With shoulder season settling in for the haul, we’re looking forward to another vibrant month of arts and culture events in the district.

Wondering what’s on for April in Queenstown, Wānaka and surrounds? Below, we’ve pulled together a few of the many events listed on our What’s On page, from live music to art workshops, dance classes, pottery courses, festivals and more. Read on, then head to our What’s On page for a full list of events happening near you!

Arts & Creativity

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. Explore art and creativity in Queenstown and Wānaka today.

• Piano Masterclass with Daniel Verstappen  |  Queenstown  |  Wed 17 Apr
  An opportunity to join international pianist and composer Daniel Verstappen in a masterclass working directly with students. Daniel will focus on technique, performance for concerts or exams, posture, rhythm and more.
  
  
• Badge-making with Kyla Cresswell  |  Queenstown  |  Sun 14 Apr
  On the final day of the ‘small holes in the silence’ exhibition, drop into Te Atamira and create a badge inspired by printmaker Kyla Cresswell’s creative mark-making.
  
  
• Wānaka Life Drawing  |  Wānaka  |  Mon 8 Apr
  Get involved with a group of life-drawing enthusiasts on the first Monday of every month at the Wānaka Community Hub. This is an untutored 2-hour session with timed warm-up sketches and longer poses.
  
  
• Ceramic Workshops at Lichen Studios  |  Hāwea
  Private introduction to wheel throwing and introduction to hand building workshops available to book in Hāwea.
  
  

Dance Classes

• Classical Ballet Masterclass  |  Wānaka  |  Tues 16 Apr
  Head along for a classical ballet masterclass led by pedagogue and dancer Monica Brosnahan and accompanied by renowned open-class pianist Daniel Cooper.
  
  
• Intro to Silver Steps Ballet  |  Tues 9 Apr - Tues 7 May  |  Queenstown
  For adults over 50, this five-week intro course is ideal for retirees who’ve never danced before but would like to start! For complete beginners or those returning to ballet after a long time.
  
  
• Adult Hip Hop Dance Classes  |  Wānaka  |  Mondays
  Dance classes for adults! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the dance floor, our classes are designed to be sassy, sweaty, and oh-so-fun.
  
  
• African Dance Classes  |  Queenstown  |  Wednesdays
  Delve into the rhythmic, expressive movements deeply rooted in African traditions, embracing the spirit of community inherent in African culture. All levels of experience are welcome: weekly drop-in class, no booking required.

After-School Kids Programmes

• Creative Clay (after-school programme)  |  Queenstown  |  Wednesdays
  Let your child’s imagination run wild as they discover the calming and creative aspects of working with clay. Every Wednesday in Term 1, 3:30pm - 5pm. Ages 5-12.
  
  
• Mixed Media (after-school programme)  |  Queenstown  |  Thur 11 Apr
  Get ready to embark on an artistic adventure in our mixed media art programme. Every Thursday in Term 1, 3:30pm - 5pm. Ages 5-12.
  
  
• Arts for Rangatahi (after-school programme)  |  Queenstown  |  Tue 9 Apr
  Join us for a series of creative and hands-on workshops where we explore a variety of mediums and art forms. Every Tuesday in Term 1, 3:30pm - 5pm. Ages 12-18.

Live Music

There are loads of live music gigs and events in Queenstown, Wānaka and surrounds this April. From Tiny Room Concerts in Arrowtown to world tours, there are live music events for everyone this month. 

• NZ Youth Choir  |  Wānaka  |  Thurs 25 Apr
  The New Zealand Youth Choir is coming to Otago. Experience the best young singers in NZ showing off their skills with new and old choral works. With 13 international tours and multiple championship titles, the NZ Youth Choir is not to be missed!
  
  
• Dominic Hazell & The DT's Do Dylan - Tiny Room Concert  |  Arrowtown  |  Thurs 4 Apr
  Head to the Blue Door Bar for one of their iconic Tiny Room Concerts. This stripped down Bob Dylan show will delight and impress in equal measure.
  
  
• Terrible Sons - Are Folk Singers Tour  |  Queenstown  |  Fri 12 Apr
  Terrible Sons bring their intimate show on the road with Terrible Sons Are Folk Singers, a late celebration of the release of their debut album ‘The Raft Is Not The Shore’.
  
  
• Reconnection World Tour with Daniel Verstappen  |  Queenstown  |  Wed 17 Apr
  Experience the captivating world of piano music with award-winning international pianist and composer, Daniel Verstappen. Daniel blends classical elegance with contemporary innovation, reconnecting all ages with classical music.
  
  
• Amiria Grenell - The Winter Light Album Release Tour  |  Hāwea  |  Thur 25 Apr
  Ōtautahi folk singer-songwriter Amiria Grenell is celebrating her new album with a tour, playing beautiful & intimate concerts at some of her favourite venues across Aotearoa.

Creative Events

What’s on in April near you? Explore your local creative scene in Arrowtown, Queenstown and Wānaka and discover exciting arts and culture events happening this April. There’s loads more, too - head to our What’s On page to keep exploring.

• Aspiring Conversations  |  Wānaka  |  4 - 7 April
  Aspiring Conversations is a festival of ideas where key thinkers talk about a diverse and rich array of current, controversial and just downright interesting subjects.
  
  
• Creativity & Culture Strategy Feedback  |  Queenstown Lakes District  |  Now - Fri 19 Apr
  The Draft Te Rautaki Auahataka me te Ahurea o Queenstown Lakes District // Queenstown Lakes District Creativity & Culture Strategy is now open for community consultation, and we invite you to have your say.
  
  
• An Almighty Yes by Emma Lange  |  Queenstown  |  Fri 19 Apr
  Magical things can happen when you're diagnosed with a brain tumour! Emma Lange brings this one-of-a-kind solo comedy home to Queenstown, after wowing the big cities and winning ardent fans like Dame Jools Topp.
  
  
• Land of the Long Long Drive  |  Arrowtown  |  Thurs 25 Apr
  A tale for Kiwi kids, featuring iconic NZ creatures, landscapes and fresh waiata by NZ singer-songwriter Benny Tipene. The show jumps to life and brings you a laugh-out-loud, inspiring adventure of three unlikely heroes.
  
  
• Wakatipu High School presents Hairspray the Musical  |  Queenstown  |  3 - 6 April
  Wakatipu High School students are set to return to the main stage with their annual musical production, Hairspray which opens Wednesday 3 April.

And that’s just a taste of what’s on April in the arts and culture world. Whether it’s live music, art classes, pottery workshops, holiday programmes, festivals or dance classes, there’s no shortage of arts and culture for everyone. For more of what’s on in Wānaka, Queenstown and surrounds this April, head to our What’s On page to keep exploring.