From the hills to the city, from the plains to the sea—Ōtautahi Christchurch is laden with gems just waiting to be discovered. Who's doing the discovering? You. Who's done the digging? Me.
Of course, by gems I mean the many electric events entertaining lucky Canterburians every single week. That catalogue just keeps getting bigger and better, and baby, if you want to spice up your schedule without straying too far from home, you've come to the right place.
So what exactly, in honest old Ōtautahi, is onnnnn?
Smooth jazz, experimental rock. Basement comedy and mics left unattended. There's a bit of painting, a bit of making, and the first answer to the inaugural question of a series I like to call, So Lachlan, What's the Craic?
Here are the best events happening in Christchurch in 2025.
Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Christchurch again—get us in your inbox here.
What's On In Christchurch In 2025—Ongoing
Beat The Work Blues With Weeknight Laughs
Last Monday Of The Month/Thursdays | Good Times Comedy Club/Austin | Free/$
Image credit: Austin Club | Instagram
Yeah, the nine-to-five is a drainer, and by 11am Monday the weekend already looks as good as Ana de Armas on the beach. But that doesn't mean you have to live solely for those two days of allocated freedom.
Nah, Mondays at Good Times Comedy Club is a duplicitous affair of Good Advice, Bad Advice featuring level-headed recommendations from registered therapist and social worker Logan Robinson. These morsels of sound advice are then completely corrupted by award-winning stand-up comedian Taylor Ruddie.
Come Thursday, it's The Laugh Cellar Comedy Show at Austin Club—arguably Christchurch's best-kept comedy secret. A NYC comedy-cellar-styled hour of side-splitting stuff, fueled by 10% off all drinks for the duration of the show. Still, these professionals are very much sharp enough to enjoy sober.
Test Your IQ At A Plethora Of Quiz Nights
Various Hours, Days & Venues | Mostly Free To Patrons
Image credit: Dux Central | Instagram
If you're in a more serious kind of mood, or just like to flex your grey matter every so often, then maybe a midweek quiz night is the right kind of night for you. Here's a selection, in order of day, then time:
Tuesdays
- Dux Central
- Holey Moley Bar
- A Rolling Stone
- The Old Vicarage
- The Good Home, Prebbleton
- Bridie's Bar & Bistro
Wednesdays
Thursdays
And a cheeky way-back-from-the-mountain Sunday option at The Blue Pub in Methven, or Renegade Brewing when you get back to town.
Some Soulful Evenings of Jazz Or Blues
Times Slightly Vary | Thai Orchid, Crazy Horse & The Arts Centre | Free To Patrons/$
Image credit: Thai Orchid
Every Wednesday and Thursday, sister Thai spots Thai Orchid and Crazy Horse put on an exposé of proper live music. Wednesdays at the Orchid alternate between the mastery of three-piece jazz arrangement, Chill & Passion, and the heart-tearing talents of Frans the Blues Man, setting the mood with his keyboard, guitar, harmonica and soulful vocals. One Thursday at Crazy Horse, you'll catch Chill & Passion, the next it's the soul magic of Esther Romana.
Try An Open Mic, Or Just Sit Back And Enjoy
Various Hours, Days & Venues | Free To Patrons/Sometimes $ To Play
Image credit: Debra Manny Mosley
If you didn't already know, Ōtautahi Christchurch is a preeminent incubator of homegrown musical and artistic talent. Don't believe me? Head down to Boo Radley's on a Wednesday, Miller Bar on a Thursday or take your pick from Embankment Tavern or Crazy Horse on Friday to check out the latest crop of Canterburian grassroots.
Of course, if you fancy yourself a performer, the stage is yours. But for us mere spectating mortals, both venues offer good food, good drink and plenty atmosphere.
The Many Māketes of Ōtautahi
Various Hours, Days & Locations | Mostly Free To Enter
Image credit: Christchurch Farmers’ Market | Instagram
If you happen to have a few taste buds, some spare change and a pulse, you probably love a good market. Who doesn't? Lucky for us all, Christchurch is practically teeming with various fairs of fares, and if you're not sure which one to choose, head on over to my expert selection to take your pick for the upcoming weekend. And then the weekend after that, and then the one after that, and so on and so forth until you simply cease to exist.
What's On In Christchurch In August 2025
New Zealand International Film Festival: Christchurch
'Til 28 August | Lumière Cinemas | $
Image credit: Merri Cyr | Instagram
The NZIFF circuit arrived in Christchurch this August. It's a mighty popular sample showcase of the international Festival circuit. Christchurch cinephiles are currently enjoying a healthy slice of the full programme, with showings daily 'til 28 August. Where, you ask? Why, none other than the boutique Lumière Cinemas, which calls part of the Arts Centre's Gothic revival grandeur home. Not a bad spot to catch a flick, eh?
