What's On

Get out in nature and celebrate spring! Te Ao Earth Week is happening in Ōtautahi from 18 - 24 September and it's all about connection, taking action and being future positive. How can you be part of it? Join in the outdoor fun across the region and embrace nature in a variety of ways including markets, eco-workshops, exploring hidden walking trails, waterway clean-ups and spring ocean swims!

The Silver Ferns are heading to Christchurch this September for one afternoon only! Don’t miss the opening Test of the Cadbury Netball Series, where the Silver Ferns will take on the England Roses for the coveted Taini Jamison Trophy. It’s set to be an epic match up, so get in quick!

Head along to Days of Ice at Tūranga and celebrate the opening of the Antarctic science season. There will be themed activities, speakers, films and events for tamariki. Immerse yourself in the Aurora Waiata southern lights experience, plus more for the whole whānau!

This online conference, with its grass roots firmly here in Ōtautahi Christchurch, is set to be an inspiring event. The focus is on reimagining the role of business and purpose-led organisations, with a focus on how we can collaborate and achieve more together. Hear from local, national and global experts on topics including inspiring more women founders, ethical supply chains, wayfinding and systems innovation.

Akaroa French Festival is a biennial event celebrating the unique culture and heritage of New Zealand’s French settlement in the harbourside town of Akaroa. The festival hub will be in the Akaroa Recreational Ground, where guests can enjoy some live music, taste local food and wine as well as lots of French cuisine, or take in the local fashion show and a French cooking demonstration. For the more energetic, French-themed competitions will be held including cock crowing, a waiter’s race and multiple French games enjoyed by all the family. This is a free event; however, there are two ticketed performances within the programme: Saturday night's Le Cabaret and Sunday afternoon's Cirque Du Croissant. Akaroa French Festival shines a light on all that the Banks Peninsula has to offer. We invite you to book your accommodation early and come to share this magical weekend.

The annual Sculpture Festival at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, 14–29 October, features work by some of the country’s best artists, on show and on sale. Koji Miyazaki has curated about 40 artists, both newcomers and well-known names. Collectively, they have 300+ works on display, including ceramics, jewellery, glass, sculpture, and multimedia pieces, with prices starting at $85. Opening weekend (14 – 15 October) includes artist workshops and demonstrations. The Arts Centre Sculpture Festival is supported by the Farina Thompson Charitable Trust, proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian. Sales benefit the artists and Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.

With stunning hill, city, and harbour views and courses over the Port Hills to suit all abilities, the Crater Rim Ultra is a must-do event for trail runners. This popular event took a bold leap forward in 2022 with the addition of an 83km Ultra race over extinct volcanoes with stunning views of Canterbury and the Port Hills. The Ultra route has been improved and shortened this year to 80km. As the official New Zealand long-distance trail running champs, it will attract top runners as well as others who enjoy a challenging, spectacular course. There is a race for everyone on the day, with the 1km and 2km Kids Dash, 10km Rapaki Rumble, the 22km Kiwi Challenge, 30km Bellbird Buster and the 53km event that features a bus and boat ride across Lyttelton Harbour.

The Christchurch Big Band Festival is a five day music festival held every Labour weekend in central Christchurch. Big Bands and swing dancers from all over New Zealand liven up the streets in central Christchurch playing Big Band style jazz. You'll see 300 musicians in over 20 bands across 60 scheduled performances including youth bands, community bands and professional bands. Most performances are free, but there are also some ticketed events such as the Boogie Ball, the Rodger Fox Big band with King Kapisi Gala concert, a special Burnside High school Big Band and Strings concert, workshops, and Fat Eddies events. You'll find free outdoor performances at Riverside Market, the Arts Centre, Victoria Square, A Rolling Stone, Hagley Park Archery Lawn and a street parade!

Chugg Entertainment and Frontier Touring are thrilled to announce the return of global superstars The Chicks to Ōtautahi Christchurch. The Chicks make their triumphant return to Antipodean shores for the first time in six years. Earning universal recognition as the biggest-selling U.S. female band of all time. The Chicks have sold more than 30.5 million albums and are among an elite group of artists and the only female group to achieve multiple Diamond selling releases. Do not miss The Chicks with special guest Elle King.

Irish Celtic infused pop icons, The Corrs will return to New Zealand in November 2023. Joining them will be Aussie pop icon Natalie Imbruglia, the legendary Toni Childs and Adelaide trio, Germein. The Corrs are a family affair, Andrea (lead vocals), Sharon (violin, piano, vocals), Caroline (drums, piano, vocals) and Jim (guitar, piano, vocals) have sold over 40 million albums worldwide and in excess of two million albums in Australia since their 1995 debut album Forgiven Not Forgotten crashed into the charts and stole our hearts. An enchanting mix of traditional Celtic music with a pop rock twist, The Corrs have written some of the biggest songs of the last three decades.

The FAST5 Netball World Series is returning to Christchurch this November. Current champions Australia will return to Wolfbrook Arena alongside the FAST5 Ferns, England, Jamaica, South Africa, and Malawi. The men’s teams will also be back in action! FAST5 is netball like you've never seen it before, with five players to a side, shorter quarters, power plays, and super shots – this is a game you don’t want to miss!

A Canterbury social highlight featuring high-class racing, fashion, food and entertainment across three magnificent days as the region celebrates all that is great about spring in Christchurch. Enjoy the New Zealand Cup Meeting at Riccarton Park Racecourse with excitement, glamour and outstanding racing each day.

Spring in Canterbury means one thing and one thing only! It’s Cup time at Addington Raceway. It is without doubt one of the great events on the New Zealand sporting and social calendar. It’s always been a week of celebration for Ōtautahi Christchurch with Addington hosting Australasia’s biggest harness racing day – IRT NZ Trotting Cup Day, Tuesday, 14 November 2023 - Spectacular racing, entertainment, fashion and of course great food and wine. The week at Addington will finish with Show Day on Friday, 17 November 2023

Join us at Canterbury’s most iconic event! From thrilling rides and captivating performances, to delicious local food and drink options, there's something for everyone at the NZAG Show! Celebrating it’s 160th anniversary in 2023, experience an iconic part of New Zealand’s culture and heritage at the New Zealand Agricultural Show! Whether you're a seasoned Show veteran or a first-timer, there's always something new to discover!

Ōtautahi, get ready for the adrenaline-pumping family fun event that is Freestyle Kings LIVE! This is an action-packed show featuring world class Moto-X riders, you don’t want to miss this heart-stopping experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.