Picnic at the Castle brings community together in support of Dunstan Hospital
A special afternoon of music, community and celebration will take over the grounds of Historic Earnscleugh Castle this November, as the Dunstan Hospital Foundation marks its first year of impact alongside a weekend celebrating 100 years of Earnscleugh Hall.
Picnic at the Castle – A Community Fundraiser for the Dunstan Hospital Foundation will be held on Saturday 14 November from 1pm to 4pm, inviting locals and visitors to gather for a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon in one of Central Otago's most memorable settings.
Guests are encouraged to bring their favourite picnic, a blanket or camp chair, and settle in on the lawn to enjoy live music, lawn games, family activities, and community connection throughout the afternoon.
BYO picnics are welcome, giving people the freedom to pack their own treats and make an afternoon of it in the stunning castle grounds.
General admission is $30 per adult, with children under 12 just $15, making the event something the whole community can enjoy.
Guests wanting something extra can add the Food & Bubbles Experience for $50, including a curated platter, a glass of bubbles on arrival and access to shared seating within a relaxed hospitality area.
The afternoon marks an important milestone for the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, one year on from its establishment, while forming part of a much wider weekend celebrating 100 years of Earnscleugh Hall and the people and history of the Earnscleugh district.
Dunstan Hospital Foundation Manager, Kayla Sargeant says the event is about bringing people together while supporting healthcare close to home.
“We're incredibly fortunate to have a community that gets behind local healthcare. Picnic at the Castle is about coming together, having a great afternoon, and helping fund vital equipment that will directly benefit patients and families across our region."
Funds raised through ticket sales, the Food & Bubbles Experience, sponsorship, donations and event-day fundraising activities will support the Dunstan Hospital Foundation's High Impact Needs List, helping fund vital equipment and resources identified as priorities for Dunstan Hospital. These projects will directly enhance patient care, support clinical teams and ensure our community hospital has access to the equipment needed to provide the best possible healthcare outcomes for the Central Otago community. Learn more about it here - Dunstan Hospital Foundation — Dunstan Hospital
A growing group of local organisations is helping bring the event to life, including Hireworx Alexandra, Liquorland Alexandra, New World Alexandra, the Clyde & Districts Lions Ladies, Mr Whippy, Clyde Volunteer Fire Brigade, and many other generous community supporters.
Make a weekend of it
Picnic at the Castle sits at the heart of a full weekend of events celebrating the Earnscleugh Hall Centenary from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November, creating a unique opportunity to experience the people, places and stories that have shaped the district for the past century.
Celebrations begin on Friday from 5pm to 7.30pm with a Mix & Mingle evening and book launch at Earnscleugh Hall, including platters and refreshments. Tickets are $20 per person, with copies of the new Earnscleugh Hall and District History available to purchase.
On Saturday, visitors can explore the district via a free self-drive heritage tour, with maps highlighting sites of historical interest, local landmarks and gardens throughout the area.
A highlight of the weekend will be the opportunity to step inside Historic Earnscleugh Castle, one of New Zealand's most remarkable heritage restoration projects. Featured on Grand Designs New Zealand, the Category 1 listed landmark has undergone an extraordinary transformation under owners Ryan & Marco, who has painstakingly restored the once-ruined castle while preserving its rich history and character.
Ryan & Marco will personally host one-hour guided tours at 11am and 12 noon on Saturday and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, sharing the fascinating story of the castle's origins, the restoration journey, and the vision that has brought this iconic Central Otago landmark back to life. Tours are $50 per person and can be booked directly through Earnscleugh Castle at www.earnscleughcastle.co.nz/castle-tours.
Also on Saturday, Como Villa Vineyard will offer wine tastings from 11am to 4pm for $20 per person, payable directly to the vineyard, with its museum also open to visitors.
Following Picnic at the Castle, celebrations continue back at Earnscleugh Hall with the Centenary Dinner from 6pm to 11pm. The vintage-themed evening will feature entertainment, guest speakers, a two-course dinner and the cutting of the Centenary Cake. Tickets are $50, with places limited to 120 people.
The weekend concludes on Sunday from 10am to 2pm with a community fundraiser for Earnscleugh Hall, including a sausage sizzle, cheese rolls, Devonshire tea and coffee.
Booking the centenary events
Registration and payment for the official Earnscleugh Hall Centenary events must be completed by 16 October. Registration forms can be returned to earnscleugh.community@gmail.com, with payment made directly to the Earnscleugh Community Society.
Castle tours are booked separately and directly through Earnscleugh Castle.
Picnic at the Castle - Event Details
Saturday 14 November | 1pm-4pm | Historic Earnscleugh Castle
General Admission: $30
Children Under 12: $15
Food & Bubbles Experience: $50
Initial Release: 250 tickets
Picnic at the Castle Tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/picnic-at-the-castle
Castle Tours:
www.earnscleughcastle.co.nz/castle-tours
Earnscleugh Hall Centenary Celebrations:
Register by 16 October via earnscleugh.community@gmail.com