Things to do  |  3 Dec 2024

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We’ve rounded up all the Christchurch City Council summer events, so you can fill your calendar with your favourites.

Check out what’s on in Ōtautahi Christchurch, including concerts, outdoor movies, theatre, and kite-flying fun at the beach.

NYE24 & NYE Kids’ Countdown

Ring in the New Year at the biggest party in town.

Experience three showstopping bands at NYE24, including Melbourne-based tribute band and headliner Queen Forever. The free outdoor concert at North Hagley Park runs from 8pm on 31 December and finishes up just after the midnight fireworks display.

Earlier in the evening, from 4–7pm, there’s fun for the whole family at the NYE Kids’ Countdown.

Outdoor Cinema

With new sessions added this year, the Outdoor Cinema will have something for everyone, with eleven movies on offer. Held in the North Quad of The Art Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, the series runs across 3–5 January and 10–12 January.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a late-night screening and your best dress-ups or take the whānau to a 5pm session for the kids.

Check out the movie schedule and entry fees at What’s On.

Anthony Harper Summer Theatre

A good laugh is always guaranteed at Anthony Harper Summer Theatre. This year, adventure on the high seas with ‘The complete voyage of the RMS Titanic in 90 minutes’, brought to you by a talented cast of three and a musician.

Catch the show from 9–26 January in the Botanic Garden’s Archery Lawn.

Entry is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted by the theatre company, Rollicking Entertainment. Check out the performance schedule at What’s On.

Kite Day

Gear up for a beach day like no other – Kite Day brings a colourful collection of shapes and characters to the skies at New Brighton Beach. Held on Saturday 1 February, the free event begins at midday and runs through to 4pm. Family-friendly entertainment will be hosted by The Hits at the car park south of the Pier and the adjacent beach.

Mitre10 Sparks

A summer events highlight, there’s something for everyone at Mitre10 Sparks. Be treated to a night of fabulous music led by Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and supported by local performers at North Hagley Park. Expect a dynamic mix of classic, jazz, pop and cultural music.  

Saturday 8 February is the day to mark in your calendars. The free event starts at 6.30pm, with the show starting at 7.30pm and wrapping up 9.40pm after a stellar fireworks display amplified by CSO.

Summer Sundays

To round out the season, head along to Summer Sundays – a free concert series featuring seven established and up-and-coming local bands.

Enjoy ‘Movie Tunes’ from The Blues Brothers film on 2 February, ‘Folk & Country Vibes’ on 9 February, and ‘Jazz on the Lawn’ on 16 February. Check out the line-up of acts at What’s On.

For all events, people are encouraged to bring their own chairs or picnic blankets to sit on.

Check out What’s On for everything happening in Ōtautahi Christchurch this summer.