Spring is in the air, and with it comes a renewed burst of creativity! As we step into September, Queenstown, Wānaka, and the surrounding areas are buzzing with vibrant arts, culture, and creative happenings. From inspiring workshops to live music and captivating exhibitions, there’s something to spark everyone’s interest.

Be sure to secure your spots early, as events are filling up fast. Dive into the season’s offerings and discover what’s on this September in Queenstown, Wānaka, and beyond. Don’t forget to check out our What’s On page for even more exciting events.

Creative Workshops

This September, unleash your creativity with a range of hands-on workshops. Whether you’re learning, painting, or exploring a new craft, there’s something to ignite your artistic spirit. Ready to try something new? Te Wāhi Toi showcases a fantastic array of options. Sign up, bring a friend, and dive into the creative fun!

Creative Rights & Artists’ Resale Royalty Workshop |  Wānaka & Queenstown   |  24 & 25 Sept.

Copyright Licensing New Zealand, Creative Rights Educator / Kaiwhakahaere Whakapā, Karen Workman will be delivering an insightful and practical workshop designed to demystify key aspects of creative rights and prepare you for upcoming changes.

Gelli Plate Printing Workshop  |  Wānaka  |  Sunday 22 September

This super fun gelli plate printing workshop allows you to explore a range of techniques; working up layers, stencils, masking, charcoal transfer and laser print transfers.

Fame Jr Show in a Week |  Queenstown  |  30 Sept to 5 October

Students will learn choreography, songs and everything it takes to bring a musical together ahead of three public performances at the end of the week. Open to 10 to 18 year olds, any level of ability or experience. 

Art Exhibitions

This September, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of local and visiting artists by exploring a variety of exhibitions. From photography to portraits, there’s plenty to discover. Wander through local galleries, whether you’re just browsing or looking to buy, and show your support for our local artists.

‘Our World - through the Lens’ Exhibition |  Arrowtown  |  until 29 September

Prepare to be dazzled as local amateur photographers from Queenstown Photography Club present their latest exhibition ‘Our World - through the lens’, at the Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery, Arrowtown.

Starkwhite ‘Marti Friedlander | Starting Point for a Complicated Story’  |  Queenstown  |  until 14 September

One of NZ’s most celebrated photographers of this land and its people, Marti Friedlander (1928-2016) had an almost sixty year career. Starkwhite Queenstown is delighted to present our first exhibition of Marti Friedlander’s work in partnership with the Marti Friedlander Estate.

Le Satauro, The Cross by Lyle Penisula |  Queenstown  |  until 18 September

Southland born Samoan-Scottish painter Lyle Penisula shares his identity through 15 vibrant paintings, drawing on his journey so far as an artist and pastor.

Agate Rubene ‘Petals and Portraits  |  Cardrona  |  until 29 September

The exhibition will showcase a mix of floral portraits and bold abstract portraits, all beautifully set within the unique environment of Cardrona Distillery. 

Theatre & Performing Arts

This month is buzzing with performances, film screenings, and showcases.. Whether you’re a fan of theatre, film, or creative showcases, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to grab your tickets early, to secure your spot. Head to Te Wāhi Toi What’s On page to discover more. 

‘A Relatively Uneventful Evening’ |  Arrowtown  |  5 to 14 September

Brought to you by Remarkable Theatre, over the course of one evening a small group of close but highly dysfunctional friends are invited to a dinner party to celebrate the publication of Eleanor’s first book. A hilarious comedy followed with lots of twists and turns throughout a relatively “uneventful” evening.

‘Lucky Grandma’ Film |  Queenstown  |  Wednesday 11 September

As part of Welcoming Week, and brought to you by the Kiwi Kit Company and QLDC Libraries, come along to a screening of ‘Lucky Grandma' and enjoy a documentary film showcasing global perspectives.

WHS Performing Arts Showcase  |  Queenstown  |  Saturday 14 September

Wakatipu High School proudly presents their Performing Arts Showcase 2024. 
Expect an afternoon with performances from our 2 Jazz Bands, Rock Bands, Solo and Duo acts, Drama and Visual Arts.

Live Music

This month showcases a range of live music, especially as touring artists travel through Queenstown, Wānaka and surrounds. Get your tickets and head out for a good night out. 

Powder Chutes & Hasst Hunter with Cheap Thrills |  Wānaka  |  Saturday 7 Sept.

Wānaka stalwarts Powder Chutes & Hamilton band Haast Hunter play Rhyme & Reason on Sep 7 as part of their Co-Headline Tour, with special guests Cheap Thrills

Sunday Sessions with Julian Temple Band |  Arthurs Point  |  Sunday 8 Sept.

The Julian Temple Band are joining us from Dunedin after their epic weekend at Snow Machine. This Indie band has extensively travelled across NZ, Australia, and the United States. 

Voices Unleashed |  Queenstown  |  Friday 13 Sept.

Voices Unleashed is an immersive experience in choral music, combining five different choirs of varying sizes and styles. Join us again this year for an unforgettable experience. 

Across the Great Divide |  Arrowtown  |  Friday 13 September

Brought to you by Arts in Tour New Zealand, Prepare your dancing feet, vocal chords and heart! Here comes Across the Great Divide, featuring traditional, contemporary and original songs and tunes from Celtic and Americana roots.

Sylvia Jiang Recital at the Hills |  Arrowtown  | Tuesday 24 September

Fresh off a successful debut national tour, NZ Pianist Sylvia Jiang returns to the Hills for an exclusive night of musical brilliance. A graduate of the Juilliard School and Johns Hopkins University, Sylvia has delighted audiences globally with her dazzling technique and passionate musical voice.

Explore Events

This month we introduce Welcoming Week for the first time to the district. Check out the many events on offer. September also launches the upcoming Queenstown Writers Festival. 

Make sure to head to our What’s On page to keep exploring.

Welcoming Week |  District-wide  |  6 to 15 September

Welcoming Week New Zealand - Te Wiki o Manaaki Aotearoa - is an annual campaign to showcase and celebrate how communities across Aotearoa and the globe are working to be more welcoming places for all, including migrants. Check out the many events across the week on Te Wāhi Toi What’s On. 

Emily Perkins & Queenstown Writers Festival 2024 Launch |  Queenstown  | Sun. 8 Sept.

Acclaimed New Zealand author Emily Perkins joins Queenstown Writers Festival for a special conversation to launch their 2024 programme

There is plenty more where that came from, so make sure to scroll through Te Wāhi Toi and discover all that is happening in the arts and culture scene here in Queenstown, Wānaka and surrounds. 

Do you have an upcoming event? All listings on Te Wāhi Toi are free! Make sure to sign up and create your listing today.