A calendar of dates for the diary

Queenstown’s key spring/early summer event listings (Sept-Dec 2014)

Queenstown’s calendar is packed with events, festivals and things to see and do all year round. From exhibitions and sporting events to cultural festivals and nightlife entertainment, there's so much for visitors to experience. Here's a taste of what's in store from September to December 2014:

Gay Ski Week – 30 August – 06 September

Hundreds of revellers come from around the world for Gay Ski Week, the Southern Hemisphere's biggest gay alpine celebration. The week-long extravaganza features plenty of outrageous fun from gourmet dining, dancing, and cabaret shows to on-mountain action and adventure activities. www.gayskiweekqt.com

Queenstown JazzFest – 24-26 October

Held over Labour Weekend each year, Queenstown JazzFest plays host to some of the finest Jazz artists in a celebration of live music at venues throughout Queenstown and the surrounding district. It provides local and visiting audiences with an exciting programme of top quality entertainment featuring national and international artists. The music is supported by a variety of other Jazz related artistic activities including art, dance, film, theatre, wine and food. www.queenstownjazzfest.co.nz

Air New Zealand Queenstown Marathon – 22 November

A new international running festival incorporating 42km, 21km, 10km and 3km kids run options. Set between the backdrop of the world renowned Crown and Remarkable mountain ranges, and taking in the best highlights of the Queenstown Lakes region including Millbrook resort, Arrowtown, Lakes Hayes, Shotover River, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Gardens and finishing in the heart of Queenstown itself.

www.queenstown-marathon.co.nz

Arrowtown Long Lunch – 6 December

The historic gold mining village of Arrowtown celebrates the start of summer with its annual Long Lunch.

Along with live music and entertainment, tables featuring differently themed cuisine of local cafes and restaurants will span the length of Arrowtown’s picturesque main street for diners to enjoy alfresco dining at its best. Profits from the event each year get donated to a charity. www.arrowtownlonglunch.co.nz

Rhythm and Alps – 30-31 December

Rhythm and Alps, the only two-day music festival in the South Island is in its second year at Cardrona Valley, 40 minutes north of Queenstown. The festival is based in the spectacular setting between Cardrona Ski Resort and the Pisa Plateau and will cater for up to 5000 campers. The line-up features some great international and Kiwi acts including Bastille, Shapeshifter, Chet Faker, State of Mind and Zane Lowe. www.rhythmandalps.co.nz

New Year’s Eve downtown – 31 December

New Year’s Eve will go off with a bang in central Queenstown with a spectacular lakeside fireworks display, live music and entertainment in the streets. The celebrations launch the month-long Summerdaze Festival.

www.summerdaze.co.nz

For a full list of events and festivals taking place in Queenstown in 2014-2015 please visit:

www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.

ends

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