What's on in Christchurch and beyond

From markets and brunch with your community, to an 80's party or a pint with your pooch - here's a list of free or low cost activities to enjoy this weekend.

Six Extinctions

Come face to face with some of the top predators of each geological period with a free temporary Canterbury Museum exhibition! Meet the likes of Dunkleosteus, a giant armoured fish that terrorised the seas, Inostrancevia, a tiger-sized sabre-toothed beats, and a scary 13-metre T-rex skeleton!

Enjoy displays of collection highlights and explore the five mass extinction events in Earth’s history, and the sixth and current extinction crisis – climate change. This exhibition will be on display at Canterbury Museum at CoCA, 66 Gloucester Street, from 9am – 5pm daily until 3 December.

Free Art Saturdays: Plastalina Figures

Free Art Saturdays takes place every Saturday at Linwood Arts, 388 Worcester Street, from 2:30pm – 4:30pm. The classes are completely free and open to everyone, with no experience necessary and all materials supplied!

Topics and tutors change regularly, so come and try your hand at something new with the whole family! Bookings are advised as places fill up quickly, not suitable for children aged 5 and under.

Lyttelton Market

The weekly Lyttelton Farmers Market is here! Check out the Saturday market from 10am – 1pm on London Street, and enjoy everything from organic vegetables and fresh fruit to flowers and baked delights.

While you're checking out the market stalls, make sure to pop over to the Christchurch City Council stand as we find out what matters most to Christchurch residents about their city. With challenging issues and decisions on the horizon, we want to hear from as wide a range of viewpoints as possible to inform the Council's Long Term Plan 2024–2034. At the stand you'll be able to use tokens to show us what matters most to you. Learn more here. 

South Christchurch Farmers’ Market

Can’t make it to the Lyttelton Market on Saturday? Check out the South Christchurch Farmers’ Market on Sunday! Top up your vege shop with fresh artisan bread, French-style pastries, free-range eggs and much more. Soak up the relaxed and friendly atmosphere from 9am to midday at 70 Colombo Street, next to South Christchurch Library.

Plus, come along to the Christchurch City Council stand to have your say on what matters most to you as a Christchurch resident, and help inform the Council’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034. Learn more here.

Pints for Pooches

Head over to Moon Under Water, 152 Somerfield St, and take part in Pints for Pooches – the ultimate celebration of our furry friends, for a good cause! Organised by Garage Project and Goldings Dive Bar, this annual SPCA fundraiser brings together dog-friendly venues across New Zealand, serving up unique dog-themed kegs.

Bring your furry friend along for a human-style pub crawl and enjoy a diverse beer selection on each location. This chance to support the SPCA whilst sipping on fantastic brews will kick off at 11pm Saturday with no entry fee.

Movie Soundtrack Playoffs

Make your way to the Arcadia Retro Arcade and Pinball Emporia from 7pm Saturday for an R18 event, playing your favourite music from the 80s and those songs from movies that make you sing along!

From Grease to Rocky Horror, Flash Dance to Ghost, Sister Act to Blues Brothers, join in for a night of good old fashioned fun! Grab a mic and sing a song at the Movie Soundtrack Playoffs and part at the arcade for $10pp!

Robin White: Te Whanaketanga Something is Happening Here

A retrospective exhibition honouring one of New Zealand’s most decorated and best-loved contemporary artists, Dame Robin White, is going on display from 22 July - 5 November for free at Christchurch Art Gallery. Robin White: Te Whanaketanga | Something is Happening Here will showcase around 50 iconic, diverse and innovative works created by White (b. 1946, Ngāti Awa, Pākehā) in the last of four shows across Aotearoa.  

This Saturday, Dame Robin White will be joined by Co-curators Dr Sarah Farrar, Head of Curatorial and Learning at Auckland Art Gallery, and Dr Nina Tonga, Curator Contemporary Art at Te Papa, for two artist talk sessions as part of the exhibition opening day. This floortalk will be taking place at 11am and 1pm Saturday, with the intention of keeping numbers manageable through the exhibition.  

Te Whare Maire o Nga Punawerewere

Come along to the Eastside Gallery in Linwood Arts to take a look at the annual celebration of the mahi of local Māori artists making Māori art! This free show has been run in Eastside Gallery for over 20 years and occurs during the Matariki period.

The Gallery is open midday to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, so make sure to check out the mahi of both new and senior artists this weekend at 388 Worcester Street.

Brazilian culture courses

All women are invited to join at Phillipstown Community Hub from 10am – 11:30am Saturday to celebrate the diversity of cultures and empower immigrant women in the community – for just $5!

Through engaging workshops, cultural presentations and networking opportunities, the courses aim to provide tools and resources that enhance well-being, develop life skills and create employment opportunities. Take part in a drumming women circle session this weekend, and find out about other courses here.

Share Kai and Kōrero at Kohinga

Join at the St Albans Community Centre for this weekend’s cosy winter brunch! Connect with others over tasty food and share in the traditional cuisines for communities that call Ōtautahi home.

Eritrean and Afghan Share Kai groups will serve up their tasty brunches from 10am to Midday, with vegan, glute-free and halal meat options available. Prices start at $5, cash only.