Lakes District Summer & Autumn Festivals 2019
Late summer and autumn in the Southern Lakes is a beautiful time to visit. The light is softer and well complemented by vibrant autumn colours. The following four festivals make for an interesting and fun experience whilst visiting Queenstown.
Luma Southern Light Project
Queen’s Birthday Weekend 2019 (3rd June)
Luma is a free family friendly public event showcasing a curated collection of stunning light sculptures and installations with a focus on transformation of space, public interaction, art, culture and education. Probably one of the most memorable celebrations of light that you’ll ever experience, Luma is set against the backdrop of Queenstown’s stunning alpine environment of the lakefront and in the Queenstown Gardens. Designed to come alive at sunset (5pm to 10pm) for 4 consecutive nights you can expect to experience over 30 light installations and 13 sculptures
Akarua Arrowtown Autumn Festival
23-28th April 2019
The vibrant Arrowtown Autumn Festival is a colorful and soulful celebration of the local community, it’s historical gold mining days, it present’s vibrancy and the culture that makes up the unique village atmosphere that is Arrowtown.
Set amongst the backdrop of some of the most beautiful autumn colors you will ever see, events include children’s' workshops, a very popular art exhibition, photo competition, gold panning championships, duck race and dog show to name a few. Enjoy the 120+ market stalls, sample delicious food, be entertained by musicians and street performers. Enjoy amazing pies, fabulous craft beer and wonderful Akarua wines while soaking up the music and atmosphere under the beautiful autumn trees.
Wanaka A&P Show
8th March 2019, Wanaka
One of New Zealand’s largest agricultural and pastoral events, the Wanaka A&P Show will celebrate its 82nd anniversary this year. Attracting more than 40,000 people to the picturesque Wanaka Showgrounds each year, the two-day show includes traditional draw cards such as equestrian and livestock events, as well as contemporary entertainment, live music and a jam-packed program of family fun. Moreover, more than 400 trade stalls also feature, along with a dedicated Kids Zone and Life & Style marquee. Home of the Beef + Lamb NZ Golden Lamb Awards, the Wanaka Show also runs novelty activities such as the famous Jack Russell race, wood chopping and old-fashioned sheaf tossing.
Festival of Colour
Wanaka, April 1 – 8, 2019
The Southern Lakes Festival of Color is an exciting biennial celebration of the arts over six exciting days and nights with astounding performances and inspiring exhibitions set against the spectacular autumnal backdrop of the Southern Lakes. This highly anticipated event brings music, theatre, and dance to the forefront and is celebrated as the “best little arts festival in New Zealand”. Add some culture to your calendar with this exceptional grassroots event.
Weather you're flying in for an event, or you take advantage of the opportunity to join in on the festivities, any or all of these four festivals highlight the best of Queenstown, it's vibrant culture and it's spectacular people!