Things to do  |  7 Feb 2025

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Enjoy a night of music and fireworks at Mitre10 Sparks, celebrate the Chinese New Year, or dive into the Jellie Park Pool Party - check out what's on in Christchurch this weekend.

Mitre10 Sparks

Be treated to a night of fabulous music led by Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and supported by local performers at Mitre10 Sparks. Come along to North Hagley Park on Saturday for a dynamic mix of classic, jazz, pop and cultural music.  

Mitre10 Sparks is on in North Hagley Park on Saturday evening

The free event starts at 6.30pm, with the show starting at 7.30pm and wrapping up 9.40pm after a stellar fireworks display amplified by CSO.

Chinese New Year celebrations

Head down to Victoria Square this weekend to celebrate the Year of the Snake at the Happy Chinese New Year Festival 2025. Enjoy firework displays, performances, lanterns and food stalls while getting a taste of Chinese/Asian culture. Come along from 5 – 10pm Friday and 11am – 10pm Saturday. This is a free event, please note there will be no sky lanterns at this event.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with free Christchurch City Libraries sessions at Tūranga on Saturday. Come and join a traditional shadow puppet storytelling from 1.30 – 2.30pm, and make your own shadow puppet to tell your own story with your family from 2.30 – 3.30pm.

Jellie Park Pool Party

Get ready for a day of summer fun at the Jellie Park Summer Sports Day Pool Party on Saturday. Dive into the action with a lineup of giant inflatables, shoot hoops on mega basketball inflatables and race through the obstacle course and bouncy castles.

The Manu Competition Grand Final will be on from midday to 2pm and Christchurch City Libraries will have a summertime pop up library at the pool for when you’re ready to take a break from all the action.

Summer Sundays – Folk and Country Vibes

Chill out and enjoy folk and country vibes with Tess Liautaud and Band, The Kay Duncan Band and The Wax Birds at the second Summer Sundays afternoon session. The outdoor summer music series is supported by The Hits and has two free concerts left!

Head over to Archery Lawn at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens from 1 – 4pm Sunday to get involved. Picnic food, drinks and chairs are welcome – no glass please.

New Year New Wishes exhibition

Discover the vibrant history of Chinese folk arts traditions at the New Year New Wishes exhibition at Tūranga. The exhibition brings traditional Chinese art to life through shadow puppetry, New Year paintings and clay sculptures. Uncover the origins of these art forms and their significance in Chinese New Year celebrations and explore their vital role within the New Zealand Chinese community.

New Year New Wishes will be on display at Tūranga until 23 February. This exhibition is free of charge.