May is NZ Music Month!
Here's a list of regular jam sessions that happen around Ōtautahi. Each event will have its own setup and etiquette, so go along with an instrument and an open mind!
Unless otherwise stated, attending jams is free - though supporting the venues through buying food and drink is strongly encouraged.
Updated April 2026
Canterbury Blues Club Open Mic & Jam Night Third Sunday of the month, 6 PM @ A Rolling Stone
Acoustic English Folk Session - First weekend of the month @ A Rolling Stone (English) - Beginner Friendly, sheet music & chords provided! All acoustic instruments welcome, quiet percussion.
Appalachian Jam - Periodically, TBC @ A Rolling Stone
Jazz Jam @ gin gin - 6-9 PM Sundays
Brazilian Jams @ Space Academy - Sundays once a month - Sheet music & chords provided (reasonable skill level required). Percussion provided.
Irish trad sessions are informal gatherings where musicians meet to play traditional Irish music together. Social, acoustic events where skilled musicians are welcome to join in and play a common repertoire of tunes (see thesession.org). See Facebook for current info or learn about Irish Trad Sessions here.
Mondays 7:30 PM @ The Pegasus Arms
Tuesdays 7 PM @ The Bog
Tuesdays 7 PM @ Paddy McNaughton's
Fridays 8 PM @ Finnegan's Irish Pub
Sundays 4:30 PM @ The Little Fiddle
First and Third Thursday of the month (time TBC) @ A Last Word
7:00 PM: Ale House Rock (singalong) at Altiora, CBD (Arts Centre) - Second Thursday of the month [Ticketed, see link]
7:30 PM: Singalong at Pegasus Arms, CBD - Last Thursday of the month
Open Waiata Group - He Waka Tapu (Aranui, see link for details) - Tuesdays 1 PM
Rōpū Waiata with Kōrero Ki Ōtautahi (Phillipstown, see website for details) - Fortnightly on Wednesdays, 5:30 PM
Te Hapori o Te Oraka Kapa Haka - Shirley Village Project - Wednesdays 5:15 PM
Something missing? Contact us!