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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
