This Labour weekend will be one for the Queenstown history books as multiple milestone celebrations take place around the region.

This week Queenstown’s ‘Lady of the Lake’, the TSS Earnslaw, marks her 100th birthday with an arrray of celebrations (14-22 October) while over Labour Weekend (18-22 October) the entire district will mark 150 years since the discovery of gold. More than 50 ‘Gold 150’ events - 90 percent of them free - will be held in Arrowtown, Glenorchy and Kingston over the four days.

Arrowtown 150 years of gold celebrations:
In August 1862 rich finds of gold in the Cromwell Gorge fuelled a gold rush that saw 6000 diggers working their way up into the Arrow and Shotover Rivers. Arrowtown is hosting a series of 150 anniversary celebration events from the 18th to the 22nd of October. Get an insight into this chaotic, pioneering and remarkable period of new Zealand's history.

Key events include the Arrowtown 1862 Gold Rush Reenactment followed by the Chinese Village Theatre on Saturday the 20th October and then the NZ Gold panning championships on Sunday the 21st.

Glenorchy 150 years of settlement celebrations:
From the 19th to the 22nd October the township of Glenorchy is hosting a series of events for residents and visitors to celebrate the people and the stories from the past 150 years of settelement. Enjoy 1950’s dance, period costumes, entertainment, food, family activities.

Key events include Glenorchy Day on Monday 21st of October. A free family-friendly day of activities at the Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve with a variety of food and craft stalls and activites.

The ASB Queenstown JazzFest:
This weekend's event lineup also includes a live music celebration bringing music to the masses and showcases the breadth of jazz styles from around New Zealand and the world. A number of free and ticketed jazz events will be happening at various venues around Queenstown.

So what are you waiting for? With some many great events to choose from the only difficulty will be deciding which ones to attend.

Browse events happening in Queenstown this weekend here.