Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has opened its annual events funding round for people looking to organise events that benefit the community.

The 2025-2026 Events Fund is open to both commercial and community-level events.

QLDC arts and events relationship manager Jan Maxwell said the council is proud to support a range of events across the district through the annual events fund.

“The events we support help celebrate our district and boost community wellbeing,” she said.

“The funding criteria supports events that are committed to environmental sustainability, economic impact, event diversity, and positive community benefits.

“This year we’ll continue to focus on events’ environmental sustainability and will prioritise funding for applicants that are taking steps toward better waste reduction and the minimisation of carbon emissions.

“We’re looking forward to seeing applications from new and existing events this year.”

Last year 20 events received funding.

They included the Wānaka A&P Show, Arrowtown Autumn Festival, Queenstown Multicultural Festival, Wānaka Festival of Colour, Queenstown Marathon, Wao Summit, and a wide range of large and small events. 

Applications for the QLDC Events Fund will close on April 30. 

They will be reviewed in May and successful applicants will be notified in July.

Full information on funding criteria, key dates and how to apply is available on the council website here.

PHOTO: Supplied