Queenstown Events: The Perfect Base to Stay, Play, and Explore

Queenstown’s year-round calendar of recurring events makes it one of New Zealand’s most vibrant destinations. From summer’s Valley Concert in Gibbston to the dramatic LUMA Light Festival in winter, the region pulses with music, sport, and culture. Furthermore, Judge & Jury Village offers a strategic base for guests attending these celebrations. Nestled in the heart of the Gibbston Valley, we combine themed hospitality with easy access to major venues across Arrowtown and Queenstown. Consequently, you can dive into the heart of the action by day and retreat to alpine comfort by night.

Sporting Spectacles: New Zealand’s Ultimate Arena

NZ Open Golf

The New Zealand Open is one of the region’s most iconic annual fixtures. It attracts top professionals and thousands of spectators to the world-class Millbrook Resort.

  • When: February-March
  • Where: Millbrook Resort & The Hills, Arrowtown.
  • The Experience: The tournament combines over a century of heritage with breathtaking alpine views. Spectators enjoy free entry and family-friendly activities. Notably, you can follow the Pro-Am event where amateurs play alongside elite pros.

Winter Games NZ

As the largest snow-sports event in the Southern Hemisphere, Winter Games NZ brings international stars to our local mountains.

  • When: August
  • Where: The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Cardrona.
  • The Experience: It features World Cup-level skiing and snowboarding, including slopestyle and giant slalom. Specifically, it often serves as a pathway for Olympic qualification. Spectators can enjoy free access to most on-mountain events.

Shotover Moonlight Marathon

This event draws athletes to the rugged and diverse terrain of Ben Lomond Station. It is famous for being a “true” mountain run that challenges even the most seasoned athletes.

  • When: February
  • Where: Ben Lomond Station, finishing at Moke Lake.
  • What to expect: A series of off-road races including a full marathon, 30km adventure run, and an ultra-marathon. The course features historic gold-mining trails, ridgelines, and a legendary waterfall ladder climb. Consequently, it is regarded as one of the most scenic and rewarding trail races in New Zealand.

Routeburn Classic

The Routeburn Classic is an exclusive adventure run across the world-famous Routeburn Track. It is widely celebrated for its technical terrain and breathtaking alpine scenery.

  • When: April
  • Where: Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks.
  • What to expect: A 32km alpine trail run reaching an elevation of 1127 metres. Participants experience everything from lush beech forests to exposed ridgelines. Because entries are strictly limited to 400 athletes, this race offers a truly elite and intimate wilderness experience.

Motatapu

This legendary off-road race opens private high-country stations exclusively for one day each year. It is a bucket-list event for endurance athletes.

  • When: March
  • Where: High-country terrain between Wānaka and Arrowtown.
  • The Experience: The race features mountain biking, trail running, and an ultra-marathon. Ultimately, it provides a rare chance to traverse rugged valleys and historic gold-mining landscapes.

Queenstown International Marathon

Known as “the world’s most beautiful marathon,” this festival is a highlight of the spring season. It offers a mostly flat course that is accessible for runners of all levels.

  • When: November
  • Where: Courses run through Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, and finish in central Queenstown.
  • What to expect: Multiple distances including the full marathon, half marathon, and 10km fun run. The route consists of 70% hard-packed trails and 30% road. Notably, the final stretch along the Lake Wakatipu waterfront provides a spectacular finish-line atmosphere.

Peak to Peak

This iconic winter multisport race links two of the region’s most famous ski fields. It captures the true spirit of Queenstown’s adventurous community.

  • When: August
  • Where: Starts at The Remarkables and finishes at Coronet Peak.
  • What to expect: A high-speed race involving skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, and trail running. Competitors descend from the Remarkables, paddle across Lake Wakatipu, and finish with a grueling uphill bike climb. Ultimately, it is a visually stunning challenge for solo athletes and relay teams.

Queenstown Bike Festival

The Queenstown Bike Festival is a high-energy, 10-day celebration of all things cycling. It brings riders of every skill level to the Southern Hemisphere’s premier biking hub.

  • When: January
  • Where: Various locations including Skyline Queenstown, Coronet Peak, and Wynyard Jump Park.
  • What to expect: More than 20 events ranging from heli-biking and downhill races to the legendary McGazzaFest. Furthermore, the festival includes family-friendly pump-track battles and community celebrations. It is a must-attend summer highlight for any mountain biking enthusiast.

Lake Hawea Fishing Classic

This community-focused competition is a beloved tradition for local and visiting families. It offers a relaxed day on the water with a strong emphasis on participation and conservation.

