Community events
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New years eve celebrations
Lakefront New Year Celebrations
Head to the Queenstown and Wānaka lakefronts for the traditional New Year celebrations. It’s all free to enjoy!
Both events kick off with family-friendly entertainment in the afternoon followed by live music and, of course, spectacular fireworks displays at midnight. There’ll be safe zones in both towns from 29 December through to the main event thanks to the awesome efforts of Red Frogs volunteers.
| QUEENSTOWN | |
| 1.00-5.00pm | Family fun at Earnslaw Park including face painting and roaming entertainers |
| Main Stage: EARNSLAW PARK | |
| 7.30-8.00pm | Fish Pie Four |
| 8.00-9.30pm | Highland Storm |
| 9.30-11.00pm | Turtle Funk + special guest Eliott Allemand |
| 11.00pm-1.00am | CNE |
| DJ Stage: MARINE PARADE (MC – Davie Dubs) | |
| 9.00-10.30pm | DJ Pops + Riddim Cartel |
| 10.30-midnight | DJ Cuz |
| Midnight-1.00am | DJ Rasty |
| Fireworks at midnight | |
| WĀNAKA | |
| 2.00-4.30pm | Family fun at Dinosaur Park including face painting, roaming entertainers and games |
| Main Stage: ARDMORE STREET LAYBY | |
| 8.00-8.30pm | Superficial |
| 8.30-10.45pm | Wānaka Project |
| 10.45pm-1.00am | The Mandates |
| DJ Stage: ARDMORE STREET LAYBY | |
| 9.00-11.00pm | Red Frogs DJ |
| 11.00pm-1.00am | DJ Jordi |
| Fireworks at midnight | |
Please see our Scheduled Event Road Closures webpage for closures planned in both Queenstown and Wānaka.
Other big summer events
See a list of other big summer events below.
| 29-31 December 2025 | Rhythm and Alps |
| 3 January 2026 | Glenorchy Races |
| 3 January 2026 | Wānaka Rodeo |
| 16-25 January 2026 | Queenstown Bike Fest / McGazza Fest |
| 24 January 2026 | The Valley Festival - Gibston |
| 24 January 2026 | The Ruby Swim |
| 31 January 2026 | Wānaka Summer Concert |
| 7 February 2026 | Lake Hāwea Family Fishing Classic |
| 7 February 2026 | Arrowtown Gin Festival |
| 15 February 2026 | Natural Selection Bike |
| 19-21 February 2026 | Challenge Wānaka |
| 20-22 February 2026 | Ayburn Classic - Tour d'Elegance |
| 26 February-1 March 2026 | NZ Golf Open |
Discover Summerdaze!
Check out the vibrant series of free community events across the district! From sizzling BBQs to colour runs and delightful teddy bear picnics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Find full event details on our Facebook Page or the Summerdaze Webpage.