Southland Events

Down here at the edge of Aotearoa, New Zealand, you will find a region that knows how to put on a good day out. Our events are packed with real Southland character. Think hearty food, proud local traditions, good yarns, and wide open spaces that make every gathering feel special. From lively community festivals to big annual drawcards, there is always something happening. Take a look at what is on and start planning your next visit.

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Mar 07

Southland A&P Show

Donovan Park

Mar 21

Southland Multicultural Food Festival

ILT Stadium Southland

Mar 28

Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival

Apr 18

Routeburn Classic

May 15

Night of the Arts - NoTA 2026

Discover Southland's Event Guides

Explore our event guides set up to help you find an event that interests you by event category and season!

Florence Hill Lookout, The Catlins

Summer Event Guide

Take your pick from our summer event offerings providing both excitement and discovery while you take a well-earned break from your everyday.

Autumn Event Guide

Autumn serves up seafood, culture, changing colours and harvest fare. New favourites discovered, the freshest produce and fabulous local beers. Why travel overseas when the world is right here - grab your ticket to discover…

Videocopter

Winter Event Guide

Frosty mornings give way to fine and vibrant celebrations of music, culture, heritage and high-street fashion for Southland’s winter events.

Great South

Spring Event Guide

Emerge and embrace that sense of new life, as spring events bloom - it's time to catch up with friends and enjoy Southland's natural wonders.

Food & Drink Events In Southland

Jump into a cooking class, sample delicious southern fare, or join in on a craft beer tastings…

Family Friendly Events In Southland

Discover Southland’s fantastic family events famous for sensory-filled activities and…

Top Paddock, Tussock Country Music Festival

Music Festivals & Gigs In Southland

Take your pick from toe-tapping goodness, to rock n roll, or soulful acoustic sessions. Sway…

Arts & Cultural Events In Southland

Whether you are looking to attend an art exhibition, a high fashion catwalk, or a cultural…

Markets In Southland

The market scene in Southland is famously brimming with original offerings from farmers…

Esk Street, Invercargill

Explore Southland's Event Guides

Explore Southland's event guides and discover what is happening across the region in every season. From family-friendly activities to food and drink events, markets and live music, these guides help you plan the perfect…

Southland's Unmissable Events

Looking for an event you won't want to miss? Experience the story of each event as it unfolds throughout the seasons, told from the perspective of a storyteller. Plus, enjoy a sneak peek video highlight that's sure to entice you to come south! The full line-up of Southland's Unmissable Events calendar is waiting to be discovered below!

Mandeville Fly In & Steam Festival

Immerse yourself in an era of elegance and be transported to an age of open cockpit flight and steam-powered railway journeys. Read More

Meridian Hydro Half Marathon

Spectacular backdrops, stunning scenery and a vibe that can’t be beaten - it has to be the Hydro Half. Read More

Ascot Park Christmas at the Races

A sea of festive marquees fans out in front of you as glamorously dressed partygoers mingle in the Southland sun. Welcome to Christmas at the Races. Read More

ILT Kidzone Festival

Southland’s most popular family event is jam-packed with hundreds of hands-on activities, rides and experiences for kids of all kinds. Read More

Edendale Crank Up

See the historic town of Edendale transform into one of New Zealand’s biggest annual vintage machinery events. Read More

Rakiura Challenge Trail Run

Conquer one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks in a single day. The country's southern-most trail run is the ultimate weekend getaway. Read More

Mīharo Murihiku Polyfest

7,000 tamariki take to the stage for this powerful week-long festival celebrating the sights and sounds of the pacific every year. Read More

Southland Multicultural Food Festival

Take a trip through the diverse flavours, sights and sounds of Southland’s epic Multicultural Food Festival. Read More

Kepler Challenge

Let the mountains wrap their arms around you as you embrace New Zealand’s premier mountain run. Read More

Southern Field Days

Thousands converging on paddocks showcasing ag machinery and innovations from New Zealand and around the world. Read More

George Begg Festival

Fire up your sense of nostalgia at the George Begg Festival held in Invercargill. Read More

Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival

Enjoy an absorbing wholesome weekend retreat in the charming township of Riverton to celebrate Southland’s home harvest where you will be welcomed and wowed. Read More

Hokonui Culture Feast © Jackie Tav

MVM Hokonui Culture Feast

MVM Hokonui Culture Feast is a free, family-friendly night of global flavours, vibrant culture, and local community. Enjoy delicious food from around the world, right here in Gore! Read More

