Things to do  |  30 Oct 2020

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A word to the wise – there is much to see and do for literary and heritage buffs, music and dog lovers, sports fans and classic car and Halloween enthusiasts.

WORD Christchurch Spring Festival

Take in the WORD Christchurch Spring Festival celebrating a wealth of local talent, with 65 events and 100 of the country’s finest writers, thinkers and entertainers this weekend.

Along with appearances by some of New Zealand’s most popular literary figures, there are plenty of free family and book events at Tūranga, art, poetry and politics at the Christchurch Art Gallery, and fringe events in city bars, cafes, and theatre spaces.

Top Dog Film Festival @ Hollywood Cinema

Bring your dog along to The Top Dog Film Festival at the Hollywood Cinema on Saturday afternoon.

The festival focuses on canine connections through a collection of stories that highlights the bond between dogs and their people. Book online.

Canterbury women versus Waikato @ Rugby Park

Canterbury will be chasing a fourth national title in a row when the premier women’s team takes on Waikato in the Farah Palmer Cup final on Saturday.

The unbeaten teams clash from 2.05pm at Rugby Park.

Meanwhile, Canterbury faces Otago in the Mitre 10 Cup on Friday night at Orangetheory Stadium. Book online.

L.A.B. @ Christchurch Arena

Rock out to the sounds of one of New Zealand’s most popular bands, L.A.B., at Christchurch Arena on Saturday night.

Book online.

Art of Archaeology @ Arts Centre

Wander into the Boys’ High Building at The Arts Centre to learn about The Art of Archaeology.

Uncovered during site restoration work over the past nine years, the artefacts and their stories offer fresh insights, complemented by children’s activity sheets that link to the free exhibition.

Arts and Crafts Meets Florence in Chapel

Step into the Nurses’ Memorial Chapel this weekend to learn more about the contribution of women to New Zealand society in the early 20th century and admire the restored Arts and Crafts building.

The boutique museum tells the story of the sinking of the Marquette in 1915 while a display marks the bicentenary of Florence Nightingale’s birth and her influence on local nursing.

Entry is free, with the chapel open from 11am to 3pm from Friday.

Scavenger Hunt @ St James Park

Don your costume and join the Kids Halloween Scavenger Hunt for the local Papanui community in St James Park on Friday from 4.30pm.

The free event offers plenty of fun for local children aged 12 and under. Book online, with adults to accompany children.

Check out the EcoSort open day on Saturday.

EcoSort open day in Wigram

Head to EcoSort in Wigram on Saturday to find out what happens to the contents of your yellow recycling bin.

The recycling plant open day runs from 9am to 1pm, with giveaways on offer.

Canterbury versus Wellington @ Hagley Oval

Canterbury pads up to take on Wellington this weekend in a Plunket Shield cricket match at Hagley Oval.

Heritage Festival highlights

Check out the Heritage Festival, with a wander through the Ernle Clark Reserve, the Old Stone House or Riccarton Bush.

Last Night of the Proms @ Town Hall

Join the CSO for Last Night of the Proms at the Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday night.

Led by young conductor Clemens Schuldt, the concert features several classics along with Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. Book online. 

Halloween Spring Clean in Boxed Quarter

A Halloween Spring Clean in the Boxed Quarter on Saturday offers an array of second-hand clothing for $20 or less.

Wigram Revival in Templeton

Power up for the Wigram Revival, celebrating classic car racing at Mike Pero Motorsport Park this weekend.

Entry costs $20, with under-16s free.

Zombie Survival in Bottle Lake Forest Park

Join the Halloween Zombie Survival Laser Tag as zombies take over Bottle Lake Forest between 2pm and midnight on Saturday.

EVolocity Regional Race Day in Halswell

Head along to the EVolocity Regional Race Day at KartSport Canterbury in Halswell on Sunday as secondary school students put their electric vehicles on display.

Landscape design @ Tūranga

Lincoln University’s School of Landscape Architecture fourth-year major design exhibition – 2020 Visions – outside Tūranga features a range of topical issues.