Christchurch Events and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand NZ)

Each year, a number of cultural activities and annual events are staged within the city of Christchurch, with various seasonal festivals often being based around Cathedral Square. A true hub for entertainment is the Christchurch Arts Centre on the Worcester Boulevard, which is to be found close to the Canterbury Museum and Christ's College.

At the beginning of the year, January sees the arrival of the World Buskers Festival, when more than 50 of the world's leading street entertainers descend on Hagley Park, towards the end of the month. Highlights include the Casino Comedy Hour, the Midnight Carnivale and the Cabaret Tent. At the beginning of June, the yearly Christchurch Marathon takes to the streets, encircling the city's airport and heading along Mcleans Island Road, Avonhead Road and Ryans Road.

Further highlights on the events calendar include the New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Fest at the end of February, and the Waipara Wine and Food Celebration in late March. September is a busy time in Christchurch, with Dunkley's Great New Zealand Craft Show being held at the Addington Raceway, on the south-western side of the city, part-way between South Hagley Park and the Canterbury Agricultural Park.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• 29th January - Auckland Anniversary Day
• 6th February - Waitangi day
• Good Friday / Easter Monday March / April - Easter
• 25th April - Anzac Day
• 1st Monday in June - Queen's birthday
• 4th Monday in October - Labour Day
• 25th December - Christmas Day
• 26th December - Boxing Day

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• The World Buskers Festival - mid- to late January, popular world street performers gather
• The Press Kite Day - mid-January, spectacular event featuring world-famous kite flyers

February

• Edwardian Carnival - early February, a lively annual carnival in period costume
• International Garden City Festival of Flowers and Romance - mid-February, with some of Christchurch's beautiful gardens in full bloom
• Teddy Bears' Picnic - mid-February, popular family friendly Teddy Bears' Picnic held in North Hagley Park, including entertainment
• ASB Bank Starry Nights - mid-February, a spectacular musical evening under the stars
• Jade Wine and Food Festival of Canterbury - late February, a popular food and wine festival
• Clearwater Golf Classic - late February, world-famous golf tournament
• Montana Christchurch International Jazz Festival / New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Fest - late February / early March, popular jazz fest featuring local and international musicians

March

• Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks - mid-March, popular outdoor concert with fireworks display
• National Concerto Competition - New Zealand's famous musical event
• Waipara Wine and Food Celebration - late March, spectacular food and wine event, held at Glenmark Church

April

• Le Race - early April, an annual cycling race from Christchurch to Akatoa

June

• Christchurch City Marathon and Half Marathon - early June, annual sports event with over 2,000 competitors

August

• Montana Winter Carnival - popular ski event covering a variety of venues, featuring competitions and street parties

September

• Dunkley's Great New Zealand Craft Show - early / mid-September, a popular touring craft market containing a diverse range of crafts

Body Festival - late-September to early October, 24 days of dance performed by over 20 national and international dance companies, as well as workshops with community dance groups

October

• Carter Group Heritage Week - second week in October, featuring a wide range of cultural events
• Gardenz - Labour weekend, famous South Island garden show held at Hagley Park

November

• Canterbury Show - early November, four-day agriculture show featuring numerous attractions and demonstrations

December

• SummerTimes - December to March, offering many free, outdoor events for all the family