An annual festival held in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula to celebrate the heritage of our district.
The festival sits as part of the Christchurch City Council’s Our Heritage, Our Taonga Heritage Strategy 2019–2029 He tātai muka, He tātai tangata – Weave together the strands, Weave together the people.
Christchurch Heritage Festival 2026
Friday 16 to Monday 26 October (Labour Day) 2026.
Festival details will be available through What's On and a printed calendar from September.
If you have any queries regarding the Heritage Festival or would like to be added to our mailing list for direct updates, please email heritage@ccc.govt.nz.
Event applications for the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2026 have closed
2026 event providers can reference the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2026 application guidelines [PDF, 357 KB].
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.
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.
Please note that while festival events may draw on anniversaries or the theme, this is optional.
- View the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2025 event summary [PDF, 381 KB]
- View the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2024 event summary [PDF, 1 MB].
- View the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2023 event summary [PDF, 1.2 MB]
- View the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2022 event summary [PDF, 1 MB]
- View the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2021 event summary [PDF, 1.3 MB]
- View the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2020 event summary [PDF, 1.5 MB]
Related news
Lighting, mural transforms Press Lane
A laneway leading into Christchurch’s Performing Arts Precinct has been transformed with a new lighting installation and mural designed to welcome visitors and enhance the experience of moving though the city, especially after dark.
15 Jul 2026
Partnership sought to restore Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings
The Christchurch City Council is inviting expressions of interest for a partnership opportunity to restore, manage and activate one of New Zealand’s most significant heritage assets, the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings.
8 Jul 2026
Civic Award recognises street art stalwart
Creator of the FLARE Street Art Festival, Selina Faimalo says the rejuvenation of Christchurch’s “broken city” is what honed the skills of today’s talented street artists.
2 Jul 2026