.... where it's all here, all year!
The Nelson region, with fine weather, stunning landscapes and bustling city life is the perfect setting for a range of exciting and vibrant events that occur year-round and make Nelson a fantastic place to live, work, play, stay and visit.
www.itson.co.nz is a comprehensive listing of concerts, performances, festivals, exhibitions, and sporting and community events in the Nelson Tasman region. The site is funded by Nelson City Council and supported by Tasman District Council.
Below are some of the key events that occur each year:
SUMMER
Nelson Jazz and Blues Festival, January.
Free and ticketed events in parks, bars and venues featuring jazz and blues bands.
Interislander Summer Festival Harness Racing, January.
Harness racing accompanied by music, food, competitions and entertainment for all the family.
Adam Chamber Music Festival, January & February.
International Chamber Music Festival held every two years in Nelson.
Opera in the Park, February.
Nelson's signature summer event - picnic under the stars as top opera singers entertain and enthral
Festival Nelson Lakes, February.
Outdoor festival set against the beautiful backdrop or Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park.
AUTUMN
Taste Nelson, March.
A celebration of Nelson wine, beer, seafood, fresh produce, arts and crafts plus local entertainment.
Antique & Classic Boat Show, March.
Classic clinkers, yachts, runabouts and race boats and their owners come together for boating, displays, talks, and races.
Robertsons Trolley Derby, March.
Gravity-powered trolleys compete in speed-based races down Collingwood St.
Rainbow Rage, March.
A challenging and epic 106km mountain bike adventure race through spectacular high country scenery.
MarchFest, April.
Nelson’s hip harvest hop festival celebrating craft beers, slow food and eclectic music.
WINTER
Ceol Aneas, May – June.
New Zealand’s premiere Irish music festival, Ceol Aneas (Ke-ol an-ass) featuring workshops, concerts and ceilis.
Founders Book Fair, June.
Over 10,000 people each year browse through thousands of pre-loved books, DVDs, records and puzzles for sale.
Nelson Winter Music Festival, July.
A two-week festival featuring local, national and international artists catering for all music lovers, from classical to cabaret to comedy to jazz to dance.
Nelson Art Expo, July.
A two-day exhibition showcasing the work of regional artists, all under one roof and all for sale.
Good Vibes, August.
New Zealand's largest annual skydiving event attracts over 100 skydivers and provides spectacular entertainment for spectators.
SPRING
Abel Tasman Coastal Classic, September.
NZ's premier trail run, from Awaroa to Marahau on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
South Island Masters Games, October.
Biennial gathering of athletes from around NZ competing in over 50 different sports.
Nelson Arts Festival, October.
Theatre, dance, cabaret, music and comedy from national and international performers, plus the largest masked parade in the Southern Hemisphere.
Nelson Golf Festival, October.
Golf tournament played on three different golf courses over four days.
Nelson Growables Week, November.
Workshops, tours and garden visits culminating in a one day gardening fair at Founders Heritage Park.
Check out these, and hundreds of other events at www.itson.co.nz
