Best Events happening in Christchurch in 2020

While visiting New Zealand Christchurch should be in your list as it is the most exciting city to explore. Do you know that this largest city of south island was not once but twice hit by massive earthquakes? Christchurch has held its own and emerged as a more sustainable and creative city. Hire a minibus with a driver in Christchurch to visit all the top attractions but if you want to explore the local culture the best way to do it is to attend top events of the city. Check out the best events happening this year in Christchurch.   

The Christchurch food show

The Food Show is New Zealand’s largest food event. It takes place once a year in three cities, Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. In Christchurch, the Food Show will go on from Friday 3 April to Sunday 5 April. Horncastle Arena will host the event this year. The gates will be open from 10:00 am till 5:00 pm. Here not only you will get to sample the best local and international food, wine and much more, but you will also get to buy the most delicious food, wine, beer and many more good quality produce. You can expect more than 125 exhibitors this year. 

There will be 5 zones to explore, Deli Collective, Brewer’s Lane, Artisan Village, Street Food Alley, Official Merchandise. Find the perfect ingredients to make the most exceptional platter for your next party. The food show is a perfect place to buy high-quality artisan goods. There will be an impressive line up of live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs. A full schedule of all the programs will be available closer to the show. If you are a health freak make sure to check out their Healthy Hub Kitchen to learn healthy yet tasty recipes. Tickets are on sale already starting from $20 and include entry to all zones. If you love food and wine this the place you should be.

Paint ‘n’ Pen Summer Exhibition

Get inspired by Christchurch’s rich street art scene at Paint ‘n’ Pen Summer Exhibition. This exhibition showcases the greatest combination of street art and storytelling. Here you will find the most amazing street art of Christchurch along with the creative writing that has been inspired by it. It is a free event and is open to everyone. On top of that, there are plenty of pop activities you can take part in. The highlight of the event is that you will also get to create your piece of writing and design your personal mural using AR technology and other traditional methods. 

Participants are allowed to write short stories, poems, songs in English or any other language. On weekdays the timings are from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and during the weekend it is from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Head to Tūranga Central Library to see this exhibition. The best way to explore this incredible art scene is by taking a free tour guided by the expert. 

The exhibition is already started and will go on till the 8th of March. So if you are already in Christchurch or visiting soon add it to your list. 

Juilliard415

Juilliard415 is the most exquisite classical music event. If you are visiting Christchurch in early March, it is your chance to attend this mesmerizing concert. In Christchurch, it will take place in The Piano: Centre of the music and the arts on March 10 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. This brilliant concert is put together by Violin Robert Mealy and the historical performance students from Juilliard. Juilliard415 will take place under the leadership of early music legend violinist Robert Mealy in a programme contrasting two baroque styles. This programme also features a new commission from Dame Gillian Whitehead providing a striking contrast between old and new.

It is suitable for all age groups and tickets start from $65. The duration of the programme is 106 minutes including an interval. If you wish to attend the pre-concert event 45 minutes before the performance. You can buy the tickets in advance from their official website. 

Wunderbar Comedy Night

Head to the Wunderbar to tickle your funny bone on March 26. This cute little bar hosts some of the coolest comedy and music events of the town. Professional comedians lead the show with some open mic performances joining in afterwards. In March, the show will be hosted by Gary Starlight and the headline act will be performed by Ray Shipley. 

They also have a free Open Mic event on every Tuesday. You can catch live music performances by Athcart Walsh Blaikie on March 7. Keep an eye on their website for all the fun act announcements. Don’t be disappointed if you are not in town in March. Wunderbar Comedy Night last Thursday of every month. Starts at 8:30 pm and buy the tickets at the door for $5. 

Electric Avenue

Electric Avenue is one of the best music festivals in New Zealand. It is the largest music festival of Christchurch with thousands of people attending every year. The festival runs for 12 hours. Expect more than 25 performances of the different genre on multiple stages. This multi-genre music festival has everything to offer including rock, hip hop, funk, drum and much more. The festival is on February 22 at North Hagley Park. Highlights of the Electric Avenue 2020 includes Pendulum, The Parov Stelar Band, Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals, Peking Duk, and Matt Corby.

A wide range of food vendors will be available throughout the festival serving various varieties of cuisine. You can buy the tickets online and also at the distribution sites. Make sure to collect your wristband in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.