Queenstown is hosting what is believed to be the first event of its kind in the region this July, bringing together local business owners, creators, students, technologists and AI practitioners for a community-led AI hackathon.
The Vibe Games AI Hackathon will take place on July 25th at Fluid in Queenstown, with small first round groups of up to 35 participants taking part in a 10-hour build event.
This event is designed to be hands-on, hands-on, and community-focused. Participants form small teams, choose a business or community challenge, and spend a day using AI tools to create prototypes, concepts, and working solutions.
Organizer Christopher Barnhart said the event was designed to break Queenstown’s AI community out of silos and provide a day of hands-on experimentation.
“There are already people across the region using AI in business, design, education, marketing, technology, and community projects, but much of that work is being done in isolation,” Barnhart said.
“Vibe Games is about bringing these people together in the same room, sharing what they know, learning from each other, and seeing what they can build together in one day.”
This event is aimed at a wide range of backgrounds, but is perfect for those who already have experience with, or are actively experimenting with, AI tools. It may not be suitable for complete beginners or those just starting to explore AI.
“This is not a classroom-style introduction to AI,” Barnhart says. “Today is a build day. You don’t have to be a developer, but you must be comfortable trying out tools, testing ideas, and contributing to the team.”
Vibe Games will focus on real-world business and community challenges, with teams presenting their ideas at the end of the event. This format focuses on learning, collaboration, and practical outcomes, and aims to encourage experimentation rather than perfection.
Fluid offers event space, coffee, snacks, and pizza. Participants are asked to bring their own laptop and may need to bring their own AI tool credits or account at this stage. The organizing team is currently seeking sponsors for AI platform credits to enable participants to access a wider range of tools on the day.
Organizers are also looking for judges, volunteers and supporters to contribute to the event. Volunteer opportunities are available for anyone who would like to help with event support, participant coordination, set-up, photography, content, or general logistics.
In-person tickets are $45, with discounted admission for students and volunteers. For those who wish to attend remotely or support the event from outside Queenstown, online tickets are also available for purchase for $20.
Barnhart said the first event will be intentionally small, but he has ambitions to grow it into a regular community effort.
“Queenstown is home to an incredibly interesting group of people: tourism, technology, design, education, trade, start-ups, hospitality, and a converging entrepreneurial community. The Vibe Game is about bringing these people together in one room and seeing what happens when you bring them together and access powerful tools and clear challenges.”
The Vibe Games AI Hackathon will be held at Fluid in Queenstown on July 25th.
Tickets can be purchased through Humanitix.
