Winter events set to sparkle across Ōtautahi
As the days fade and the nights lengthen, lift your spirits with these four vibrant winter events.
The Winter Fireworks Spectacular and KidsFest are around the corner, Matariki celebrations are just over the horizon and tickets to Go Live Festival are selling fast!
Winter Fireworks Spectacular
Looking for a reason to head to the beach in mid-winter? How about a glorious display of fireworks set to your favourite Dancefloor Anthem bangers including hits from The Weekend and Fat Boy Slim! New Brighton is the heart of the action with FREE family-friendly entertainment and yummy food vendors.
Date: Saturday 27th June 2026.
Time: 5.30 to 8pm. Fireworks begin at 7.30pm.
Location: New Brighton Pier.
Find all the details for the Winter Fireworks Spectacular, including information on special bus services for the event.
KidsFest
July school holidays aren’t far off and with around 200 events on offer now’s the time to jump online and start building your schedule! Some events have sold out already but there’s still lots to choose from. Visit kidsfest.co.nz to see what’s available over the two-week school holiday period (Saturday 4th to Sunday 19th July).
Many activities are free or low cost, so whether it’s food, the outdoors, music, technology, crafts or sport, get booking today!
See the full KidsFest lineup.
Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata
Formerly known as Tirama Mai, Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata – a gathering of stars and people – takes place in the central city over four days and nights.
Dates: Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th July 2026.
Time: 5 to 9pm.
Come into the city with friends and whānau and enjoy this FREE festival which celebrates Matariki and the beginning of a new year in the Māori calendar.
The event hub will be at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū forecourt, with some works positioned along Worcester Boulevard and the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings on Oxford Terrace.
Get more information on the Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata Festival.
Go Live Festival
Bringing some big names back into the spotlight, Go Live turns seven this winter, cementing its presence on the Ōtautahi music festival calendar. Serving up a huge music festival experience in one night across four stages, revisit some old favourites and discover new ones!
The epic lineup features Opshop, Push Push, Pluto, There’s a Tuesday, CAITLIN and more.
Date: Saturday 22nd August 2026.
Time: 7 to 11pm.
Location: Christchurch Town Hall.
Festival goers can see their pick of 13 acts at this all-ages event, (recommended for ages 16+) so lock in your plans, round up your crew and get your tickets, this is going to be an unmissable show!
Check out all the details about the Go Live Festival, including artist bios and where to get tickets.