Remarkables Market

Every Saturday from 28 September 2024 - 19 April 2025

Find a fantastic selection of artisans selling crafts and gifts as well as a tasty selection of local produce at the weekly Remarkables Market, Saturdays 9am - 2pm through summer. Mingle with locals to the tunes of live music or laze in the sun and enjoy a picnic on the grass.

The Remarkables Market has a hefty goal of becoming New Zealand's first zero-waste market. Their handy mug library means you don't have to remember a reusable cup to help support their mission. Find out more about the Remarkables Market here.

People walking through Remarkables market
Remarkables Market

Arrowtown Farmer's Market

Every Sunday mid-October - Easter

The Arrowtown Farmers’ Market is a seasonal, Sunday market held on the Library Green in historical Arrowtown, on the corner of Buckingham Street and Wiltshire Street. Here you'll find a range of local goods sold by the artists and artisans themselves. As well as fresh, delicious, locally-made food you can enjoy in the gorgeous park alongside the Library Green, or as you wander the nearby Arrow River Trail. 

These locally-loved markets run from 10am - 2pm every Sunday from Labour Weekend 2024 until Easter Weekend 2025. Find out more here.

Market stalls at Arrowtown Farmer's Market
Arrowtown Farmer's Market

McGazza Memorial Festival

24 January - 26 January

The McGazza Memorial Festival kicks off early next year with a jam-packed weekend to celebrate the legendary Kelly McGarry. The whole idea around the celebration is to live the weekend how he would live each day, action packed and high energy, in all his favourite riding spots. 

The line up includes the mass start Mega Train, Chainless race, Kids air bag jam, Dream jam, Gorge Road jam, and last but not least the McGazza memorial ride. Featuring the Gorge Road Jump Park and technical rides of Ben Lomond Trails, the festival showcases the world-class quality and variety of the Queenstown trails.

The festival aims to celebrate the local legend Kelly McGarry, bring awareness to the benefits biking offers Queenstown's people and community and raise funds for the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club. Whether you’re riding, volunteering or spectating, this is a summer event not to be missed. Keep an eye out for updates here.

Two mountain bikers getting air over a big jump in front of a crowd at the Queenstown Bike Festival
McGazza Fest Party Train

Gin Fest Arrowtown

1 February 2025

Sold out for 2025, Thanks to everyone who secured their tickets! If you missed out, don't worry – follow the Gin Distilleries social pages, official tonic mixer Fever-Tree and sponsors A J Saville Builder Limited & supplier partner Hundy as well as the event organisers You Gather Events for exciting competition tickets and epic giveaways.

Indulge in gin tastings from up to 20 distilleries from all over New Zealand at the Gin Fest Arrowtown. Discover the unique flavours, craftsmanship and story behind each distillery. Complement your gin tasting experience with some delicious offerings from Central Otago's finest food vendors, featuring a variety of local and gourmet delights.

Whether you're a seasoned gin lover or new to the world of gin, the Gin Fest Arrowtown offers something for everyone. 

A bartender serving up Scapegrace Gin at the Arrowtown Gin Fest
Gin Fest Arrowtown

Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon 

14 - 15 February 2025

Experience the diverse and challenge backcountry terrain of Ben Lomond Station on 14 - 15 February at the Shotover Moonlight off-road trail running event. There is spectacular changing scenery throughout the 56km Moonlight Ultra, 42km Marathon, 30km Adventure, 21km Half Marathon and 10km Trail Run events. Find out more here

An athlete taking part in the Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon on Ben Lomond Station
Shotover Moonlight Mountain Marathon

Natural Selection Bike Tour Aotearoa

15 February 2025

A hand picked selection of the best big mountain, slopestyle, freeride, and downhill riders in the world are lining up to ride in the Natural Selection Tour Bike Aotearoa at Mt Dewar on 15 February.

The debut event will also feature a ‘Dream Ticket’ qualifier at the Dream Track in central Queenstown on 8-9 February, giving local riders the opportunity to compete for four spots in the finals.

This event is set to sell out so get your tickets now and be inspired by the best in the world.

A group of riders and support crew scope out lines for NST Bike Aotearoa at Mt Dewar, Queenstown NZ
Natural Selection Bike Tour Aotearoa, Credit: Spoke Magazine

Carl Cox at Ayrburn 

16 February 

One of the most influential DJ's in the past 30 years, get ready for a night of Carl Cox shaking the dance floor at Ayrburn. You’ll be in good company, with international superstar Cristoph also taking to the stage, with more stellar acts to be announced. Find out more and get your tickets here.

New Zealand Golf Open

27 February - 2 March 2025

New Zealand’s premier golfing event is an iconic sporting event that is steeped in both history and drama, dating back to 1907. In 2025, the 104th edition of the New Zealand Open will be played at Millbrook Resort.

The tournament will include a field of up to 156 amateurs and 156 professionals playing alongside one another.  The professional golfers will compete for the New Zealand Open title whilst simultaneously, a pairing of one professional and one amateur will play a best-ball format for the New Zealand Open Pro-Am Championship.

Spectator entry to the New Zealand Open is free for all ages. Find out more here.  

New Zealand Golf Open Millbrook
New Zealand Golf Open

Motatapu

1 March 2025

The iconic Motatapu off-road event will be held on 1 March 2025. It's your one chance a year to run, bike or walk through some of the most stunning high country terrain in New Zealand, with six different events to choose from over one epic day.

$5 from your entry fee will be donated to Queenstown Trails to help maintain and develop our trails. There's also the option to add a personal donation when registering. To find out more or to secure your spot, see here.

Runners in the Motatapu Race
Motatapu Start Line

Groove Armada 

5 March 2025 

One of the world's biggest electronic dance acts, Groove Armada, are taking their dance floor anthems to the Queenstown Event's Centre on 5 March. Find out more and get your tickets here.

Andy Cato and Tom Findlay of Groove Armada smiling before a DJ Set
Andy Cato and Tom Findlay of Groove Armada

The Jordan Luck Band

29 March

Packed with the classic Exponents hits you know and love from ‘Who Loves Who The Most?’ to ‘Victoria’ and so many more Kiwi classics, the Jordan Luck Band are sure to see the summer off in style at Ayrburn. With multiple bands taking to the stage between 4:30pm and 8:00pm, make a day of it and book in for lunch and afternoon drinks at one of Ayrburn's venues before the fun starts.  Find out more and get your tickets here.

The Jordan Luck Band
The Jordan Luck Band

Plan your Queenstown local experience

Stay a bit longer to experience all Queenstown has to offer this summer – find more 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.