The following are some of the events held in Dunedin which attract national and international support.  A large number of smaller local events are also held throughout the year.

BALDWIN STREET GUTBUSTER - February
An event which attracts around 1000 people from all over the world to run or even skate up and down the steepest street in the world.

ASIAN CHINESE NEW YEAR - February
The most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. A spectacle of exploding fire crackers and dancing dragons. The specific date of the Chinese New Year changes each year and is determined by the solar calendar.

SOUTHERN FESTIVAL OF SPEED - February
An annual road race which is part of the Southern Festival of Speed circuit. Some city streets and part of the motorway are closed off for this event which attracts drivers  of national and international standing and their cars to Dunedin.

NEW ZEALAND MASTERS GAMES - February 2008 (Biennial)

Sixty sports for serious athletes, those wanting to enjoy friendly competition and for all who want to make friends and socialise.

DUNEDIN SUMMER FESTIVAL - February
An annual festival celebrating our region and our lifestyle. The whole city celebrates. Activities are based around a theme week.
Major highlights are: 

ORIENTATION WEEK - February/March
A week of festivities to welcome and orientate university students to Dunedin at the beginning of the academic year.

id DUNEDIN FASHION SHOW - March
Talented Dunedin fashion designers showcase their collections in the city’s premier fashion show which attracts national and international media attention.

DUNSTAN TRAIL CLASSIC - March
New Zealand’s unique gold-trail mountain-biking adventure ride. A fully supported two-day ride of mountain biking heaven through spectacular Central Otago countryside (5-day option for out-of-towners). Bring a thirst for adventure.

DUNEDIN FILM FESTIVAL - early/mid May
Showing at the Regent Theatre. Featuring a wide selection of quality films from across the globe. Two glorious weeks of celluloid, with something for everyone to enjoy.

CAPPING WEEK - May
Graduands from the University of Otago celebrate the culmination of their studies in a week of festivities and graduation ceremonies. Events include – the Capping Show, porridge wrestling, student bed race and haggis hurling. Graduation ceremonies also take place in August and December.

REGENT THEATRE 24-HOUR BOOK SALE - July
New Zealand’s largest sale of second-hand books. Twenty-four hours of mid-winter fun, live entertainment and book bargains. The sale originated as a means of raising funds for the theatre’s restoration and is now an established event.

CADBURY CHOCOLATE CARNIVAL - July
Chocolate-lovers have the opportunity to indulge in their favourite treats, with a full programme of events, including the Jaffa race down the world’s steepest street, chocolate art, craft and sculpting, delectable chocolate tastings and entertaining stage shows – something for everyone.

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - July/August
Featuring a wide selection of quality films from across the globe. Two glorious weeks of celluloid, with something for everyone to enjoy.

NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL - July 2008
A celebration of New Zealand’s excellence in environmental, scientific and technological education and research.

OTAGO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS - October 2008
A two-week programme of music, theatre and dance which combines national and international acts with the very best of Otago’s local talent.

THE GREAT NEW ZEALAND CRAFT SHOW - September
New Zealand's largest professional craft show. High-quality, diverse craft from all over New Zealand for sale directly from craftspeople.

RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL - October
During the main flowering season (September - November) the city’s public and private gardens are ablaze with colour. A festive week of activities, guest speakers and garden tours.

Every year the people of the Waitaki District celebrate their history with the Victorian Heritage Celebrations. Four days of activities with a Victorian theme are planned during the month of November. The event incorporates the popular Victorian fete, national penny farthing championships, heritage dress days, a victorian ball, stone-sawing competitions, moonlight promenades and a Victorian picnic. The Victorian fete is held in the Harbour-Tyne historic precinct and includes market stalls, a stone-sawing competition, jugglers, a magician and musical entertainment.