As we head into the warmer months, the events and activities on around Christchurch start to rapidly grow in number, kicking off with the upcoming Labour Weekend festivities.
FESTA events, Labour Weekend
This year will be the third FESTA event and the focus this year is on food and family.
Architecture and design students from around New Zealand and Australia have been working on interactive installations that will be located around the central city and there’s also a programme of events running from Friday October 19th through to Monday 22nd (Labour Day).
The highlight of the event will be held on Saturday night (postponed to Sunday if it rains) and is called FEASTA! A giant free street party for people of all ages including the lit up installations, food stalls, entertainment and much more.
Check out the FESTA website for more details about the Saturday night event and the other 50+ events and activities happening over the long weekend.
Guy Fawkes, 2 November, New Brighton
Produced by the Christchurch City Council, this year’s event will deliver a pyrotechnic display set to Anthems of Rock.
So make tracks with your whole family to New Brighton Mall from 6pm for local food options and then to your choice of viewing location. Most of all, open your eyes and look up to the skies from 9pm for a spectacular fireworks finale on the Pier!
This is always a busy event so plan your travel in advance – parking options are limited so if aim to share a ride, use public transport, or park at a friend’s place. Road closure information is right here on the CCC website.
Viewing locations
- Central New Brighton either side of the Pier through our sound system.
- North Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
- South Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
- The hills around Pegasus Bay. Don’t forget to listen to the More FM broadcast by Lana and JMac on 92.1FM!
Note that this event is an alcohol-free zone.
SCAPE Public Art 20 Years, ending November 17
It’s been 20 years since SCAPE Public Art began to revolutionise the open spaces of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
The Season 2018 is a chance to celebrate the 216 temporary artworks that have popped up during our Seasons and the 14 permanent artworks contributed to Christchurch over the years.
Managing Curator, Heather Galbraith has developed a programme that draws together different strands from SCAPE’s history, integrating past works, and looks toward the future with new and existing works contemplating our relationships to land, sea, language, cultural and political agency and expression, how histories are told and retold, the built environment, and even the cosmos – Our Braided Future being the theme for the Season.
If you’re interested in checking out what the SCAPE event has in store for 2018, check out the programme here.
Cup and Show Week, 10 – 17 November
Running from 10-17 November 2018, this popular annual event brings together Addington Raceway’s Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Day, the New Zealand Cup Meeting at Riccarton Park and the New Zealand Agricultural Show.
Highlights this year will include a new spring garden experience in the surrounds of Riccarton Park, fashion and entertainment at Addington Raceway and the opportunity to combine family fun with innovative agribusiness at the NZ Agricultural Show.
And if all of the above isn’t enough inspiration – check out these incredible sheep that will be on show for the first time! the Valais Blacknose will be a highlight for lots of families at this year’s event.
South Island Wine and Food Festival, Hagley Park, 1 December 2018
Celebrate with 80 of the South Island’s leading winemakers and food producers in the picturesque North Hagley Park.
40 wineries are joined by the region’s biggest names in food – local restaurateurs, gourmet food producers and street food stalls complement the range of wines on show.
This popular annual Festival includes interactive wine seminars & workshops hosted by Masters of Wine and sommeliers from New Zealand and overseas.
Don’t miss the Cooking Theatre, where you’ll be treated to live demonstrations from Kiwi chefs – or kick back and enjoy live music talent onstage amongst the trees.
It’s usually a beautiful sunny day for this event, so be well prepared (and well hydrated) with hats, sunscreen and something to sit and relax on.
Tickets are still available for the various options and start from $53 per person plus booking fees for entry. General Admission on the day at the gate is $55.00 but numbers may be limited depending on pre-sales.
