What’s happening in the arts and culture scene this May? It might be shoulder season, but that doesn’t mean the creativity stops. We’ve got loads of exciting events lined up for the month ahead, including live music, art classes, dance workshops, film festivals, and so much more. So, if you’re wondering what’s on this May in Wānaka, Queenstown and surrounds, you’ve come to the right place. Read on, then head to our What’s On page for even more.
Creative Workshops
Attend a piano masterclass, try a life drawing session in Wānaka, or sign up for a dance class in Queenstown. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, our creative workshops and classes have something for everyone.
- Artrageous: Afterschool Kids Art Classes | Wānaka | Wednesdays
For a ten-week term starting Wednesday 1 May, your kids will love this afterschool art class in Wānaka. Build your art-making skills in a dynamic, creative and nurturing environment.
- Tarras Vocal Workshop | Tarras | Sat 18 May
Do you love to sing? Join Nook Road Productions vocal coach and singer/songwriter Anna van Riel for a fun, informative and interactive singing workshop.
- Queenstown Life Drawing | Queenstown | Sundays, from 21 Apr - 19 June
Join Queenstown Arts Society for eight individual classes of classical figure drawing, guided by artist Kasia Hebda. Enhance your drawing skills and deepen your understanding of composition, line, mass, and texture through observational drawing with a life model.
- All Handmade: Pottery Workshop | Queenstown | Mondays/Fridays from 29 Apr
A five-week block course with Raquel Carter focused on hand-building ceramic vessels in different ways. Covering all basic skills from moulding right through to the glazing process.
Theatre & Performing Arts
Be entertained through theatre, musicals and plays in Queenstown, Wānaka and throughout the district! With temps dropping, it’s the perfect excuse to hunker indoors.
- Pint-Sized Plays | Arrowtown & Queenstown | 2 -3 May
Pint-Sized Plays are short format, live theatre that can be enjoyed over a pint using minimal props, a small cast and limited sets. Over four nights, Remarkable Theatre will bring eight plays to plays to life each night.
- Spamalot (Musical) | Queenstown | Thu 16 - Sat 25 May
A new musical 'lovingly' ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail. With only nine shows from 16-25 May, this outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining story is not to be missed!
- Te Tupua - The Goblin (Solo play) | Lake Hāwea | Thur 23 May
Experience a visit from a ghost as history comes to life! Te Tupua / The Goblin is presented by Arts on Tour NZ, and is suitable for ages 10 and over.
Live Music
There are loads of live music gigs and events in Queenstown, Wānaka and surrounds this May. From Tiny Room Concerts in Arrowtown to local bands at local bars, there are live music events for everyone this month.
- Rhythmic Rites: An Original Music Showcase | Arrowtown | Wed 8 May
Welcome to Rhythmic Rites: A Sonic Sojourn at Trekkers Hotel, where the harmonies of home meet the thrill of the journey for this Uncovered: Original Music Showcase.
- Red Zeppelin: A Tiny Room Concert | Arrowtown | Thu 9 May
Head to the Blue Door Bar and join Charlotte Graf and her 5-piece band on her quest to find the giants that walked the earth - Led Zeppelin.
- Anna van Riel - NZ Music Month Tour | Wānaka, Tarras, Arrowtown | 18 - 30 May
Join Anna van Riel in a celebration of NZ Music Month, creativity and sustainability in the arts sector. Featuring multiple performances throughout Wānaka, Tarras and Arrowtown.
- IVY X Powder Chutes X Superficial | Wānaka | Fri 24 May
To celebrate their debut album, Powder Chutes are hitting Rhyme X Reason on 24 May with Dunedin indie-alternative band IVY, and local upstarts Superficial.
- Barry G: Change for a Fiver | Arrowtown | Wed 29 May
Don’t miss the hypnotic Irish melodies of singer-songwriter Barry G at the Blue Door Bar in Arrowtown for this Uncovered: Original Music Showcase.
Creative Events
What’s on in May near you? Explore your local creative scene in Wānaka, Queenstown and Arrowtown and discover exciting arts and culture events happening this month. There’s loads more, too - head to our What’s On page to keep exploring.
- WAO Film Festival | Wānaka | 9 - 12 May
Join us for the WAO Film Festival, featuring award-winning films set to inspire deep connection with the natural world.
- The Big Bike Film Night | Queenstown & Wānaka | 14 - 16 May
The Big Bike Film Night is bringing together the best cycling short films from around the world together. Showcasing 2.5 hours of bike films with everything a bike-centric audience could want.
- Get Your Sh!t Sorted professional and personal development | Queenstown | Fri 17 May
Meet professional development’s rockstar half-sibling. Half professional development, half team building, half essential life skills, half riotous night out to remember.
- 48Hours - NZ's largest guerrilla filmmaking competition | NZ | 17 - 19 May
It’s shoot weekend for the Vista Foundation 48Hours, NZ's largest guerrilla filmmaking competition! Over 500 teams of filmmakers will have just 48 hours to write, shoot and cut a short film.
- LUMA Lights Festival | Queenstown | 30 May - 3 June
The light festival of the year. LUMA’s light show is back for another installment of interactive performances, illuminated art, sculpture, sonic environments, live music, local eats and plenty of unexpected moments of discovery deep in the forest.
And that’s just a taste of what’s on May in the arts and culture world. Whether it’s live music, art classes, pottery workshops, theatre, festivals or film competitions, there’s no shortage of arts and culture for everyone. For more of what’s on in Wānaka, Queenstown and surrounds this May, head to our What’s On page to keep exploring.
