A weekend for music lovers

A book fair, musical performances and plant swaps - check out what's on in Christchurch this weekend.

Arts Centre Chamber Series: Voices of Ōtākaro

Join talented musicians from UC Music and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and hear the poetry of Mary Oliver, Federuci García Lorca, local texts from the Ōtākaro River Trail, waiata and more, brought to life by vocalists Zara Ballara, Naomi Ferguson, and Yumeka Hildreth.

With compositions by Reuben de Lautour and Mahini-Ina Kingi-Kaui, David Roitstein and George Crumb, under the musical direction of Professor Mark Menzies, this evening is a must for lovers of music and poetry. Enjoy the Arts Centre Chamber Series: Voices of Ōtākaro at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre from 2 – 4.30pm Sunday.

Linwood Drain Enhancement Project

Local groups and residents are getting together to enhance the Linwood Drain, including beautifying the walking track and improving water quality. Come along this Saturday from 10am – midday to help out.

The group will be planting, removing weeds, watering, mulching, removing litter and pruning as required. Plants are kindly donated by Trees for Canterbury native tree nursery. Tools and morning tea are provided. Wear closed footwear and dress for the weather. Linwood Drain is located on the east side of Tilford, 112 Tilford Street.

Witches, Wizards and Trolls

Under the baton of the Orchestra’s permanent Music Director and Conductor Mark Hodgkinson, the Philharmonic will perform some significantly grand repertoire. The Orchestra's second concert of the season features a repertoire that explores all things spooky, including the Harry Potter Suite, Danse Macabre, Night on Bare Mountain as well as the charming fairytale story The Emperor and the Nightingale by NZ composer Jenny McLeod.

Head to Charles Luney Auditorium at St Margaret’s College from 2.30 – 4.30pm Sunday to check out the Witches, Wizards and Trolls concert.

Great Halswell Scouts Book Fair 2025

Halswell Scouts are holding a book sale to help fund essential upgrades needed to repair parts of the Halswell Scout Hall building. On offer is a diverse selection of books for both adults and children, fiction and non-fiction, along with a selection of games and puzzles.

Head along to the Halswell Scout Hall at 305 Halswell Road from 9am – 3pm Saturday or Sunday to check it out. 

Plant it Forward: Houseplant Cutting Share/Swap

Share, swap and select new houseplants cuttings at our pop-up plant propagation station at Plant it Forward at Shirley and Linwood Libraries this weekend. All indoor plant cuttings welcome, free, no bookings required.

Head to Shirley Library or Linwood Library on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to check it out.