Things to do  |  3 Dec 2020

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Discover a penguin parade, amazing art, model markets, a fabulous festival or singalong sounds.

Pop Up Penguins Sculpture Trail

Colourful penguins have popped up in the city, creating a family friendly summer sculpture trail.

Follow the trail and you can discover 50 large penguins – decorated by established and emerging artists – as they strike a pose on city streets, along with 65 smaller birds – decorated by school students – in indoor locations such as libraries and Christchurch City Council facilities.

The Wild in Art Pop Up Penguins sculpture trail celebrates unique parts of Christchurch while highlighting climate change, community, Antarctica, creativity, innovation and exploration.

The Council – through the Enliven Places programme as community sponsor – has enabled four communities – Hoon Hay, Shirley, Phillipstown and Little River – to take part in the event.

The wider trail of discovery – designed to appeal to all ages – extends to Christchurch International Airport, Rangiora, Lyttelton, Lincoln, Little River, Akaroa and Rolleston.

Follow the trail from now until the end of January 2021 when an auction of the playful penguins will raise money for the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre.

South Island Wine & Food Festival

Head to North Hagley Park for the South Island Wine & Food Festival on Saturday.

Soak up the busy scene as you sample some of the best wine and food from across the region and discover more at the popular demonstrations and workshops.

The Kiwi music line-up includes Zed, Sons of Zion, Tami Neilson, Holly Arrowsmith and Mousey.

Limited tickets are available online.

Bliss out with Kiwi classics

Kiwi rock legends Th’ Dudes – including Dave Dobbyn and Peter Urlich – bring Th’ Bliss Tour to the Christchurch Town Hall tonight while New Zealand super-group Fly My Pretties will be centre stage at the Isaac Theatre Royal on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, the ABBA Tribute Show brings 1970s pop to the Town Hall on Saturday night.

Voices Co. Live in Concert features a collection of a capella Christmas and pop favourites on Saturday night.

For lovers of classical music, the sounds of  Handel’s Messiah – presented by CBS Music – will fill St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral on Sunday afternoon. Carols in the Quarry will set a seasonal scene in Halswell Quarry on Sunday from 4.30pm. 

Hello Summer! Family Fun Day at Art Gallery

Welcome summer with a fun-filled free day of entertainment and activities at the Christchurch Art Gallery.

From performances to lei making and art workshops to tours, the fun begins at 10am on Saturday.

The fun day marks the start of the Gallery’s All Art All Summer season, bringing locals face to face with work from Kiwi artists and must-see treasures.

Marvellous markets

Check out some markets in the lead-up to Christmas, with plenty on offer.

Pick up seasonal gifts and enjoy the food at the Christmas Night Market at Avebury House from 4pm today or check out the Geek Market on Saturday, packed with vintage toys, action figures, comic books, movie and TV merchandise and Lego.

The Conscious Club is also hosting a two-day Christmas Market in the Boxed Quarter, starting today at 6pm and on Saturday from 10am. You can also take a trip to Mandeville in North Canterbury on Sunday for all the fun of a country fete with more than 120 arts and crafts stalls.

Sporting chance

Hit a weekend winner and take in the action at the South Island Senior Softball Championships at Mizuno Ballpark as the best local players pitch for title honours or head to Lake Roto Kohatu for the South Island Canoe Polo Championships as teams make a splash as they vie for title honours in their respective grades.

Meanwhile, Canterbury goes into bat against Central Stags in a one-day cricket clash at Hagley Oval on Sunday.

Other events

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