Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

Whether you're soaking up live poetry at Sherwood, letting the dogs out at Coronet Peak, or getting spellbound by stage magic at the Memorial Centre, this week is full of winter charm and community spirit. From whisky tastings to Chinese lessons and fly-tying at Patagonia, here’s your guide to what’s on from 7 – 13 August.

🎟️ Events This Week

• ✨ Illusionist Anthony Street – Queenstown Memorial Centre

  World renowned magician Anthony Street brings his spellbinding show to the Memorial Centre. On Sunday 10 August 7pm – 8:45pm, experience breathtaking stagecraft and mind bending tricks that blend traditional magic with modern spectacle. Tickets from $64.70 for adults and $54.45 for kids. Gather the family for an evening of gasps, laughter and pure wonder.

• 🐕 Dog Derby – Coronet Peak

  Strap on your snow boots, Coronet Peak’s 51st Dog Derby is back! On Saturday 9 August, 10am – 3pm, dogs and their humans race down the mountain in Town Dog, Country Dog and Kids divisions while spectators cheer and make friends. Entry fee is $30. The event is family friendly and wonderfully chaotic. Anything is paw‑sible at this cherished winter tradition

• 🐾 Pints for Pups – Canyon Brewing

  Grab your leash and head to Canyon Brewing for a paw‑fect afternoon. On Saturday 9 August, 1pm – 5pm, professional photographer Jess snaps adorable dog portraits with props, there are doggy treats and giveaways. There is a special Pints For Pups beer on tap for all the paw-rents to enjoy and donations to the SPCA make this feel good fundraiser even sweeter.

• 🥃 Whisky Waltz: A Ceilidh Affair – Cargo Brew Hall

  Cargo’s Brew Hall transforms into a Scottish ceilidh for one magical night. On Saturday 9 August, doors open at 4pm and the entertainment runs 6pm - 9pm. Warm up by the fire with a specialty whisky, savour a complimentary haggis tasting and hearty Scottish‑inspired menu, then dance to traditional music. Kilts encouraged! Expect bold flavours, big laughs and true Scottish soul.

• 🎸 Elvis Presley's Love Child - Charlotte Graf - The Blue Door, Arrowtown

  Charlotte Graf dives into the family rumour that a frivolous trip to the US by her mother is actually the basis for her mysterious life parallels to the King himself. Featuring music by Elvis Presley, this delightfully funny evening reveals all the similarities of a girl from Rotorua to the Memphis legend.  Thursday August 7, 8:30pm, Tickets $30.

• 🎤 Jed Parsons: Live at Sherwood – Sherwood

  Sharp songwriter and cheeky storyteller Jed Parsons brings his dry humour and brand new tunes to Sherwood on Saturday 9 August. Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts 8 pm, tickets $30. Expect an intimate R18 gig with catchy hooks and banter that will leave you humming all weekend.

• 🧧 Beginners Chinese – Terrace Junction Boardroom

  Expand your horizons with a seven‑week Beginners Chinese course. Starting Thursday 7 August, 6pm – 7 : 30pm, tutor Yuxin Liu introduces the basics of writing and pronouncing characters while exploring Chinese culture, history and geography. The course costs $60 and is for 18+. Perfect for travellers or curious locals keen to learn a new script.

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🏔️ General Picks

• 🎙️ An Evening with the Poet Laureate – Sherwood

  Celebrate the power of poetry with New Zealand Poet Laureate Chris Tse. On Friday 8 August, 7:30pm – 9pm, he reads selections from his award‑winning collections and debuts new poems exploring joy, identity and resilience alongside local poets. Tickets from $28.92. A cosy, thought‑provoking night that will leave you inspired and connected.

• 🎣 Family Fly Tying with Shelen Boyes – Patagonia Tāhuna

  Budding anglers can learn the art of fly‑tying from local guide Shelen Boyes on Sunday 10 August, drop in anytime 12pm – 6pm. Kids and adults will craft their own flies at Patagonia’s cosy Fly Bar, with all materials provided. Walk‑ups welcome. it’s a relaxed, family‑friendly intro to a quintessential Otago pastime

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🌟 Te Atamira’s Creative Milestone

  Outgoing director Olivia Egerton reflects on how four years of community vision turned Te Atamira into a thriving arts hub. The centre has hosted over 40 free exhibitions, employs around 1,800 creatives, and welcomes more than 2,000 visitors weekly, with free programmes attracting 570 locals each month. It’s part of why Queenstown is now recognised as New Zealand’s second most creative city

• 🚤 Shotover Jet Celebrates 60 Years of Thrilling Adventures

  From humble beginnings as a river ferry service to becoming an iwi-led tourism icon, Shotover Jet marks its 60th anniversary this year. The iconic red boats have carried millions of visitors through the dramatic Shotover River canyons, evolving into one of New Zealand's most beloved adventure experiences. This milestone celebrates six decades of innovation, cultural partnership, and unforgettable thrills on the water.

• 🚒 Local Fire Brigade Heroes Honoured for 25 Years of Service

  Two dedicated Queenstown Fire Brigade volunteers have been recognised with Gold Star awards for their quarter-century of service to the community. The heroes have responded to countless emergencies and fire callouts at all hours, working tirelessly to keep residents and visitors safe. Their unwavering commitment embodies the spirit of service that makes Queenstown such a special place to live and visit.

Have a great week and dive into something new! 🎉