The Christchurch Heritage Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of Council collaboration with heritage organisations and community event providers to share events with our district. Discover and explore with over two weeks of walks, talks, open days, exhibitions and more.

Check out local events, which include:

Tohu Whenua: Landmarks that tell our stories 18 October, 4pm, Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, 83 Clyde Road. Learn about the Ōtautahi sites of the Tohu Whenua initiative and discover how stories and places help build our understanding of the past.

Discover Historic Wigram - Tour 18, 19, 22 and 25 October, 10am, Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Learn about RNZAF personnel who lived and worked on the base and encounter original buildings dating back to the early 1900s.

Guided Heritage Tour: Riccarton House On now until 26 October, 16 Kahu Road. Experience the rich history of the Deans family with an immersive guided tour of Riccarton House, at a special price for the Heritage Festival.

Discover Historic Wigram | Documentary On now until 27 October, 9.30am to 4.30pm, Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Learn all about the fascinating history of Wigram as the birthplace of military aviation, an air base which once housed more than 2,500 people.

The Day the Sun Fell: Hiroshima and Nagasaki | 80 Years On On now until 28 October, University of Canterbury. Marking 80 years since the atomic bombings, this exhibition shares survivor stories alongside Ōtautahi Christchurch's strong anti-nuclear heritage.

Gilberthorpe School, Buchanans Road

$3 entry fee per child. Hosted by the Greater Hornby Residents’ Association. For all local children 5 to 13 years of age. Cash only to purchase fizzy drinks and glow sticks. Come along, have fun and enjoy a free sausage sizzle. Keep updated on Facebook.

Halswell Quarry, Kennedys Bush Road

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

Halswell Quarry parkrun takes place every Saturday at 8am.

Learn more.

329 Halswell Road

Come along and check out books, toys, plants, white elephant, bouncy castle, food stalls and much more! Keep updated on Facebook.

Harrington Park, Peverel Street

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Riccarton at this free, family-friendly event, designed to bring the community together and highlight the rich diversity of those who call it home. Enjoy free fun, food, activities and entertainment! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to connect, celebrate, and enjoy a fantastic day out with your neighbours.

South Hornby School, 35 Amyes Road

Hosted by the Lions Club of Wigram. Gold coin entry. Raising funds for local children living with cancer. See the creations with flowers, photos, recyclables and more by the students from participating schools. Keep updated on Facebook.

Saturday 25 October & Sunday 26 October, 9.30am to 12.30pm, St Teresa’s Hall, 8 Puriri Street.

Two keen plant ladies started a parish plant sale over 10 years ago. From small beginnings it has become a Labour Weekend tradition and a key event on the community gardening calendar. This is a parish fundraiser. All proceeds go into maintaining the gardens and grounds at our three churches in the Holy Family Parish. Learn more.

Ilam School, 66 Ilam Road

Price: $30 to $50

Whether you were at Ilam School five years ago or fifty, a past pupil, parent or staff member, you're an important part of our school’s story, and we’d love for you to join us as we reflect, reconnect, and celebrate 75 years of learning, laughter, and lifelong friendships. Learn more.

Rārākau Riccarton Centre, 199 Clarence Street

Cost: $35 – Not-for-profit groups, $55 – Government departments or businesses.

Are you keen to bring people together and create great recreation opportunities in your community? Come along to a Kia Rite Hoea Workshop – a practical session designed to give you the tools, confidence, and inspiration to plan, organise, and promote your own community programme or event. Email communityrecreation@ccc.govt.nz or check out the follow video. We also offer tailored workshops for your team at a time that suits you – get in touch to discuss options

19 Cunningham Place

The Halswell Toy Library open day is a celebration of play, learning, and community connection.

Bring your whānau for a fun and FREE morning including:

* Short kōrero and Q+A sessions from fascinating speakers on important family-related topics (details to come)

* Face painting

* Bake sale

* Messy Mates play station

* Library toys to play with

* Coffee cart (TBC)

Bring cash for the face painting (gold coin donation), the bake sale, and the coffee cart.

Members and non-members welcome - and the latter can check us out and sign up on the day!

Keep updated on Facebook.