Warm Up Your Winter
Your August guide to mid winter happenings around Dunedin.
The days may be short and the temperatures chilly, but August is proving that winter in Dunedin is anything but quiet. Across the city you'll find a mix of hands-on workshops, inspiring local projects, live music, international cinema, community expos and sporting action, all offering the perfect excuse to rug up and head out.
One of the things we love most about Dunedin is its creativity. Whether it's local makers sharing their craft, creatives bringing stories to life, musicians taking to the stage or organisations creating spaces for people to connect, there's always something happening that makes our city feel vibrant, even in the depths of winter.
Whether you're looking to learn something new, support some amazing local projects, enjoy a night of world-class entertainment or simply spend time with friends and whānau, there's something for every interest this month.
So grab your diary, mark a few dates and discover what's happening around Dunedin this August.
Interactive Workshops:
Floral + Sip
Saturday 1st August, Mini Dried Floral Pot Workshop
Heidi Greenslade from The Floral Room will demonstrate how to make an Arrangement in a white mini ceramic pot. Held at Coupe Society Cocktail bar, Saturday August 1st at 3pm-5pm.
Workshop includes:
Demonstration by Heidi Greenslade
Arrangement to take home
Cheese platter
Drinks can be purchased over the bar (hot food menu also available)
Come along solo and meet some new people, or come with friends, family, partners or work colleagues!
Foundations of Flow Yoga Workshop
Sunday 2nd August at Hot Yoga Dunedin, 12pm-2pm
Refine and elvate your Flow Yoga practice with Jess & Theresa from Hot Yoga Dunedin.
Break down key yoga poses and transitions, explore alignment principles and uncover the small adjustments that can make a big difference on and off the mat.
Suitable for both beginners and experienced yoga practioners.
Locally produced projects you’ve gotta know about:
SOCIETY OF THE LOST & FOUND is a locally produced short film about a grieving father who joins a group of LOTR fans on a location tour through New Zealand, where he discovers the connection and hope he never knew he needed.
Created by local filmmakers Pennie Hunt (writer & director) and Stefan Roesch (producer), the team is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to help fund production costs and bring this heartfelt story to life.
The film explores what it means to be an outsider stepping into a passionate community built around storytelling. At its heart, it is a story about belonging, empathy, and human connection — and how shared passions and supportive communities can help us navigate life’s most difficult moments.
Filmed against the stunning landscapes of Queenstown, New Zealand, the film stars Bruce Hopkins (best known for his role as Gamling in The Lord of the Rings) in the lead role. The project is executive produced by TheOneRing.net, one of the world’s leading LOTR fan communities.
Support the film here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stefanroesch/society-of-the-lost-and-found-new-zealand-short-film
Amped Music Project 2026
Free music workshops, mentoring and all-ages gigs, for young people in Dunedin, 29th August - 20th September.
Amped Music Project is a mentoring programme for high school music students – they get to mix with local legends and music mavens, building skills and confidence that will help them navigate their entry into the music industry.
They’re currently crowdfunding for their 2026 programme – a series of workshops and gigs over four weekends running from August and September. Your donation will help them provide these amazing opportunities for our next generation of upcoming musos.
Upcoming Events, Festivals and Expos:
Otago v Canterbury
Sunday 9th Aug, 2.05pm at Forsyth Bar Stadium
NPC action returns under the roof with Otago taking on Canterbury with the Ranfurly Shield on the line and plenty of unfinished business between the two provinces.
The first match of the season also serves as a rematch of last years final, where Canterbury emerged victorious. In front of a home crowd, Otago has the chance set the record straight - and we need you there!
Southern Derby clashes are always fiercely contested, but with the Log o' Wood at stake, this one carries even greater significance.
Don't miss one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
Other dates to note:
Otago v Wellington (Sun 23 Aug) & Otago v Waikato (Sun 29 Aug)
New Zealand International Film Festival
In Dunedin from 14-30 August
Movie fans, get ready to feast your eyes and ears! The Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival is on again in Ōtepoti Dunedin from 14-30 August.
From the classic to the kooky, docos to drama, family-friendly fun to late-night frights and everything in between, there’s something to suit all film fanciers.
PostnatalME: Mum's Health Expo
Saturday 22nd Aug, 10.00am – 1.00pm. Boobs, Bits & Baby Brain – A Guide to Health & Fitness Postpartum at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
PostnatalME is an informative and supportive event designed for mums-to-be who want to feel confident, prepared and empowered heading into the postpartum period (the “4th trimester”).
Join them for an engaging morning with expert speakers covering the key areas of postnatal wellbeing, so you know what to expect, what’s normal and where to get support when you need it.
Lucas &
Arthur Jussen
Friday 21st August at Glenroy Auditorium
Lucas and Arthur Jussen are among the most sought after piano duos of our time, having performed in recitals across the globe and with leading orchestras including the Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia Orchestras, The Royal Concertegebouw Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, and Konzerthausorchester Berlin.
The brothers will play a programme of exquisite beauty and invention, featuring four cornerstones of the piano duet repertoire.
Mel Parsons | Castle Hill
Album
Release Tour
Saturday 29th August, Glenroy Auditorium
To celebrate the release of her new album CASTLE HILL, Mel Parsons is coming to Dunedin, joined by her full band.
Whether you're planning to fill your calendar with every event, expo and workshop on our list, or you're simply curious to see what's happening around our charming little city, we hope you've discovered something that inspires your next outing. After all, you never know when you'll stumble across your next favourite local business, event or hidden gem in The Dunedin Essential.
Here's to another month of supporting local, embracing something new and making the most of everything our city has to offer. Happy August!
Keep your eyes peeled for our regular updates across our social channels, and subscribe to our mailing list so you never miss the latest local news, events and discoveries.
Until next time,
- TDE
