stuff offers a few highlights of events in Ōtautahi Christchurch this weekend and beyond.
Do you have an event coming up? E-mail [email protected]
An action-packed spring and summer awaits the Cantabrians as the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions let a large lineup of events go ahead with certainty.
Christchurch City Council events and arts manager Lucy Blackmore said a big summer season full of exciting community events was ahead.
“There has been a lot of disruption in recent years, so we’re excited to have more certainty as we plan for the warmer months ahead.”
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* Christchurch City Council cancels community events for February and March as red light restrictions persist
* Christchurch’s Guy Fawkes display moved to Matariki in July. to celebrate
* New light festival replaces delayed Botanic D’Lights
Superhomes tour
Visit eight Superhomes in greater Christchurch on a guided tour, Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm
The homes are super insulated and use the sun to stay warm and dry in the winter and use shade and thermal mass to stay cool in the summer.
Owners, builders and designers will explain the features of each home and answer questions to help people who want to create their own superhome.
All houses are open both days and the $10 ticket allows entry on both days.
A superhome in Greymouth is included in the national tour.
Buy tickets and addresses here
Delivered
The turnout at Food Truck Alley’s March launch weekend at the Mt. Pleasant Community Center surprised most sellers.
Food Truck Alley returns
The Popular Food Truck Alley will open again this Sunday – the first day of summer time – after a winter break.
It promises local food trucks, live music, free parking and access to the playground.
Visitors can enjoy Korean and Belgian cuisine, salads from the Butchers Wife, stews and fish dishes.
The foodie event was first launched in March and sellers were overwhelmed by the huge crowd that came.
The following Sunday, vendors like Jayden Stewart of Empire Chicken returned with enough food for the masses.
Food Truck Alley returns to Mt Pleasant Community Center, 3 McCormacks Bay Rd, on Sundays from 4-8pm. The market will shift to Mondays on long weekends, except this weekend when there is a public holiday on Monday to mark the Queen’s death.
Other festivals and markets this weekend include:
- Vintage Fest on Saturday at Lincoln Event Center – celebrating and commemorating years gone by.
- The Vegan night market at the Phillipstown Community Hub on Saturdays from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM – supporting local businesses and showcasing plant-based foods and products.
- The Canterbury Band Festival at St Margaret’s College Charles Luney Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday – featuring Canterbury brass bands.
- Pop singer Tony Hadley’s 40th Anniversary Tour, featuring the Fabulous TH Band, Saturday at the James Hay Theatre.
Delivered
Christchurch’s connection to Antactica is celebrated during the 11-day Days of Ice festival starting on September 29. (File photo)
Days of Ice
The fun kicks off this month with the Days of Ice festival celebrating Christchurch’s connection to Antarctica.
The 11-day series of events and activities will begin on September 29 and will include Arctic movies, children’s activities, exhibitions, guest speakers and virtual experiences.
For sports enthusiasts, the T20 Tri Series between the Blackcaps, Pakistan and Bangladesh will be at Hagley Oval October 7-14, and the Fast5 Netball World Series will be at the Christchurch Arena on November 5 and 6.
Cup and show week events return the second week of November, including races at Addington and Riccarton, as well as the popular New Zealand Agricultural Show.
Summer events kick off on December 4 with the Christmas Family Festival in Victoria Square.
It’s a new event for the whole family to “get everyone in the party mood,” Blackmore said.
“The good times roll on to our New Years Eve Party in North Hagley Park.
STACY SQUIRES/Things
Kite Day returns to New Brighton Beach in February 2023.
“The NYE22 event is spearheaded by Dragon, who will be playing their hits like April Sun in Cuba and Rain as we head into the new year.”
Sparksfeaturing the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and other performers, returns in January – it’s 40th anniversary.
“We’re working on some special ways to mark the occasion — pay attention to this space,” Blackmore said.
The Summer Sundays concert series and Summer Theater events in the Botanical Gardens run through January and February.
The summer event season will conclude with: Kite Day at New Brighton Beach on February 4.
Some of these events – including the New Year’s Eve Concert, Kite’s Day and Summer Theater – returning after being canceled last summer due to Covid.
“We are full steam ahead and look forward to sharing more details about all the fun, fantastic events we have as we get closer to summer,” Blackmore said.
Delivered
Riccarton Players presents Godspell – The Musical from October 6-15.
god spell
Riccarton Players returns to the music genre for its last production of the year.
Created in New York 50 years ago, Godspell is based on a book by John-Michael Tebelak that tells the Gospel of St Matthews through a group of people who help Jesus Christ teach various parables through games, songs and stories.
It features an eclectic mix of comedy, song and dance – with styles ranging from pop to vaudeville – as the cast chronicles the life of Jesus.
The Christchurch production lifts the story from its specific origins in the 1970s to focus on the timeless value of community building and how stories have the power to uplift and inspire everyone.
Godspell will be at the Drama Theater of Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Merival from October 6-15.
Tickets cost $15 to $35 by booking online at riccartonplayers.co.nz or calling 03 338 4699.