As the summer months start to wind down, and Autumn is on the horizon, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy around the garden city – at what tends to be a very popular time of year for visitors.
The weather is lovely most of the time, and as we head towards Easter, the autumn colours start to kick in, adding a beautiful dimension to our tree filled city centre.
Holi Festival of Colours, February 29 2020, 10am – 4pm
This annual event is held in Hagley Park and brings a vibrant, colour filled occasion to Christchurch.
Celebrated worldwide, the traditional Indian holiday is known for its vibrant powder colours that blanket people in the streets.
As one of the major Indian festivals, wherever Holi is celebrated, the spirit of the event remains the same. It’s a day to forgive, forget, reconnect, and enjoy time with family and friends.
Organisers invite festival goers to wear white clothing, and provide them with packets of colour powders which are liberally thrown into the air resulting in rainbow coloured people all around!
Anyone is fair game – it’s an all-out colour war. The powder colours used at Holi will wash off skin with soap and water but it’s best to wear old clothes. Wearing white makes the colours really stand-out.
The Festival also includes food stalls and entertainment and generally provides a carefree day of music, games, food and fun.
Check the Facebook Event page for updates and tips for the day.
Selwyn Sounds, 15 Meijer Drive, Lincoln, March 7 2020
This live music event will be a full on day to remember, with international and New Zealand music acts including Australian band Icehouse, 10cc from the UK, Midge Ure (the voice of Ultravox) also from the UK, Kiwi band Zed who have reunited after 15 years for this event, The Mockers, Jed Parsons and the Automatic 80s.
As well as an impressive lineup of musicians, Selwyn Sounds also has a great range of local food trucks, two well stocked bars and great security on site to make sure everyone has a good time all day.
Find out more about what’s on offer right here.
Tickets can be purchased online, along with transport from the city.
Aldous Harding, Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium, 15 March 2020
Celebrated New Zealand singer-songwriter Aldous Harding returns home for a unique and special handful of NZ shows this March, including this performance at the Christchurch Town Hall.
Joined by two of the most compelling artists of the indie world today, Weyes Blood and Purple Pilgrims, this is a triple billing not to be missed.
Experience Aldous Harding live, joined by Weyes Blood and Purple Pilgrims.
Russell Brand: Recovery Live, Isaac Theatre Royal, 17 March 2020
A funny and profane exploration into personal development and wellness from a comedian who has dedicated himself to spirituality to avoid self-destruction.
This 90-minute experience will introduce you to the system that saved his life, continues to save his sanity and will work for anyone who is willing to commit to it.
Grow Ō Tautahi Garden Festival, 20 March 2020
Grow Ō Tautahi 2020 is a FREE vibrant, contemporary garden festival showcasing creativity, innovation & the region’s love of gardens, design & outdoor living.
The festival will take place in the heart of the city in our beautiful Botanic Gardens in Rolleston Avenue, with pop up events at Christchurch Art Gallery.
The GROW programme will include practical workshops, panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and entertainment all in the spectacular Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
New Brighton Outdoor Art Festival, March 28 2020, 10am – 8pm
New Brighton is known for its surf beach, pier, ‘Seaside Market’, the waterfront children’s playground, and will soon be home to the ‘He Puna Taimoana’ hot salt water pools.
The New Brighton Outdoor Art Festival (NBOAF) aims to transform some of the most prominent vacant and derelict sites in New Brighton into vibrant, creative, spaces through the use of street art during a one day event to be held in central New Brighton.
30 talented artists will take to the streets to paint murals and artworks, plus a Welcome to New Brighton wall designed by professional artists will be painted by volunteers and locals – you are welcome to participate.
Christchurch Food Show, Horncastle Arena, 3-5 April 2020
If you are passionate about food and wine, the Christchurch Food Show is an event not to miss.
Discover recipes and hot tips from top celebrity chefs in the NEFF Cooking Theatre or if you’re looking to find the best deals, don’t look past the show-only deals from over 125 exhibitors.
There’s something for all tastes in the brand new Deli Collective, New New New Street Food Alley, Brewers’ Lane, Artisan Village and the Ceres Organics Healthy Hub Kitchen. All demonstrations and feature zones are included free with your entry ticket.
Tickets are $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors and children (6-12).
Forest Run Fest Autumn, April 11 2020
This is a morning for all levels of walkers and runners to get out there, compete and breathe in the fresh forest air with your family and friends.
The big one: A 21km half marathon. This is the longest course on the event. Challenge yourself!
The middle one: Confident but not too confident? Give the 10km a go, you’ll surprise yourself.
The little one: Just starting out and want to try a race? Do the 5km and see what it’s all about.
The tiny one: This 2km course is for tiny legs – kids 10 years and under.
Date: Saturday 11th April 2020
Start Time: From 8am
Start Location: Bottle Lake Forest Park (100 Waitikiri Drive, Parklands).
Cost: $60 per person for the big one, $50 per person for the middle one, $30 per person for the little one and $10 per person for the tiny one.
Registrations close at midnight on Thursday 9th April 2020. Find out more and register here.
When you register you will receive access to a training plan, and all finishers get a medal. The course will be mostly flat, with clean air, lots of trees and plenty of space.
