What's On in Methven

Events in and around Methven through the year — from Mt Hutt opening day to the rodeo, the A&P Show and everything between.

Dates change from year to year — check event websites or the Methven i-SITE for confirmed details before travelling.

January

Methven Summer School

Methven

A week of short courses and workshops run by the community each summer — everything from crafts to cooking.

March — usually the third weekend

Methven A&P Show

Methven Showgrounds

The classic Canterbury agricultural and pastoral show — livestock, equestrian events, trade stalls and family entertainment.

Easter school holidays

Methven Scarecrow Trail

Around Methven

Scarecrows pop up all over the village during the Easter school holidays — follow the trail and vote for your favourite.

Late May

Glow in the Park

Ashburton

An after-dark light festival in Ashburton, 35 minutes from Methven — illuminated installations, food trucks and entertainment.

Early–mid June

Mt Hutt Opening Day

Mt Hutt Ski Area

The start of the ski season — the biggest day on the Methven calendar, with the village at its liveliest all weekend.

mthutt.co.nz
June

Fire and Ice Hot Air Balloon Festival

Methven

Hot air balloons over the village in mid-winter, with an evening night-glow — one of Methven's most photogenic weekends.

Selected dates through winter

Mt Hutt Night Skiing

Mt Hutt Ski Area

Skiing under lights on selected winter dates — check the Mt Hutt website for this season's schedule.

mthutt.co.nz
12 September 2026

High Altitude

Methven

A live music festival in Methven featuring New Zealand artists — one of the highlights of the late ski season. Secure tickets in advance via Flicket.

sub180.flicket.co.nz
26 September 2026

Peak to Pub

Mt Hutt to Methven

The legendary multisport race from the top of Mt Hutt to the pub in Methven — ski, run, bike, and a well-earned drink at the finish.

Mid–late September (date TBC)

Methven Chill Fest

Methven

Methven's winter festival — live music, food and family entertainment to close out the ski season.

Early October

Lake Coleridge Fishing Season Opening

Lake Coleridge

The high country fishing season opens — anglers head for Lake Coleridge and the Rakaia headwaters. Canterbury licence required.

Labour Weekend Sunday (late October)

Methven Rodeo

Methven

A proper country rodeo on Labour Weekend — bull riding, barrel racing and a big local crowd.

Late October

Mission Mt Somers

Mt Somers

A trail running event on the Mt Somers Track, 30 minutes from Methven — several distances through Hakatere Conservation Park.

Summer — date TBC

Mt Hutt Summer Open Day

Mt Hutt Ski Area

The ski area opens its doors in summer — ride the access road up for the views without the snow. Date to be confirmed.

Various dates

4WD Events

Methven district

Four-wheel-drive club events run through the year in the high country around Methven — dates vary.

Date TBC

Noodle Market Night

Ashburton

An evening street-food market in Ashburton, 35 minutes from Methven — Asian food stalls and a festival atmosphere.

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