Festivals, holidays and anniversaries
Commemorations and celebrations in Christchurch.
Find out more about special days of the year, month by month.
January
January events
Lunar New Year 2020
In 2020 the Year of the Rat begins on Saturday 25 January. Join us for spectacular Lunar New Year events across the network.
February
Events in February
Waitangi Day - Thursday 6 February 2020
Join in 2020 Waitangi Day celebrations and events in Ōtautahi.
Valentine’s Day
Find out more about Valentine’s Day and find love in our collection - romantic books, movies and music.
Events in February
YES Power Sparks
Do you love the music played at Sparks? Listen to the music of YES Power Sparks on cd or online.
Saturday 22 February 2020 - Earthquake Commemorations
There are events to commemorate those we lost; and places where the community can come together to reflect and remember.
Culture Galore
Culture Galore is an annual event at Ray Blank Park celebrating Christchurch’s diverse ethnic culture in a family atmosphere.
March
Events in March
Christchurch Pride 2020
Christchurch Pride is on from Thursday 12 March to Sunday 22 March. Pride events at libraries include book dates & clothing swaps & more!
Canterbury Japan Day
Organised annually by The Japanese Society of Canterbury with the aim of sharing authentic Japanese culture with Cantabrians.
Children's Day
Children’s Day is the first Sunday in March. It is a special day to spend time as a family.
Events in March
LYFE – Linwood Youth Festival Experience
A Linwood-focused event where youth pride, diversity and achievements are celebrated.
International Women's Day 8 March
This global day connects women around the world and aims to inspire them to achieve their full potential.
St Patrick's Day - 17 March
Links and resources about the patron saint of Ireland and Irish culture.
Events in March
City 2 Surf
Annual running event that has been held since the 1970s, attracting large crowds.
Race Relations Day
Race Relations Day is on 21 March each year. We recommend books and resources with a focus on uniting against racism and hate.
Margaret Mahy's birthday
Celebrate the life and work of Christchurch author, Margaret Mahy on her birthday, 21 March.
April
Events in April
International Children's Book Day
2 April is International Children's Book Day. Celebrate at your library, or at home - everywhere!
Anzac Day and Gallipoli
Learn more about the origins of Anzac Day and find library resources about the Anzacs and Gallipoli.
May
Events in May
NZ Music Month 2020
We highlight local music for New Zealand Music Month. Support Local. Stream Local. Follow Local. Buy Local.
The New Zealand Budget
Links and resources about the New Zealand budget 2020, delivered in Parliament, 14 May 2020.
New Zealand Sign Language Week
Find resources and events celebrating New Zealand Sign Language Week.
Events in May
Samoa Language Week
Talofa lava. We are celebrating Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa from Sunday 24 May.
Youth Week
Find out about activities taking place during Youth Week and how you can be involved.
June
Queen's Birthday holiday
All our libraries are closed on Monday 3 June for the Queen's Birthday holiday. Learn more about this holiday on our Queen's Birthday page.
July
Events in August
Matariki: Māori New Year
In 2020, the stars of the Matariki cluster set on 15 Haratua / May, and rise 13-16 Takurua / July 2020.
Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival 2020
Watch the films, read the books - explore the literary connections of Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival.
Armageddon Expo
Comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, manga, stars ... Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July at the Horncastle Arena.
August
Cook Islands Language Week
Kia orana! 'Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani. Explore reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani words and resources.
September
Events in September
Tonga Language Week Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga
Discover our Tongan language resources on Tonga Language Week Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga.
Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga
The Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga is on Monday 7 September to Sunday 13 September 2020. Find resources and learning events.
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day is celebrated on 8 September. It is a UNESCO-led initiative which acknowledges that literacy is a human right.
Events in September
Parenting Week
Parenting Week includes seminars and workshops for parents. It takes place every two years, In 2019 it was from 9 to 19 September.
Celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
Find out about events and resources to help you strengthen your reo during Māori Language Week.
NZ Chinese Language Week
Nĭ hăo! New Zealand Chinese Language Week is on from 20 to 26 September.
Tuvalu Language Week
Tuvalu Language Week runs from 1-7 October. Find resources on Tuvalu's language and culture.
October
Events in October
International Day of Older Persons
Celebrated every year on 1 October. Find resources, events and information for older people.
Fiji Language Week
Fiji Language Week - Macawa Ni Vosa Vakaviti is on 4-10 October in 2020. Find resources on Fijian language and culture.
Christchurch Heritage Festival
Christchurch's celebration of history & heritage includes our annual Photo Hunt competition. On from Saturday 24 Oct to Sunday 8 Nov.
Niue Language Week
Fakaalofa lahi atu! Faahi tapu he vagahau - Niue Language Week in 2020 is on from 18 - 24 October. Find resources and more information.
More events in October
Tokelau Language Week
Tokelau Language Week Te Vaiaho o te Gagana Tokelau 2020 is on 25 October – 31 October. Find resources on Tokelau language and culture.
Labour Day
The history behind the New Zealand Labour Day holiday. Note: Our libraries are all closed on Monday 26 October for this public holiday.
Halloween for kids
Halloween is on 31 October every year. Find books and other resources to help make your Halloween extra spooky!
November
Events in November
Dia de Muertos / Day of the Dead
Día de Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico on 2 November (All Souls' Day).
Show Day Friday 13 November 2020
Find out the history of NZ Cup and Show Week. Show Day is Friday 13 November 2020. All our libraries are closed for this public holiday.
December
Events in December
Christmas for kids
Background information about Christmas, great Christmas reads, craft, and fun for kids.
Library Events Calendar
Find out what's on at your local library - storytimes, book clubs, after school activities and more!
