Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

Winter Pride reaches its sparkling finale this week with parties at the Memorial Centre, drag shows on the slopes, and rainbow vibes at Coronet Peak. Tom Sainsbury brings his sharp wit to Kinross, while locals get their say at the Battle for the Mayor’s Chair. Add in musical bingo at Shotover, flax weaving at Te Atamira, a Bitcoin meetup, and a blackout poetry workshop. It’s a colourful week of fun, laughs, and creativity in Queenstown.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🏳️‍🌈 Winter Pride ’25 Finale Party – Queenstown Memorial Centre

  Wrap up an epic week of Pride with the Finale Party at the Queenstown Memorial Centre on Saturday 23 August, 9pm – 3am. Expect world-class DJs, fabulous drag performances, dazzling stage shows and a full dance floor. This is the biggest celebration of Winter Pride and the perfect way to close out the festival. Open to all, come dressed to impress.

• 😂 Tom Sainsbury – Can’t Dim This Shine – Kinross Winery, Gibbston

  Catch Tom Sainsbury—comedian, social-media legend, and general funnyman—live at Kinross on Friday 22 August, 8pm. General admission tickets are $44.30. He’ll shine on stage with sharp wit, irreverent stories, and loads of Kiwi charm. Pair the laughs with Gibbston’s dramatic valley setting and fine wine for a night you won’t forget.

• ⛷️ Drag on Snow – The Remarkables

  Get ready for an afternoon of fabulous fun on the slopes as Winter Pride takes over The Remarkables with Drag on Snow. From 12pm – 2pm, Thursday 21 August, enjoy a spectacular mix of skiing, snowboarding, live entertainment and a dazzling drag “best dressed” competition. Everyone is welcome at this free event. Come celebrate on the mountain with pride and sparkle.

• 🗳️ Battle for the Mayor’s Chair – Queenstown Memorial Centre

  Hear from the candidates in person on Tuesday 26 August, 5:30pm – 7pm. Hosted by the Queenstown Business Chamber, this free public forum is a chance to engage directly with those vying for the mayoralty. Gain insights into their vision for the district and what they’ll prioritise if elected. Bring your own questions and join the kōrero. It’s democracy in action right here in Queenstown.

• 🎶 SPS ‘00s Musical Bingo Night – Shotover Primary School Hall

  Grab a table and belt the throwbacks on Friday 22 August. Doors and bar open at 6pm, first round 7pm. Tickets $42.86 (tables of six $257.16) include bingo cards and nibbles, with a cash bar and prizes for best dressed. A fundraiser with serious sing-along energy, this is a chance to relive the ‘00s in style. Expect big tunes, laughs, and maybe a bingo win too.

• ❄️ Pride In The Snow – Coronet Peak

  Take in DJs, performers, and rainbow pride at Coronet Peak on Friday 22 August, 4pm – 8:30pm. Ride under the lights or simply soak up the lively mountain atmosphere. This is one of Winter Pride’s most photogenic evenings, with colour, music, and dancing under the stars. Whether you’re skiing, boarding, or just spectating, the vibe is unmissable.

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🏔️ General Picks

• 🎋 Raranga Harakeke (Flax Weaving) – Te Atamira

  Join tutor Rangiputa Wallace for a gentle introduction to raranga (Māori flax weaving) over six Wednesday evenings starting 27 August, from 6pm – 8pm. All materials included for $150. Learn ancient techniques, weave small containers and connect with Māori cultural traditions across six enriching sessions.

• 💸 Bitcoin Monthly Meetup – Bardeaux

  Calling all Bitcoin-curious minds! Join at Bardeaux to swap stories and crypto insights with fellow locals, and help celebrate Bardeaux becoming one of Queenstown’s first Bitcoin-friendly venues. A relaxed, friendly evening to connect and learn. Thursday 21 August, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Free entry.

• 🖊️ Blackout Poetry Workshop – 10 Gorge Road

  Create striking blackout poems with author B. G. Rogers on Thursday 21 August, 5:45pmc– 6:45pm. Materials are provided and entry is free, just bring curiosity and a steady marker hand. A neat, bite-size creative warm-up before dinner in town.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🚤 Coastguard Queenstown Eyes Top Honours

  Coastguard Queenstown is riding high after last year’s national award win and is now nominated in five categories, including innovation and community engagement. The unit has grown to 35 volunteers (12 women) and is pioneering night vision and Starlink tech, believed to be a first in New Zealand. They’re also planning an annual Lake Wakatipu cleanup, showing their strong commitment to our environment.

• 🌍 Tourism Boom Brings Winter Joy

  Queenstown is enjoying a surge in winter visitors, with Skyline reporting a 33% increase in international guests and a 21% rise in gondola rides. Other operators are also seeing big lifts, bringing a positive boost for local businesses. Skyline’s COO Danny Luke says “tourism is booming again,” confirming Queenstown remains a world-class winter destination.

• 🎉 New Buckler Burn Bridge Opens in Glenorchy

  After five years of planning and construction, the new Buckler Burn bridge in Glenorchy has finally opened! This important infrastructure project improves connectivity for our Glenorchy community and visitors exploring the stunning scenery around the head of Lake Whakatipu. The completion of this long-awaited project demonstrates our region's commitment to maintaining and improving access to our beautiful natural areas.

Enjoy the week ahead and make the most of what’s on 🌟