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Here's your guide to some of the free and low-cost events that will be happening around the city this weekend.

Open Christchurch

The one-weekend-only festival of exceptional architecture, Open Christchurch, is underway this weekend. Building owners of 51 of Christchurch’s best buildings will open their doors so you can experience great design, from the inside, for free (a handful of bookings-only buildings and guided walks are $5 plus booking fees).

From the largest building, One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, to the tiniest treasure, Bull O’Sullivan Architecture’s Chapel of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the programme spans a rich variety of buildings, landscapes and experiences. Connect with Christchurch’s story as you uncover its special places with behind-the-scenes access and unique experiences on offer. Open Christchurch is on from Friday to Sunday across Christchurch.

Polish Constitution Day

The Polish Association in Christchurch welcomes you to the 3rd of May Constitution Day Celebration, organised together with the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland, Mrs Winsome Dormer. This special event will commemorate one of the most significant moments in Polish history – the adoption of Europe’s first democratic constitution in 1791. His Excellency Mr Maksymilian Zych, Consul of the Republic of Poland, will be joining as a guest of honour.

This celebration will be held at the Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre at 3pm Saturday. Please RSVP through this link. To mark this occasion, the Christchurch Airport and the Memorial Bridge will be illuminated in the colours of the Polish flag on Friday and Saturday evening.

Creative Gothic: Etch your own architectural coasters

Explore the work of architect Benjamin Mountfort by crafting your own Gothic Revival-themed coasters on the central library’s laser cutters.

You’ll be able to craft custom badges, draw digital art on iPads and tour the rest of the library’s creative facilities as well. Come along to Tūranga to get involved from 10.30 – 11.30am or 2 – 4pm Sunday. Please note these sessions cost $5.

Empowering Zero Waste through Art | Without Waste & Envirokids

Join us for a fun and creative hands-on event where we’ll transform waste into wonder through the magic of upcycled art. Bring your family and explore the wonders of upcycled art and make a positive impact on the environment through creativity.

Learn how turning waste into art helps reduce our environmental footprint and fosters a more sustainable future. Come along to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens from 10am – 1pm Saturday to get involved.

Sunday Maker's Market

The Sunday Maker’s Market is on every Sunday in the heart of the central city. The market offers locally made goods from artisan crafters as well as food vendors. Make it your destination for the authentic and unique.

Ferrymead Night Market 

Catch up with friends and family over some delicious food at the Ferrymead Night Market on Saturday 4-8pm, held at the Ferrymead Heritage Park. 

Enjoy a night off cooking and support local food vendors, enjoy local craft beers and be entertained with live music, train and tram rides and more. Cash is recommended for some stalls and dogs are welcome on leads.