Things to do  |  3 Jul 2024

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There’s no time for winter hibernation, with the annual winter events season serving up a slew of entertaining offerings.

The Winter Fireworks Spectacular and KidsFest are just around the corner, and Go Live Festival is on the horizon.

Winter Fireworks Spectacular 

If there’s one good reason to head to the beach in the middle of winter, it’s a spectacular fireworks show set to your favourite 80s bangers! New Brighton is the place to be on Saturday 6 July, from 5.30pm to 8pm, for free, family-friendly entertainment hosted by The Hits FM at the car park north of the Pier. DJZ will be on hand to dial up some 80s fever with nostalgic beats, and there’ll be a bunch of mobile food vendors on hand to tempt your tastebuds. The fireworks begin at 7.30pm.

Check out our guide on getting there, or visit What’s On for all the key details, including information on special bus services for the event.

KidsFest 

With school holidays drawing ever closer, tickets for KidsFest events are being snapped up! Demand has been strong since tickets went on sale in mid-June but with more than 200 activities on offer, it’s not too late to start building your own calendar. Visit kidsfest.co.nz to see the full lineup and make bookings. Events start on Saturday July 6 and run through to Sunday July 21. There’s a great lineup of shows and performances this year along with many activities which are free or low-cost. Whether it’s technology, food, the outdoors, music, sport or crafts, don’t miss out on making this the best winter holidays ever!  

See the full KidsFest lineup here.

Go Live Festival 

Immerse yourself in a festival experience to remember at Go Live on Saturday 17 August. Across four stages at the iconic Christchurch Town Hall, a stacked line-up of talented Kiwi music acts will bring you electrifying indie, rock and pop performances. Get amongst rockers since-way-back The Bats and Loves Ugly Children, out of towners Left or Right and Midwave Breaks, and up-and-coming electro-pop sensation PRINS. Details for all 14 acts can be found at What’s On – the 15th act is the 2024 Dig the Gig winner, yet to be determined! Doors open at 7pm and the show runs until 11pm. Go Live is an all-ages event, and tickets are $35, plus booking fees.   

For more exciting events to get you through the winter, check out What’s On.