My pick of the bunch was the late addition of It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley—"Amy Berg’s rapturous documentary about Buckley’s extraordinary rise in the '90s and his tragically cut-short life." And that just happens to be showing this weekend. The middle seat of the middle row is mine, however.
What's On In Christchurch In September 2025
Beginner Jewellery Making In 8 Weeks
Mondays, 1 September-20 October | Workspace Studios | $$$
Image credit: Workspace Studios | Instagram
Commencing Monday, 1 September, in addition to a pinch and a punch, is Workspace Studio's eight-week beginner jewellery making course. A popular weeknight workshop, it's just about the best place in town to get into a bit of crafting your very own bespoke bling.
The Grogans 'Stagger' NZ Tour 2025
3 September | The Loons, Lyttelton | $$
Image credit: Jardin Dylan | Instagram
The ever-magnetic Aussie garage rock band, The Grogans, kick off their Stagger NZ Tour next Wednesday at a mythic venue, perfectly complementing their misfit moxy: The Loons. So, make your way through the tunnel for a dose of humpday energy and stylistic experimentation. It'll be good for ya.
Scattered Sound Sessions Vol 2
4 September | Darkroom | $
Scattered Sound Sessions—presented by Darkroom and MAINZ—is an upcoming showcase of poets, wordsmiths, and folk, indie & acoustic musicians who project their craft from the confines of nooks, crannies and cosy corners. Next week—4 September to be precise—is when Volume 2—the spring edition will go down. If you like the sound of that, then you'll like the sound of what I'm about to say next, even more: it's just a 20 for admission... or as I like to call it: A Green Lizzy.
Paint 'N' Sip
5 September | Paint'n'Sip Studio | $
Image credit: Paint'n'Sip Studio | Instagram
Who doesn't love a good paint n' sip? A chance to unleash your inner artist with the help of a tipple or two. This one is courtesy of the original dons of the scene, and if you and your gals, pals or any other kind of acquaintance are keen, it's affordably priced and a heckload of fun.
The Monster In The Maze
5-6 September | Isaac Theatre Royal | $$
Fellow Classical Studies nerds will be all over this operatic re-telling of the Minotaur myth (or as the new gens call it, the OG Maze Runner). Brought to life by an all-Kiwi cast and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, this internationally acclaimed community opera is as big and bold as the bust of a Belgian Blue glued to the body of your best bud Bill. Better yet, it's belted out entirely in English.
Urban Cocktail Trail
13 September | Multiple Venues | $$-$$$
Image credit: Urban Cocktail Trail | Instagram
Wine wanderers, vino voyagers, cocktail conquistadors; this one’s for you—and, well, everyone over 18—because who doesn’t love a good beverage-inspired adventure? Revamping the drab and sticky-floored concept of pub crawls, Neighbourhood Events Co. have organised a Cocktail Trail to showcase the vibrant beverage scene of the Chur. It’s all self-guided, so grab your mates, dates and whoever else is keen, but beware: tickets are selling quicker than you can say conquistador.
Guinness Bottomless Brunch
20 September | Paddy McNaughton's | $$
Image credit: Paddy McNaughton's | Instagram
In the latest edition of So Lachlan, What's the Craic? I give to you, the honest reader, a bottomless brunch paired with endless Guinness at the greatest Irish haunt and oldest wooden building in all of the land. Baked beans, eggs, hashbrowns, toast, sausages and mushrooms make up this hearty Irish brekkie (veg options available). Quenchless kegs of the good stuff will help you wash it down. What's 'taxi' in Gaelic?
What's On In Christchurch In October 2025
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
8-9 October | Rydges Latimer | $$$
Image credit: Dani Katy | Eventfinda
Anyone who grew up watching Fawlty Towers, raise your hand. You'll all be amped to see the famous John Cleese-led series brought to life through this one-of-a-kind, comedy-meets-cuisine experience. Following on from a hugely successful season in 2024, audiences can expect a side-splitting, fully immersive improv show complete with '70s-style dinner. How spiffing.
What's On In Christchurch In November 2025
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
27 November | Isaac Theatre Royal | $$$
Image credit: Tom Ham | Instagram
American singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten is set to rock Canterbury this November and for the first time with her very own band—The Attachment Theory (who join her on her seventh and latest album). As such, you can expect a slightly different but no less incredible sound from the artist whose haunting vocals had a starring role in Yellowjackets. The group are also set to headline The Others Way 2025 festival in Auckland, later in the month.
Fuel your night out at the best restaurants in Christchurch.
Main image credit: Jardine Dylan | Instagram.
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.