It has been a strange year for us Kiwis, but with our response to COVID-19 putting us in a far better place than other countries, live events over summer are a chance to celebrate.
A few months ago we weren't even allowed to touch people - let alone comprehend the idea of being amidst a sweaty mosh pit with strangers saying goodbye to the bizarre year.
The time has come to let your hair down for summer, but what if you don't like people or missed out on tickets? Perhaps you want to set the party vibe with some live music from your living room or you're stuck overseas with limited liberties and want to live vicariously through random revellers; whatever the reason, here are some events that you can catch live online.
Hidden Valley: December 27th 2020
Set in the picturesque Matakana, this music festival has been sold out for its fifth year in a row - but that won't stop anyone from being a part of the action.
The lineup includes international talent Alison Wonderland (exclusive to Hidden Valley), Sub Focus and Dimension who have quarantined just to entertain Kiwi fans, along with some of New Zealand's local stars like Montell2099 and Sachi.
Managing director Daniel Farley says he couldn't be more excited to invite those without a ticket to watch from home at no cost.
"Thanks to New Zealand becoming COVID-free we're very lucky we are able to push ahead without restrictions."
Head along to www.hiddenvalleyfestival.com/live and tune in from 5PM-11PM NZT on the 27th December.
Rhythm and Vines: December 29/30/31
For the first time in its 18-year history, Rhythm and Vines will be livestreamed to the world exclusively on Twitch.
The iconic Gisborne festival is set to showcase talent from the likes of Benee, Shapeshifter, Lee Mvtthews, Broods and Mako Road.
Each night from December 29, a five-hour production of live and pre-recorded performances will be broadcast to music-lovers around the world from 8pm NZT.
Viewers can join in with the 23,000 punters in attendance on December 31 for the magical countdown as New Zealand becomes the first country to say hello to 2021.
Bay Dreams - North Island: January 3rd 2021
This is the first year Bay Dreams will be showcasing its festival to the world online.
"Our team has been working harder than ever to bring New Zealand a world-class festival," Bay Dreams co-director Mitch Lowe said.
The lineup includes international acts Peking Duk, Sub Focus, Dimension, Friction and Delta Heavy as well as Kiwi favourites; Mitch James and Robinson.
Audiences can head to the Bay Dreams website to catch a glimpse of the day.
Tomorrowland NYE Event
Count down the New Year with some of the world's biggest artists on four digital stages from the comfort of your own home with friends and family.
Over the last few months, a team of over 200 people have worked tirelessly to launch an online experience with some of the world's best DJs who have pre-recorded sets for the special virtual edition.
"Something very unique has been created that will give you goosebumps, so you can ring in the New Year as never before," the website states.
Twenty-five of the world's top music artists including David Guetta, Diplo, Netsky and Major Lazer will host sets with the event adapted to 27 time zones across the world four hours ahead of the New Year.
Tickets can be purchased online starting at NZ$35.
NBC's New Year's Eve
Hosted by former TRL host Carson Daly, NBC's New Year's Eve 2021 will feature star power from Gwen Stefani, Jason Derulo and Goo Goo Dolls to Kylie Minogue and Anderson Paak.
But don't expect a crowd as the iconic New Year's Eve Ball Drop goes down - performances will be filmed in locations around the US.
It will air on January 1 from 4pm and viewers can watch live on YouTube.
The Grand Park's NYELA
Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Steve Aoki will be headlining LA's virtual New Year's Eve Party.
Aoki's music label has teamed up with Grand Park and Fuse to present the virtual concert live around the world.
"The world is ready to turn up this New Year's Eve!" he said in a statement.
"[Lets] ring in the new year, around the world, in a whole new way, with music that transcends languages and cultures."
Viewers can tune into Fuse on the Fuse YouTube channel. The party will kick off on January 1 from 5pm NZT.
