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What's on the summer event hotlist for 2024

10 January 2024

Kite soaring in the sky

Deck chairs and picnic rugs are set to come out in the thousands as Christchurch City Council’s summer event season heats up.

Get ready for open-air movies, concerts and plays, and a beach day with kites galore – the packed programme has something for everyone.

Summer Outdoor Movies

If you’re staying local early January, head along to the Art Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora to enjoy your choice of eight films under the sky. Summer Outdoor Movies are being offered at the North Quad for a koha entry (suggested donation of $5), across the first two weekends of January.

Two sessions will run each day, with a kids’ film in the early evening, followed by a general audience film.

Check out the movie schedule on What’s On.

Anthony Harper Summer Theatre

An experience that’s sure to enrich your summer is live outdoor theatre at Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The all-new comedy, The Odyssey, will transport you to ancient Greece for two hours of mythological mayhem and hearty entertainment.

Shows run Thursday to Sunday, from 11 January to 28 January, at the Weather Station Lawn. Bring your picnic gear and have some cash handy to support the theatre company Noosed Octopus who’ll take up a koha after the show.

See the full performance schedule on What’s On.

Kite Day

Summer school holidays call for a beach day, and Kite Day is here to deliver. All kinds of colourful kites and inflatable characters will once again scale the skies of New Brighton Beach, creating a spectacular view for all ages.

The free, family-friendly event is based at the New Brighton South Ramp car park, from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 13 January. Head out with your kites and picnics for a big day in the sun!

Summer Sundays

Fun in the sun continues with the free concert series, Summer Sundays, on every Sunday afternoon from 28 January to 18 February, 2–4 pm.

Nestle into the botanic gardens’ Archery Lawn with your friends and whānau to enjoy live music by nine acts over four themed concerts – ‘Around the World’, ‘Got the Blues’, ‘Emerging Indie’ and ‘Jazz on the Lawn’.

Mitre10 Sparks

Now into its fourth decade, the ever-popular outdoor concert headlined by Christchurch Symphony Orchestra – Mitre10 Sparks – is a night not to miss.

New Zealand pop singer Annie Crummer, joined by local singers, will share the stage with the classical masters, making for a big night of musical talent, well-loved tunes and a fireworks finale.

Held at North Hagley Park on 3 February, from 6.30pm until 9.30pm, Mitre10 Sparks will have a range of food vendors onsite, with picnics also encouraged. Entry is free.

Learn more about all the events happening near you on What’s On.