Autumn and Winter 2019 Events in Christchurch

As the weather is starting to cool down and a few more rainy days appear on the radar, its time to look ahead at what’s happening in the Garden City over the next few months.

While the recent tragedy has had a serious impact on locals and visitors alike, the Christchurch community is still finding ways to come together and enjoy each other’s company and forms of entertainment that lift spirits all around.

We Will Rock You, 29 March 2019 to 7 April 2019,  Isaac Theatre Royal

we will rock you chch

In the last few decades there has been a trend towards movies and stage musicals based around some of our favourite rock bands and performers, linked into a narrative – Mama Mia, Across the Universe (the Beatles) and mostly recently, NZ’s own Daffodil all come to mind.

And We Will Rock You is of course based on the music of rock super band, Queen.

Imagine a world without rock music under the control of an all-powerful global company and its tyrannical boss, Killer Queen.

Scaramouche and Galileo, two young outsiders, cannot come to terms with this bleak conformist reality. They join rock rebels the Bohemians and embark on the search to find the unlimited power and freedom of rock music.

Since 2002 over 16 million theatre-goers in 28 countries have rocked out to this unique musical based on the songs of Queen. Written by Ben Elton (The Young Ones, Blackadder) this futuristic comedy is based around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hits including:

We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, I Want To Break Free, Somebody To Love, Killer Queen, Don’t Stop Me Now, Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You. This is a night to remember, performed by the talented cast of Showbiz Christchurch. Book your tickets here. 

The Christchurch Food Show, 05 – 07 April 2019, Horncastle Arena

chch food show 2019

The perfect venue for all Christchurch food lovers, The Food Show is where you can try and buy the very best local and international food, wine, beer and so much more! If you love to cook and entertain, The Food Show is the perfect spot to gather inspiration.

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 incredible show only offers from over 120 exhibitors.

Don’t miss  show features, with something for everyone including Street Food Alley, Cheese Alley, Artisan Village and the Healthy Hub. All demonstrations and feature zones are included free with your entry ticket.

Culinary guest speakers this year include all the favourites – Annabel Langbein and Annabel White, Josh Emmett, Jax Hamilton, Giulio Sturla and Luke Hines.

You can book tickets online right here. And while you’re booking you can also contribute $2 to this year’s charity which is the Christchurch City Mission.

You Are Us Concert, Christchurch Stadium, April 17th

you are us concert christchurch

On Wednesday April 17 in Christchurch the New Zealand music industry comes together to present YOU ARE US/AROHA NUI to raise funds and donate all proceeds from ticket sales to the Our People, Our City fund which was set up by the Christchurch Foundation helping those affected by the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Performers include Lorde, Anika Moa, The Adults, Bailey Wiley, Bic Runga, Dave Dobbyn, The Exponents, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Hollie Smith, Marlon Williams, Shihad, Shapeshifter and Stan Walker, along with many more.

Ticket prices are Adults $79.00 Children (12 years old and under) $39.00.

Tickets are available from Ticketek.

Norah Jones in Concert, April 29, Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium

norah jones

The ‘Come Away With Me’ singer will perform in Christchurch on April 29. This tour will be the pianist/vocalist’s first performances in New Zealand in 14 years.

Jones’ 2002 debut album, Come Away With Me, was a massive global phenomenon, selling over one million copies in Australia alone and 27 million globally.

To date, she has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. From jazz to country, folk, rock and soul, Jones is a singular talent whose work crosses all the boundaries of American music – as evidenced on her chart-topping solo releases.

Tickets to the Christchurch concert are still available here. 

Christchurch Marathon, Queen’s Birthday Weekend, Sunday 2nd June 2019, Christchurch Town Hall

chch marathon

2019 marks the 39th running of the South Island’s favourite foot race.

Inspired by the 1974 Commonwealth Games marathon, the Christchurch Marathon event is renowned as one of the fastest courses in the world and for the first time since 2010, it will be returning to the Town Hall as the location the Start/Finish line, prizegiving and venue for picking up race packs and more.

