What's On: Canterbury Polyfest and much more!

Check out what's happening in and around Christchurch over the weekend of 14 and 15 March.

SPACPAC Canterbury Polyfest 2026

Canterbury Polyfest 2026 celebrates Pacific culture with school performances, markets & food. A vibrant, family-friendly festival for our community.

The event will feature schools sharing their Pacific heritage through dance, song, and performance, along with bustling markets and delicious food stalls. It is a family-friendly event designed to engage, entertain, and well-feed attendees. 

The festival aims to keep the community connected and celebrate the diversity of Pacific youth across both days. Head to the Special Events Area - North Hagley Park, Park Terrace, Christchurch Central today, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th, 5-8:30pm both days. It's $5 to attend.

Party for the People!

Come celebrate with Phillipstown Community Hub as it closes its door on its current chapter. This is a celebration for the people, by the people.

This gathering marks the closing of one chapter, while also creating space to reflect, connect, and look ahead to the possibilities of what’s to come.

Expect a joyful afternoon/evening filled with live music and entertainment, market stalls, family fun and activities, face painting, a bouncy castle, food and drinks, and plenty of moments to celebrate together. Head to the Phillipstown Community Hub, 39 Nursery Road on Friday from 4-8pm - it's free to attend.

Kōrero with the Queens

Join drag queens Little Miss Cinamon, Jack Swallows, and Tony Chestnut for a lively and informative chat about all things drag!

MC Ray Shipley (a self-confessed outsider when it comes to the world of drag) will lead a discussion with these fabulous queens, asking all the questions about this artform that you might be too afraid to ask! There'll be an opportunity for questions from the floor too - so whether you're a budding performer, a life-long lover of drag, or a curious on-looker, this event will surprise, educate and delight. Plus, it wouldn't be a drag event without a glorious dance number at the end!

Head to Tūranga Library, Friday from 6-7pm - it's free to attend.

Christ Church Cathedral Open Weekend

Come and visit your Cathedral in the Square! 

Cathedral Square Unearthed brought 1,500 visitors through over the course of a week. It's a privilege to be able to do this, but we could do so much more if we were open. There is great joy in keeping the Cathedral's heart beating. We have done all of this at no cost to the project, but through the generosity of sponsors and supporters who want to see the Cathedral reopen, and Cathedral Square being returned to locals and visitors to our city.

Now we will need the city to speak up for us as part of the Council's annual plan consultation. Have a few minutes to spare? Speak up to reopen the Square.You can help reopen Christ Church Cathedral and return Cathedral Square to locals and visitors by submitting on the Council’s Annual Plan. letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/annualplan

For now, reserve your spot to come and have a look, ask any questions and get ready to speak up for our Cathedral! 13 to 15 March, 10am to 4.15pm - a koha to attend.

Cathedral Square Unearthed Exhibition

An exhibition of artefacts uncovered during post-earthquake archaeological excavations. Step back in time and uncover the stories buried beneath the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Presented by the Christchurch Archaeology Project — guardians of nearly half a million artefacts — the exhibition reflects their mission to preserve, share, and celebrate our archaeological heritage. It is delivered with the support of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project, The Crossing and with generous contributions from the local community.

Head to The Crossing, 166 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central, until 22 March 2026, 10am to 5pm daily. It's free to attend.