Explore the Garden City
There’s no shortage of options in and around Christchurch during the next few months, with events ranging from concerts and theatrical shows, to culture, art and heritage offerings.
Some attractions in the Garden City are permanent, such as the Riverside Market, New Regent Street, The Terraces, and Little High/Salt District, while others – concerts, shows and art exhibitions for example – run intermittently. Check out the local touring concerts and activities, and don’t forget to wander round a few of the civic fixtures such as Te Pae, the museum, the library and a few art galleries. Admire the city’s growing street art collection, explore the city’s repurposed heritage buildings, and join in the spring celebrations.
Here are some options:
Christchurch Heritage Festival
On now until 24 October, the festival is an opportunity to share the stories of the past that link us to this place. Visit historic Riccarton House, take a guided walk along the Promenade, hear war stories from days long gone, and much more.
For full details visit the website.
ccc.govt.nz/heritagefestival
Scared Scriptless
Running on Friday nights at The Court Theatre, Scared Scriptless is an improvised comedy show that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. Performed by Canterbury’s best improvisers, every show is unique, silly and absolutely hilarious. Friday nights, 21 October to 18 November.
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Wednesday 19 October, 7.30 – 10pm at the Christchurch Town Hall in the central City. Good To Be Bad Tour: 45 Years of Rock, with special guest Delaney Davidson. One of the most consistent – and consistently passionate – progenitors of blues-based rock in pop culture history.
Christchurch Big Band Festival
Thursday 20 to Monday 24 October. Various venues. Christchurch is the place to be in Labour weekend to enjoy the joy of Big Band music. Free events throughout the city all weekend as well as a ticketed gala concert, workshops, jams, a ball and more.
Visit www.chchbigbandfest.com
Mel Parsons – Slow Burn Album Release Tour
Saturday 29 October, 8pm to 10.30pm, at the Isaac Theatre Royal, central City. Award-winning indie-folk artist Mel Parsons performs in Christchurch as part of an 11-date national tour, featuring songs from her latest album, written at her home in Lyttelton, and produced at LOHO in Ōtautahi by multi-instrumentalist Josh Logan.
Christchurch Women’s Lifestyle Expo
Saturday 29 October and Sunday 30 October, 10am at Horncastle Arena, Addington. A two-day event for women of all ages, with more than 200 companies involved. Featuring everything from artisan goods, jewellery and beauty to fashion, eco-friendly products, business products and information, fitness, gourmet food and beverages and much more.
Fashion For A Cure Christchurch
Thursday 17 November, 7pm to 10.30pm 2022 7.00pm – 10.30pm, at the Majestic, Durham Street, Christchurch. The 8th such show, celebrating 15 of New Zealand’s finest fashion designers while raising vital funds for research into a breast cancer cure.
Melodies & Memories: A Gala Event in Support of Nurse Maude
Saturday 19 November, at the Christchurch Golf Club, 7pm to 11.30pm. Dig out your best dress or suit, dust off your dancing shoes and join in a fun-packed evening of food, drink and entertainment, while raising funds for this worthwhile cause.
Alan Carr – Regional Trinket
Wednesday 23 November, 8pm to 9pm at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Gloucester St. Alan’s back on the road with a brand-new stand-up show ‘Regional Trinket’. From the exhilarating high of his star-studded wedding day to the low of lockdown stuck on a farm, a lot has changed since Alan’s last tour in 2016, including Alan. Nowadays, it’s all about finding happiness and joy in the small things – why be a national treasure when you can be a Regional Trinket?