The Christchurch Marathon is also one of the most scenic and supportive, welcoming all age & ability for a flat, fast and scenic tour around iconic Christchurch landmarks such as Cathedral Square, Hagley Park, the Avon River & the Red Zone.

With a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & Kids’ Mara’Fun available, there is something for everyone.

You can now submit your race entry online here, and find out more about the event and the course through the website here.

Rewind the Future, Dr Jane Goodall, May 30, Christchurch Town Hall

jane goodall chch 2019

The Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand & Loop  welcome Dr. Jane Goodall back to New Zealand to help us Rewind The Future. Discover how Dr. Goodall and her Institute are helping to rewind the future for planet earth.

Dr. Goodall will speak about devoting her life to making a difference for all, and the power of individual action to enable us to change the course of time.

Through her work and that of her Institute, Dr. Goodall has seen the mounting global crises that we currently face first hand, such as climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, and global conflict. These talks will touch on Dr. Goodall’s incredible life story, along with solutions to these problems to help turn back the clock and create a future where people, animals and the environment live in balance.

Dr. Goodall will be joined by very special guests to be announced, and a presentation from Dr. Goodall herself. Proceeds from each event will go directly to the Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand, assisting the important work they do to help create a better world for people, other animals and our shared planet.

Buy tickets for Dr Goodall talk here.

 

Summer 2019 Christchurch Events

Summer in Christchurch so far has been hot and full of things to do and get involved in.

The Bread and Circus Buskers Festival has the city buzzing for the next few weeks, and there are plenty more events to look forward to. We’ve listed just a few of them below.

Nigella Lawson, January 25 2019, Isaac Theatre Royal

if you love Nigella’s recipes and tv shows, this is your chance to book an evening with the queen of cuisine herself! She will be onstage at the Isaac Theatre Royal talking about life, food and so much more.

Even better, you have the chance to ask her questions through the tour website here. Make the most of a night out in the beautiful Theatre Royal.

Night Noodle Markets, February 6th -17th February 2019, Hagley Park

night noodles chch

Returning for the third year, the Night Noodle Markets are back for 12 days/nights kicking off on our national day, Waitangi Day.

Treat yourself to delicious dumplings, BBQ skewers, eastern desserts, oodles of noodles and more.

Dates: 6th -17th February (12 nights)
North Hagley Park – 14 Riccarton Ave, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011
Trading Hours: 4 pm to 10 pm daily (Closes early at 9 pm Sunday 17th)
*Early opening of 1pm on Saturday 16th Feb for SPARKS!*

Entry is FREE! (Dogs are welcome on a leash)
Prices range from $5 – $20
Cashless event – EFTPOS/Credit Card/Apple Pay facilities available – just tap or swipe

Sparks in the Park, February 16th, Hagley Park

sparks Christchurch

Sparks is one of the most popular events on the Summertimes calendar and wraps up the programme for the season.

Head to Hagley Park with your picnic rug or chairs and settle in for an evening of orchestral entertainment, choreographed to spectacular fireworks. The CSO plays a great selection of popular music, so there is something for everyone.

Anthony Harper Summer Theatre, 27 Feb – 17 March, Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Summer Theatre Christchurch

Anthony Harper Summer Theatre presents King Arthur in association with Rollicking Entertainment.

An epic tail retold and reinvigorated with a fresh, diverse and cheeky rendition that will entertain all, while enjoying food and beverages in the Botanic Gardens.

This is a free event but koha donations would be gratefully accepted – so make sure to bring a little cash with you.

The location in the Garden is the Murray Aynsley Lawn, which is near the back of Christchurch Hospital and best accessed from the Riccarton Avenue entrance to the Park. Check out the Facebook event page for more details.

 

Events in Christchurch November and December 2018

Festa 2016

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

Guy-Fawkes-2018 Chch

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.