IKEA teams up with Lab54 for secret Kiwi house-warming parties before Auckland store launch
IKEA is officially joining the neighbourhood, and before its opening on 4 December, the Swedish home-furnishing brand is throwing three secret Kiwi housewarming parties across Auckland during the weekend, from 28–30 November.
Created with UK pop-up party innovators, Lab54, the three parties will appear across Auckland in three secret locations. Each event celebrates different aspects of Kiwi life, from backyard gatherings to late-night garage jams and sunny mornings by the sea.
These parties aren’t just about home-furnishing; they’re about connection, community, and celebrating the best of New Zealand life at home. They’re how IKEA is saying thanks for the excitement that’s been shown since announcing plans to open its first-ever store.
“IKEA is moving in, and as part of our desire to be a good neighbour, we wanted to host a series of housewarming parties,” says Patricia Routledge, Head of Communications for IKEA in Australia and New Zealand. “Sparked from the insights found in our Life at Home Report, these parties celebrate some of the unique elements of New Zealand’s life at home — including carpeted garages and beloved backyard BBQs. The parties are not about our store experience. They’re about connection, music, kai, and the things that make a house feel like a home. We can’t wait to celebrate the way Kiwis do — together.”
The house party – Friday, 28th November, UKG/Bassline
Beer pong, kings cup, and late-night chats on the deck… sounds like a housewarming to us. Exams are over, vibes are high, time for a good old-fashioned house party. IKEA is taking over a CBD villa for a wall-shaking, floor-rumbling, bass-powered line-up of international and local DJs.
The garage party – Saturday, 29th November, RNB/Hip-Hop
Unlike the rest of the world, for New Zealanders, the garage is far more than just a space — it’s a unique hub of carpeted creativity. IKEA wants to celebrate the humble garage, evoking nostalgic memories of family BBQs, singing Slice of Heaven at birthday parties, almost finished DIY projects, and lockdown gyms. Set to become the most iconic garage in Auckland, IKEA and Lab54 will bring the garage to life with local and international R&B and hip-hop acts. This party celebrates community, connection, and joy, with hundreds of Kiwis coming together for one unforgettable party.
The beach party – Sunday, 20th November, Indie/Surf Rock
To close the weekend, IKEA’s final Aotearoa housewarming brings the ultimate, laid-back, beachside vibe with good tunes, good mates, and great kai. It’s set to be a feel-good finale with a line-up of top indie and surf rock musicians and DJs from Aotearoa and Australia, the perfect soundtrack to welcome in summer.
The Kiwi Housewarmings build on the success of the IKEA pop-ups in London earlier this year, created with UK event partners Lab54. Known for transforming unexpected locations into high-impact experiences, Lab54, together with IKEA, brings that creativity to Aotearoa — celebrating connection, community, music, and the little things that make a home alive. Artists included UK-house DJ and producer Hannah Wants, Scottish DJ and BBC Radio 1 presenter Arielle Free, and British grime MC Jammer.
“Since our inception, Lab54 has been redefining party culture, throwing the most unforgettable parties in the most unexpected places. Today’s young people want more from their nightlife, seeking meaningful ways to connect. As these shifting habits have evolved, we’ve created spaces all over the world and built a community along the way. We’ve long wanted to bring this spirit to Aotearoa and celebrate with Kiwis — call it our take on no.8 wire,” says Jessica Suo, Head of Content for Lab54.
The housewarmings are open to all Kiwis (over 18). Attendance will be free for IKEA Family members, with locations disclosed shortly before each event via SMS. The pop-ups will run across Auckland from 28–30 November, with each event celebrating a distinct aspect of life at home in Aotearoa.
Friday, 28th November | The house party sign-up
Saturday, 29th November | The garage party sign-up
Sunday 30th November | The beach party sign-up
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