Be brave and try something spicy at Fire and Spice, give back to the community with planting days or check out a range of gems at a crystal and craft market. There's plenty to do in Christchurch this weekend.

Fire and Spice

Fire and Spice returns bigger than ever! Heat up winter at Riverside Market with more stalls, spicy food, live entertainment and fire dancers.

From smoky street food and fiery performances to live music, dancing, laughter, and a spicy competition that's not for the faint-hearted, Fire & Spice 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest celebration yet.

Bring your friends, your appetite and your courage.

Riverside Market
Saturday
12-7pm

Papanui Bush Community Planting Day

Get out in nature and give back to te taiao-the natural environment and connect with your local community at this years planting day at Bridgestone Reserve.

Tools are provided just make sure you bring sturdy, close-toe shoes, a water bottle and weather appropriate clothing.

Meet at the picnic table under the oak tree next to the BrainTree car park at 10.00am.

Bridgestone Reserve Papanui
Saturday
10am-12:30pm

Mainland Big Band

Live big band music and dancing with Christchurch's Mainland Big Band: a night of swing, jazz, and great vibes!

With up to 19 talented musicians on stage, the Mainland Big Band brings the golden era of swing and jazz to life with warmth, energy, and more than 60 years of music-making behind them. Whether you're an experienced dancer or just along for the atmosphere, there's something magical about a live big band that keeps people coming back.

Just $10, door sales only.

The Cashmere Club
Saturday
7:30pm-10pm

Crystals and Crafts Market

Come check out a perfectly crafted market of rocks and crystals.

Specialist vendors with plenty of knowledge will be showcasing their discoveries, creations and interest.

The market is run by dedicated volunteers, with all proceeds from site fees supporting the Canterbury Mineral and Lapidary Club.

Canterbury Mineral and Lapidary Club
110 Waltham Road, Sydenham
Saturday 10am-3pm

Blind Table Tennis (Swish)

Try your hand at Blind Table Tennis, a fun and challenging sport which can be played by vision impaired and sighted players.

It varies slightly from regular table tennis as, the bats are long and rectangular, and the balls have bells in them, he table is slightly longer and instead of a net there is a tall panel of wood, creating a visual screen, the ball is hit so it rolls under the screen to the other side and wooden bumpers on the side of the table stops it from rolling over the edge.

Come give it try! It is suitable for all ages, as long as you are over one meter tall and can reach the tables.

Canterbury Table Tennis Centre
294 Blenheim Road
Saturday 11am-midday

Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu

Every library holds taonga - some nestled safely away, others passed through countless hands.

Ahakoa he iti,he pounamu brings these treasures together. Gathering the objects that speak to them, our library kaimahi have given you the chance to see our collection in a whole new light. Books, photographs, curious objects, and unexpected finds sit side by side, each elevated from the ordinary by the story of why it matters.

Come explore the unexpected, discover new favourites, and see what taonga are waiting to be discovered.

Tūranga Level 2
Saturday 10am-5pm

Chocolatte International Foods Festival

Enjoy a vibrant day at the 2026 Chocolatte, featuring a delicious array of international vegetarian dishes, lively performances and fun workshops for all ages.

Enjoy a variety of sweet treats, savoury dishes and performances in one place.

Join us for a day of delicious international vegetarian food.

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Christchurch 2 Harakeke Street Riccarton
Saturday 10am-3pm

Jukebox Joyride - Saturday Night Anthems

Get ready for a night of wall-to-wall crowd favourites as Jukebox Joyride makes their debut appearance at A Rolling Stone.

Christchurch's newest 5-piece will be serving up the ultimate mix of throwbacks, indie bangers, and feel-good classics for a great Saturday night - from ABBA and Stevie Wonder through to The Killers, Miley Cyrus, and Arctic Monkeys.

Don't miss out on a night of the best Christchurch has to offer.

A Rolling Stone
579 Colombo Street
Saturday 7.30-10pm