It's a bustling weekend in Christchurch with major cultural events happening alongside specific family celebrations for Lunar New Year. We've picked out the best options for Saturday, February 28th, and Sunday, March 1st, 2026.
See our top picks
Lunar New Year Family Celebration at Matatiki Hornby Centre
Matatiki Hornby Centre
Free activities and games for the family celebrating Lunar New Year on Saturday afternoon.
Dinosaurs: Surviving Extinction
Not specified (Must check venue details)
The final day of this dinosaur exhibition on Saturday is a great indoor option.
Lunar New Year Family Celebration at Matatiki Hornby Centre
Matatiki Hornby Centre
Dedicated family event with music and simple games running 1 PM to 3 PM Saturday.
Β· February 28
7FREE : Celebrate the Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse, with the family at the Hornby Centre. This session includes low-key fun like music, Mahjong, and Chinese Chess.It's a dedicated, free family event happening Saturday afternoon perfect for younger kids.
: Get creative and decorate your own mug to celebrate the Year of the Horse. This is a hands-on workshop perfect for pre-teens and older kids.It's a specific, structured craft activity for older children.
LUNAR NEW YEAR LION DANCE WORKSHOP - 9-16 YEARSFREE : Book in for this exciting, energetic workshop where you can learn the basics of Lion Dancing from Qiao Yi Lion Dance Team members. This is a fantastic way for tweens and teens to learn a new skill.A unique, free cultural workshop specifically targeting the 9-16 age bracket on Saturday morning.
: Pop into The Palms Shopping Centre on Saturday morning for some Lunar New Year festivities. Perfect for a quick stop while doing your weekend errands.Convenient morning event at a central location linked to the Lunar New Year celebrations.
ELECTRIC AVENUE : Catch New Zealand's biggest celebration of Music, Arts and Culture right in Hagley Park. While it's a large festival, there are usually elements that appeal to families during the day.It's the city's premier cultural event running all day Saturday in a central location.
FREE : This is the final day for the libraries' low-key Lunar New Year activities, including themed storytimes and simple workshops perfect for younger kids learning about the culture.It's the last chance to catch the simple, accessible library programs ending Saturday.
GLASS BEAD-MAKING TASTER : Have a go at glass bead-making during this taster session at Workspace Studios. This is a great, focused activity for families who enjoy hands-on creation.Itβs a hands-on craft session on Saturday morning, though check ages before booking.
Β· March 1
2: A full day festival on Sunday featuring culture, markets, music, film, and interactive experiences. The Arts Centre location is perfect for a relaxed family afternoon.A major Sunday festival at a highly family-friendly arts hub.
: Celebrate Children's Day at Cuthberts Green starting at 11:00 AM. This is an event dedicated entirely to kids, so expect age-appropriate fun.It's Children's Day itself, guaranteed to be family-focused on Sunday morning.
Also OnΒ· anytime this weekend
6FREE : Take a gentle stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens or Mona Vale on a free guided walk. Since the walks run through April, Saturday is a great chance to enjoy the lush scenery.A lovely, free, low-stress outdoor option for Saturday morning or afternoon.
: Head to Phillipstown on Saturday evening for the Vegan Night Market. Markets are usually a hit with families looking for food stalls and a lively atmosphere.An early evening weekend option focused on food and community vibe.
: Catch the final day of this exhibition about dinosaurs before it closes Saturday. Perfect for sparking interest in natural history for primary schoolers.This is the last day (Saturday) to see this specific dinosaur-themed event.
: If the weather turns, try this Toi Art Adventure, which concludes its run on Saturday. It's a fun way to engage kids with art across the city.Itβs wrapping up Saturday, offering an engaging indoor option.
: This is the last day for youth aerial classes ending Saturday. If you have teens interested in circus arts or gymnastics, this is a great way for them to get active.It's the final Saturday for these youth-specific aerial classes, offering something active and unique.
: Part of a longer program, but running all weekend, join the Community Compost Crew on Saturday. This is great for kids interested in gardening, nature, or getting a bit messy outdoors.It's a community-focused activity running both days for families interested in sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Christchurch this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are two confirmed free options: the Lunar New Year Family Celebration at Matatiki Hornby Centre on Saturday, and the Children's Day event at Cuthberts Green on Sunday. The Botanic Gardens walks are also free to join.
Is there anything happening on Sunday, March 1st?
Yes, Sunday features the main Formosa Festival 2026 at The Arts Centre and the dedicated Children's Day event at Cuthberts Green starting at 11:00 AM.
What's happening for older kids (9+) this weekend?
For older kids, check out the Lunar New Year Lion Dance Workshop (9-16 years) or the Mug Decoration Workshop (9+ years) on Saturday at Matatiki Hornby Centre.
