The 52-year-old spring event will have a new programme this year, with its float procession to officially open the eight-day spectacle.
The WoolOn Creative Fashion Event, which usually opens the festival, will instead be its last feature, on October 4.
Changes have also been made by the festival's organising committee to ensure floats in the procession retain traditional qualities in a modern context.
Chairman Steve Battrick said floats had to contain paper flowers and a princess.
This year's theme for floats is Central Otago - A World of Difference, which is the Central Otago District Council's logo.
The committee also established a community partnership initiative to encourage more float and parade participants, with committee help.
"This is our chance to showcase Central Otago to the 10,000 people who watch the procession each year.
"We want as many people involved from our local community to make the 52nd procession better than ever," Mr Battrick said.
The committee will assist float-building groups to combine with a business or commercial operator, some of which can supply material, help with technicalities, or provide labour.
The committee will also help in finding potential float princesses.
Prizes will be given to the winners of categories, including the best float, use of paper flowers, and first-time builders' float, as well as the most innovative, creative, and representative of the theme.
The procession, sponsored by the festival's main sponsor, Contact Energy, will also include participant groups such as bands, marching teams, and sport and car groups.
