Things to do  |  Yesterday

Wrap up warm and spend time with family and friends this weekend. Here's our low-cost guide to activities happening around the city.

Winter Fireworks Spectacular

Round up your whānau and join us for the Winter Fireworks Spectacular set to your fave 'Fire and Ice' hits!

Winter Fireworks Spectacular delivers a cracker fireworks display set to your favourite bangers celebrating all things 'Fire and Ice' including Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice and Light My Fire from The Doors. 

A range of food vendors offering a variety of dinner, snack and drink options will be located at the carpark north of the Pier on Marine Parade from 5.30pm to 8pm on Saturday. The event base will also be buzzing with on-theme entertainment.

The Winter Fireworks Spectacular fireworks display will commence at approximately 7.30pm.  

New Brighton Carnival

Head down to the New Brighton Pier from 11am on Saturday and Sunday to check out the New Brighton Carnival. 

The free event includes amusement rides, bouncy castles, food trucks and live entertainment. 

Christchurch Brick Show

New Zealand’s largest LEGO show is back with three hundred exhibitors and heaps of activities for LEGO lovers of all ages. The show has incredible displays of LEGO creations and collections and heaps of LEGO-based activities for all the family. 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door on the day and cost between $0-$6 (under 2’s are free.) Christchurch Brick Show is on at Wolfbrook Arena, 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.

A low sensory hour for those with special needs will be held on both days of the show, from 8am to 9am.

Crystals and Crafts Market

The Canterbury Mineral and Lapidary club are hosting their second Crystals and Craft Market featuring rocks, crystals and carvings to tempt enthusiasts and collectors. There are also artisanal products such as leather work and incense for sale.

Whether you're a seasoned collector, a curious newcomer, or simply in search of unique gifts, this market offers something for everyone. Saturday 10am-3pm, 110 Waltham Road. Please bring cash.

Festival of Brass

The New Zealand Brass Band Champs feature the best brass band musicians from Aotearoa and overseas in solo, ensemble and band competitions. Competition is taking place on Saturday from 9.30am – 4.30pm at the Christchurch Town Hall Complex, free entry.

On Sunday morning the Parade of Bands Street March sets off from Victoria Square at 10.30am. There will be food vendors, face painting and balloon twisting from 10am.

Port Hills Planting Day

Roll up your sleeves and help restore native bush at Ohinetahi Reserve on the Port Hills this Sunday, 9.30am-1pm. The Summit Road Society is hosting the planting day, as part of ongoing efforts to replant and care for native bush in this area since the Port Hills fires of 2017. 

Bring sturdy shoes or gumboots, weather-appropriate clothing, and your enthusiasm! Organisers will provide the plants, tools and guidance. 

Spaces are limited – those keen to attend should register here.