The Neat Places Guide to Laneway Festival 2026
To be honest, when I was one of thousands of brats dancing to Apple with Charli xcx last year, I was convinced the Laneway team had peaked. How could they possibly follow up securing one of the hottest pop stars on the planet? Good luck, babe.
My doubts were swiftly obliterated when the 2026 line-up dropped on September 18th announcing Chappell Roan as the headline act. The Midwest Princess at Western Springs? That will do quite nicely, thanks. Laneway is the only place in Aotearoa to see Chappell play her full 90-minute headline set, and she’s not the only reason we’re counting down – the list is stacked with some of the most exciting acts in the world right now.
To help you prep for the big day, we’ve put together a mini festival guide complete with useful FAQs, essential listening homework, outfit inspiration, and of course a few neat Auckland spots to weave into your trip.
Ready? HOT TO GO? Let’s get into it.
Pre-Festival Prep
Playlist on Repeat
Pop the official Laneway Festival 2026 playlist in your ears and get hyped on your favourites while uncovering a few new obsessions. Can confirm: no skips, no duds. Aside from the Pink Pony Club star herself, here are a few picks from the Laneway team:
• Role Model – and seeing who claims the title of local Sally on the day.
• Geese – the most talked-about rock band of the year, with fans including Patti Smith and Cillian Murphy. Big energy incoming.
• The Dare – if you’re chasing peak party vibes, this is your guy. You might know him from his work on Charli xcx’s BRAT, but his debut album is wall-to-wall bangers.
• Homegrown talent – Lontalius is returning on the Laneway stage, and dream-pop trio Womb will be there to provide the perfect soundtrack for a sunny day at Western Springs.
Preloved Charlies, Wellington
Crushes, Auckland
Nifty, Christchurch
Plan Your Fit
Putting together your festival outfit is half the fun. Personally, I’ll be opting for a DIY hennin (aka princess cone hat) bedazzled à la Chappell, but there’s no shortage of artist aesthetics to inspire your look – from Role Model’s normcore vintage tees and denim to Wolf Alice’s soft grunge. It’s all about striking the balance between style, standing for 10+ hours, being sunsmart, and having somewhere practical to stash your phone and keys.
For fun, one-of-a-kind finds, these are some of our favourite secondhand spots:
Nifty (Christchurch)
Bootek (Christchurch)
Recycle Boutique (NZ-wide)
To Be Continued (Christchurch)
Curb (Christchurch)
Preloved Charlies (Wellington)
Ziggurat (Wellington)
Crushes (Auckland)
Tatty’s (Auckland)
Sinda Vintage in St Kevin's Arcade (Auckland)
Also highly recommend a rummage at your local Savemart and opshops – especially the costume rack. For extra inspo, Laneway’s Pinterest boards will spark plenty of ideas.
Study the Line-Up Times
With the timetable now live, it’s time to lock in your game plan. The Laneway Festival app is the easiest way to create a favourites list and get notified so you don’t miss a thing. Trust us, it’s a lifesaver.
The Day Of
Brunch
A big day calls for a big brunch. Ozone Coffee in Grey Lynn is sleek, spacious and buzzing in all the right ways. The menu is stacked with signatures you won’t find elsewhere – cheddar cornbread with chilli butter, elevated spaghetti on toast, smoked fish kedgeree – alongside excellent classics.
On the corner of Ponsonby Road and Franklin Road you’ll find Blue, from the former owners of Roses Dining Room. There’s a wee courtyard for soaking up the morning sun and cosy indoor spaces full of character. The cabinet is stocked with a small but mighty selection of baked goods, and the menu is simple, thoughtful and delicious. The Blue Plate (a bit of everything: beetroot pickled egg, cheese, olives, preserves, sourdough) is ideal if you’re in the mood for picky bits.
Chappell may be sticking to coffee and coffee only, but the beauty of both Ozone and Blue is that you can seamlessly transition from flat whites to cocktails, natural wine or craft beer if the mood strikes.
Packing Your Bag
Here’s a handy checklist so you don’t forget the essentials:
Required:
• A valid ticket (save to your digital wallet for a quick, stress-free entrance)
• Valid Photo ID
Recommended:
• Empty plastic water bottle (free refill stations on site)
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Contactless payment (the event is cashless)
Banned:
There’s quite a long list of things you can’t bring in (see here), but these are the biggies:
• Glass (including makeup in glass bottles)
• Aerosols
• Alcohol
• Outside food & drink (there's plenty of that inside!)
Getting There
Gates open at 12.30pm, and you can arrive anytime from then. Entry is via Stadium Road, and we highly recommend using the AT Journey Planner for public transport. There will also be rideshare drop-off and pick-up points near the entrance.
Enjoying the Festival
You made it! All that’s left to do is have the best day ever.
Remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, drink water, check in on your mates and don’t forget to eat. The 2026 food line-up is led by crowd favourites Pie Rolla's and Wise Boys (vegan burgers), alongside Mexican favourite Taco Loco and handmade dumplings from The Rolling Pin. Atomic Coffee will keep you caffeinated and Duck Island Ice Cream will hit any sweet cravings. VIP ticket holders also have exclusive access to festival dishes from ADA. La di daaaaa.
Have a rough plan for breaks so you’re not stuck in a burger or bathroom line while your favourite song is playing.
If it’s another scorcher like 2025, make the most of the shady spots and free water refill stations. Your future self dancing to Chappell at 9.30pm will thank you.
After Party
Ready to be reunited with your bed? Totally valid. But if you’re keen to keep the night rolling, head to Double Whammy for the official Laneway After Party, featuring Le Boom and DJ sets from Mikeyy and Vitamin Cos. It’s always a good time.
There will also be event shuttles from the venue to the CBD, taking you directly to the after party action.
The Day After
I’m no prophet, but I’m sensing you’ll be in need of a few post-festival remedies. When you’re ready to emerge, head straight to one of Auckland’s beaches for a cold dip followed by coffee at a nearby café – an elite combo for sore heads and achy feet. Herne Bay Beach is a stunner, and Honey Sundays is just up the road with excellent brews, juices and baked goods.
If you’re an out-of-towner sticking around, don’t miss our 12 Hour Guide to Auckland for more neat spots to explore.
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