A delicious vegan night market, live music performances, a look behind the stage at The Court Theatre and a special talk by author Christopher de Hamel, there's plenty on in Christchurch this weekend.

Youth Hub Event Centre opening event

Head along to the opening night of the new Youth Hub Event Centre for live performances from Otautah's emerging talent.

The new central city venue was created for young people to host everything from music, dance, and theatre to film nights, meet-ups, and even circus arts.

The Events Centre is the latest addition to Youth Hub Christchurch, alongside supported housing for young people at risk of homelessness, wraparound support services, and welcoming spaces where all rangatahi can connect, belong, and have fun in the heart of the city.

Saturday
5.30pm to 8.15pm
Youth Hub Chch - Events Centre
109 Salisbury Street

Public Backstage Tours - The Court Theatre

Discover the stories, sets and secrets behind the curtain at The Court Theatre with a backstage tour.

Now back in the heart of Christchurch, The Court Theatre creates everything on-site, from the construction of grand sets in our workshop to the design and fabrication of the stunning costumes you’ve seen in productions like 9 to 5 The Musical and The Importance of Being Earnest.

Please note that, as this tour may go through the workshop and backstage areas, closed-toe shoes must be worn for health and safety reasons.

Backstage tours are fully accessible; guides will work around any accessibility needs participants have.

Tickets range from $10 to $15.

Sunday
The Court Theatre
129 Gloucester Street
Central City

The Vegan Night Mākete | New venue launch

The VeganNight Makete which showcases the best plant-based foods and goods has a new venue.

Head on down to the Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre to enjoy a huge variety of savouries and sweets, plus musical entertainment.

Saturday
5pm to 8pm
455 Hagley Ave

Hōhepa Art and Sculpture Exhibition 2026

The Hōhepa Art and Sculpture Exhibition celebrates art with heart, bringing together artists with intellectual disabilities alongside established and emerging creatives.

This vibrant exhibition features painting, sculpture and photography that is expressive, thought‑provoking and beautifully made.

View and purchase paintings, sculptures and photography by over 50 established artists and creative people supported by Hōhepa. Featured artists this year are Gwyn Hughes and Renata Przynoga.

Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm
Hōhepa Canterbury Hall
23 Barrington Street

Author Talk | The Migrants by Christopher de Hamel

Christopher de Hamel, one of the world’s best-known scholars and writers on illuminated manuscripts is heading to Scorpio Books this Sunday to talk about his new book The Migrants.

It's a tale of colonisation and the migration of culture – of motives and idealism, triumphs and disasters – bringing us face-to-face with history.

This is a coming-of-age saga with extraordinary twists, crossing many hundreds of years and tens of thousands of miles, recounted with passion, humour and a lifetime’s reflection.

Sunday 4.30pm to 6pm
Scorpio Books
120 Hereford Street

Riccarton Sunday Market

Take a stroll around unique stalls and enjoy great bargins and a buzzing community atmosphere at the Riccarton Sunday Market.

There's fresh produce, hot food and live entertainment. Whether you are picking up your weekly essentials, searching for a unique gift, meeting friends for a relaxed browse or simply enjoying the energy of a real market day, The Riccarton Market is a great Sunday destination for all ages.

Sunday 9am to 2pm
Riccarton Racecourse
165 Racecourse Road