From blockbuster exhibitions and public art to music festivals, sport, and family-friendly celebrations, Christchurch’s summer calendar is packed.
Whether you’re chasing culture, live music, adrenaline, or a night out in the city, Ōtautahi delivers a season of standout events across parks, streets, and venues.
Here’s what’s on and worth marking in your diary this summer.
SCAPE Public Art Season 2025
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is hosting four emerging artists as part of SCAPE Public Art’s Season 2025, themed The Limits of Language.
The season explores where language breaks down and how meaning is expressed beyond words through visual and spatial practices.
Works by Noelle Nash-Austrin, Ivy Annette Gardiner Arcus, Anh Le, and Sahansa Dasindi Karunarathna are installed across South Quad and Market Square. SCAPE pocket guides are available from Rutherford’s Den. https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/scape-public-art-season-2025/
Silversmiths’ Guild Annual Exhibition 2025
This year’s exhibition celebrates 40 years of creativity, craftsmanship and passing of knowledge about an ancient craft. Browse stunning jewellery and miniatures from guest exhibitors from The Ashburton Society of Arts.
The Exhibition features over 300 handcrafted pieces from 30 talented local makers who are members of the Silversmiths’ Guild of Canterbury.
The Guild was based at the Arts Centre pre-quakes and now has a teaching studio in The Tannery complex in Woolston. https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/silversmiths-guild-annual-exhibition-2025/
New Year’s Eve
Say hello to 2026 with New Year’s Eve celebrations in North Hagley Park.
NYE Kids Countdown, 4-7pm – powered with Hydrate by IHF, is kicking off the New Year’s Eve celebrations early with a special kids’ event that your whānau won’t want to miss. Join the fun without having to stay out late!
NYE25 8pm to midnight – featuring Kora, with support from local acts Dillastrate, Brad Staley and DJ Sambora, all MCed by Henare Kaa. https://ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/whats-on/event/nye25
The Art of Banksy
The world-famous exhibition, The Art of Banksy, is coming to Christchurch this summer at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
With over 150 original artworks, prints, and installations by the elusive street artist, this is your final chance to experience Banksy’s most iconic and thought-provoking pieces in Aotearoa.
From Girl with Balloon (Gold Edition) to Flower Thrower, this is an unmissable opportunity to get up close to authenticated Banksy artworks. https://www.tepae.co.nz/the-art-of-banksy
Go Live in the Gardens
Brand new for 2026, this free concert takes place from 1-4pm on Friday, 2 January. We’ve brought together two legendary New Zealand acts, Stellar* and The Mockers, for a live performance on the picturesque Botanic Gardens Archery Lawn.
Gather your friends, pack a picnic, and soak up the vibrant sounds that define Aotearoa’s music scene.
Anthony Harper Summer Theatre
For an iconic Christchurch summer experience, head to the Botanic Gardens Archery Lawn to watch Rollicking Entertainment’s new comedy The Lord of the Rings in 90 Minutes!
Three actors and a musician take a journey to Middle Earth; no elves, orcs, or halflings will want to miss.
The Anthony Harper Summer Theatre series runs from 9 – 25 January. Evening shows start at 7pm, and weekend matinees at 4pm.
World Buskers Festival
This summer, the streets of Ōtautahi Christchurch come alive with laughter, spectacle, and the kind of unexpected moments that make the World Buskers Festival one of our most loved festivals.
From Friday, 23 January to Sunday, 1 February 2026, across the five city pitches and two pop-up locations, the festival blends the best of international street talent with the creativity and spirit of homegrown performers.
Expect jaw-dropping acrobatics, cheeky comedy, world-class circus acts, and unforgettable moments in every corner of the central city. https://www.worldbuskersfestival.co.nz/
Kite Day
Paint the sky with colour at Kite Day on Saturday 24 January, 12-4pm.
New Brighton Beach provides the canvas for a creative display of sky-high creatures, cartoons and shapes for all ages to fly or enjoy, along with beach activities like swimming, sandcastle building and picnicking.
Summer Sundays
Eight awesome bands over three Summer Sundays at the stunning Botanic Gardens Archery Lawn, the perfect setting for sun and shade.
Gather up your friends and whānau for one, two or all three live music events on 1 February, 8 February and 22 February, 1-4pm.
Bring chairs or picnic blankets, your own food and drink (no glass) and maybe your dancing shoes as well!
Lexus Urban Polo
Get amongst all the action on and off the field. Watch thrilling, fast-paced polo matches, stomp the divots, try polo for yourself on top of our hitting boxes, meet the polo players, check out our epic DJ line-up on the main stage, enjoy the delicious offerings from our food and beverage partners or try out one of the activations.
Tickets on sale now for General Admission, VIP and Corporate Hosting in our Private Marquees. It’s truly an experience like no other! https://www.urbanpolo.co.nz/
Mitre10 Sparks
One of the Council’s most popular summer events, Mitre10 Sparks is set to dazzle again this summer with a special Valentine’s Day themed evening of colourful, creative and crowd-pleasing entertainment for all those who love open-air music!
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and special guest artists present a dazzling night of performance with a contemporary feel and a romantic edge, culminating in a grand fireworks finale.
Saturday 14 February at North Hagley Park, live music from 6.30pm, main show starts 7.30pm.
Crankworx Christchurch
From 19 – 22 February, the world’s best mountain bikers will descend on Christchurch Adventure Park for a four-day celebration of speed, skill, and the wild side of MTB.
Expect action-packed events, family-friendly vibes, and the electric festival atmosphere Crankworx is known for, all set against Canterbury’s iconic Port Hills.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just keen for an epic summer day out, tickets are on sale now, with options for fans of all ages. Don’t miss your chance to witness gravity-defying talent right here in Ōtautahi. https://www.crankworx.com/christchurch/
Electric Avenue
Electric Avenue isn’t just a festival – it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Hagley Park transforms into the ultimate party this summer, featuring world-class artists, huge stages, and nonstop energy.
Two days. Unmatched energy. Unforgettable memories. https://electricavenuefestival.co.nz/ For more information, visit https://ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/whats-on
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