  • When: February
  • Where: Lake Hāwea, near Wānaka.
  • What to expect: A friendly fishing competition with entry classes for adults, juniors, and families. There are more than a dozen prize categories, including the heaviest trout and salmon. As a result, it provides a fun and inclusive environment for seasoned anglers and first-timers alike.

Music and Film Festivals: Where Sound and Story Come Alive

The Valley Concert – Gibbston Valley

This is one of the region’s premier summer events. Thousands of fans gather in the Gibbston Valley amphitheatre for a day of world-class music and award-winning wine.

  • When: January.
  • Where: Gibbston Valley Winery (5 minutes from the Village).
  • The Experience: Major New Zealand artists perform against a backdrop of dramatic schist cliffs. Notably, the relaxed vineyard vibes make it a favourite annual pilgrimage for locals.

Queenstown JazzFest

This long-running festival transforms the region into a multi-venue music hub over Labour Weekend. It features a vibrant mix of jazz, blues, funk, and soul.

  • When: October (Labour Weekend).
  • Where: Bars, theatres, and outdoor stages throughout Queenstown and Arrowtown.
  • The Experience: The festival brings together local and international talent for four days of rhythm. Consequently, the town pulses with energy from lakeside stages to late-night club sessions.

Winter Pride – Music & Party Series

Winter Pride is the largest snow season pride celebration in the Southern Hemisphere. It features a vibrant mix of DJ nights, live music, and themed parties.

  • When: August.
  • Where: Queenstown’s bars, clubs, and on-mountain venues.
  • The Experience: The festival blends alpine adventure with an inclusive nightlife culture. Specifically, the high-energy dance parties and “Pride in the Park” are major highlights. It creates an electrifying atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the world.

Queenstown Winter Festival (Music Component)

This beloved tradition marks the official start of the ski season. It brings the town to life with free lakeside concerts, DJs, and spectacular fireworks.

  • When: June.
  • Where: Queenstown Bay, Earnslaw Park, and surrounding venues.
  • The Experience: You can expect high-energy outdoor stages and a festive party atmosphere. As a result, it is the perfect way to kick off winter with local and national musical talent.

McGazzaFest

This community-driven festival honors freeride mountain biking legend Kelly McGarry. It blends massive jump sessions with live music and a high-energy “bro-hymn” atmosphere.

  • When: January
  • Where: Wynyard Bike Park, Skyline, and Gorge Road Jump Jam.
  • The Experience: 2026 marks the extra-special 10-year anniversary of the festival. You will see big-air sessions paired with moshpits and mountain bike culture. Ultimately, it is a weekend dedicated to living large and “bringing the stoke.”

At The World’s Edge Festival

AWE is a world-class chamber music festival that brings elite classical musicians to the Southern Alps. It is known for its artist-led collaborations and immersive programming.

  • When: Annually during Spring (October).
  • Where: Intimate venues across Queenstown, Wānaka, and Cromwell.
  • The Experience: You can expect high-calibre performances and open rehearsals in stunning alpine settings. Furthermore, the AWE+ programme offers free community talks and events for all to enjoy.

NZ Mountain Film Festival – Queenstown Programme

This festival brings the world’s best adventure, climbing, and exploration films to local audiences. It is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts who love stories of human endurance.

  • When: June.
  • Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre and local cinemas.
  • The Experience: You will see award-winning films from the main Wānaka festival. Notably, these screenings showcase breathtaking cinematography from the world’s wildest places. It is a deeply inspiring event that celebrates the spirit of adventure.

Whakatipu Music Festival

This festival is a vibrant celebration of emerging and established musical talent. It features a unique blend of classical, contemporary, and jazz performances across the Whakatipu Basin.

  • When: April.
  • Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre and various community spaces.
  • The Experience: Twelve young artists perform alongside internationally renowned musicians. Furthermore, the “Rejoice!” mass choir project invites the public to sing with a live orchestra. It is a beautiful, community-focused event set against our dramatic autumn landscapes.

Art & Cultural Events: Celebrating Creativity & Community

The Southern Lakes region is home to a rich tapestry of art, history, and rural tradition. From weekly artisan markets to milestone anniversaries of historic festivals, there is always a cultural story being told.

Queenstown Arts & Crafts Market

This weekly showcase of local creativity brings together artisans and makers along the lakefront. It is a fantastic place to find a unique, handmade souvenir from your travels.

  • When: Every Saturday, all year round (9:00 am – 4:00 pm).
  • Where: Queenstown Lakefront, Earnslaw Park.
  • The Experience: You can browse curated jewellery, ceramics, and woodwork while enjoying live buskers. Furthermore, the stalls are hosted by the creators themselves, offering a rare chance to hear the stories behind the art.

