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Mardi Gras 2026 brings huge lineup to Ohakune and Queenstown

A vibrant night scene at an outdoor festival shows a large stage with a glowing star, pyrotechnics, bright lights, laser beams, and letters, surrounded by an excited crowd of people.

George FM & The Edge presents

The ultimate mid-winter dress up party returns to the snow. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 dates, venues, and the massive first lineup announcement.

Tickets

4 July 2026
Ohakune

11 July 2026
Queenstown

Mid-winter plans in New Zealand are officially sorted as the country’s biggest dress up party returns to the slopes. Mardi Gras 2026 is locked in, bringing a heavy-hitting first lineup to two of the most iconic alpine settings in Aotearoa. Whether you are hitting the junction in Ohakune or heading south for the Matariki long weekend in Queenstown, it is time to start planning the road trip.

  • Dates: 4 July 2026 (Ohakune) and 11 July 2026 (Queenstown)

  • Venues: Ohakune Junction and Queenstown Event Centre

  • Ticket on-sale date: Wednesday 6 May 2026

  • Tickets: Get tickets here

This year is shaped up to be one of the biggest yet with a lineup that leans heavily into dance and electronic culture. From the high-energy chaos of The Bloody Beetroots to the legendary status of a Shapeshifter DJ set, the vibe is strictly big energy. The streets will be taken over by costumes, crews from all over the country, and the kind of drops that make the frosty air feel a whole lot warmer.

George FM is also giving you the chance to win the experience of a lifetime. By signing up for the presale, you could land yourself a money can't buy package including your own green room, rider, accommodation, and backstage access for you and three mates. It is the ultimate way to see the show without worrying about a thing.

Registration for the presale is open now. Make sure you are locked in for the 6:00PM drop on Wednesday 6 May because these spots never last long. Get the group chat moving and the accommodation booked, we will see you in the mix.