Last updated: 11 November 2024
Celebrate the festive wonders of Invercargill with our comprehensive event guide. From Invercargill natives to holiday pilgrims, our guide illuminates the city's seasonal tapestry.
One of the highlights of the festive season is the Ascot Park Christmas at the Races, where the thrill of horse racing meets the joy of the holiday spirit. Featuring local cuisine and entertainment, it creates a lively atmosphere for all. The Burt Munro Challenge invites motorcycle enthusiasts to celebrate speed and skill, showcasing a unique blend of nostalgia and competition. And definitely don’t forget the Edendale Crank Up, where vintage machinery comes to life in a charming display. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Invercargill Holiday Light Displays
Magical Christmas Doors of Riverton
- What to Expect
- Colorful door decorations showcasing local creativity.
- Description
- Explore the beautifully decorated doors of Riverton, transformed into vibrant holiday displays, creating a festive atmosphere in the heart of the town.
- Where
- Riverton | More Info : Magical Christmas Doors of Riverton
Invercargill Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Night of the Arts (NoTA)
- What to Expect
- Mid-winter celebration of local arts with diverse performances and installations.
- Description
- NoTA - Night of the Arts is a vibrant celebration of Invercargill's local arts scene, featuring acts, gigs, street performers, storytellers, and art in unexpected places.
- Where
- Invercargill | More Info : Night of the Arts (NoTA)
Invercargill Other Holiday Activities
Ascot Park Christmas at the Races
- What to Expect
- Immersive Christmas atmosphere with live music and thoroughbred racing.
- Description
- Ascot Park Christmas at the Races offers a classic Christmas experience with live music, amazing food, TAB, and bar facilities. Elegantly attired racegoers mingle in the picturesque Ascot Park Racecourse, surrounded by festive marquees and thoroughbred racing action.
- Where
- Invercargill | More Info : Ascot Park Christmas at the Races
Rakiura Challenge Trail Run
- What to Expect
- Conquering New Zealand's southernmost Great Walk in a single day.
- Description
- The Rakiura Challenge Trail Run is a 32km trail race around the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand's most varied and diverse trails. The course spans through pristine native bush, sandy beaches, and historic sites, offering stunning views of Te-Ara--KiwaFoveaux Strait. Participants will experience the island's special sense of community and enjoy the rewards of conquering New Zealand's famous Great Walks in a single day.
- Where
- Invercargill | More Info : Rakiura Challenge Trail Run
Edendale Crank Up
- What to Expect
- Historic vintage machinery display with family-friendly activities.
- Description
- The Edendale Crank Up is a premier vintage machinery show and country fair featuring historic tractors, cars, and steam engines. The event showcases lovingly restored machines, food and craft stalls, children's entertainment, and various demonstrations. It's a celebration of nostalgia and community spirit.
- Where
- Edendale | More Info : Edendale Crank Up
Burt Munro Challenge
- What to Expect
- World-class motorcycle racing with a rich historical context.
- Description
- The Burt Munro Challenge is a premier motorcycle event in Invercargill, New Zealand, celebrating the life and achievements of legendary motorcyclist Burt Munro. The event features various racing disciplines, including hill climbs, drag racing, beach racing, and superbike championships, showcasing a week of motorsports excitement.
- Where
- Invercargill | More Info : Burt Munro Challenge
MLT Moonshine Trail
- What to Expect
- Challenging off-road courses through scenic farm properties and bush tracks.
- Description
- The MLT Moonshine Trail is a premier mountain bike and off-road run event held in Dolamore Park near Gore, featuring diverse running, biking, and E-bike events for all ages.
- Where
- Invercargill | More Info : MLT Moonshine Trail
Southern Field Days
- What to Expect
- Showcase of cutting-edge rural technology and equipment.
- Description
- Southern Field Days is a premier agricultural event showcasing the latest rural technology, equipment, and innovative ideas from around the world. Over 700 exhibitors will be on display across three days, featuring working demonstrations, live entertainment, and a variety of recreational activities.
- Where
- Winton | More Info : Southern Field Days
George Begg Festival
- What to Expect
- Retro motorsport event with vintage vehicles and classic car displays.
- Description
- The George Begg Festival in Invercargill is a retro motorsport event celebrating classic cars and motorsport from the 1960s and 1970s. It features action-packed racing, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Where
- Invercargill | More Info : George Begg Festival
Multicultural Food Festival
- What to Expect
- Diverse global cuisine and cultural performances.
- Description
- The Southland Multicultural Food Festival is a vibrant celebration of international flavors, featuring over 30 stalls offering diverse cuisines from around the world. Enjoy sumptuous fare, live entertainment, and cultural performances that showcase the region's growing diversity.
- Where
- Invercargill | More Info : Multicultural Food Festival
Southland A&P Show
- What to Expect
- Celebrating rural life with livestock, equestrian, and community activities.
- Description
- The Southland A&P Show is a traditional event showcasing livestock, equestrian competitions, trade-site displays, and kids' activities. It celebrates the region's heritage and communities with diverse new activities and attractions.
- Where
- Invercargill | More Info : Southland A&P Show
Revitalize Music Festival
- What to Expect
- Intimate music festival on an organic farm with holistic therapies and family-friendly activities.
- Description
- Revitalize Music Festival is a small, intimate summer event at Mangapiri Downs Organic Stud Farm, featuring live music, food trucks, family-friendly play areas, walks, and animals. The festival celebrates organic farming and sustainability, with workshops on music, songwriting, farming practices, meditation, and more.
- Where
- Western Southland | More Info : Revitalize Music Festival