KidsFest 2026
Preview Available Now!
KidsFest is back from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July 2026 to entertain and educate our tamariki. With hundreds of events on offer, don't miss it.
- View all the KidsFest events at libraries
- Browse the KidsFest website for events
- Like KidsFest on Facebook.
KidsFest events by library
Booked events
Tickets go live Tuesday 09 June, 9am
Kidsfest events that require bookings
Makey Makey Music with Scratch - 8-10 years
Jul 6th | 10:00am - 12:30pm
Learn how to create and code your very own electronic instrument using Makey Makey and Scratch.
Little Listeners Lounge - 5-12 years, part of a series
Jul 6th | 10:00am - 10:30am
Come along and find a comfortable spot in the libraries dedicated audiobook lounge, to tune in to a themed listening session.
Ready, Set, Read! - 4-6 years
Jul 6th | 10:30am - 11:30am
Join a special storytimes with songs & activities, building on early literacy skills. Receive your first library bag with handpicked books.
Mahjong for Teens - 10-18 years, part of a series
Beginner‑friendly programme introduces teens to the basics of this classic tile game through guided play and hands‑on learning.
Makey Makey Music with Scratch - 8-10 years
Jul 6th | 10:00am - 12:30pm
Learn how to create and code your very own electronic instrument using Makey Makey and Scratch.
Little Listeners Lounge - 5-12 years, part of a series
Jul 6th | 10:00am - 10:30am
Come along and find a comfortable spot in the libraries dedicated audiobook lounge, to tune in to a themed listening session.
Ready, Set, Read! - 4-6 years
Jul 6th | 10:30am - 11:30am
Join a special storytimes with songs & activities, building on early literacy skills. Receive your first library bag with handpicked books.
Mahjong for Teens - 10-18 years, part of a series
Beginner‑friendly programme introduces teens to the basics of this classic tile game through guided play and hands‑on learning.
Drop-in events
Kidsfest events that are drop-in
Did they really do that?Cantabrians' quest for world records, part of a series
Jul 4th, All day
Cantabrians have always embraced a challenge. The 1970s & 1980s were peak decades for attempting to break a world record, any world record!
Magic and Make-Believe Day
Jul 8th | 10:00am - 5:00pm
Come down to Shirley Library for a day of magic, imagination and fun!
Whānau Board Games
Jul 8th | 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Bring the whānau to play social board games in this drop-in session. You're welcome to use our in‐library games, or bring your own.
Tūranga Teen Book Club - 12-18 years
Jul 8th | 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us this school holidays for a relaxed and welcoming book club just for teens!
Did they really do that?Cantabrians' quest for world records, part of a series
Jul 4th, All day
Cantabrians have always embraced a challenge. The 1970s & 1980s were peak decades for attempting to break a world record, any world record!
Magic and Make-Believe Day
Jul 8th | 10:00am - 5:00pm
Come down to Shirley Library for a day of magic, imagination and fun!
Whānau Board Games
Jul 8th | 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Bring the whānau to play social board games in this drop-in session. You're welcome to use our in‐library games, or bring your own.
Tūranga Teen Book Club - 12-18 years
Jul 8th | 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us this school holidays for a relaxed and welcoming book club just for teens!
Join us for school holiday fun and learning
Come to the library in the school holidays for bookable programmes and free drop-in activities.
More school holiday info
- Browse the KidsFest website for all events and activities.
- Discover library school holiday programmes and activities.
- Find more ideas for holiday events and activities.
All about KidsFest
KidsFest is New Zealand’s biggest annual children’s festival. It is aimed at kids up to the age of 12. Christchurch City Libraries supports KidsFest by hosting a range of events for kids — from special storytimes sessions to writers’ workshops and treasure hunts — at our libraries and learning centres.
KidsFest took place for the first time in 1992, beginning as an idea from the then Mayor, Vicki Buck.