Burt Munro Challenge

The life of the legendary motorbike racing legend Burt Munro is celebrated every year in Southland with the Burt Munro Challenge. Read More

Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic

Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic is the perfect opportunity to soak up majestic views of Fiordland and the Te Anau Basin. Read More

Great South

Men's Muster Fiordland

Laugh your way to a newer you at the Men’s Muster Fiordland. The annual event is set in the picturesque lakeside location of Te Anau, with the majestic and jaw-dropping World Heritage Area of Fiordland… Read More

SBS Bank Tour of Southland

More than 100 riders. Over 800 kilometres. 7 action-packed days. This is one of New Zealand’s largest, toughest and most prestigious cycling events. Read More

Tussock Country Music Festival

Tussock Country

An unrivalled gathering of the best and brightest Kiwi country music talent and sway the week away at NZ’s Country Music Festival. Read More

Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational

If you love your tennis served with a side of world-class scenery, the Distinction Hotels Te Anau Invitational has the ticket for you. Read More

MLT Moonshine Trail

There’s a little bit of magic waiting for you at the MLT Moonshine Trail. Grab the running shoes or mountainbike and take to the saddle for the day. Read More

On the Fly Mataura River Festival

Come along to discover the amazing world of fly-fishing and the elusive Brown Trout and bask in the spirit of the beautiful Gore community. The festival will be abuzz with food vendors, fly-fishing… Read More

Te Hikoi Museum, Riverton

Te Hikoi Museum Art Challenge

Prepare to be amazed. Immerse yourself in a world where history and creativity collide at the annual Art Challenge Exhibition in the picturesque town of Riverton/Aparima. Every winter, Te Hikoi Museum… Read More

Waimumu Art Exhibiton

Welcome to the Waimumu Arts Exhibition, held biannually around Mother’s Day. This event showcases both guest artists and local emerging talent, featuring affordable, mixed media art in the Waimumu Te… Read More

Riverton Heritage Harvest Festival

Southland Heritage Month

A rich tapestry of diverse cultural tales awaits you during Southland Heritage Month. Every March, Murihiku Southland comes alive with heritage happenings ranging from feature events, special korero… Read More

NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame Awards

It's the gala dinner of the year bringing road transport legends together from all corners of the country. Throw in a charity auction and a visit to the spiritual home of the wheel - and it’s… Read More

Fiordland Big 3

If you’re looking for an event that sums up New Zealand - Fiordland’s The Big 3 will hook you for sure. Read More

MLT Hokonui Fashion Design Awards

The eyes of the fashion world turn south every July where prestigious judges grace the panel and winners often go on to glittering careers in the fashion industry. Read More

Revitalize Music Festival

It’s a celebration of all things organic and natural - in a magical Western Southland setting, under the Takitimu mountains at Mangapiri Downs Organic stud Farm, a pioneering organic stud sheep, cattle… Read More

Bluff Oyster & Food Festival

Southland’s most famous export, the Bluff oyster, is celebrated in style at the annual Bluff Oyster and Food Festival. Read More

Night of the Arts

Night of the Arts (NoTA) is a mid-winter celebration of Murihiku Southland’s vibrant, local arts scene. It’s perfectly timed for a wonderfully weird and inspiring wander around… Read More

Te Anau Ukulele Festival

The Te Anau Ukulele Festival is a great three-day event where ukulele players from all over gather to enjoy music against the backdrop of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains. All skill levels are… Read More

Southland A&P Show

If you think you know A&P shows, you might be in for a surprise. On the first Saturday of March each year, the Southland A&P Show bursts into spectacular life at picturesque Donovan Park in… Read More

Kahui Whetu

Celebrate Matariki at Kāhui Whetū in Gore, a free, family-friendly event featuring dazzling light displays, live entertainment, storytelling, UV art, face painting, and delicious kai. Discover the magic… Read More

Riversdale Arts Mixed Media Art Exhibition

Riversdale Arts and Mixed Media Exhibition

A 10-day iconic exhibition attracts some of New Zealand’s finest artists to showcase their outstanding artwork at a majestically curated visual feast. Read More

Routeburn Classic

Travel with your fellow athletes by helicopter or on the highway by bus to run over New Zealand’s world-famous Routeburn Track in one day. Read More

Niagara Falls Bluegrass & Roots Festival

Indulge your soul in everything from bluegrass to roots as musicians from throughout New Zealand converge for a weekend in the heart of the beautiful Catlins. Read More