It’s the start of a new year, and with it comes an exciting range of arts and culture events. Wondering what’s on in Queenstown and Wānaka this January? Looking for live music events, local gigs, art classes or workshops to keep you busy this summer season? Our district is filled with exciting events happening this summer, and so is Te Wāhi Toi.

We’ve pulled together a few arts and culture events for you below, but there’s even more happening over on our What’s On page. From Glenorchy to Makarora and all the places in between, head to our What’s On page to find a full list of what’s on in January near you.

Explore Art + Creativity

Try your hand at an art class in Queenstown, visit a new art exhibition at a local gallery, or learn to make your own jewellery in Wānaka. Whether you want to create art, appreciate art or soak in the beauty of someone else’s artwork, our district is filled to the brim with artists, painters, crafters and makers. Explore art in the Queenstown Lakes District below. 

Workshops

Let your creative juices flow with these art workshops and classes this January. 

• Summer in the South Workshops  |  Queenstown  |  January

As part of the ‘Summer in the South’ exhibition currently on display at Te Atamira in Queenstown, several exhibition artists are running a series of art workshops on a wide range of topics. Why not get your creative juices flowing and develop your art skills along the way? These workshops include:

Introduction to expressive painting with Emma Peers

Make a pinhole camera with Diane Stoppard

Contemporary landscape oil techniques with Kelly Pearce

Mary Kisler: The landscape in New Zealand Art

• School holiday programme  |  Queenstown  |  January
  
  Looking for a creative school holiday programme for the kids? Te Atamira is running a  school holiday programme with a focus on creativity for ages 5-12.

• Make a Ring: Jewellery workshop  |  Wānaka  |  27 January
  
  Ever wondered how jewellery is made? Learn from the best and make your very own ring with a jewellery workshop in Wānaka.

Competitions

• Craigs Aspiring Art Prize  |  Wānaka  |  12 - 15 January
  
  The Craigs Aspiring Art Competition is an annual event attracting artists from all around New Zealand. With a range of talented artists submitting their original artworks, the three-day exhibition in Wānaka isn’t to be missed!

Exhibitions

• Art Exhibition - Angus Watson  |  Queenstown  |  3 - 14 January
  
  Drop into Angus Watson’s gallery for a focused exhibition of his work, a stroll through the garden, and explore the original artworks, prints, and calendars for sale.

Explore Live Music

This month, the live music scene in Queenstown, Wānaka, Arrowtown & Cardrona is filled with an exciting range of musicians, genres and venues. Explore classical music concerts, music gigs at local bars, summer music festivals in Queenstown, and so much more. Here’s a quick glimpse of the local music happening in our district this month.

• The Feelers - Reimagined Greatest Hits  |  Arrowtown  |  11 January
  
  The Feelers are hitting the road this summer with a brand-new live show following the release of their REIMAGINED - GREATEST HITS album.

• Tusekah ‘I’ve Changed’ Aotearoa Tour  |  Arrowtown  |  20 January
  
  Come down to The Fork & Tap to see one of Aotearoa's up-and-coming singers for an unforgettable night of breathtaking music.

• Bay Dreams 2024  |  Queenstown  |  5 January
  
  Bay Dreams 2024 is coming to Queenstown, and this Aotearoa summer festival needs little introduction. Get your tickets now!

• Music by Rakuto Kurano in concert  |  Queenstown  |  17 January
  
  Enjoy an afternoon of classical music as award-winning composer and performer Rakuto Kurano presents a concert entirely of his own works.

• Rock the planet: Powder Chutes Fundraiser for Planet 13  |  Wānaka  |  19 January
  
  Rhyme x Reason Brewery will play host to local legends Powder Chutes at this special fundraiser evening. All proceeds will go towards Planet 13 film production.

• Summer Sessions at Edgewater  |  Wānaka  |  Sundays
  
  All summer long, Edgewater Lake Wānaka opens its sunny front lawns to talented local musicians. Bring a picnic rug and enjoy an afternoon of live music with a view!

• Half Light: Live in Cardrona  |  Cardrona  |  7 January
  
  Prepare for an exhilarating musical journey filled with driving, hypnotic Celtic music from two of NZ's top players.

Explore Events

Feel like a summer day out exploring your local creative scene? Here’s a snapshot of some of the exciting arts and culture events happening this month in Arrowtown, Queenstown and Wānaka. Note, there’s more where this came from! Head to our What’s On page to keep exploring.

• Arrowtown Market Sundays  |  Arrowtown  |  Sundays
  
  The weekly Arrowtown Market runs every Sunday, offering a variety of stalls, delicious food and unique crafts. 
  
  
• Reclaimed Threads | Summer Mini Market  |  Queenstown  |  21 January
  
  Unleash your inner fashion adventurer and embark on a journey exploring a treasure trove of pre-loved garments at this boutique second-hand mini market.
  
  
• Open Mic Night  |  Wānaka  |  Sundays
  
  Come on down to one of the local open mic nights in Wānaka. Run every Sunday night, come along to sing or to enjoy the talented locals.
  
  
• Teddy Bears Picnic  |  Wānaka  |  28 January
  
  The annual Teddy Bears Picnic returns to Wānaka this January. Bring the family and enjoy entertainment for kids of all ages. From performances to sausage sizzles to magical creatures and bouncy castles, the Teddy Bears Picnic has it all!

Whatever you’re interested in this summer - be it live music, art classes, exhibitions or open mic nights - the Queenstown Lakes District has you covered with a wide range of arts and culture events for all ages. For a full overview of what’s on in Wānaka, Queenstown and surrounds this January, head to our What’s On page to explore.