Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

Snow, colour and community this week: Winter Pride lifts off at Coronet Peak, the ANC Slopestyle Cup hits The Remarkables, and Church Lane pops with Pride in the Lane. Plus Hot Potato Band at Yonder, Heidi’s Hut Angel Hour, Queens Against Humanity and a book launch at Eichardt’s — here’s your guide to what’s on from 14–20 August.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🏳️‍🌈 Winter Pride Festival Opening Day – Coronet Peak

  Ride into the rainbow! Coronet Peak kicks off Winter Pride with a mountain takeover on Saturday 16 August from 12pm. Expect on-snow vibes, DJs and plenty of colour across the slopes and decks. Usual lift access applies; dress bright and bring your crew. A feel-good start to Pride week with big alpine energy. See you up there!

• 🎺 Hot Potato Band – Yonder

  Sydney’s riotous brass collective lands in Queenstown for a high-octane, dance-till-you-grin show on Tuesday 19 August. Doors open at 8:00pm. Tickets are $35 and these sell fast! Expect big horns, big hooks and even bigger smiles. Nab your spot early and wear comfy shoes.

• 🌈 Pride in the Lane – Church Lane (Queenstown CBD)

  A colourful afternoon takeover right in town, with live beats, pop-up performances and plenty of all-ages vibes on Saturday 16 August, 12pm - 8pm. It’s free to wander through, soak up the atmosphere and make a day of it with friends and whānau. Dress bright and bring your best dance-floor energy.

• 🍷 Heidi’s Hut Angel Hour — Coronet Peak

  Slide into the weekend with live tunes, alpine snacks and fireside vibes at Coronet Peak’s cosy Heidi’s Hut. The “Angel Hour” session runs Saturday 16 August, 1:30pm – 3:30pm, making it the perfect pit stop between laps. Settle in for a cheeky glass and stay for the sunset glow on the home run.

• 🃏 Queens Against Humanity — SkyCity Queenstown

  A gloriously cheeky party game night hosted by fabulous queens in the heart of town. Shuffle in Sunday 17 August, 8pm for outrageous prompts, quick wit and big belly laughs, with prizes and plenty of audience mischief. Rally your sharpest mates and prepare for wildly memorable one-liners.

• 🦄 Winter Pride: Onesie Day — The Remarkables

  Comfy is the dress code as Onesie Day takes over the mountain. Roll onto the snow Sunday 17 August, 9am - 4pm, plus plenty of on-slope antics and photo ops. Pull on your plushest fit and chase soft turns with a very silly soundtrack.

• 🏂 ANC Slopestyle Cup – The Remarkables

  Watch top freestyle skiers and snowboarders throw down on the park line as the ANC Slopestyle Cup hits the Remarks. Qualis and finals run across the day Saturday 16 August, 9am - 4pm. It is Free to spectate from safe viewing zones. Pack a thermos and cheer them on.

• 📚 Julia Eichardt - Book Launch with Lauren Roche - Eichardt's Private Hotel

  Celebrate local voices at a harbour-side book launch in the Parlour. Hear readings, meet the authors and toast the release with the Eichardt’s crew. Sunday 17 August, 3pm – 5pm. Tickets start at $28.92 and numbers are limited. A cosy literary afternoon.

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🏔️ General Picks

• 🏒 Jurassic Ice Hockey League – Queenstown Ice Arena

  Fast, free midweek sport to watch on Wednesday 20 August, from 6:30pm. Local teams hit the ice, the atmosphere is lively, and the café’s on for hot chocolates and chips. Rug up, pick a side and cheer like a local. It’s a great family-friendly night out.

• 🍸 Trans & Allies Cocktail Evening – SkyCity Queenstown

  A friendly, inclusive mixer welcoming everyone to connect and celebrate on Monday 18 August, from 6:00pm. It's a free Winter Pride community event hosted at SkyCity Queenstown. Think warm welcomes, light chat, and a perfect way to kick off the week together.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🍺 Altitude Brewing Brings Home Medals

  Local favourite Altitude Brewing picked up fresh medals at the 2025 NZ Beer Awards, adding to Queenstown's growing reputation for standout craft brews. The brewery was crowned Champion New Zealand Medium Brewery and won two category trophies for 'Powder Day' (NZ Lager & NZ Pilsner ) and 'Remarks' (Juicy/Hazy IPA). Their impressive haul included five gold medals, seven silvers, and seven bronzes from the competition.

• 🏆 Local Travel Agency Wins Eight National Awards

  Queenstown travel agency xtravel celebrated a remarkable achievement, winning eight national awards at the Envoyage Network Summit 2025 held at the Millennium Hotel. The accolades included Division of the Year and multiple top seller awards, recognising the team's dedication to clients and community engagement. Co-owner Victoria Keating was named Tour Member of the Year.

• ⛳ Golf Tournament Generates Record Economic Boost for Queenstown

  The 104th New Zealand Open delivered a record-breaking economic boost to Queenstown, generating over $23 million in direct regional impact and $12.3 million nationally. With 48% attendance growth and 34,199 fans at Millbrook Resort, the tournament provided 45,000 bed nights and attracted participants from 23 countries, cementing its status as the Asia-Pacific's premier Pro-Am golf tournament.

Rug up, get amongst it, and have a brilliant week ❄️