Things to do  |  21 Nov 2019

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Start planning your summer of fun by checking out some of the events coming up during SummerTimes.

A guide to what's on in in the city, including Christchurch City Council's annual festival of summer events, will be delivered to letter boxes this week and you can also pick up copies from libraries and service centres.

The SummerTimes Launch is on Friday 6 December from 4pm with music near the Riverside Market performed by Mark Vanilau, Adam Hattaway and The Haunters, Ariana Tikao, Dillastrate and Delaney Davidson. 

This free celebration coincides with the launch of Toi Ō Tautahi, the Christchurch Arts Strategy.

Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore says the SummerTimes line-up is outstanding this year. “It’s pretty amazing what people can see and do for free, from a really popular Kiwi band like L.A.B performing on New Year’s Eve, to local music legends appearing during Deep South Lazy Sundays, and a family day at the beach for Deep South Kite Day.

“We hope everyone will take full advantage of the entertainment that’s on offer and enjoy it with their family and friends in some beautiful summer weather.”       

Deep South Lazy Sundays concerts bring outdoor music to Rauora Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

There are plenty of highlights in the SummerTimes calendar including:

• On New Year’s Eve, headline act L.A.B will bring their distinctive mix of reggae, dub, blues and roots to the stage for The Edge NYE19 at North Hagley Park, in a free performance supported by local acts Dillastrate, The Response, PRINS and Canterbury Rock Quest winners The Sneaky Caribbean Monk Seals.The Court Jesters will start the night off with fun for the whole family from 6pm and there will be a huge fireworks display by Fireworks Professionals at midnight.

 • Deep South Lazy Sundays means relaxed outdoor gigs every Sunday from 12 January, with the first one held at Rauora Park, and then, from 19 January to 16 February, on the Archery Lawn at the Botanic Gardens. This year’s line-up includes Adam Hattaway and the Haunters, Hobnail, Coyote, Katie Thompson and The Butlers.  

• Deep South Kite Day returns to New Brighton Beach on Saturday 25 January. 

• The spectacular YES Power Sparks is back for a great family night out on Saturday 15 February in North Hagley Park. The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will play a mixture of traditional classics and pop hits before the traditional after-dark fireworks extravaganza begins.

• Set sail for adventure with the Anthony Harper Summer Theatre production of Treasure Island, at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens (Weather Station Lawn) from 29 January until 16 February.

• Look out for the Bread & Circus World Buskers Festival hitting the streets from 23 January until 16 February providing a showcase of the best local and international performers.