MAGICONZ 2026 Brings Magic and Balloons to Queenstown

 MAGICONZ 2026 brings magicians and balloon artists to Queenstown, New Zealand, October 23–26, for a weekend of performances, teaching, and shared ideas.

Organizers describe it as the first combined magic and balloon convention held in Queenstown. For performers who work across several specialties, the pairing offers an opportunity to explore how different entertainers create surprise, involve spectators, and build a show.

Who Is Appearing at MAGICONZ 2026?

The announced headliners are John Guastaferro, Gustavo Raley, Peter Nardi, Rachel Wax, Paul Romhany, and balloon artist Pippity Pop.

Magic News Daily readers can get to know one of those guests through Wes Iseli’s MagicLife Podcast conversation with Paul Romhany. Their discussion explores timing, storytelling, Romhany’s journey from New Zealand, and the evolution of Vanish magazine.

That emphasis on presentation is relevant to a convention bringing several branches of entertainment together. A useful idea might concern the construction of a routine, the handling of an unexpected response, or a small adjustment that helps an audience follow the action.

Why Combine Magic and Balloon Art?

Magic and balloon entertainment share practical challenges that family performers will recognize. Everyone needs to see what is happening. The audience needs a reason to stay interested. Participation needs to move the performance forward.

A balloon artist’s approach to revealing a finished creation might suggest a stronger way to stage a magical production. A magician’s handling of a volunteer might offer an idea for making a balloon routine more engaging.

A mixed convention creates room for those exchanges. The value can come from studying an entertainer whose materials and methods differ from your own.

The Announced Weekend Schedule

The organizers currently list:

• Friday, October 23: Welcome function at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 24: Convention activities, followed by an evening gala dinner and show.
• Sunday, October 25: Convention activities and an evening public show.
• Monday, October 26: Optional masterclass or tourist activity.

All dates and times refer to Queenstown’s local time.

The combination of teaching and public performance gives attendees different ways to consider the material. A session can explore how an idea is constructed; a public show offers an opportunity to observe how a performance communicates with a wider audience.

Magic and Balloon Dealers

The announced dealer lineup includes GRUM Magic, Fox Magic MFG, Alakazam Magic, and balloon supplier Papillon Promotional, among others.

For working entertainers, a dealer conversation can help answer practical questions: How much preparation does an item require? How clearly will it play for the intended audience? What does it need in terms of carrying space or performance conditions?

Those details help a performer decide how an item might fit into an existing show.

Venue and Listed Registration Prices

The convention takes place at Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, in association with International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 160, Kiwi Magic, The Tony Wilson Ring Incorporated.

As of October 16, the organizers list these standard prices, in New Zealand dollars:

• Adults: NZ$450
• Juniors under 18: NZ$350
• Partners: NZ$350
• Saturday gala dinner and show: NZ$87 per person, as an optional extra

The advertised early-bird deadline has passed. Prospective attendees should confirm remaining availability and any program updates with the organizing committee.

Convention weekends also help carry magic’s traditions between generations. Our history of Abbott’s Magic and its Get-Together in Colon, Michigan explores how another gathering became part of a town’s magical identity.

Source credit: Official MAGICONZ convention program and registration information, published by GRUM Leather Craft.