What’s on in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Qtopia Pride Ball
Tonight, 7pm-10pm, at the Christchurch Art Gallery. Qtopia, which supports young rainbow people in Ōtautahi, is hosting its first ball. It is for all ages and is all-inclusive. DJs will be playing and food will be available. Tickets are ‘pay what you can’, and all proceeds will be used to support Qtopia and its mahi.
Comedy Show with Ben Hurley
Tonight, 7.30pm-10pm at Boo Radley’s. Ben Hurley is known for his TV appearances on 7 Days, The Project, the Comedy Gala, and AotearoHA, as well winning an NZICF Billy T Award, a Fred Award, and NZCG Best Male Comedian and Best MC awards. Now he’s back for another show in Christchurch. His comedy is largely based on his experience growing up in rural Taranaki, but also covers politics, religion, relationships, music and family.
The Cool Mum
Tonight, 8pm-9pm, at Good Times Comedy Club. After two sold-out events, the Christchurch-based comedian is hosting her final Christchurch show. The Cool Mum is an award-winning parody of a celebrity personal development seminar. Jo Ghastly’s expertise comes from being a self-proclaimed ‘‘Cool Mum’’. Ghastly is a comedian, improviser and actor. She was nominated for SI Breakthrough Comedian at the 2020 NZ Comedy Guild Awards, and the Cool Mum won Best Solo Show and Audience Favourite Show at Nelson Fringe Festival 2020.
Rongoa Māori Healing Wānanga
Today and tomorrow, 5.30pm-12am, at Rehua Marae. A weekend of learning, celebration, and sharing traditional Māori knowledge in healing the mind, body and spirit. Knowledge of healing and medicine was passed on through generations, and this event celebrates the gift of whānau and whenua. It aims to introduce people to local tohunga, Rongoā and mirimiri (experts). There will be workshops and guest speakers, as well as walks visiting local whenua and ngahere (bush) to learn about the plant-based medicines of Aotearoa. Tickets available at Eventfinda.
The Food Show Christchurch
Today to Sunday, 10am-5pm at Christchurch Arena. After being cancelled last year due to Covid-19, more than 120 exhibitors will descend on Christchurch Arena for this year’s Food Show. Think everything from beautifully-cured meats to plant-based milk bases, delicious chocolates, cheeses and seafood brought in from the Chatham Islands. Treats from local artisans will be featured, as well as morsels from foodies from across the country. Live guest chef performances are headlined by celebrity chef and entrepreneur Nadia Lim, food writer Annabelle White and cooking personality Ganesh Raj. This year’s event also includes a wine and cheese masterclass by Villa Maria and Castello, at $15 a ticket. Tickets available online at www.foodshow.co.nz.
Echoes of the past: Musical soire´ e celebrating Kate Sheppard
Tomorrow, 3pm-4pm at Kate Sheppard House. Experience Kate Sheppard’s past in Ōtautahi in the late 1800s through the songs she sang in her home. Discover other intriguing facets of her life in the city while exploring the newly-transformed rear space of Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, with drinks and nibbles. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
Christchurch Astronomy Tours Winter 2021 Stargazing
Tomorrow, 9pm-10.30pm at Springston Community Centre. The tour includes a short talk before the main event – a sky tour. Guests can use the high-quality optic telescopes and ask questions to the local dark sky tour guides. They are keen stargazers and can talk people through the various delights of the southern night sky. The event is weather dependent. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
Family Day Out
Tomorrow to Sunday, 10am-5pm at Gloucester Green. A family event including bouncy castles, rides and games for all ages, as well as coffee, food and local stalls over two days. Ticket sales are for each day and include access to amusements, rides and bouncy castles. Tickets available at Eventbrite and limited door sales.
Risingholme Wild Symphony Concert
Sunday, 2pm and 4pm at The Piano. Dan Brown is best known as the author of publishing phenomenon The Da Vinci Code, but he also has a lifelong love of music. His Wild Symphony orchestral score evolved from his children’s book of the same name. This work comprises 21 short musical portraits of animals featured in the book, and Risingholme Orchestra is giving the New Zealand premiere. Tickets available through www.trybooking.co.nz/FPJ, with limited door sales.
Great Hall Lunchtime Concert Series
Monday, 1.10pm-1.50pm at the Great Hall, the Arts Centre. Classical pianist Michael Endres will perform works by Mozart and Schubert as part of this lunchtime concert series. Endres is an internationally acclaimed pianist, having performed extensively around the globe.