Things to do  |  4h ago

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Get ready for a sizzling summer events season in Ōtautahi Christchurch, with free open-air concerts, plays and live music happening around the city.

Christchurch City Council’s programme of summer events starts on New Year’s Eve and continues throughout January and February.

NYE Kids Countdown & NYE25

Celebrate the year-that-was as our free, all-ages New Year’s Eve parties take over North Hagley Park on 31 December. The family-friendly NYE Kids Countdown from 4-7pm has games, live music, dance battles and a special confetti countdown at the fabulous hour of 7pm.

From 8pm NYE25 features live music from Brad Staley, Dillastrate and Kora, beats from DJ Sambora and an epic fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight!

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, performing live 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, weekend matinees at 4pm.

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!

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.

Mitre10 Sparks

One of our 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, finishing with the grand fireworks finale.

Saturday 14 February at North Hagley Park, live music from 6.30pm, main show starts 7.30pm.

Visit What’s On for more events and information, and What’s On Christchurch Facebook page for updates.