Event-rich Dunedin's calendar bulges with colourful and diverse festivals, celebrations and sports fixtures that rouse a carnival atmosphere across the city that visitors are welcome to celebrate with the local community.
From the big stars to the hidden gems, the city is proud of its rich and internationally acclaimed events and striking local talent.
Boasting some of the country's most impressive performance venues, the city offers extensive opportunities to take part in and enjoy the arts.
Long summer nights are perfect for immersing yourself in the city'svibrant and accessible arts, theatre and cultural community.
Celebrating the city's artistic vibe, the Dunedin Fringe Festival attracts local and international guests alongside Chinese New Year festivities, while iD Dunedin Fashion Week brings together and profiles local and international fashion designers.
Those drawn to sport take advantage of the renowned Forsyth Barr covered stadium, home of Super Rugby champions the Highlanders, and an All Blacks v Wales test later this year.
The NZ Masters Games take place in and around the city's extensive sporting facilities, and every year the Drive South Otago Rally is held in the region.
Dunedin has long been a magnet for musicians of all stripes, and home to some of the best live music venues in the country. The stellar summer programme of local, national and international artists at Chick's Hotel in Port Chalmers runs until March; there's a shuttle service from the city centre.
The intimate Inch Bar hosts music and comedy, lubricated by fine ales, and 52Dundas is both the address of the New Edinburgh Folk Club.
The legendary Crown Hotel is the de facto home base for the local punk and metal scene, with the best jukebox in town between gigs.
Winter brings stargazing and the wonders of Puaka Matariki, the Maori New Year festival, and the Midwinter Carnival lantern parade, as well as the indulgence of the Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Festival, where 75,000 sweets are raced down the world's steepest street, Baldwin St.
Inquiring minds meet to explore, explode and experiment at this year's International Science Festival, the Dunedin Art Festival will feature a vibrant programme in October and the New Zealand Young Writers Festival will again be held in Dunedin, Unesco City of Literature (see P13).
Throughout the year, events create opportunities to engage with Dunedin's unique heritage: Olveston's Historic Homes Edwardian Games, the Vogel St Party held in the revitalised Warehouse heritage precinct.
Heritage Festival events this year will include Industrial Heritage activities; a Winter Ball in Larnach Castle and the annual Regent Theatre 24-hour Book Sale -- a booklover's happy place set in stunning surroundings.
Be a part of something special while you are in Dunedin.
Vogel St Party, October
JANUARY 15-24 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring 25 Robert Burns birthday celebrations 30-7 Feb Southern Trust New Zealand Masters Games FEBRUARY 8 Chinese New Year celebrations -- Year of the Monkey 13 Thieves' Alley Market Day 20-21 South Island Pipe Band Contests
MARCH 3-13 March Fringe Festival 19-20 Armageddon Expo 12-20 iD Dunedin Fashion Week 21 Sol3Mio
APRIL 8-10 Drive South Otago Rally 16-21 HMNZS Otago visit 22-24 Wild Dunedin nature festival 25 Anzac Day 30 Black Sabbath
MAY 6-8 International Film Festival Autumn Events 3-19 June Puaka Matariki (Maori New Year) Festival
JUNE 10-11 Regent 24-hour Book Sale 19 Midwinter Carnival 21 Royal NZ Ballet, Wizard of Oz 25 All Blacks v Wales 29-6 July International Food Design Experience, Conference and Studio
JULY 8-16 NZ International Science Festival 16-22 Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival 21-22 Grease Arena Spectacular 21-24 NZ Young Writers Festival
