Queenstown offers entertainment year-round with a range of incredible annual events
Discover the major annual events held in Queenstown, from music festivals to sporting events and everything in between. We celebrate the seasons, the landscapes and all the things that make Queenstown unique.
For the music lover, don't miss The Valley concert held at The Church Cellar Door in Gibbston Valley. For sports lovers, make sure to make a trip for the New Zealand Golf Open, the Queenstown Marathon and the iconic Motatapu off-road event. Or celebrate all things food, wine, people and colour at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival and Winter Pride Festival.
Explore the best annual events below.
Summer
December
New Years Eve fireworks: Bring your friends and family and join us by the lakeside at Queenstown Bay to bring in the new year with a bang as fireworks light up the sky.
January
The Valley: Set against the stunning backdrop of Gibbston, The Valley is designed to celebrate everything that makes the region special. Kiwi music, world-class wines, craft brews and gourmet food await in the vines.
February
Shotover Moonlight Marathon: Experience the challenging and diverse terrain of Ben Lomond Station. Choose from the ultra (56km), marathon, 30km, half marathon or 10km option.
NZ Golf Open: An iconic event on the New Zealand sporting calendar, the New Zealand Open is held at Millbrook Resort and includes a full field of players from the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour and the Japanese Tour.
Autumn
March
Motatapu: Held on one epic day, this is your one chance a year to traverse the breathtaking high-country terrain between Wānaka and Queenstown. Choose from the 47km Mountain Bike Race, 15km Miners Trail, 42km Off-Road Marathon and 52.5km Ultra Run.
April
Arrowtown Autumn Festival: Enjoy Arrowtown's beautiful autumn colours, sample local cuisine, watch the parade, partake in a workshop or even do some native tree planting. The six day festival brings a host of great events and workshops to this stunning historic gold mining town and fun for the whole family.
Routeburn Classic: A regular sell out event, the Routeburn Classic is an adventure run over the world renowned Routeburn Track traversing through two New Zealand national parks.
Winter
June
Mardi Gras Queenstown is a classic winter festival event for Queenstown, with a multi genre line up not to be missed.
LUMA Enchanted is lighting up the Queenstown Kiwi Park from June - October with illuminated walkways and unexpected encounters for all ages.
August
Winter Pride: The most popular Winter Pride Festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Held over 10 days from late August to September with many amazing events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Spring
September
Snow Machine Festival: Snow Machine is a four-day alpine music festival that fuses the hottest musical talent, snow-capped mountains, arts and après madness to create an ultimate Queenstown ski holiday and festival experience all in one.
October
At the World's Edge Festival: A classical music festival inspired by its roots in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. With spectacular sounds against majestic scapes, experience chamber music in New Zealand alongside internationally renowned musicians and lifelong enthusiasts.
Queenstown Writers Festival: An unmissable event each November for anyone who loves books, words and insightful conversation.
