21 Sep 2018

It's springtime in the Garden City so make sure you get off the couch this weekend and spend some time in the great outdoors.

A blossom tree in Hagley Park.

Enjoy springtime in Hagley Park.

Hagley Park is awash with the colours and smells of spring so grab the dog, the kids or a friend and take a stroll around the park. Or head up the hills and soak in some fresh spring-scented air while you give your calf muscles a work-out.

You can get around the city by bus for free on Saturday so why not explore some new places or check out some of these events:

Isaac Theatre Royal open day

The Isaac Theatre Royal is throwing its doors open to the public on Saturday as part of New Zealand Theatre Month. The beautifully restored theatre will be open from 10am to 3pm so come along and learn about its history and see how it’s been brought back to life.

Playwriting bootcamp

If you’ve always dreamed of writing a play but not sure how to start, then come along to acclaimed playwright Roger Hall’s playwriting bootcamp.

In a fast-paced two hour session Hall will pass on the techniques of stagecraft that have helped him write more than 40 stage productions. His bootcamp will come topics such as dialogue, characterisation, exposition, plots and structure.

The bootcamp starts at 1pm on Sunday.

Test out the new hydroslide

The new indoor hydroslide at the Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre has opened so grab the kids and go for a ride. The hydroslide is full of fast twists and turns so you'll have heaps of fun. Check out the opening hours on our website.

Art exhibition and sculpture garden

Works by more than 100 of New Zealand’s leading artists and sculptors will be on display this weekend at St Margaret’s College art exhibition and sculpture garden.  Head to the college grounds in Winchester Street, Merivale, and spend a few hours looking at more than 400 works of art from artists like Marian Maguire, Rebecca Rose, Darryn Geroge and Ruth Reid. All proceeds from the sale of the art works will be donated to the St Margaret’s College Foundation.

Mosque open day

The An-Nour Mosque in Deans Avenue is holding a holding an open day on Saturday between midday and 5pm as part of Islam Awareness Week.  It will be a great chance to learn a little about Islam and hear stories from new Muslims.

Motorbike riders.

Motorbike riders will be well catered for at Kickstart Trackside.

Kickstart Trackside

Motorbike riders should make a beeline to the Mike Pero Motorsport Park between 9am and 3pm on Saturday for Kickstart Trackside.

This annual motorcycling event brings together the region’s most enthusiastic riders, trainers and retailers so bring your bike and get involved.

Entry is free and the day will be packed with expert demonstrations, workshops and activities.  There will also be prizes up for grabs.

Extravaganza Fair

The Gap Filler Space in Gloucester Street is playing host to the Extravaganza Fair this weekend. Billed as New Zealand’s largest and newest travelling event, the Extravaganza Fair features interesting market stalls, arts and craft, food, musical entertainment, circus shows, and old fashioned games for the kids.

The fair is on from 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Figure skating championships

Top figure skaters from around the region will be competing this weekend in the Canterbury Masters & Open Invitation Figure Skating Championships at the Alpine Ice Sports & Entertainment Centre. Grab your puffer jacket, hat, and gloves and head along to the rink to watch these talented skaters as they compete in dance, freeskating and synchronised team events. The competition runs from 4.30 to 7pm on Saturday and from 8am to 1pm on Sunday. Admission is free.

Other events

To find out about other events happening in and around Christchurch, check out the events pages on the Council's website or download the ChChh Events app.