Christchurch Heritage Festival 2026 at The Arts Centre
Friday 16 October - Monday 27 October (Labour Day) 2026
Venue: Arts Centre wide
Join us in exploring the heritage of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre over the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2026.
The theme this year is Building Place - Connections. The place we live in continues to change and the connections we make shape our future. Through sharing our stories, we better understand our environment, the landscape, the people and the place.
The theme this year developed from anniversaries relating to the expansion of infrastructure and communications in the city of Ōtautahi-Christchurch and the Waitaha-Canterbury region, the change and development brought about by wider connections.
Festival events
Observatory Tower and Exhibition Tours
Sunday 18 and 25 October 2026 Observatory, Biology and Physics
Join a guided tour of the Observatory Tower and hear the stories of how it was used from 1896 to today Find out more
Heritage Fun Zone
Sunday 18 and 25 October 2026 South Quad
Join in some outdoor heritage games and activities from the 1800s at The Arts Centre. Find out more
Anna Pavlova in New Zealand - A Centennial Celebration
Friday 16 October 2026 Clock Tower
Join us for an interesting and insightful illustrated lecture on the great Russian dancer, who toured New Zealand and visited Christchurch in 1926. Find out more
The Original Ōtautahi Christchurch Central City Highlights Tour
Saturday 17 and 24 October 2026 Clock Tower
Join us for a Heritage Festival Special guided walking tour of Ōtautahi Christchurch: how it was, how it is, and how it will be. Informative and relaxing. Find out more
The Official Arts Centre Guided Tour
Saturday 17 and 24 October 2026 Clock Tower
Go behind the scenes of New Zealand’s largest collection of heritage buildings with this walking tour featuring stories, people, historic achievements and discoveries. Find out more
Other Events You Might Like
Cubbin Theatre
Various dates throughout 2026 Cloisters Studio
The Arts Centre's 2026 Company-in-Residence Cubbin Theatre, specialise in imaginative and interactive theatre for children.
Cubbin Theatre: Sportsball
Wednesday 7 - Sunday 11 October Cloisters Studio
Cubbin Theatre Company presents Sportsball, the story of Tai, a young child with an active inner world and an active outer world.
Cubbin Theatre: Bundle Baby
Wednesday 18 - Sunday 22 February & Wednesday 2 September - Sunday 6 September 2026 Cloisters Studio
Peekaboo! Cubbin Theatre Company presents Bundle Baby, a gentle and playful theatre experience designed for babies aged 1 to 2 years, with older children also welcome.
Cubbin Theatre
Various dates throughout 2026 Cloisters Studio
The Arts Centre's 2026 Company-in-Residence Cubbin Theatre, specialise in imaginative and interactive theatre for children.
Cubbin Theatre: Sportsball
Wednesday 7 - Sunday 11 October Cloisters Studio
Cubbin Theatre Company presents Sportsball, the story of Tai, a young child with an active inner world and an active outer world.
Cubbin Theatre: Bundle Baby
Wednesday 18 - Sunday 22 February & Wednesday 2 September - Sunday 6 September 2026 Cloisters Studio
Peekaboo! Cubbin Theatre Company presents Bundle Baby, a gentle and playful theatre experience designed for babies aged 1 to 2 years, with older children also welcome.