New Brighton's Top Events
New Brighton has a busy events calendar throughout the year, with plenty to keep residents and visitors happy. For the most up to date info on what’s going on, find us on social media, or scroll down to see if any of our top events coincide with your visit.
Seaside Market
Saturdays 10am – 2pm / Free
Brighton Pedestrian Mall
If you’re after nice food, a variety of stalls selling their wares and live music, you can head down to our Seaside Market in the New Brighton Mall. On even in the chilly winter months (weather dependant), there’s always a bargain to be found. And the best part is you’ll be helping to reinvest in the community, so it’s a win-win. Check out their Facebook page below for updates, and themed markets throughout the year.
Coast to Coast
February each year
New Brighton Amphitheatre (finish line)
The famous Coast to Coast race takes competitors from one side of New Zealand’s South Island to the other, finishing in New Brighton. A gruelling multi-sport event of running, cycling and kayaking that spans nearly 250 kilometres (155 miles), the Coast to Coast is one of the world’s premier adventure races. It makes for a busy weekend in New Brighton.
Kite Day
Every summer / Free
New Brighton Beach (Just South of the Pier)
It’s not unusual to see kites flying in Brighton, we certainly have the wind for it! So we’ve made it into a festival! Bring the whole family to fly your own kites, or just marvel at the other kites up in the air, including some of the largest kites in the world, made right here in Canterbury. This event is full of great vibes, no matter your age.
Kite Day is weather-dependent but usually occurs in February. Check out the City Council’s event page to see when the date is set, or check out our video for more info below.
Farewell to the Godwits
Every February / Free
Southshore Spit Reserve
Throughout the summer months, we’re lucky to host some very special residents at the Ihutai Avon-Heathcote Estuary. The Bartailed Godwits/Kuaka. These incredible animal hold the world record for the longest non-stop flight of any bird.
Towards the end of February, the birds begin their long migration to their breeding grounds in Alaska. Come see them off and hear more about their amazing journey.
The New Brighton Sand Castle Competition
Every March – Low cost entry, free to watch
New Brighton Beach
Did you know our sand is some of the best in the world for making sand castles? New Brighton has a strong history of sand art. Come and make the most of it, and join in for the New Brighton Sand Castle Competition, run every March by the Driftwood Council of New Brighton.
Don’t be intimidated! Anyone, any age, can join in!
Duke Festival of Surfing
Every March / Most events are free
Various locations
The Duke Festival celebrates the introduction of modern surfing to Aotearoa New Zealand by Indigenous Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku. Duke believed in sharing aloha, friendship and a love of the ocean through surfing, values that remain at the heart of the festival today.
Known as the most inclusive surf festival in Aotearoa, with the biggest surf competition in the country, beyond the waves, the Festival also showcases visual arts, live music and cultural performances, making it a vibrant celebration of New Brighton’s ocean lifestyle and community spirit.
Winter Fireworks Spectacular
Every winter school holidays – Free
New Brighton Pier
A bright spot for everyone in winter. With an impressive fireworks display coordinated to music, the village comes alive with food, various vendors, and carnival style rides.
The Winter Fireworks Spectacular is one of New Brighton’s biggest events of the year, so plan your trip accordingly. Check out the Council’s website below for next dates, up to date info, and transport options.
Seaside Christmas Parade
Every December / Free
Throughout Central New Brighton
We like to embrace the fact that Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere is a little different to that in the North. So, during the Christmas Parade, our Santa doesn’t arrive by sleigh. He arrives by RB (Rubber Inflatable Boat), courtesy of our amazing Surf Life Saving Club. Run by by the Seaside Market, check out their facebook for info on the next parade.
