Culture Galore 2026
Bigger, brighter and more vibrant than ever! Get ready for a celebration of flavour, colour and connection in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
This family-friendly festival brings together the many cultures that make our city what it is today. Expect mouth-watering food, captivating live performances and a welcoming atmosphere filled with community spirit. With plenty of space to wander, watch, eat and relax, it’s the perfect place to explore and enjoy the festival.
The stage will be alive all afternoon with music and dance from cultural groups across the city. From high-energy performances that get your heart racing to moments that invite you to pause and soak up the atmosphere. Off the stage, Culture Galore is a food lover’s dream. Think freshly made shawarma, juicy dumplings, spicy tteokbokki and more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Whether you’re coming for the food, the performances, or just a great day out, Culture Galore is for you. Bring your friends, your whānau and your appetite, and celebrate culture, connection and community – together.
This year, Culture Galore takes place during Unity Week. For those who wish to take part, an optional solidarity walk will be held beforehand, beginning at the Bridge of Remembrance and finishing at the Multicultural Centre. It offers a meaningful moment of reflection and togetherness before the festival kicks off.
Entry is free, but come prepared, most food and craft stalls are cash only.
This is a smoke-free, vape-free and alcohol-free event. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
| Time | Performance |
|---|---|
| 12pm to 12.15pm | Karakia/blessing and inauguration of Culture Galore 2026 |
| 12.15pm to 1pm | Breens Intermediate Qiao Yi Hong Lion Dance Team Bangaliana Multicultural Christchurch Canterbury Fiji Social Services Trust Moonlight Dance |
| 1pm to 2pm | Nepalese Group Dekaworwor West African Drumming Group Group Rhythm Master Song Kung Fu Nomad Soul |
| 2pm to 3pm | Polonus Polish Folk Dance Group Bangla Dance Group Scoil Rince Kay Hallissey Irish Dancers Sri Lankan Dance School/Group Tutua ‘A Hina ‘Hai Luna!’ Ukrainian Folk Ensemble Dzidor Uplifting Drum and Dance |
| 3pm to 4pm | Voice Company Samoan Methodist Church of Addington Parish Youth Group Fellowship Ritmo Phillipino Canterbury Tigray New Zealand Chinese Creative Arts and Culture Troup Limón y Sal |
| Time | Workshop |
|---|---|
| 12.45pm | Lion Dance |
| 1.20pm | World Peace HaNa |
| 1:55pm | Boba Bubble Tea |
| 2.10pm | Tai Chi |
| 2.40pm | Sumo-costume Activity |
| 3.15pm | Boba Bubble Tea |
We’re expecting a big crowd, and parking will be limited, so please plan ahead and consider using public or active transport where you can.
A few spot prizes will be given to commuters who walk, bus, bike or scooter to the event.
Parking nearby
- Hagley College car park: $5 event parking (cash only)
- Tū Waka Waipapa car park: Paid parking – charges apply
- Hazeldean Road car park: Paid parking – charges apply
The drop-off and pick-up zone is on Hagley Avenue, by the netball courts.
Mobility parking
Available at the Multicultural Centre car park (455 Hagley Avenue). To access the car park you will need to show your mobility parking permit. From the car park its approximately 70 meters walking distance to the chairs in front of the stage.
Busing
There are frequent bus services along Hagley Avenue, Moorhouse Avenue and Riccarton Avenue, with stops near the event site.
Check routes and timetables at metroinfo.co.nz(external link)
Bike valet
Ride in and park your bike or scooter safely with our free bike valet, located by the netball courts.
This family-friendly festival brings together the many cultures that make our city what it is today. Expect mouth-watering food, captivating live performances and a welcoming atmosphere filled with community spirit. With plenty of space to wander, watch, eat and relax, it’s the perfect place to explore and enjoy the festival.
The stage will be alive all afternoon with music and dance from cultural groups across the city. From high-energy performances that get your heart racing to moments that invite you to pause and soak up the atmosphere. Off the stage, Culture Galore is a food lover’s dream. Think freshly made shawarma, juicy dumplings, spicy tteokbokki and more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Whether you’re coming for the food, the performances, or just a great day out, Culture Galore is for you. Bring your friends, your whānau and your appetite, and celebrate culture, connection and community – together.
This year, Culture Galore takes place during Unity Week. For those who wish to take part, an optional solidarity walk will be held beforehand, beginning at the Bridge of Remembrance and finishing at the Multicultural Centre. It offers a meaningful moment of reflection and togetherness before the festival kicks off.
Entry is free, but come prepared, most food and craft stalls are cash only.
This is a smoke-free, vape-free and alcohol-free event. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
| Time | Performance |
|---|---|
| 12pm to 12.15pm | Karakia/blessing and inauguration of Culture Galore 2026 |
| 12.15pm to 1pm | Breens Intermediate Qiao Yi Hong Lion Dance Team Bangaliana Multicultural Christchurch Canterbury Fiji Social Services Trust Moonlight Dance |
| 1pm to 2pm | Nepalese Group Dekaworwor West African Drumming Group Group Rhythm Master Song Kung Fu Nomad Soul |
| 2pm to 3pm | Polonus Polish Folk Dance Group Bangla Dance Group Scoil Rince Kay Hallissey Irish Dancers Sri Lankan Dance School/Group Tutua ‘A Hina ‘Hai Luna!’ Ukrainian Folk Ensemble Dzidor Uplifting Drum and Dance |
| 3pm to 4pm | Voice Company Samoan Methodist Church of Addington Parish Youth Group Fellowship Ritmo Phillipino Canterbury Tigray New Zealand Chinese Creative Arts and Culture Troup Limón y Sal |
| Time | Workshop |
|---|---|
| 12.45pm | Lion Dance |
| 1.20pm | World Peace HaNa |
| 1:55pm | Boba Bubble Tea |
| 2.10pm | Tai Chi |
| 2.40pm | Sumo-costume Activity |
| 3.15pm | Boba Bubble Tea |
We’re expecting a big crowd, and parking will be limited, so please plan ahead and consider using public or active transport where you can.
A few spot prizes will be given to commuters who walk, bus, bike or scooter to the event.
Parking nearby
- Hagley College car park: $5 event parking (cash only)
- Tū Waka Waipapa car park: Paid parking – charges apply
- Hazeldean Road car park: Paid parking – charges apply
The drop-off and pick-up zone is on Hagley Avenue, by the netball courts.
Mobility parking
Available at the Multicultural Centre car park (455 Hagley Avenue). To access the car park you will need to show your mobility parking permit. From the car park its approximately 70 meters walking distance to the chairs in front of the stage.
Busing
There are frequent bus services along Hagley Avenue, Moorhouse Avenue and Riccarton Avenue, with stops near the event site.
Check routes and timetables at metroinfo.co.nz(external link)
Bike valet
Ride in and park your bike or scooter safely with our free bike valet, located by the netball courts.
Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre, 455 Hagley Ave, Central City
Event contact
Viviana ZanettiOther events you may be interested in
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