Inner City Entertainment – Hoyts Movies and More!

The new innercity entertainment complex on the cnr of Lichfield and Colombo Streets is perfectly located to bring locals and tourists alike into the centre of Christchurch.

Right across from the Bus Interchange, and just a few minutes from inner city parking buildings on Lichfield Street, the Entx building is home to a diverse range of bars and eateries downstairs, with the theatre offering on the floor above.

The cinema complex includes two huge Xtreme screens and every seat in the house includes recliners with plenty of room to get comfy to watch your movie!

There are 13 different places to eat and drink downstairs, plus a self service selection of Ben and Jerry’s icecream and other treats upstairs as you head in towards the theatres.

The range of eateries includes a number of different Asian favourites from Pad Thai and Dumplings through to Sushi and streefood, plus there’s pizza, raw food treats from Nourish, Two Fat Indians and much more.

Christchurch favourite eatery Joe’s Garage also has a great spot on the corner by the entrance, and provides their usual range of reliably great food and service.

So its the perfect place to take a break from the summer shopping, as well as a great destination for a day or a night of entertainment.

If you haven’t yet been in to check it all out yet, we highly recommend you do!

 

 

Summertimes Events in Christchurch 2018/2019

Christchurch’s Summertime programme, organised by the City Council’s events team is the envy of other New Zealand cities and filled with events that have become annual favourites.

We’ve included some of the most popular events below so you can add them to your calendar. You can also RSVP to the Facebook events through the Summertimes FB page here.

City Sounds on Fridays, The Terrace

the Terrace Christchurch NZ

We’re bringing the good vibes over summer with City Sounds, from 12:00pm – 1.30pm most Fridays through the summer.

Come and see talented local musicians performing live in the central city most Friday lunchtimes.

City Sounds schedule:

Friday 14 December: Lil Chuck (blues/skiffle)
Friday 21 December: Kids in Town – Cathedral Choristers (Christmas special)
Friday 11 January: Katie Thompson (folk/pop/country)
Friday 18 January: Blues Professor (blues)
Friday 25 January: Dean Eggleston Duo (indie/folk)
Friday 1 February: Frankie Daly Duo (pop/jazz)
Friday 8 February: Lloyd and Doublet (blues/Americana)
Friday 15 February: Turner Sisters (pop, country, jazz & blues)

New Year’s Eve – welcome in 2019! North Hagley Park

New Year's Eve Christchurch 2019

The place to be this New Year’s Eve! The night will kick off with family entertainment from 6pm with Mullet Man, free activities, fairies and a special kids countdown at 8pm.

Then the party continues with DJ’s and live bands DJ Spinal, Deep Water Creek and Dillastrate, and don’t miss our headline act The Jordan Luck Band who will rock you into the New Year with a midnight fireworks display.

This is an alcohol free event and bags may be searched on entry.

Note that parking will not be available on the grass in Hagley Park – so make your plans to park elsewhere or find other modes of transport.

Deep South Lazy Sundays, Botanic Gardens

Sun 20 Jan 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm 

Sun 27 Jan 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm 

Sun 3 Feb 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm 

Sun 10 Feb 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm 

Sun 17 Feb 2019, 3:00pm–4:30pm 

lazy sundays chch

Put summer into your Sundays with free live music in the Botanic Gardens.

Bring a picnic, kick back and spend the end of your weekend relaxing on the lawn with good food, music and friends.

Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema, Arts Centre

Friday 25 and Saturday 26 January 2019

Friday 8 and Saturday 9 February 2019

Leighs Outdoor Cinema

The beloved summer tradition of Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema returns to the Arts Centre te Matatiki Toi Ora for another season.

Films for all ages will be screened on two dates each summer month in the picturesque North Quad – immersing cinemagoers in one of New Zealand’s landmark locations surrounded by stunning heritage buildings.

Child-friendly family films start at 5.30pm followed by grown-up movies at 8pm.

The movie line-up is announced two weeks in advance on the Arts Centre website.

Entry is by a gold coin donation, which goes towards the Arts Centre’s ongoing restoration programme.

As an independent charitable trust, the earthquake-damaged centre relies upon donations, gifts and sponsorship to complete the enormous heritage project.

Space is limited, so cinemagoers are advised to arrive early to secure a spot and avoid disappointment. (Or pre-book at $7.00 per person).

Food and drinks will be available to buy, but that note that alcohol is not permitted in the quadrangle.

Please bring something to sit on – rugs for the grassy areas, and chairs can be used on paved surfaces.

Deep South Kite Day, New Brighton Beach

Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 1 PM – 4 PM

Kite Day Christchurch 2019

Sun, sand, sea and kites! Pack a picnic, grab a kite and enjoy a great day out at the beach. Join in the beach dig, try some fun beach sports with Sport Canterbury and watch the kites soar on the sea breeze.

Remember to be sun smart and slip, slop, slap and wrap!

Night Noodle Markets, Hagley Park

February 6, 2019 – February 17, 2019

night noodle markets

Get excited noodle lovers because the ever popular Night Noodle Markets is returning to Christchurch for an extended 12 Nights in 2019!

We’re kicking off on Waitangi Day at North Hagley Park and this year, the markets coincide with the UB40 concert and the much-loved Sparks event.

So, prepare your senses as a fusion of Eastern flavours and Chinese lanterns will transform North Hagley Park into the ultimate Asian pop-up market experience!

Sparks in the Park, Hagley Park

Saturday, February 16, 2019  7:30 PM – 10 PM

sparks in the park christchurch 2019

A Christchurch tradition! Get the family together and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic fireworks events. Featuring the spectacular Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the programme will range from traditional classics to modern day favourites and a few surprises in between.

Sparks pre-show entertainment starts from 6pm. Pack a picnic or grab dinner from one of the food trucks at the event, plus the Night Noodle Markets will be open from 1pm on the day.

If wet, Sparks will be postponed to Sunday 17 February in North Hagley Park.

Christchurch Holi – Festival of Colours

Saturday February 2, 10am – 4pm, Hagley Park

christchurch holi festival

Holi is all about celebrating the people of New Zealand. Cultural-fusion performances will showcase the many different cultures in our community, joining together for one big party. Entry to this festival is free*! Watch this space for exciting updates and the new theme for 2019.

Holi is a day to forget your worries and connect with family and friends. Throw colours and dance to music from various DJs. Enjoy traditional Indian games, cultural performances and festive Holi delicacies.

This traditional Indian holiday originates from folk stories, passed down through generations. Each region in India celebrates in its own way but Holi is widely recognised as a day to forgive, look ahead and celebrate with colours as a community.

Tips for the day: 
Wear old clothes as the colour may not wash out.
Wear comfortable flat shoes that you don’t mind getting stained.
Bring cash to buy colour and enjoy delicious Holi food.
Parking is limited so plan your trip before the day.
*Please do not bring your own colours. Our colours are corn-flour based, non-toxic and cosmetic grade. They are safe for children and adults.

Entry to this festival is free* and Holi is strictly an alcohol and drug free event!

Nostalgia Festival 2019, Ferrymead Heritage Park

Saturday, February 16, 2019, 12:30 PM – 8 PM

nostalgia festival ferrymead 2019

Nostalgia Festival is unique summer experience held within the 1900s replica township of Ferrymead Heritage Park.

Nestled in the heart of Heathcote Valley, Nostalgia unites the community through the magic of music, showcasing a curated selection of feel-good New Zealand and international artists. Wind through the vintage festival streets to discover incredible local food, craft drinks, roving theatre, markets and more.

Find out more and buy tickets from the Nostalgia website.