
3. Music Discovery
Known for curating forward-thinking lineups, you’ll find not just well-established artists but also fresh talent that’s shaping the future of music. It’s the perfect place to discover your new favourite band or artist before they blow up and hit the mainstream. (Did you read the artists on their past line-ups?!)
4. Stunning food & drink offerings
Laneway isn’t just about music — it’s also a celebration of great food and beverages! Expect a wide variety of food trucks and vendors serving up everything from gourmet street food to delicious vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options, plus a great selection of craft beers and drinks. Plus there are plenty of free drinking water stations throughout the site - you can bring a clear, empty water bottle (that is not metal!) to fill up and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Last year our highlight was the Cacio e Pepe from local Italian restaurant Pici! Absolutely divine 🤌
5. Immaculate vibes ✨
Laneway brings together a diverse crowd of music lovers, creating a positive vibe and welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. The festival has a strong sense of community, both among the artists and attendees. Whether you’re making new friends in the crowd or bumping into familiar faces, the sense of camaraderie amongst like-minded music lovers is undeniable.
Laneway provides a secure and safe environment for everyone. Whether you’re experiencing a music festival for the first time or a seasoned festival-goer, the helpful staff as well as easy-to-navigate location will bring ease to your experience while still offering the energy and excitement that comes with a world-class festival.
6. Brat Summer ☀️
Need we say more?! Laneway always happens to land on a bloody scorcher so we can’t wait to enjoy the sun (safely) while sipping on our crisp bevvies and dancing to the music (slip, slop, slap and wrap people!).
7. Their giveaways!
For Christmas, they gave away Charli XCX, Clairo, DJO & Beabadobee vinyls, merch packs, a $500 Stirling Sports voucher and much more! Now they’re running a competition to be in to win the ultimate Stirling Sports x Laneway experience - make sure to check it out on their Instagram.
8. MAKE IT A LONG WEEKEND!
Why not take the Friday off too and have a 4-day weekend?! Beat the back-to-work blues and spend more time out in the sun perhaps drinking a spritz, beer or a rosé - you deserve it!
9. Spectacular staging, lighting & sound
As you know, the Laneway team have pulled off a successful event many a time, and are experts at turning a blank canvas such as an open field into a festival wonderland! With top-tier speaker systems and impressive lighting complementing the music, there is no doubt you will be blown away by the production of the multi-stage experience.
10. Accessibility
This is an accessible event - physically with lots of flat, open spaces plus you can fill out a form here to request any accessibility needs! This includes specific food allergies or medical requirements.
11. Transport
We all know how much of a pain city traffic can be like, but the location has easy access to public transport, ride-sharing services and plenty drop-off/pick-up options at the top of Great North Road (towards Grey Lynn). You can check out Auckland Transport’s journey planner to find the best option for you!
12. Merch. Merch. Merch.
Laneway offers a range of stylish, festival-exclusive merchandise. Whether you’re looking for a cool band tee or a limited edition souvenir, the merch is always top-notch and a great way to remember the event! Plus did you get yourself a limited edition Laneway x Charli XCX ‘BRAT’ vinyl?
13. The best in indie music
Indie music lovers will feel right at home at Laneway. The festival has a long-standing reputation for celebrating independent artists and bands, giving them a platform to perform in front of the most enthusiastic crowds.
14. Fits & photo opp!
We’re no stranger to the fact the festivals are the perfect reason to dress up in something you probably wouldn’t wear to the office .. and express yourself! It’s a judgment-free zone where your outfit becomes part of the art and energy of the event, to feel more connected to the atmosphere - right down to the details with make-up, hair and accessories to help you fully immerse yourself in the experience. But we also love that there’s no obligation to dress up - no rules!
15. It doesn’t feel overcrowded or overwhelming!
We all know anxiety levels can get high at large music festivals with the sheer amount of people but Laneway allows plenty of space throughout the to chill out, sit back and relax away from the crowd if you need while still being able to see the stage and hear the music.
16. Worthy Causes: FEAT. Live
FEAT. is an artist-led movement to reshape the environmental legacy of the live entertainment industry. Laneway’s collaboration with the organisation means that $1 from every ticket will be directly funding climate action and decarbonisation efforts.
17. Worthy Causes: Reforest
They’ve teamed up with Reforest to help support local reforestation + bush regeneration projects right across Australia and encouraging the community to plant trees to remove CO2 and restore local ecosystems.
18. Worthy Causes: Yiriman Project
Since 2011, Laneway audiences have raised over $250,000 which goes directly into programs devoted to helping Aboriginal youth in the Kimberley region by taking them ‘back to Country’ in the company of their Elders, where they can begin to reconnect with their culture and strengthen their sense of identity.
19: Committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development goals
Laneway Festival is leading the way by taking action on climate, raising resilience and creating a new standard for sustainable live performance. In September 2024, they committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the festival's pledge to regenerate, decarbonise and drive positive social and environmental change.
20. Tracking their carbon footprint
Working with NetNada we calculated a robust carbon footprint for the entire Laneway Festival tour in order to identify emissions hotspots, and levers for reduction. This carbon footprint data provides the baseline against which they aim to improve their practises and reduce their carbon footprint over time.
21. Reducing single use plastic
They have replaced 53,220 single use plastic water bottles with canned water alternatives since 2023. They now offer Mr B’s resealable, reusable and recyclable aluminium bottle water for sale and for use in their back of house operations at Laneway Festival.
22: Offsetting carbon emissions
In 2024, they offset the carbon emissions from touring personnel flights, through supporting Rainforest Rescue projects in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, Wind Farms in India, and by protecting 100m2 of critical habitat for biodiversity in SA and NSW Woodlands and Wetlands through TEM & Wilderlands.
23. Fantastic volunteer opportunities
Laneway offers opportunities to get involved with the festival as a volunteer. It’s a great way to get behind the scenes and be a part of something bigger, all while enjoying the festival and meeting new people. Find out more about volunteering here.
24. Safety & well-being
Laneway places a strong emphasis on the safety and well-being of its attendees. The festival provides ample services, including hydration stations, medical support, and security, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
25. An international signifier of essential music
Above all, Laneway Festival offers an experience unlike any other. It’s not just about the music; it’s about being part of something that celebrates creativity, artistry, and community. The event continues to showcase its original set of values: championing community, fostering collaboration, encouraging self-expression, and finding ongoing excuses to have fun.
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival in Auckland is the place to be. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be an unforgettable day and create memories that will last a lifetime! Get your tickets from www.lanewayfestival.com/auckland if you haven’t already.
