Things to do  |  26 Feb 2021

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A special concert to mark the quake anniversary heads the many events in the city, along with community fun days, a farewell to the godwits and sporting challenges.

Ōtautahi Together

A free concert – featuring Bic Runga – in the Botanic Gardens will mark the 10th anniversary of Christchurch’s February 22, 2011, earthquake.

The concert, Ōtautahi Together, will be held on Sunday on the Archery Lawn from 2pm.

Student Volunteer Army founder Sam Johnson will MC the event, which will also feature performances by Holly Arrowsmith and the band Surfing USSR. People will need to arrive early to secure a spot or they can watch the concert on a large screen in the grassed area in front of the Ilex Café in the Botanic Gardens. The concert is also being streamed live.

Philippines Day

Head to Victoria Square on Sunday for Philippines Day with Global Friends from noon to 5pm.

Enjoy the cultural performances and sample the varied food stalls.

Free Community Fun Day

Enjoy a Free Community Fun Day for the whole family, with live music, great food, bouncy castles, pony rides, face painting and displays at St Barnabas Church in Fendalton on Sunday from noon to 3pm.

Tu Manawa Multi Sport Have A Go Day

Join in the Tu Manawa Multi Sport Have A Go Day at the Christchurch Netball Centre in Hagley Park on Saturday from 12.15pm to 3pm.

Young people aged from five to 18 will be able to try out four sports – the traditional Māori game of Kī-o-Rahi, netball, skateboarding and futsal – for free. Register online.

Weet-Bix TRYathlon

Swim, bike and run towards the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon at Jellie Park on Sunday.

Estuary Fest

Celebrate our estuary environment at Estuary Fest at the Mt Pleasant Community Centre on Saturday.

Entry is free, with heaps of activities, rides and music – along with food trucks – to entertain everyone from 1pm to 5pm.

There will be a charge for some rides.

Christchurch Motorway Half Marathon

Line up at Ngā Puna Wai on Sunday morning for the Christchurch Motorway Half Marathon. Book a spot online.

Seaweek Farewell to The Godwits

Bid a fond farewell to the godwits from Southshore Spit Reserve on Sunday.

Everyone is welcome from 5.30pm to 8pm as the birds prepare to travel back to their nesting grounds in Alaska.

Join a free guided tour to see the birds up close.

Hagley Park Polo

Watch the action unfold in Hagley Park South on Sunday from 11am as  the best polo players from Christchurch and Auckland clash. Book online.

Marching Canterbury Championships

The region’s top teams will vie for honours at the Marching Canterbury Championships at Nunweek Park on Saturday.

The competitions starts at noon, with spectators welcome. 

A Quickie on the Beach

Run along to Broad Park at Waimairiri Beach at 8am on Saturday for A Quickie on the Beach.

The off-road duathlon is open to individuals and teams. 

All Girl Big Band

Strike up the band at the Ara Music Arts Auditorium tonight as the All Girl Big Band brings their special brand of jazz, blues and pop. The concert swings into action from 6.10pm, with entry costing $10.

Mountain Bike National Championships

Watch the action at the Torpedo7 Mountain Bike National Championships this weekend.

The cross-country titles will be decided at the Crocodile Mountain Bike Park at Kennedys Bush in Halswell on Saturday while the downhill championships will gear up at the Christchurch Adventure Park on Sunday.

Sound of Thunder

The Bears Motorcycle Club’s annual Sound of Thunder race meeting powers up at Mike Pero Motorsport Park in Templeton this weekend. Entry costs $20.

Find out more

You can find out about other events happening in and around Christchurch via the What’s On webpages.