Things to do  |  28 Jul 2023

Share this story

Check out these low cost activities to enjoy across Ōtautahi this weekend.

Go Live Festival

Ōtautahi’s winter music festival returns bringing 14 live, local artists to the Christchurch Town Hall with headliner Kiwi music icon Tiki Taane. Featuring four stages and an awesome mix of music performed by some of the best-emerging indie, hip-hop, rock and pop bands.

Grab a ticket for just $20 and come and discover your next favourite band from 7pm this Saturday.

Go Live Masterclass Seminars

Head down to SOLE Music Academy, 14 Wise Street, from 12:30pm - 4pm on Saturday for your chance to hear from a panel of experts from the music industry and to ask all the questions about securing music funding and achieving radio airplay!

Learn the ins and outs of music funding at NZ On Air, meet the NZ On Air Music Team and ask all the questions you may have about applying for music funding at 'NZ On Air Funding 101.' Learn all you need to know about getting your music on radio with a panel session with radio programmers and music directors from commercial and student radio networks across NZ at 'Radio Programming 101.' Learn more and grab a $20 ticket here. 

Waimakariri River Community Planting Day

Join our ranger and biodiversity teams on one of our epic tree-planting days alongside the Wamakariri River. We’re running three volunteer native planting days at Rock Spur on the southern banks of the river, with the first happening on Saturday from 10am – 1pm. Come along with friends and family to help us put 8,500 plants in the ground!

The entrance to the park is via Lorimas Road off Coutt’s Island Road. Enjoy tea and coffee to start the day with a free BBQ to follow the planting. Register and learn more here.

Winter Blanket Collection

From 11am to 2pm today, a Christchurch Tram will be parked in Cathedral Square to receive spare blankets from donors which will then be collected by the Salvation Army to be distributed to those who need additional assistance during the colder season. 

In exchange for blanket donations, enjoy a complimentary Christchurch Tram ticket! The organisations ask that donated blankets are either new or laundered used items. Learn more here. 

The Vegan Night Mākete

From 3:30pm – 7pm on Saturday night, check out the Vegan Night Mākete at Phillipstown Community Hub. With around 25 stalls offering a huge variety of savouries and sweets, plus musical entertainment, there’s heaps to enjoy! The market showcases the best local plant-based foods and goods, raises awareness of the environmental/animal welfare and health benefits of veganism, and brings the community together.

While you're checking out the market stalls, make sure to pop over to the Christchurch City Council stand as we find out what matters most to Christchurch residents about their city. With challenging issues and decisions on the horizon, we want to hear from as wide a range of viewpoints as possible to inform the Council's Long Term Plan 2024–2034. At the stand you'll be able to use tokens to show us what matters most to you. Learn more here. 

Panhead presents Grill Seekers at The Village Inn

This Sunday from 1pm – 6pm, The Village Inn in Sumner is hosting Upper Hutt OG’s Panhead Custom Ales as they put on the South Island’s first Grill Seekers Roadside BBQ! Join the Panhead crew as they bring their mates, Chur Bol BBQ, for an afternoon of expertly grilled and smoked low n’slow cuisine.

Plus, witness a dazzling display of chrome as Muscle Car Madness park up their fleet of hot rods, muscle cars and rat rods for a little shine. Find out more about this free event, choc-full of beer, BBQ, big guitars and bigger cars.

Antarctica After Dark

Antarctica After Dark is back, offering an opportunity to learn about Antarctica right from the researchers, conservators and Scott Base Redevelopment Project team! Antarctica New Zealand supports world-leading scientists with their ground-breaking research, New Zealand's iconic Antarctic Heritage Trust, and the construction of a brand-new research facility in the highest, driest, windiest place on Earth. 

From 6pm - 9pm this Friday, nine presenters will inform and entertain in succinct, bite-sized talks. The two-hour experience will leave you in awe of the great southern continent. Grab a ticket and read more here. 

Mt Pleasant Farmers Market

Come along to the Mt Pleasant Farmers Market from 9:30am - 12:30pm on Saturday morning for fantastic local produce and fresh and vibrant vendors. The market will be at 3 McCormacks Bay Road, Mount Pleasant. Find out more on the market's Facebook page. 

While you're checking out the market stalls, make sure to pop over to the Christchurch City Council stand as we find out what matters most to Christchurch residents about their city. With challenging issues and decisions on the horizon, we want to hear from as wide a range of viewpoints as possible to inform the Council's Long Term Plan 2024–2034. At the stand you'll be able to use tokens to show us what matters most to you. Learn more here. 

Fire & Spice

Join at Riverside Market at 6pm Saturday for the ultimate spicy food 'feastival,' celebrating all things fire and spice! The evening will showcase spicy dishes around the market from mild to hot, hot, hot!

Challenge yourself to a spicy dish, sip on a spicy cocktail and enjoy entertainment from fire performance artists and live music! Make sure to check out the fire artist performers at 6pm and the dry fireworks display at 7pm. 

Christchurch Baby Expo 2023

Discover all you need to know for yourself, your pregnancy or your young child at the Christchurch Baby Expo 2023! Gain expert up-to-date advice from our diverse range of exhibitors and experiment with products and services to find what best suits your needs.

A huge range of products and services will be on show, along with seminars, demos and workshops. This free expo will take place at Wolfbrook Arena on Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 4pm.