Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

From soulful grooves and cultural dance to property insights and sketchbook sessions, Queenstown’s serving up a week of variety. Whether you’re planning a night of live music or sharpening your drawing skills, there’s something to lift every winter mood. Here’s your guide for 24–30 July.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🏠 Queenstown Property Roadshow – Holiday Inn Remarkables Park

  Thinking about investing into property? This afternoon seminar by local experts demystifies building wealth through property. Learn about market trends, case studies of local success, and smart finance tips with Q&A plus networking over nibbles. Saturday 26 July, 3:30pm – 6:30pm. Tickets are free.

• 🎶 MACStock 2025 – Lake Wānaka Centre

  This student‑led concert showcases Mount Aspiring College talent across two nights. Wednesday 30 July at 5pm features junior bands and a classical group, while Thursday 31 July at 6pm delivers polished senior performances. Tickets are $12.81, with family passes available for $41.

• 🎤 Delaney Davidson Anniversary Tour – Kinross Cellar Door, Gibbston

  Award‑winning troubadour Delaney Davidson celebrates milestone albums with a darkly humorous show of country‑blues ballads and wry storytelling. Join him in the intimate Kinross cellar door on Saturday 26 July, 6:30 pm. General admission $59.81. It’s a chance to see one of Aotearoa’s finest live performers in a cosy vineyard setting.

• 🌏 Global Groove: Haka – Te Atamira

  Kick off a new cultural dance series with a beginner-friendly haka workshop led by passionate local instructors. Learn the meaning and moves of haka – no experience needed, just enthusiasm! A unique chance to connect with Māori culture and community. Sunday 27 July, 1pm – 3pm, Free (all ages, but RSVP required to save your spot).

• 🎷 Big Sima & Boomtown EP Tour – Yonder

  Aotearoa hip-hop artist Big Sima hits Queenstown with a 7-piece band to celebrate the release of his new EP Peace Be The Journey. Expect horn-driven hip hop mixed with funky breaks and soulful grooves to get you moving. Local support from DJ Nazarite. Friday 25 July, 9pm, R18. Tickets $36.61.

• ⚡ Bill Savings & Resilience: Community Electrification – Smiths Craft Beer House

  Curious about cutting energy bills and emissions? The Queenstown Electrification Accelerator hosts its first community kōrero at Smiths Craft Beer House on Wednesday 30 July, 6pm  – 7:30pm. Doors open at 5:30 pm for mingling. Hear how locals are electrifying homes and businesses and learn about upcoming programmes. Free entry, but make sure to RSVP.

• ✏️ Anatomy for Artists – Drawing Hands – Kasia Hebda Studio

  Boost your life‑drawing skills with a hands‑on workshop focusing on hands! Artist Kasia Hebda offers a small‑group class (8 spots) on Wednesday 30 July, 6pm – 7:30 pm, part of her anatomy booster series. Participants aged 16+ are welcome; each session costs $53.34 and includes all materials (bring a sketchbook). Perfect for artists wanting to refine technique and explore gesture.

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🏔️ General Picks

• ❄️ Ayrburn Winter Wonderland – Ayrburn, Arrowtown

  Lights twinkle and skates spin at Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland. Stroll among festive fairy lights with mulled wine or hot chocolate, and hit the ice rink beneath the stars. Entry to the light display is free, and this is the final week (ends Sunday 27 July). Book a skating session early to secure your spot and farewell this enchanting winter village.

• 🧑‍🎨 Top Art Exhibition 2025 – Cromwell Museum

  Take a scenic drive to Cromwell and see outstanding NCEA Level 3 art portfolios that achieved Excellence across design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculptures. The touring exhibition is open daily until Tuesday 5 August, 11am – 3pm (weekdays) and 11am–1 pm (weekends). Entry is free, offering a rare glimpse at the next generation of artistic talent.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🎸 $12 Million Concert Finds New Home in Wānaka

  The successful long-running Queenstown concert at Gibbston Valley is moving over the Crown Range to a brand new purpose-built outdoor arena venue at Three Parks in Wānaka, opening in time for summer 2026. The annual concert attracts 15,000 music lovers and generates an estimated $12 million economic benefit to the region. The new Three Parks Outdoor Arena promises outstanding views against a picturesque mountainous backdrop.

• 🤝 Central Otago Entrepreneur Hits the Big Time

  Hamish McKenzie from Alexandra who co-founded Substack, the media platform that just raised $US 100 million and is now valued at $US 1.1 billion. The funding will be used to invest in better tools and support for writers and creators worldwide. It's inspiring to see a Central Otago local making such a massive impact on the global media landscape.

• 🎬 Lights, camera, Middle-earth

  In a world-first coup, Queenstown’s new Silky Otter cinema secured rights to screen the extended Lord of the Rings trilogy weekly on the big screen. A marathon showing kicks off this Tuesday, attracting fans to experience the magic in the “literal” heart of Middle-earth.

Here’s to a good one! 🙌