Things to Do This Weekend in Christchurch

Your weekly guide to the best things to do this weekend in Christchurch: what’s on, where to go and where to eat. It’s shaping up wet, so we’ve leaned this weekend’s picks towards indoor options. Here’s the plan for Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August.

This weekend’s weather

SatDrizzle10°6° 99%

SunLight drizzle8°4° 98%

Weather data: Open-Meteo

What’s on this weekend

FRI14

CSO & Rova Present: The Music of Hans ZimmerMusic

Douglas Lilburn Auditorium, Town HallThe Christchurch Symphony Orchestra performs film scores by Hans Zimmer in the Town Hall's main auditorium.

SAT15

Steve Reich: Music for 18 Musicians – 50th Anniversary NZ PremiereMusic

The PianoThe New Zealand premiere of Steve Reich's minimalist landmark, marking 50 years since it was written.

FRI14

NZIFF 2026 · Blue HeronEvent

Lumiere CinemasA Friday-evening feature in the NZIFF 2026 Christchurch season.

SAT15

NZIFF 2026 · In Search of My MoehauEvent

Lumiere CinemasA New Zealand documentary screening as part of the festival's Aotearoa strand.

FRI14

Tofiga – Fresh Since Ages AgoComedy

Isaac Theatre RoyalTofiga Fepulea'i of the Laughing Samoans performs his solo show at the Isaac Theatre Royal.

FRI14

Sanjay Patel: The DriveComedy

Little AndromedaA late-evening solo stand-up hour at Little Andromeda theatre.

SAT15

Kirsty Webeck: Lost For WordsComedy

Little AndromedaAustralian comedian Kirsty Webeck performs her touring show in Christchurch.

SAT15

At the WakeArts

The Court TheatreVictor Rodger's darkly funny drama finishes its Court Theatre season this Saturday.

FRI14

Scared ScriptlessArts

The Court TheatreThe Court Jesters' long-running late-night improvised comedy show.

FRI14

Arts Canterbury Art ShowArts

The Cashmere ClubA regional art show opening at The Cashmere Club with work from Canterbury artists.

See everything on in Christchurch →

Things to do this weekend

Weather-matched things to do this weekend in Christchurch: a wet one, so we’ve leaned towards museums, galleries and covered attractions.

Theatres And

Isaac Theatre Royal Christchurch: Historic Edwardian Venue

Get ready to uncover the captivating history and modern charm of Isaac Theatre Royal, a venue where unforgettable performances await.

Read the guide →

Heritage

Transitional Cathedral Christchurch: Cardboard Cathedral Icon

Discover the captivating story of the Transitional Cathedral, a cardboard marvel that symbolizes resilience in Christchurch—what makes it a must-visit landmark?

Read the guide →

Art Gallery

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū | Art Collection & Exhibitions

Marvel at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, a cultural gem in Canterbury, where art, community, and history intertwine—discover what awaits inside.

Read the guide →

Museum

Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities Christchurch | Ancient Artefacts

Bask in the wonders of ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt at the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities—discover what treasures await you inside!

Read the guide →

Science

International Antarctic Centre Christchurch: Antarctic Adventures

Get ready for an unforgettable icy adventure at the International Antarctic Centre, where thrilling experiences and adorable wildlife await your discovery.

Read the guide →

Library

UC Central Library Christchurch | Te Puna Mātauraka at University of Canterbury

Discover the captivating resources and services at Te Puna Mātauraka, where your academic journey begins and endless possibilities await.

Read the guide →

Theatres And

The Court Theatre Christchurch: Live Theatre in New Central Venue

Catch the excitement of live theatre at The Court Theatre in Christchurch, where unforgettable performances await—discover what's coming next!

Read the guide →

Heritage

Christchurch Tramway: Heritage Trams Through the City Centre

Learn about Christchurch's vibrant culture and rich history while riding historic trams, but there's so much more waiting to be discovered along the way!

Read the guide →

Sunrise and sunset this weekend

A wet one this weekend, so it’s not the weekend for chasing sunrises or sunsets. We’ll point you to Christchurch’s best spots when the skies clear.

Keep exploring Christchurch

Two more ways to make the most of your time in Christchurch. Tap through below.

What’s On in Christchurch Things to Do in Christchurch

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do this weekend in Christchurch?

This weekend in Christchurch you can pick from weather-matched things to do, the events on this weekend, and the best spots to eat, all rounded up on this page and updated live from the forecast.

What’s on this weekend in Christchurch?

The “What’s on this weekend” section above lists this weekend’s events in Christchurch, concerts, markets, theatre and more, each with its date and venue.

What can I do this weekend in Christchurch if it’s raining?

On wet weekends we lean the picks towards indoor options in Christchurch such as museums, galleries and covered attractions. The weather block at the top shows the weekend forecast so you can plan around it.

Are there markets this weekend in Christchurch?

Any markets running this weekend in Christchurch show up in the events section above, tagged so they’re easy to find alongside the weekend’s other happenings.

Are there free things to do this weekend in Christchurch?

Often, yes. Many of Christchurch’s museums, galleries, parks and markets are free to enter, and the free picks are highlighted in each weekend’s round-up.

What can families do this weekend in Christchurch?

For families this weekend, look to Christchurch’s playgrounds, beaches and daytime community events, and the weekend picks call out the family-friendly options.

How often is the Christchurch weekend guide updated?

Every Friday morning. We rebuild the guide each week for the coming Friday to Sunday, with the latest events, weather-matched things to do, and current picks for eating out.