Upcoming Events
Ōtepoti New Years Eve
31 December
Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable night of music, food and entertainment with a special kids countdown show at 8:30pm. MC Jesse Mulligan will kick off the celebration with his trademark humour and energy at 6:00pm.
MTBNZ National Series
11-12 January
MTBNZ National series Downhill and Cross Country round 1 comes to Ōtepoti, Dunedin. Over two days New Zealand's top XC athletes and downhill racers will take on the Signal Hill tracks. Spectating spots available directly from the Signal Hill Reserve carpark or a short walk up the hill.
Brighton Gala Day
19 January
Taking place at Brighton Domain the Gala Day features amusement rides, entertainment, and more than 150 stalls featuring crafts and food right by the seaside. A fun day out for the whole family. Free admission to the public. 10am - 5pm.
Burns Night at Toitu
25 January
Kick your heels up to mark the 50th anniversary of Dunedin and Edinburgh’s sister city relationship while also celebrating the birthday of esteemed poet Robert Burns. Enjoy traditional food and drink with lively entertainment.
Chinese Cultural Festival
29 January - 9 February
A multi-day spectacular will take place to welcome the Year of the Snake and celebrate the city’s long standing Chinese connections. Over 10 days the whole city will come alive as streets and business are adorned in Chinese lanterns and a calendar of events kicks off.
Freestyle Kings
31 January
Join the Freestyle Kings in Dunedin and witness the greatest display of skill, fearlessness, and pure excitement ever assembled. From double black flips, front flips, BMX triple backflips and even a world-first stunt.
George Street Market
8 February
An exciting new event is set to transform the beautifully redeveloped central city into a vibrant and buzzing bazaar. Retailers, stallholders, eateries, food trucks, artisans and performers will come together for the inaugural George Street Market on 8 February.
Lobofest
15 February
Experience an amazing day of music and good vibes at Lobofest's 10th anniversary edition. With Katchafire headlining and a stellar lineup of local artists, this is not one you want to miss!
Regent 24 Hour Book Sale
28 February - 1 March
After outgrowing the Regent Theatre, the 24 hour book sale is back in 2025 at the More FM Arena, Edgar Centre. Expect tens of thousands of books for you to peruse and purchase.
Six60
8 March
Iconic Dunedin band Six60 return to the city for The Grassroots Tour in 2025. Playing on the Union Lawn, expect good music and good vibes. Tickets on sale 25 November.
Dunedin Fringe Festival
13 - 23 March
Celebrate 25 years of the Dunedin Fringe Festival with over 85 events from local, national, and international artists. This year’s programme is packed with exciting performances, installations, and special events, including the Opening Night Birthday Party.
Blackcaps and Pakistan
18 March
New Zealand's own Blackcaps take on Pakistan in their 2nd T201 in Dunedin this March. Pre-sale tickets available in September.
White Ferns vs Sri Lanka
18 March
Kicking off a full day of Cricket in Dunedin, the White Ferns take on Sri Lanka in their 2nd T201 of the series, before the Blackcaps take on Pakistan. Pre-sale available in September.
Animal
27 March
The 2025 Dunedin Arts Festival brings international act Animal to the Regent Theatre. loved for their high-flying antics and infectious energy is a surreal circus experience set to an infectious live soundtrack of 'agricultural funk’.
3 Peaks Mountain Race
30 March
The 3 Peaks Mountain Race takes participants up some of Dunedin’s most beautiful trails through lush native bush where they are rewarded with incredible panoramic views. Runners and walkers are able to test their limits with a choice of 4 challenging events.
iD Dunedin Fashion Week
1-6 April
Experience one of the world’s longest catwalks at the iconic Dunedin Railway Station. Showcasing the Awards finalists, much loved Dunedin designers, new generation designers, and special iD guests over two nights.
Otago Rally
5 - 7 April
The Otago Rally is back in the beautiful city of Dunedin, and is the first round of the 2025 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship. This component of the event features New Zealand’s leading competitors in modern, state-of-the-art 4WD turbo rally cars, including the exciting AP4 and R5 rally cars.
Mansfield Park
5 - 6 April
New Zealand Opera makes its long-awaited return to Ōtepoti in 2025! The sold-out sleeper hit of its 2024 season, Jonathan Dove's Mansfield Park, is making its South Island debut. A boldly intimate chamber opera, with two pianists accompanying a compact cast of Aotearoa's finest voices.
New Zealand Festival of Nature
11 - 22 April
Wild Dunedin Festival is back in 2025. Get ready for 10 days crammed with activities for the whole family in the wildlife capital of New Zealand.
Gravel Muster
13 April
Taking place in the stunning dry rocky hills surrounding Middlemarch, the Gravel Muster is part of the four-round Gravel in Paradise series, New Zealand’s premier graving biking series set against the breath-taking landscapes of Otago.
All Blacks vs France
5 July
The All Blacks are kicking off their 2025 campaign on home soil in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Hosted at Forsyth Barr Stadium, this opening test match against France is sure to be a sell out. Tickets on sale March 20 2025.
Writers and Readers Festival
17-19 October 2025
The multi-day festival will offer a diverse array of events, including author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and engaging conversations spanning various genres and literary themes.