What’s On In Queenstown This Month And Beyond In 2026
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
Jam-packed with action, a little bit of adrenaline, music, and *that* onsen shot, there’s something for everyone on Queenstown’s events calendar. To be fair, it’s not like you need another reason to jump on a plane and holiday in one of the most beautiful places in the country… But here are a few more, just for good measure.
Keep reading for some Queenstown events to put on your radar. Here’s what’s on in Queenstown this month, and this year.
Jump To:
- What's On In Queenstown in June 2026
- What's On In Queenstown In July 2026
- What's On In August In 2026
- What's On In Queenstown Later In 2026
What’s On In Queenstown In June 2026
Powder Chutes w/ The Devil’s Let Us And The Lost Semen
Wānaka
Cards on the table: I know next to nothing about the Powder Chutes, The Devil’s Let Us or The Lost Semen, but what I do know is that such a trifecta has got to be unmissable, especially given it’s a collab with Powder Hunter Snowboards and ScrewU Poles. It’s objectively the sort of lineup that infamously off-the-chain stories are made of. And located just an hour outside Queenstown, at Water Bar in Wānaka, I’m calling it road trip-worthy.
The Details
When: 19 June 2026
Where: Water Bar Wanaka, 145 Ardmore Street, Wānaka
Cost: $20
Find out more here.
NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival
various locations
Image credit: NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival | Instagram
Back for its 24th year, the NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival is your fix of adrenaline-spiking adventure filmmaking. This year’s lineup takes us from an oxygen-free attempt at summiting K2 to a Canadian highway runner dressed as Superman and 100 days of kayaking in Fiordland, and everything in between. Screening for just two nights in Queenstown, with a longer stretch in Wānaka earlier in the month, you can snaffle up some tickets here.
The Details
When: 19-23 June 2026 (Wānaka), 25&26 June (Queenstown)
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Drive
Cost: $30
Find out more here.
Coronet Peak Night Ski
Coronet Peak
Hitting the slopes under a star-studded sky feels next level. Set that to a backdrop of cranking DJs and hot pizza, and you’re set for one helluva night out. If that sounds like a bit of you, make for Coronet Peak from 4-9pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and selected Saturdays, being sure to slap on a head torch, low-light lenses and plenty of layers to keep you visible and cosy once the sun sets. Kids 5 and under and seniors 75+ can ski or board for free. Stoked.
The Details
When: 26 June-4 September 2026
Where: Coronet Peak
Cost: $100 per adult
Find out more here.
Harvest Lunch At Sherwood With Two Raw Sisters
Sherwood
Gather around a roaring fire this June for a gorgeous Harvest Lunch hosted by bestselling cookbook authors and wellness duo, Rosa and Margo (a.k.a. The Raw Sisters) at Sherwood hotel. Hot on the heels of their Be Intelligently Lazy workshop the day prior, this two hour event is a celebration of community, sustainability, and really good kai.
The Details
When: 27 June 2026
Where: Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Cost: $65
Find out more here.
Savour And Sip Your Way Through Dunedin For A Day
Dunedin
Just a scenic three-and-a-half-hour drive from Queenstown, Dunedin is well worth the day detour for anyone who plans their travels around great food and drink. Once you've arrived, head straight for the city centre, where a thriving dining scene blends beloved local institutions with exciting new openings.
Beer lovers are particularly well catered for. Dive into the city's brewing heritage with a tour of Speight's Brewery, one of New Zealand's most iconic breweries, or sample boundary-pushing craft creations at Emerson's Brewery. Both offer behind-the-scenes insights and, more importantly, plenty of opportunities to taste the goods.
To experience the region's food culture at its best, time your visit with the Otago Farmers Market. Held every Saturday, it's a vibrant showcase of local growers, makers and artisans, serving up everything from fresh produce to handcrafted treats. Whether you're road-tripping through the South Island or looking for an easy side adventure from Queenstown, Dunedin is a destination that's guaranteed to satisfy.
