Come rain or shine there’s plenty to keep young and old entertained this weekend, from Christmas markets to skate jams and garden tours.

Celebrate Bishopdale & Bishopdale Skate Jam (now postponed to Sunday 11am - 2pm.)

For a great family fun day with performances, stalls, activities and food head to Bishopdale Park 

There will be stage performances, have-a-go gymnastics and cricket, arts and crafts, food stalls, face painting and bouncy castles along with the Arion farm park, an opportunity for youngsters to interact with small animals.

At the same time the Bishopdale Skate Jam is happening over at the new Bishopdale skate park. Aimed at 8-15 year olds, there will be demonstrations, learn-to-skate sessions with the team from Skate Skool, a free sausage sizzle and free skateboard hire for newbies.

Canterbury Potters’ Association 49^th annual exhibition

An amazing array of pottery is on display for the final time this weekend, ranging from domestic to sculptural. Guest exhibitor and selector this year is Royce McGlashen, from Nelson, one of New Zealand's leading potters.

9am to 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday at the Canterbury Museum Visitor Lounge. Free entry.

Christmas Encraftment Market

If you’re in need of some stocking fillers or looking for a secret santa or gift idea the Christmas Encraftment Market has 120 stalls showcasing local products all designed and produced by the stall holders.

Pioneer Stadium, 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free and there will be coffee and food vendors outside the venue.

Dogwatch Family Fun Day

The wonderful folk at Dogwatch Sanctuary Adoption Centre are celebrating their 40^th birthday with a family fun day market. It is dog friendly of course (all dogs must be on a leash at all times) with lots of canine merchandise for sale as well as human treats, and there will be a photographer onsite for pawsome doggy pics. Saturday 10.30am – 1.30pm at 230 Dyers Road, gold coin entry.

Gardens of Fernside

Take a trip into the countryside! Six beautiful gardens in Fernside and the surrounding area will be open to the public on Sunday 10am – 4pm for this biennial Fernside School fundraiser.  As well as the gardens themselves, you can enjoy gourmet food stalls, a Pimm’s tent, a silent auction, boutique market stalls and more. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased online or on the day at the school gate for $35.