Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

Long weekend vibes: street eats and live tunes at Five Mile’s night market, a free Money Matters session at Te Atamira, smooth jazz at Pavilion and Wānaka’s annual art showcase. After that, cheer on the Brecon St Grunt and wrap with Bill Bailey on Wednesday. Arrowtown’s market returns Sunday for an easy family outing.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🏃 Bayley’s Brecon St Grunt – Brecon Street Stairs

  Dreamed up by a local journo, this stair‑sprint pit‑races runners head‑to‑head up Queenstown’s iconic Brecon Street stairs on Saturday 25 October, 12pm – 6pm. With men’s, women’s and team relays (from $28.92 per individual), competitors vie for bragging rights and a $1,000 cash prize while spectators cheer with a beverage at nearby bars. All proceeds support Hato Hone St John and neurodiversity charity Pivotal Point.

• 😂 Bill Bailey – Vaudevillean – Queenstown Events Centre

  Comedy maestro Bill Bailey returns with a high‑energy homage to the golden age of vaudeville. Expect songs, multilingual skits and multi‑instrumental wizardry on Wednesday 29 October at 8pm. Premium seats start at $109.90, with B‑reserve from $89.90. Bailey’s quirky charm and musical prowess promise a riotous night that’ll leave your cheeks sore and your heart full.

• ₿ Learn Bitcoin in 2 Hours –  Queenstown Chamber of Commerce

  Curious about cryptocurrencies? This free workshop demystifies Bitcoin on Thursday 23 October, 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce (19 Rees St). Normally valued at $95, it’s free for October and limited to 30 participants. Learn blockchain basics, security tips and how to avoid scams. Your chance to get ahead of the digital curve over drinks and nibbles.

• 🎨 Wānaka Arts Labour Weekend Exhibition – Lake Wānaka Centre

  Cross the Crown Range for a feast of creativity. The Wānaka Arts Society’s annual exhibition opens with a gala and awards ceremony on Thursday 23 October, 5pm - 8pm ($30; exhibiting artists $25). From Friday 24 – Sunday 26 October, 9am – 5pm, explore painting, printmaking, ceramics, textiles and sculpture for just $10. With guest artist Shona Mackenzie and working artist demonstrations.

• 🎷 The Evangeline Brown Trio | Live Jazz Night – Pavilion Queenstown

  Ease into the weekend with smooth sax, velvet vocals and guitar grooves at Pavilion’s jazz night. The Evangeline Brown Trio play Thursday 23 October, 6pm - 9pm. Booking is essential; settle in with cocktails and wood‑fired pizza while the trio’s soulful sound fills the room. It’s the perfect date night or chilled catch‑up with friends.

• 💰 Workshop: Money Matters for Creatives – Te Atamira

  Financial literacy meets creativity at this free workshop on Thursday 23 October, 9:30am. Facilitator Mylrea Bell breaks down budgeting, tax and funding tips for artists and freelancers. Held in the Puāwai space, it’s a practical, relaxed session helping creatives make sense of money. Entry is free but spaces are limited, bring your questions and a notebook.

🏔️ Local and Sponsored Picks

• 🛍️ After Hours Night Market – Five Mile Place, Frankton

  Kick off Labour Weekend at Five Mile’s first After Hours Night Market on Thursday 23 October, 5pm – 8pm. Browse street‑food vendors, pop‑up stalls and artisan crafts while live tunes fill the air. It’s free, family‑friendly and a lively way to ease into the long weekend. Grab your crew, graze on local bites and soak up the community vibe under fairy lights.

• 🥕 Arrowtown Farmers’ Market – Library Green, Arrowtown

  Every Sunday from 26 October, 10am – 2pm, Arrowtown’s Library Green turns into a bustling farmers’ market. Browse artisan bread, fresh produce, crafts and coffee while enjoying live music and the autumn colours. It’s free to wander and perfect for a family outing or stocking up on picnic goodies before exploring the Arrow River trail.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🌟 Luma Enchanted Light Show Seeks Permanent Home

  The team behind the popular Luma Enchanted light show has applied for a 30‑year lease at One Mile Reserve. The proposal would turn the forest walk into a year‑round attraction with art installations, ambient soundscapes and food trucks telling stories of New Zealand's wildlife. Up to 300 guests could enjoy the enchanting experience at any one time.

• 📚 Queenstown Writers Festival Pre‑sales Soar

  The Queenstown Writers Festival has sold a record 750 tickets ahead of its gala opening on 31 October. Festival chair Tanya Surrey says the event is on track to be the most successful yet, thanks to a diverse programme of 33 events appealing to all ages. Highlights include live storytelling sessions for children and a 48‑hour writing competition

• 🪔 Queenstown Diwali Celebrates a Decade of Light

  Queenstown celebrated the 10th anniversary of its annual Diwali festival on October 11, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and community spirit that has grown from a small gathering into one of the region's most anticipated multicultural events, featuring performances, traditional art, and a strong focus on sustainability.

Grateful you’re here. Wishing you a week full of good vibes ✌️