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