Up to 8000 visitors are expected for Arrowtown's 25th annual Autumn Festival, which began yesterday.
Near record attendances are expected during the 10-day event, mirroring similar numbers from its biggest year in 2008.
Organiser Julie Hughes estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people would visit the town to enjoy the 80-event programme before its final day on Sunday, April 26.
"Absolutely, it's Arrowtown's biggest weekend of the year," Ms Hughes said.
Aside from thousands of visitors, some of the events include several hundred participants, such as some children's performances.
And an army of 1400 volunteers is co-ordinating the wide-ranging events, some of which are already booked out.
"This is the major fundraiser of the year for a large number of the community groups in and around Arrowtown," Ms Hughes said.
Much of the accommodation had filled up around the town.
Many people had arrived, from around New Zealand because it was the event's silver jubilee.
Ms Hughes said tremendous business support from the area had enabled organisers to make 75% of the events free to visitors.
Financial assistance, contra-deals, planning help or donated prizes had all added a "massive boost" to the event, she said.
"It doesn't matter whether it's $50 or $5000 sponsorship. The business support really makes this happen," Ms Hughes said.
Today's programme of 15 events includes a village green market, vintage car display, The Chris Devious Show, gold panning, a jazz band, a fashion show and an Actionflite flyover.
These events are all scheduled before the official 2pm opening and street parade.
Tomorrow too is packed, from 10am until after 8pm, with a further 12 events.
