Things to do  |  3 May 2024

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Check out what's on in and around Christchurch this weekend.

Open Christchurch

See how a supermarket warehouse was transformed into a Christchurch High School, learn about intergenerational living and housing on ancestral Māori land, and explore Ōtautahi’s love affair with Christchurch Modern houses. Open Christchurch 2024 celebrates some of Christchurch’s best architecture and special spaces that contribute to Ōtautahi’s sense of place.

The one weekend-only-festival of architectural excellence will take place from 3 – 5 May, with buildings open at different times across the weekend. Explore over 45 buildings of architectural excellence over the weekend with behind-the-scenes access and unique experiences/activities on offer. More information here.

Ferrymead night market

Come along to the last Ferrymead night market before the winter! Immerse yourself in some Christchurch heritage and indulge in some delicious food while you’re at it. There will be 40+ craft vendors for you to peruse and 25+ food vendors.

Cash is recommended for some stalls and dogs are welcome on lead, kids 15 and under are free. The market will be open on Sunday from 4 – 8pm. Ferrymead Heritage Park is located at 50 Ferrymead Park Drive.

Annual planting event

Bring the family and help the Estuary Trust plant some 1500 native trees seedlings in Charlesworth Reserve. Head down to 42 Charlesworth Street, Woolston, at 10am on Sunday to get involved in this fun and rewarding event.

At the end of the day enjoy a free sausage sizzle and take home one free plant per family. Please note no dogs are allowed at this planting. More here.

Christchurch Toy and Hobby Fair

Head down to the Canterbury Caledonian Society Hall this Sunday for the annual Christchurch Toy and Hobby Fair. There will be a huge range of interesting toys on sale at this event which is supported by trades, collectors, hobbyists and modellers.

Items for sale include diecast model cars, trucks, tractors, buses, fire engines and aeroplanes, film and TV-related toys, teddy bears, dolls, books and more. If you have toys or collectables you are looking to sell, bring them along as dealers are always keen to buy as well as sell. Find more information here.

NZ National Alpaca Day Open Weekend

Feel like doing something different with the family? Come along to the NZ National Alpaca Day Open Weekend. Walk amongst the 120 alpacas at Sherlin Alpaca Farm and grab a bargain from the alpaca shop.

The alpaca open weekend is free admission and open from 10am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday.