Queenstown Spring Events Guide

The Remarkables 40th Spring Carnival

26-28 September

This spring, The Remarkables Ski Field are pulling out all the stops to celebrate 40 years of skiing, adventure, and community with the return of a nostalgia-packed 40th anniversary Spring Carnival.  

From 26-28 September, skiers, snowboarders, and mountain lovers are invited to join the festivities, featuring family-friendly activities, retro ski events and lots of on-mountain action.  

The carnival will pay tribute to The Remarkables’ rich history, from its humble beginnings in 1985 to the iconic ski destination it is known as today.

The Remarkables Market

Every Saturday from 5 October until 11 April 

The Remarkables Market is the place to discover Queenstown's best locally-made food, handmade crafts and fresh produce. Located in a large red barn, framed by the Remarkables mountain range, the event is the perfect spring Saturday morning excursion.

The team at the Remarkables Market have a hefty goal of becoming New Zealand's first zero-waste market. Their convenient mug library means you don't have to remember a reusable cup. Pack your picnic basket and check out the Remarkables Market every Saturday from 9am-2pm. 

Salmonella Dub Soundsystem

4 October

The legendary Salmonella Dub are coming to Otago to celebrate their birthday and the release of their digitally re-mastered full back catalogue.

Presented by Scapegrace and with support from Queenstown legend Downtown Brown, this is a performance you won't want to miss.

Find out more and get your tickets here.

Glenorchy Grind

11 October

The iconic Marsh Glenorchy Grind is back for 2025 and better than ever. It's a gravel adventure like no other, where riders of all levels can choose their challenge and soak up the stunning scenery of Glenorchy.

Take on the full force of The Stoked Grind – a 160km epic conquering all four legendary gravel roads, from Lake Whakatipu to the Dart and Rees Valleys. This is the ultimate test of endurance for those ready to grind all day.
After something bold but a little shorter? The Kiwi Park Twin Rivers ride covers 86km of backcountry beauty through the Dart and Rees – a challenging yet rewarding ride through river flats and alpine vistas.
Or cruise the iconic Fluid Paradise Dash, a 57km scenic loop along Paradise Road, perfect for families, e-bikes, and anyone after a soul-filling ride with jaw-dropping views.

Find out more information about the race here.

At The World's Edge

4 - 17 October

At The World’s Edge is a classical music festival showcasing world-class chamber music in a series of live events across the region from 4 - 17 October 2025. Performances take place in carefully chosen venues in Queenstown, Cromwell, Bannockburn and Wanaka. Each venue lends itself perfectly to the intimate sound of chamber music. This year’s line-up brings some of Aotearoa’s most acclaimed chamber musicians to the Queenstown Lakes region, including pianist Michael Houstoun, cellist James Bush, and Composer in Residence John Psathas. They are joined by a cast of renowned international artists that features UK violinist Anthony Marwood, US violist Yura Lee and Australian harpsichordist, Erin Helyard.

Put together by renowned New Zealand violinists Justine Cormack and Benjamin Baker, the festival features celebrated chamber works, lesser-known pieces and bold new compositions that highlight the many ways composers engage with nature. Explore this year's programme and get your tickets here. 

Queenstown Writers Festival

31 October - 2 November

The Queenstown Writers Festival brings readers together over a shared love for stories, kupu and kōrero. Held over three days at Te Atamira, this year’s festival will be the biggest yet with 20 visiting writers, including non-fiction writers, poets, novelists, children’s writers, Kiwi icons, and literary legends. Get excited for writing workshops, a book launch, panel discussions, a writing competition and the return of the popular Sampler Session featuring local writers.

New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Queenstown Marathon

15 November

The 'World’s Most Beautiful Marathon' incorporates 42.2km, 21km and 10km events and a 2.2km kids run option. The course takes in the best highlights of the Queenstown Lakes region on mostly hard-packed cycle trails. Afterwards, celebrate your achievements at one of Queenstown's restaurants or bars. 

The event supports Queenstown Trails, with a portion of your entry fee going towards a $30,000 donation to the charitable trust that helps maintain and develop trails throughout our region. There's the option to add a personal donation when registering. To find out more or to secure your spot, see here.

Snow Machine Festival

2026 Dates TBC

Snow Machine Festival is four days and three nights of music, snow, après and adventure. With four après stages across Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, you can spend the morning shredding the slopes before enjoying the on-piste mountain stages and continuing the party at the main arena by night.

Plan your Queenstown local experience

Stay a bit longer to experience all Queenstown has to offer this spring – find ways to immerse yourself in Queenstown’s natural beauty and connect with the locals in our 6-day travel itinerary. 

As you explore Queenstown, share your experiences with us on Instagram by tagging #QueenstownLive.