Among the Wanaka shows sold out by yesterday were the New Zealand Guitar Quartet, Salon, Aspiring Conversations with Lloyd Geering and Seymour Hersh, Black Grace, The Yoots, Kings of the Gym, Tubular Bells for Two, Songs to Leave Behind, Beautiful Losers and Electric Wire Hustle Family.
However, there were still seats available at the Queenstown performances for all the events, except Black Grace.
The six-day festival features an international mix of theatre, art, dance, conversation and music, set against the Southern Lakes' autumn scenery.
The main venue in Wanaka, the 330-seat Crystal Palace auditorium, was being erected yesterday in readiness for its first event - Baby O presented by the Scottish Opera, on Tuesday.
Artists will begin painting large billboards along the lakefront today, weather permitting.
Director Philip Tremewan said he expected ''a flurry'' of weekend ticket sales.
''The flags are flying, the venues are looking great and performers are starting to arrive. Excitement is really building and we're raring to go.''
