Queenstown Winter Festival
The temperature may be icy, but the entertainment is definitely hot as the arrival of winter and the ski season ushers in Queenstown’s most famous festival – the American Express® Queenstown Winter Festival. That means only one thing – a winter party like no other, as locals and visitors alike see in the snowy season in style.
This year, the 2011 American Express Queenstown Winter Festival is celebrating 37 years of winter fun with 10 days of totally outrageous and uniquely Queenstown events. From 24 June to 3 July, thousands of people will take to Queenstown’s streets and Coronet Peak’s snowy slopes to kick off the winter fun with a host of mountain races, street parties, live concerts, comedy, theatre and family events.
From street parades and a dog derby to flying 
machines and racing queens, Queenstown's zaniest celebration of the winter season has become an iconic fixture on New Zealand's social calendar. You'll see fireworks, drag queens racing, birdmen flying, a dog barking competition, frisby golf, the famous Festival Mardi Gras and a masquerade ball – and that’s just in town! Up on the mountain you can catch loads of winter action with ski races, rail jams, night skiing, dog races and a superb line-up of live entertainment.
The festival swings into action down at Queenstown's lake front with the American Express Opening Party on 24 June, featuring spectacular fireworks, live music, mulled wine and plenty of laughs. Always a highlight is the festival’s "glamour" event, The Deutz Masquerade Ball on Saturday 25 June. It’s the perfect night for people to dress up, don a mask slip and slip on some 
dancing shoes to celebrate the Festival in true Queenstown style.
New Zealand’s renowned jazz musician Nathan Haines will headline the music scene populated by other funky New Zealand’s acts – Jordan Luck, Tahuna Breaks, The Dukes and many more will be driving home the grooves. See the full list of performers.
What?
The American Express® Queenstown Winter Festival
www.winterfestival.co.nz
Where?
Queenstown
When?
24 June to 3 July 2011
Events
Check out the Festival Programme
Tickets
Buy tickets online here
How Do I Book?
Book your Queenstown accommodation.
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