Feast of festival flavours suits all tastes

A kite festival, a beer festival, a buskers festival and outdoor cinema all feature in this weekend's event line-up.

Outdoor cinema at the Arts Centre

Enjoy outdoor cinema at the Arts Centre.

Kick-off the weekend with a night of outdoor cinema in the grounds of the historic Arts Centre.  The Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema series is on tonight and Saturday in the picturesque North Quad.  Tonight's outdoor cinema experience begins with a 5.30pm screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory followed by a screening at 8pm of the classic move Dirty Dancing.

On Saturday night The Jungle Book will be screened at 5.30pm followed by The Princess Bride at 8pm.

Entry is by a gold coin donation, which will go directly towards the Arts Centre’s restoration programme. Space is limited, so cinema-goers are advised to arrive early to secure a spot and avoid disappointment. Food and beverages will be available to buy, however, no alcohol is permitted in the quadrangle. Please bring something to sit on – rugs can be used on grassed areas, while chairs can be used on paved surfaces.

If the weather is unsuitable for the Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema, it will be run inside the Great Hall. 

Deep South Kite Day

Fingers crossed it is a breezy day on Saturday because New Brighton is hosting Deep South Kite Day. Grab the kids and head to the beach where they can watch the kites soar and try some fun beach sports. Deep South Kite Day, which is part of SummerTimes, is on from midday to 4pm.

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival

If you’re a lover of beer then North Hagley Park is where you will want to be this Saturday. It is hosting the Great Kiwi Beer Festival which brings together more than 40 breweries from all over the country. With more than 300 unique brews and ciders on tap all day, you’re sure to find a drop that will leave you craving more.  There will be street food stalls on site to keep the hunger pains away, cooking demonstrations, live music, and craft beer workshops.

The event is strictly R18 and runs from 11am to 6.30pm. Tickets are available through the Great Kiwi Beer Festival website. 

A family relaxing at Deep South Lazy Sundays.

Deep South Lazy Sundays

Bring a picnic and spend the end of your weekend relaxing on the Archery Lawn of the Botanic Gardens lawn with good food, music, and friends at Deep South Lazy Sundays. It's a Lyttelton Record Company showcase this Sunday with performances from Matthew Smith, Emily Fairlight Band and Tow Maxwell. The event starts at  3pm and runs until 4.30pm and is free to attend.

Polo in the Park

The Hagley Park Polo Classic returns to Christchurch for the second year on Sunday.  The best polo players from around the South Island will be in action, competing for the coveted Hagley Park Polo Cup. The event runs from 11am from 6pm, with tickets available online.

Tattoo expo

The second annual Christchurch International Tattoo Expo is on this weekend at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Wigram. The expo brings together the best tattoo artists from around New Zealand and the world and is open to the public from 2 to 10pm today, from midday to 10pm on Saturday, and from midday to 6pm on Sunday. Day passes are $20 for adults.

Cricket at Hagley Oval

The Canterbury Kings take on the Auckland Aces in a T20 match at Hagley Oval on Saturday. In addition to the fast-paced cricket action, there will be lots of kids activities and giveways, food vendors and a chance for young fans to get autographs from their favourite players. The game starts at 4pm and admission is $15 for adults and $5 for kids.

Bread & Circus

Bread & Circus, the world buskers festival, is still in full swing, with heaps of ticketed shows on to keep you entertained. Check out this weekend's line-up on the Bread & Circus website.