Your guide for winter events in Ōtautahi-Christchurch

There are plenty of exciting events on around the city worth braving the cold for this winter.

Christchurch City Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore says there’s something for everyone listed on the Council’s What’s On events page.

“What’s On is packed with family-friendly events, music and theatre performances, markets and a whole range of other exciting events to enjoy with friends and whānau.”

The Council hosts several community events throughout the winter season. The Tīrama Mai lighting festival celebrates Matariki in the central city. The festival runs from Friday 24 June, New Zealand’s first Matariki public holiday, through to Sunday 3 July.

“Over twenty illuminated installations, lighting displays and live performances will be dotted around the city for people to explore during the festival,” says Ms Blackmore.

Next up, the winter school holidays will go off with a bang with the Winter Fireworks Spectacular set for Saturday 9 July at New Brighton.

“Family entertainment and yummy food options from local vendors will be available from 5:30pm, with the fireworks display going off at 7:00pm from the pier, set to a soundtrack of modern Kiwi classics. It’s a great opportunity to make an evening of it and support businesses in New Brighton,” says Ms Blackmore.

A perennial favourite, KidsFest, also kicks off on Saturday 9 July, the first day of the winter school holidays, running through to Sunday 24 July.

“You can now hop onto kidsfest.co.nz, browse all the options and start booking in the kids for some winter holiday fun.

“The party doesn’t stop there – the Go Live Festival includes two nights of concerts on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 July.”

The festival showcasing home grown musical talent also features an afternoon of Industry Talks, where budding artists can learn about the music industry.

“There are still some tickets available for the Industry Talks session at Te Pae on 23 July. These talks provide a unique opportunity for aspiring artists to learn from Kiwi music industry greats like Boh Runga and Andrew MacLaren from Stellar* and Jon Toogood of Shihad fame – for free.”

Register here for the free Industry Talks event here, or buy tickets for the evening gigs through Ticketek.

Don’t miss these other great events on in the city this season:

• Winter Festival ‘Chill in the City’ features ice skating, Haglund rides and tobogganing on real snow, from Thursday 4 August – Sunday 7 August, at various spots around the central city.
• Te Pae is hosting the Christchurch Art Show from Friday 24 – 27 June.
• The Girl on the Train is on at the Court Theatre from Saturday 21 May – 25 June.
• The Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series runs throughout the year. Upcoming winter shows include Michael Endres (piano), Trio Éclat (wind trio) and HKH (jazz trio).

Check out all the events on over winter at ccc.govt.nz/whatson and stay up to date on Facebook and Instagram.