Queenstown Spring Events Guide

Snow Machine Festival

9 - 14 SEPTEMBER

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.

Check out the lineup and get your tickets here!

A group of party goers at Snow Machine Remarkables Ice Bar Party in Queenstown — Snow Machine Remarkables Ice Bar Party, Image: @justmelachie

The Remarkables Market

Every Saturday from September until 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.

A busy playgorund with a market in the background, set in front of the Remarkables mountain range — Remarkables Market

Spring Challenge

20-21 September

This iconic event invites teams to take on the natural wonders of Glenorchy. Expect camaraderie, resilience, and pure adventure in one of New Zealand's most scenic backdrops. Set for a weekend of exploration, challenge, and excitement, the race caters to women of all abilities, from seasoned racers to first-time adventurers.

Aerial photo of Glenorchy township with huge mountains in the background — Glenorchy From Above

The Remarkables 40th Spring Carnival

26-28 September

This winter, 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.

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.

Queenstown Marathon Runner on the Lower Shotover Bridge — Queenstown Marathon Runner

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.