What's on in Christchurch over the weekend

The talents of Christchurch's local musicians and artists are on show for all to see this weekend.

GoLive! Festival

Christchurch's inaugural Go Live! Festival is in full swing, showcasing the talents of our local musicians. Thirty local acts are performing at nine events over the course of the festival.  All the shows are free to attend but if you are wanting to go to one of the indoor shows you will need a ticket. Tickets are  available online.

Big Band Picnic

On Sunday head down to the Botanic Garden's Archery lawn for a multi-course offering of big bands, one after the other at the Big Band Picnic. Mainland Big Band, the Christchurch School of Music Big Band, Chisnallwood Jazz Band, the Garden City Big Band, the All Girl Big Band and Sideline Swing will be performing between 10.30am and 4.30pm.  There will be food and drink available so you won't go hungry or miss a big band beat.

Arts carnival

OHO is taking over the vacant spaces of BOXed Quarter in St Asaph Street with a two night celebration of artists, diversity and connection. A vibrant, inclusive carnival which encourages discovery and connection through different expressions of art. Come along and enjoy life music, DJs,  a market and food and drink. Entry is by koha. The event runs from 5pm to 1am Friday and Saturday nights.

Find out more.

Arts Centre Sculpture Festival

See stonemasons at work.

The first-ever Arts Centre Sculpture Festival is on this weekend and promises to be a feast for your senses. The festival showcases the work of more than 30 local artists and has been curated by talented local Koji Miyazaki.

The talented stonemasons who are working to restore the historic Arts Centre will also be giving public demonstration of their craft on Saturday between 11am and 1pm.

The festival is being held across the Great Hall and the North Quad and tickets cost $15 per adult and$5 per student . There is no charge for children under 12 years old. Food trucks will be available so you can purchase a bite to eat, and then enjoy the sounds of musicians playing live during lunchtimes.

You can enjoy the festival anytime of the day between 10am and 5pm.

Body Mind Spirit - Health Expo

New Zealand's largest expo event for holistic health and wellbeing is on this weekend at the Addington Raceway Events Centre. Whether you’re seeking information, inspiration, inner peace, mental stimulation, or you’re just curious about what’s out there, the Body Mind Spirit – Health Expo invites you to revitalise your body, stimulate your mind and pamper your soul. The expo is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm and tickets range in price from $5 to $10.

Celebrate Bishopdale

If you are looking for some family fun, head to Bishopdale Park on Sunday for the Celebrate Bishopdale family fun day. There will be performances from local school groups, have-a-go activtities, information stalls, as well as arts and crafts. There will heaps of things for the kids to do, with a bouncy castle, climbing tower, face-painting, stone carving, and soft archery.  The event is free and runs from 11am to 2pm.

Focus on Men Expo

Tūranga is hosting a Focus on Men Expo this Sunday between 10am and 4 pm.  Come and see artist Jon Jeet and a couple of woodworkers in action or try your hand at sketching a Central Christchurch scene.

Get a handle on how to brew beer or chat to representatives from a variety of clubs including motorcycles, Menzshed, wargaming, model trains and model boats. In the afternoon get your fitness checked and ride a smoothie-making bike.

Revamp Vintage Christmas Market

If you're on the hunt for unique Christmas presents, head to the Revamp Vintage Market at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. There will be antiques, collectables, upcycled clothes, vintage jewellery and much more on offer.  The market is on from 10am to 3pm and entry is free.

Other events

You can find details of other events on in and around Christchurch on our What's on webpages.