We're currently running a poll on the Best of 2010 ... which was a pretty good year – but we think 2011 is going to be much better! There is so much ahead we could barely cram it all into our guide! Big Day Out Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland 21 January Oh what a line-up! From Tool, Rammstein and the Deftones making it hard rock heaven, to M.I.A., LCD Soundsystem Crystal Castles and CSS for those who like to dance, plus Aussie bi sweetheart Sia – and NOT TO MENTION the legendary Iggy and The Stooges, it's the best Big Day Out line-up in a long time and a day not to be missed by any music lover. Unless you hate large crowds, sweaty sunburn and obnoxious youths ... in which case it's probably better you stay home and have a little day in. Laneway Festival Aotea Square, Auckland 31 January On Anniversary Day there will be a feast of music in Auckland's Aotea Square, which boasts some of the world's best established and up-an-coming buzz bands. If you head along, don't miss Deerhunter, a band led by gay musical genuis Bradford Cox. Get It On! Big Gay Out Coyle Park, Pt Chev, Auckland 13 February John Key at the Big Gay Out With the lack of any lasting festivals in Auckland since the demise of Hero, the Big Gay Out is really the major annual gay event. This year lesbian songstress Anika Moa has apparently overcome her fear of playing to gay crowds (or "a love boat but on land with lots of lesbians" as she once said when explaining why she said no to playing Girlfest) and will be the main act onstage. Returning in 2011 is the Slip‘n'Slide, the market area and the Caluzzi and Urge Beer Garden. Get It On! Bear NZ 2011 Auckland 13 February – 20 February Bear Week is back for more hair-raising mayhem! From the launch at the Big Gay Out to a drag race to Mr Urge New Zealand Bear and the Tri-Nations party, there will be something to whet every appetite. Sydney Gay ) Have we missed something you're over the moon about? Email us, GayNZ@woosh.co.nz GayNZ.com Daily News staff - 12th January 2011
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 12th January 2011 - 3:44pm