Nature’s playground is showing off its many spring colours, with blossoms lining avenues and daffodils filling parks. Find your balance this spring with more time for adventure, more time for play, and more time for relaxation. There is a packed events schedule and a wide range of experiences on offer; spring is the perfect season to explore our city as it’s all ON SHOW. Here are some of the events that you don’t want to miss.

The Christchurch Big Band Festival19–23 October

A five-day music festival of big band and swing dancing fun? Sign us up! Taking place on Labour weekend, the central city streets will come alive with Big Band style jazz. Featuring 300 musicians in over 20 bands across 60 scheduled performances, there is so much to see. Most performances are free, but there are also some ticketed events, including the Boogie Ball and the Rodger Fox Big Band with King Kapisi Gala concert.

The Corrs Down Under

11 November

Irish Celtic-infused pop icons The Corrs return to New Zealand this spring, with a stop in Ōtautahi! An enchanting mix of traditional Celtic music with a pop-rock twist, The Corrs have written some of the biggest songs of the last three decades. Joining them is Aussie pop icon Natalie Imbruglia, the legendary Toni Childs and Adelaide trio, Germein.

FAST5 Netball World Series11–12 November

Returning this spring is the exciting FAST5 Netball World Series. Current champions Australia will return to Wolfbrook Arena alongside the FAST5 Ferns, England, Jamaica, South Africa, and Malawi. The men’s teams will also be back in action! FAST5 is netball like you’ve never seen it before, with five players to a side, shorter quarters, power plays, and super shots – you don’t want to miss this action!

Riccarton Park – New Zealand Cup Week11, 15 & 18 November

A classic Canterbury social highlight that always secures a spot on the annual calendar is the high-class racing, fashion, food, and entertainment of Riccarton Park Cup and Show Week. Taking place across three magnificent days this November, the region comes together to celebrate all that is great about spring in Christchurch, as well as endless excitement, glamour, and outstanding racing.

The Chicks30 & 31 October

Global superstars The Chicks are returning to New Zealand with two shows in Ōtautahi Christchurch at Wolfbrook Arena. After a sellout first show, a second night has been added, so don’t wait to grab your tickets! Previously known as The Dixie Chicks, the powerhouse country music stars are making their triumphant return to Antipodean shores for the first time in six years with special guest Elle King.

Addington Cup Week14 & 17 November

If there is one thing we know for sure about spring in Canterbury, it’s cup time at Addington Raceway. It’s always been a week of celebration for Ōtautahi Christchurch, with Addington hosting Australasia’s biggest harness racing day, the IRT NZ Trotting Cup Day. Expect spectacular racing, entertainment, fashion and, of course, great food and wine. The week at Addington finishes with the Show Day Races on Friday, 17 November.

The New Zealand Agricultural Show

15–17 November

One of Canterbury’s most iconic events and fun for the whole family, a day at the show is always a must! From thrilling rides and captivating performances to delicious local food and drink options, there’s something for everyone at the New Zealand Agricultural Show. Whether you’re a seasoned show veteran or a first-timer, there’s always something new to discover.

Freestyle Kings Live

2 December

Get ready for the adrenaline-pumping event that is Freestyle Kings LIVE at Apollo Projects Stadium! This is an action-packed show featuring world-class Moto-X riders, led by the legendary Robbie Maddison and the wild Ronnie Mac, as well as FMX world champions Pat Bowden and Robbie Adelberg, plus Kiwi BMX stars Jed Mildon and Ellie Chew. Taking action sports to a new level never seen before, don’t miss this heart-stopping experience.

Check out these events and much more at christchurchnz.com/spring

Ōtautahi Christchurch is On Show