Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

Spring is in the air as Queenstown shakes off the last of winter’s chill. Cherry blossoms are beginning to pop, blue skies beckon and there’s a fresh round of music, art, food and community happenings to enjoy. This week’s lineup takes you from intimate rock gigs and pottery evenings to lively markets and comedy nights, plus a few offbeat picks and some uplifting local news.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🎸 Red Zeppelin – The Blue Door, Arrowtown

  Experience the power of classic rock inside Arrowtown’s cosiest venue when Charlotte Graf and her five‑piece band let loose with Led Zeppelin favourites on Thursday 18 September, 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Tickets are $32.29 and get you a front‑row seat in The Blue Door’s tiny room, a show that’s sold out before. Don’t miss this high‑energy night that will leave you buzzing.

• 🍹 Mud & Margs – Little Mez

  Channel your inner artisan at Little Mez on Thursday 18 September, 6pm – 8pm. For $55 (plus booking fee) you’ll sip a margarita or mocktail and with guidance you’ll shape your own Mexican‑inspired copita using provided clay and tools. It’s a fun midweek treat with happy hour specials and your handmade cup as a take home souvenir.

• 😂 Kevin Bloody Wilson – Aussie Icon Tour – Queenstown Memorial Centre

  The irreverent legend himself returns on Sunday 21 September, 7:30pm – 10pm. Tickets $72.78 promise an R18 night of politically incorrect songs, outrageous stories and belly laughs. Kevin has sold millions of records worldwide and loves hearing the crowd sing along. Bring your mates for a knee‑slapping end to the weekend at the Memorial Centre.

• 🖋️ Flash Day Fundraiser with Big Brothers Big Sisters – Zealand Tattoo

  Zealand Tattoo opens its studio on Saturday 20 September for a flash‑tattoo fundraiser supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). Discounted tattoo designs mean you can grab something spontaneous while your payment goes directly to local youth mentorship. Drop in, feel the buzz and leave with fresh ink knowing you’ve helped a great cause.

• 🔊 Call of the Tribe 2 – The London

  Gather your tribe for a journey through psytrance at The London bar. From 10:30pm on Friday 19 September until 4am on Saturday 20 September the bar transforms into a “temple of sound” with visionary décor. Tickets are $20, rising to $30 on the day, so secure your spot for a night of rhythm, unity and cosmic vibes under the lights.

• 🐦 Green Drinks: Bird Feeder Flock Party – MenzShed, Arrowtown

  Support our feathered friends at Sustainable Queenstown’s Green Drinks gathering. On Wednesday 24 September, 5:30pm – 8:30pm you’ll hear Kiwi Park rangers share stories about native birds, then craft your own upcycled feeder under the guidance of MenzShed. Tickets are $23 and includes tasty snacks and the chance to mingle with fellow nature lovers.

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🏔️ General Picks

• 🌸 Spring Flower Show Children’s Workshop – Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall

  Drop into the hall on Wednesday 24 September between 12pm and 3pm for a free school‑holiday workshop. Kids can decorate rocks, create floral sand gardens and craft their own botanical artworks using supplied materials; entries can then be submitted to the Arrowtown Spring Flower Show. It’s a colourful, creative way to spend an afternoon, and caregivers are welcome to join the fun.

• 🎨 QAS Members & Supporters Night + Art Talk – David Reid Show Home, Gibbston Valley

  Celebrate local art and community at the Queenstown Arts Society gathering on Friday 19 September, 6:30pm  – 8:30pm. Held in the stylish David Reid Show Home, this free evening features a curated exhibition of members’ works and an engaging talk by oil painter Anita May Blanchett. Wander the show home, chat with artists and connect with fellow art lovers over a glass of wine.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🥇 Queenstown Expeditions Awarded Qualmark Gold

  Local tour operator Queenstown Expeditions has earned the prestigious Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award, New Zealand's highest quality certification for tourism operators. The achievement recognises their industry-leading practices in customer service, environmental responsibility, cultural engagement, and safety standards. This gold-standard recognition confirms their commitment to delivering exceptional, sustainable travel experiences while supporting local communities and protecting the environment.

• 🏔️ Queenstown-Lakes Leads Regional Diversification and Growth

  Queenstown-Lakes has been crowned New Zealand's top region for economic diversification and attracting new residents, according to a new Dot Loves Data analysis. The region shows the strongest affluence nationwide, successfully broadening beyond tourism into high-value services, construction, and remote working. This transformation is attracting talent and capital from major cities and overseas, ensuring continued prosperity despite past challenges.

• 🏊 Local Ironman Heads to The World Stage

  Queenstown athlete Aaron Fleming is set to compete at the 2025 Ironman World Championship in Nice after overcoming major lung surgery as a teenager. The 42‑year‑old has completed 20 Ironman races, raised over $40,000 for charity and was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. His story of resilience and community spirit is inspiring locals and athletes nationwide.

Wishing you a vibrant, adventure filled week ahead! 🎉