Queenstown to Host First Community AI Hackathon, The Vibe Games
Queenstown will host what is believed to be the first event of its kind in the region this July, bringing together local business owners, creatives, students, technologists and AI practitioners for a community-led AI hackathon.
The Vibe Games AI Hackathon will take place at Fluid in Queenstown on 25 July, with a small first-round group of up to 35 participants taking part in a 10-hour build event.
The event is designed to be practical, hands-on and community-focused. Participants will form small teams, choose a business or community challenge, then use AI tools to create a prototype, concept or working solution over the course of the day.
Organiser Christopher Barnhart says the event is designed to bring Queenstown’s AI-curious community out of their silos and together for a day of practical experimentation.
“There are already people across the region using AI in business, design, education, marketing, technology and community projects, but a lot of that work is happening separately,” says Barnhart.
“The Vibe Games is about getting those people in the same room, sharing what they know, learning from each other and seeing what we can build together in a single day.”
While the event is open to a wide range of backgrounds, it is best suited to people who already have some experience using AI tools or are actively experimenting with them. It may not be the right fit for complete beginners or people who are only just starting to explore AI.
“This is not a classroom-style introduction to AI,” says Barnhart. “It is a build day. You do not need to be a developer, but you should be comfortable trying tools, testing ideas and contributing to a team.”
The Vibe Games will focus on real-world business and community challenges, with teams presenting their ideas at the end of the event. The format is intended to encourage experimentation rather than perfection, with an emphasis on learning, collaboration and practical outcomes.
Fluid will provide the event space, coffee, snacks and pizza. Attendees are asked to bring their own laptop and, at this stage, may need to bring their own AI tool credits or accounts. The organising team is currently seeking sponsorship for AI platform credits to help participants access a wider range of tools on the day.
The organisers are also looking for judges, volunteers and supporters who want to contribute to the event. Volunteer opportunities are available for people who want to help with event support, participant coordination, setup, photography, content or general logistics.
In-person tickets are $45, with discounted places available for students and volunteers. Online tickets are also available for $20 for people who want to follow along remotely or support the event from outside Queenstown.
Barnhart says the first event is intentionally small, but the ambition is to grow it into a recurring community initiative.
“Queenstown has an incredibly interesting mix of people. We have tourism, tech, design, education, trades, start-ups, hospitality and an merging entrepreneurial community. The Vibe Games is about getting those people in one room and seeing what happens when they have access to powerful tools and a clear challenge.”
The Vibe Games AI Hackathon will be held at Fluid, Queenstown, on 25 July.
Tickets are available through Humanitix.
