Christchurch has one of the busiest event calendars in the country, helped by the opening of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in 2026. This guide lists the festivals and events that return every year, so you can plan group outings well ahead.
Dates change each year. Check with each organiser before booking.
Summer: January to March
World Buskers Festival (late January)
Ten days of street performance, circus, comedy and cabaret across the central city, with free, hat-based and ticketed shows.
Electric Avenue (late February)
New Zealand's biggest music festival fills Hagley Park over two days with international headliners and local acts. Tickets sell out fast.
Crankworx Christchurch (February)
International mountain biking at Christchurch Adventure Park, now part of the Crankworx World Tour.
Coast to Coast finish (February)
The famous multisport race across the South Island finishes at New Brighton Pier.
Autumn and winter: April to August
Christchurch Marathon (April)
A flat, fast course based in Hagley Park with a half marathon, 10 km and kids' races.
Open Christchurch (May)
A weekend festival of architecture when building owners open their doors to the public.
Matariki (June or July)
Events across the city around the Matariki public holiday, including programmes at The Arts Centre.
Asian Arts Festival (July)
A one-day celebration of Asian art, music and dance at The Arts Centre.
WORD Christchurch Festival (August)
Author talks, family days and events for young readers.
Spring: September to December
Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival (October)
Runway shows and events in the central city in mid October.
Sculpture Festival at The Arts Centre (October)
Contemporary sculpture and object art in the Great Hall and North Quad.
Diwali (October)
Christchurch's Diwali celebrations are usually held in late October.
NZ Cup and Show Week (November)
Racing at Riccarton Park and Addington Raceway and the Canterbury A&P Show, ending with Show Day. It is the city's biggest week for group bookings.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (late November)
A free Christmas concert with fireworks in North Hagley Park.
Concerts and big games at Te Kaha
One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opened in central Christchurch in 2026 with a roof and seating for around 30,000, and more for concerts. It now hosts Crusaders home games, international rugby, NRL and major concerts, all within walking distance of the city's hotels. Check the stadium's event calendar for the year ahead.
Getting a group to Christchurch festivals
Most big Christchurch festivals have road closures, limited parking and a designated bus or coach drop-off zone. A private minibus or coach keeps your group together and gets everyone home at a set time, without anyone needing to drive.
- Hagley Park events have set drop-off points around Riccarton Avenue and Park Terrace, so ask us to plan pick-up times around the crowd.
- Confirm the official coach drop-off point on the festival's transport page.
- Agree a pick-up time and a meeting spot before your group goes in.
- Book transport as soon as you have tickets, especially for long weekends.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest event in Christchurch?
NZ Cup and Show Week in November and Electric Avenue in February are the city's largest events, alongside big games and concerts at One New Zealand Stadium.
Are Christchurch festivals family-friendly?
Many are. The World Buskers Festival, Christmas in the Park and the A&P Show are especially good for families.
Bus hire for Christchurch festivals
Bus Hire NZ arranges minibuses and coaches for groups of all sizes, from 11-seat minibuses to 53-seat coaches, with professional drivers who know the venues, the drop-off points and the event traffic plans.
Tell us your event, date and group size through our quick quote form and our Christchurch bus hire page, and we will come back with options.