The Details
Where: Dunedin, New Zealand
Distance From Queenstown: Approx. 3.5-hour drive (280km)
Highlights: Speight's Brewery Tour, Emerson's Brewery Tour, Otago Farmers Market
Best For: Foodies, craft beer lovers and weekend road trippers
When: Otago Farmers Market runs every Saturday
Find Out More: here
What’s On In Queenstown In July 2026
Ayburn Winter Wonderland Lights
Ayrburn
If you refuse to accept a winter without mulled wine (respect), you’ll want to head to Ayburn’s Winter Wonderland Lights. Featuring all the major tenets of winter at its best–roaring outdoor fires, hot chocolate, twinkling lights, and an ice rink to strut your stuff on, it’s everything you need to feel like you’re living in a snow globe. Pay no attention to the fact the mulled wine comes from the ‘Manure Room’–this spot’s legit.
The Details
When: 1-31 July 2026
Where: Auburn, 1 Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown
Cost: Entry is free; ice skating from $25-95
Find out more here.
Queenstown Mardi Gras 2026
Queenstown Events Centre
Image credit: Queenstown Mardi Gras | Instagram
Bust out the festival ‘fits and lock in your flights, Queenstown Mardi Gras is on the horizon. The hugely popular annual affair delivers a serious dose of sonic that’s bright enough to lift even the most severe of winter blues. Presented by Audiology & George FM, expect toe-tapping tunes, freshly spun beats, and a vibe like no other. Get the full lineup here.
The Details
When: 11 July 2026
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton
Cost: $189
Find out more here.
What’s On In Queenstown In August 2026
Winter Pride
on hiatus
This is where Queenstown’s annual Winter Pride would usually appear. Founded back in 2003, the massive pride celebration has been a much-frothed addition to the annual calendar since ages ago. But this year the crew reluctantly announced a hiatus, stating that in the current economic environment it wouldn’t be possible to deliver Winter Pride to its usual epic level. Nevertheless, they’re hell bent on returning in 2027 with a revival that’ll be the best yet.
What's On In Queenstown Later In 2026
Snow Machine Festival
Remarkables and Coronet Peak
Image credit: Snow Machine Festival | Instagram
Promising four days and three nights of wall-to-wall tunes in snowy surrounds, Snow Machine Festival is giving major après-ski energy. And this year’s lineup is packed with more artists than you can wave a ski pole at. Think: Hilltop Hoods, Chet Faker, Restricted, Keli Holiday, Ninjarachi, Kanine, Nora En Pure, Orkestrated, Example, Jimi The Kween, Katayanagi Twins, Savage, Scribe, and a whole heap more. Tickets are selling fast, snap yours up here.
The Details
When: 8-13 September 2026
Where: Remarkables and Coronet Peak
Cost: Varies
Find out more here.
At The World’s Edge Festival
Queenstown Lakes
Recreate the iconic opening to Sound of Music, but make it snow. At The World’s Edge is a world-renown chamber music festival set in awe-inspiring mountain scapes. Six days, seven programmes, four locations (Queenstown, Wānaka, Cromwell and Bannockburn) and loads of free community events to get amongst too.
The Details
When: 3-16 October 2026
Where: Queenstown Lakes
Cost: Free and ticketed
Find out more here.
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown Marathon Presented by ASICS
Queenstown Lakes
Lace up those kicks. Every year avid runners descend on Queenstown to pound the pavement in full, half, 10km and kids run edits of the Queenstown Marathon. And, set in the Queenstown Lakes district, it just so happens to be one of the most stunning marathons in the world which makes it a little bit extra spesh. If you’re partial to a bit of a canter, dash over here to lock in tickets.
The Details
When: 14 November 2026
Where: Queenstown Lakes
Cost: varies
Find out more here.
Keen for more? Check out:
- 20 Of The Best Queenstown Airbnbs For A Vacay With Views
- Queenstown's Hottest Bars
- 7 Of The Most Jaw-Droppingly Scenic Drives In Queenstown
Image credit: Snow Machine | Instagram.