From Culture Galore and a Big Gig to a Super Slam and a Grande Swim – along with a Run to Remember – the city is overflowing with amazing events.
Celebrate Christchurch’s diversity through food, arts and crafts, music and dance at Culture Galore at Ray Blank Park in Ilam on Saturday.
Enjoy the Japanese drummers, along with traditional dances and songs from countries far and wide.
Check out the stone carving, flax weaving, face painting, soft archery, bouncy castles, police speed radar, henna tattoos, fire evacuation challenge and much more from noon to 4pm.
You can also buy some tasty treats from more than 40 food stalls. Entry and activities are free.
See our best beach volleyballers in action as they battle it out on the sand in the Christchurch Super Slam in Cathedral Square this weekend.
The sand flies from noon to 8pm today and 9am to 8pm on Saturday, with the semi-finals on from 10am and the finals under way at 2pm on Sunday. Enjoy competitions and crowd giveaways, along with free grandstand seating.
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū throws open its doors to legendary Kiwi rock band The Bats and a host of alt stars for The Big Gig from 6.30pm tonight.
Curated by Lyttelton singer-songwriter Ben Woods, the free party in the Gallery foyer features an evening of music and excellent art – alongside food trucks, bars and exhibitions – to mark the closing of the Gallery’s summer programme of art.
Take the plunge at the Generation Homes La Grande Swim on Banks Peninsula on Saturday.
Part of the Ocean Swim Series, you can take up the challenge of the five-kilometre Wainui to Akaroa event across the harbour, or opt for the two-kilometre Akaroa Bay or 750-metre Beach to the Recreation Ground. Book your swim spot online. For those aged seven to 10, there are the Banana Boat OceanKids 100m and 200m events.
Supporters can watch the action from the shore before enjoying a wander around Akaroa.
Head to the Port Hills on Sunday for The Press Run to Remember, a 10-kilometre run and walk recognising the 10th anniversary of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Line up in Victoria Park before taking the scenic route along Summit Road and down the Rapaki Track to finish in Hansen Park. Families can also enjoy the Life Education 1.5km Stride around Hansen Park. Enter online.
Marvel at Van Gogh Alive, a multi-sensory experience where the audience can be immersed in the remarkable artistry of the influential post-impressionist Dutch painter.
Set to a classical score, the special experience features multiple images, transforming every surface that surrounds you. Book tickets online for Van Gogh Alive at the Air Force Museum in Wigram.
Jump into the fun at the summer sports pool party from noon on Sunday at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre.
Meet your favourite Rams and Tactix players and play on the inflatables.
Banks Peninsula Festival
Head to Orton Bradley Park on Saturday from 11am for the Cassels Brewing Co. Banks Peninsula Festival.
Enjoy performances by The Butlers, Delaney Davidson, Dolphin Friendly, plus many others, along with food, beverages and culture from around the region and beyond. Book tickets online.
NZ Open Downhill
See some of New Zealand’s best downhill mountain bike riders tackle the classic course at the Christchurch Adventure Park on Sunday.
The 2021 NZ Open Downhill gets under way at 8.30am.
Settle back and enjoy the Ben & Jerry’s Lazy Sundays session with the All Girl Big Band from 2pm in the Botanic Gardens.
Bring a picnic and soak up the sun on the Archery Lawn as the band swings into action.
Lexus Urban Polo returns to Hagley Park North for an action-packed day of sport, music, fashion and food.
Stomp some divots, try out some sideline polo hits, check out the DJs and grab a bite to eat from noon on Saturday. Book tickets online.
Enjoy Summer in the Styx as you explore and learn more abou this special place from 11am to 3pm on Sunday.
Try your hand at a range of free fun environmental activities as you learn about local history, plants and wildlife. Live music, kayaking, guided walks, planting and a scavenger hunt will add to a fun day out. Meet at 303 Radcliffe Road in Belfast.
Join Toi Toi Opera for its inaugural production, Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Elegies, showcasing some of Canterbury’s finest vocal and dramatic talent in the Great Hall of The Arts Centre from Friday to Sunday.
Book tickets online.
Join Pedal for the Pacific in a charity bike ride – from Prebbleton to Little River along the bike trail – on Saturday to raise funds for the Give Every Child a Future project, supporting children across the Pacific Islands.
The basketball is in your court as the Rebel Sport 3X3 Quest Tour brings all the action to the netball courts at Hagley Park South on Saturday.
With a range of grades and free entry, there is plenty of basketball fun for all abilities. Register online.
You can find out about other events happening in and around Christchurch via the What’s On webpages.
