Wed 8 July · James Hay Theatre, Town Hall

The Joy Division and New Order co-founder performs the album Get Ready in full for its 25th anniversary, plus a set of New Order and Joy Division greatest hits.

Thu 9 July · The Great Hall, Arts Centre

The New Zealand-born pianist and producer performs a solo set blending jazz and live electronics in the Great Hall.

Thu 9 July · A Rolling Stone

A late-night covers session running through crowd favourites from across the decades.

Fri 10 July · Darkroom

A triple bill of indie and garage acts from Auckland, Ōamaru and Ōtautahi.

Sat 11 July · The Arts Centre

Singer Mona Vasa performs live in the Great Hall as part of the Arts Centre’s Matariki programme.

Sun 12 July · James Hay Theatre, Town Hall

The Brisbane indie-pop favourites bring their latest tour to Christchurch.

Sun 12 July · Isaac Theatre Royal

The viral American collective reimagines modern pop hits in vintage jazz and swing styles.

Until Sun 19 July · Venues across Canterbury

More than 200 school-holiday events and activities spanning food, sport, craft, music, technology, theatre and outdoor adventures.

Tue 7 – Sun 19 July · The Court Theatre

A family-friendly musical adaptation of the Disney-Pixar ocean adventure opens this week for the school holidays.

Daily · Cathedral Square

Skate in the heart of the city at the winter pop-up ice rink, open daily through the school holidays.

Select holiday dates · Christchurch Art Gallery

Free drop-in fun for tamariki including the giant-block Imagination Playground and Tivaevae pattern-making, with free entry.

Sun 12 July · Redcliffs School

A family concert afternoon where kids bring their teddies along for the picnic.

Until Sun 19 July · Christchurch Tram & Gondola

Up to three children ride the Christchurch Tram or Gondola free with a paying adult during KidsFest.

Until Sun 12 July · The Arts Centre

The Arts Centre’s Matariki celebration wraps up this weekend with over 60 local artisans, live performances, kapa haka, wānanga and food trucks.

Tue 7 July · The Arts Centre

A live audio-visual set marking Hiwa-i-te-rangi as part of the Matariki 2026 programme.

Thu 9 July · The Arts Centre

A communal waiata session where everyone is welcome to sing in the Māori New Year.

Sat 11 July · The Arts Centre

Fireside waiata at the Arts Centre to round out Matariki week.

Sat 11 July · Richmond Community Garden & Avebury House

A community Matariki celebration with kai, music and activities, plus a week-long lighting trail along the Ōtākaro corridor.

Thu 9 July · Hornby

The weekly Thursday-night market with dozens of stalls serving street food from around the world alongside local crafts.

Fri 10 & Sat 11 July · Ferrymead

Food stalls, crafts and live entertainment across Friday and Saturday evenings.

Sat 11 July · Riccarton House

The weekly Saturday-morning market for fresh Canterbury produce and artisan food in the Riccarton House grounds.

Sun 12 July · Riccarton Park

New Zealand’s biggest outdoor market with over 200 stalls of produce, food, art and second-hand finds, with free entry and parking.

Fri 10 July · Sydenham Underpass

US bass and electronica producer Lyny plays an underground club show in Sydenham.

Fri 10 July · Crazy Horse Restaurant & Bar

The weekly Friday karaoke night where anyone can grab the mic.

Sat 11 July · Crazy Horse Restaurant & Bar

A night of Latin music and social dancing for salseros and beginners alike.

Daily this week · The Palms Shopping Centre

Drop-in raranga (Māori weaving) workshops running through the Matariki school holidays.

Weekdays · Isaac Theatre Royal

School-holiday drama workshops for young performers at the historic Gloucester Street theatre.

This week · Roy Stokes Community Hall

A school-holiday circus hui where young people learn and share circus skills.

Weekdays · Graham Condon Recreation and Sports Centre

An indoor football holiday programme for 8 to 13 year olds running on weekdays these school holidays.

Daily · Cathedral Square Ice Rink

Lace up for a session on the pop-up ice rink in Cathedral Square, open every day this week.

Mon 6 July · Christchurch Art Gallery

The Art Gallery screens Kore-eda’s award-winning Japanese drama Monster.

Sat 18 July – 15 August · The Court Theatre

Acclaimed playwright Victor Rodger’s sharp family drama opens at the Court Theatre mid-month.

Sun 26 July · Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre

The Rams host a Sal’s NBL home fixture at their new Parakiore home court.