Lake Hayes A&P Show

This is a classic country tradition that celebrates rural life and local agriculture. It is a lively, family-friendly day out set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Hayes.

  • When: January.
  • Where: Lake Hayes Showgrounds (10 minutes from the Village).
  • The Experience: You can enjoy livestock competitions alongside gourmet tasting stalls and live cooking demos.

Queenstown Writers Festival

This boutique literary festival brings together acclaimed authors and storytellers for a weekend of big ideas. It is an inspiring event for anyone who loves books and insightful conversation.

  • When: Late October / Early November.
  • Where: Cultural centres and intimate theatres across Queenstown.
  • The Experience: The programme features author talks, workshops, and panel discussions. Specifically, it highlights both leading New Zealand writers and fresh literary voices, fostering a deep connection between the audience and the creative craft.

Arrowtown Autumn Festival

This is one of the region’s most beloved seasonal celebrations. In 2026, the festival celebrates its 40th Anniversary, marking four decades of community spirit and spectacular golden colours.

  • When: April.
  • Where: Arrowtown’s historic village centre (15 minutes from the Village).
  • The Experience: The festival transforms the streets into a vibrant hub of parades, markets, and live music. Notably, the iconic Main Street Parade takes place on Saturday, April 18. It is a signature event that captures the magic of the changing seasons.

Something for everyone throughout the year

Summer Celebrations

The Valley Concert – Gibbston Valley
A major outdoor summer concert featuring top Kiwi artists in a spectacular vineyard amphitheatre.

Lake Hayes A&P Show
A long‑running rural celebration with livestock competitions, equestrian events, artisan displays, food stalls, and family entertainment.

McGazzaFest
A high‑energy freeride biking and music event honouring Kelly McGarry, featuring big‑air sessions and festival‑style gatherings.

Queenstown Arts & Crafts Market (Year‑round, but strongest in summer)
A weekly lakefront market showcasing local artisans, handmade goods, and live buskers in the heart of Queenstown.

Lake Hayes Triathlon (New Year’s Day)
A classic local triathlon tradition held every 1 January, attracting athletes of all levels.

Queenstown Open Water Swim Series
A summer series of lake swims held across various Whakatipu locations.

Autumn Traditions

Arrowtown Autumn Festival
A five‑day celebration of Arrowtown’s golden colours with parades, markets, live music, heritage events, and family entertainment.

Whakatipu Music Festival
A vibrant mix of emerging‑artist showcases, professional concerts, workshops, and community performances across the Whakatipu Basin.

Motatapu Off‑Road Event
One of New Zealand’s most iconic off‑road races, featuring mountain biking, trail running, ultramarathons, and the legendary Miners Trail.

Macpac Mountain Bike Race (Queenstown Bike Festival component)
A popular autumn MTB event drawing riders to Queenstown’s world‑class trails.

Winter Wonders

LUMA Enchanted Forest
A magical light‑art festival transforming the Queenstown Gardens into an immersive world of illuminated installations and sensory storytelling.

Queenstown Winter Festival
A classic winter celebration featuring live music, DJs, fireworks, and lakeside entertainment to mark the start of ski season.

Winter Pride (Music & Party Series)
A major LGBTQ+ festival with mountain events, DJ nights, themed parties, and live entertainment across Queenstown.

Queenstown International Film Festival
A curated programme of local and international films, Q&As, and special screenings in intimate Queenstown venues.

NZ Mountain Film Festival – Queenstown Programme
A touring selection of award‑winning adventure, climbing, and exploration films from the Wānaka festival.

Peak to Peak Multisport Race
A winter multisport challenge linking The Remarkables to Coronet Peak via skiing, biking, running, and paddling.

Coronet Peak Night Ski Events
A series of winter night‑ski sessions, DJ sets, and community races under the lights.

Spring Highlights

Queenstown Writers Festival
A literary weekend of author talks, workshops, readings, and panel discussions featuring leading New Zealand writers.

At The World’s Edge Festival
A world‑class chamber‑music festival presenting intimate concerts, artist collaborations, and community events across the Queenstown Lakes region.

Queenstown Marathon
One of New Zealand’s most scenic running events, attracting thousands for the marathon, half, 10km, and kids’ races.

Judge & Jury Village – Where Every Great Event Weekend Begins

Whether you’re attending a major festival or stumbling upon a local market, Judge & Jury offers the perfect blend of celebration and serenity

Quick access to Arrowtown and Queenstown event venues

Peaceful setting for post-event relaxation

Ideal for couples, families, and festival-goers seeking comfort and character

Ready to join the celebration? From vineyard concerts to alpine marathons, all within reach of your front door