Things to do  |  21 Mar 2025

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There's lots happening outdoors this weekend so it's just as well the sun is set to shine! From surfing festivals to markets, performances and workshops, here's our guide to free or low-cost activities around the city.

Canterbury Polyfest 2025

Spacpac Canterbury Polyfest is back for 2025, giving secondary school students from across Canterbury the chance to shine!

Polyfest is an amazing opportunity for young people from throughout the region to showcase their Pasifika culture, language and identity through song and dance to reflect the diverse Pasifika cultures residing in Aotearoa New Zealand!

Check out all the action on stage at North Hagley Park this Saturday, 8.30am – 5.30pm.

Duke Festival of Surfing

 New Brighton Beach will come alive this weekend with the vibrant energy of one of the largest surfing competitions in Aotearoa – the Duke Festival of Surfing on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a celebration of surfing, community, heritage, and the shared love for the ocean.

Along with the surfing action (which you can watch from the pier!) there’s street art, live music, art exhibition, skateboarding competitions and more.  

Japanese Culture Celebration

Tūranga will be hosting a special collaborative performance of painting and music by artist Haruko Furukawa, Shiki Japanese Music Group and the Canterbury Japanese Choir on Saturday from 1pm-3pm.

Come along and enjoy this free event as part of the weeklong celebration of Japanese culture and be amazed at the blend of ancient and modern on display.

Riverlution Farmers Market

Set in the heart of Richmond Community Garden, right by the new City to Sea Pathway and Avebury’s exciting new playground, this market is the perfect way to support local sustainability, meet your neighbours, and enjoy a relaxing morning outdoors.

Get out and about and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with live music, a delicious coffee from Riverlution Café, and a great community vibe, Saturday, 9am-midday.

Imagination Station

Featuring stories, original music, a dance party, and a themed craft activity, Imagination Station teaches love and acceptance, encourages kids of all ages to live authentically, and celebrates the beauty of how kindness and diversity can change the world

Mrs. Kasha Davis of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame trailblazes the way with this experience performed on stage at The Court Theatre. The show is on Sunday, 10am-10.50am and tickets are $10.

Empowering Zero Waste Through Art

Transform waste into wonder through the magic of upcycled art at this fun, free and creative hands-on event at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Kiosk, 10am-1pm on Saturday.

Christchurch Envirokids and Without Waste will help you to create a unique art piece using recycled materials. Bring your whānau to explore the wonders of upcycled art and make a positive impact on the environment through creativity!

Lower Waste Sessions

The Lower Waste Sessions with nationally recognised educator and motivational speaker Kate Fenwick are back! Learn how to reduce your household food waste at lower waste sessions from 6 – 8pm Sunday at Rārākau, Riccarton Centre or at Tūranga from 5.30 – 7.30pm Monday, and learn more about modern cloth nappies at Rārākau, Riccarton Centre from 3 – 5pm Sunday.

Tickets for each session are $10, the ticket allows you to bring a friend and take home a goodie bag.