What's On
Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai.
Welcome to our summer guide of family-friendly activities.
Whether you want quiet time or have energy to burn, there’s loads of (mostly) free stuff to do at our Ashburton District Council facilities.
Don’t forget our beautiful outdoor spaces to explore. Relax on our forest bathers in the Ashburton Domain, or bike around Lake Hood. From skateparks to gardens and walking tracks to playgrounds, there’s something for everyone to do in Mid Canterbury.
For more inspiration of what to do across the District, head to Mid Canterbury NZ website.
You can grab a booklet from any of our facilities (Ashburton Library, EA Networks Centre or Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum), download a digital version here or browse our online event listings below.
Capture Magic Moments | Summer Holidays 2025
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
1 January 2026 - 31 January 2026
View our show Dearly Beloved for inspiration and then delve into our box of costumes and props. Get dressed, strike a pose and make magic...
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Dearly Beloved | 100 Years of the Wedding Dress
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
1 January 2026 - 8 March 2026
This exhibition features a selection of bridal wear from our collection, representing wedding fashion from the late 1800s and through the twentieth century. Discover the...
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Peregrination: A Sub Antarctic Odyssey | Kathy Reilly
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
1 January 2026 - 15 February 2026
In the summer of 2021, Tasman-based printmaker Kathy Reilly travelled to the Subantarctic islands on a research expedition. Peregrination: A Sub Antarctic Odyssey explores the...
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Duologue | Inge and Marc Doesburg
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
1 January 2026 - 15 February 2026
Duologue is a collaborative exhibition by Ōtepoti Dunedin-based artists Inge and Marc Doesburg. Their practices are shaped by their similar cultural backgrounds. Inge is a...
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Contemporary Printmaking of Aotearoa: A Kōrero of Thoughts and Ideas | Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
1 January 2026 - 22 February 2026
Contemporary Printmaking of Aotearoa: A Kōrero of Thoughts and Ideas is an exhibition of works by members of the Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand.Within the...
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The Great Santa Hunt 2025
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
1 January 2026 - 31 January 2026
Late Night: Wednesday 17 December, 5pm - 7pm
Where oh where can they be? The Santa Hunt is back, with a twist!Starting at Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum on December 17, join...
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Juicy Summer Reading Challenge
Ashburton Library
1 January 2026 - 21 January 2026
Our teen summer reading challenge has never been sweeter!Is there anything better on a hot summer's day than an ice-cold Juicy?Well, score one for FREE...
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Teen Create spot
Ashburton Library
1 January 2026 - 31 January 2026
Drop by the Young Adult area of the library this summer to check out our Create Spot!The activity changes every few days, so there's always...
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Retro T-shirt Screen Printing
Ashburton Library
1 January 2026 - 29 January 2026
For teens aged 13-18Rock a unique style this summer!Pick from four retro designs and screen-print it onto a T-shirt, then use our fabric paints to...
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Summer Reading Challenge for Kids
Ashburton Library
1 January 2026 - 21 January 2026
Brave adventurer, we need you!Read 20 library books over the summer holidays to unlock imaginaria and go into the draw for one of 10 great...
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Monochrome Photo Creation for Kids
Ashburton Library
1 January 2026 - 26 January 2026
Come along and create a fun summer inspired photo with our iPads or your own smartphone.You'll learn how to use some cool apps and get...
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Creative Crafting
Ashburton Library
1 January 2026 - 1 February 2026
If you can imagine it, we can help you craft it!Visit the Makerspace these holidays and bring your ideas to life at our creative craft...
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Summer in Love Wearable Arts
Ashburton Library
1 January 2026 - 12 February 2026
Enter the world of wearable art this summer by creating your own bridal bouquet, veil, hat, or garment inspired by the Dearly Beloved exhibit at...
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Sand Court
EA Networks Centre
1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
All day, everyday!Serve, spike and have fun this summer. The outdoor sand volleyball court at EANC is open for everyone to enjoy and totally free.Grab...
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Mini Mid Canterbury
EA Networks Centre
1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
All day, everyday!Tee off on a big (but little) adventure at Mini Mid Canterbury! Our brand new 18-hole mini golf course features miniature versions of...
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Cake Construction | Summer Holidays 2025
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
5 January 2026 - 31 January 2026
It's wedding season! Our show Dearly Beloved is on over January and so we're celebrating by building a mountain... of cake! Using card and other...
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EANC Holiday Programme - January
EA Networks Centre
5 January 2026 - 30 January 2026
08:30 am - 05:00 pmNeed fully-supervised childcare for your under-13 school-aged child during the school holidays?Book in for games, sports, field trips, crafts and more!Tamariki/children aged 5 - 13...
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JPs available
Ashburton Library
9 January 2026 - 30 January 2026
This is a drop in session every Tuesday and Friday between 12pm - 2pm.
We now have JPs coming to the library every Tuesday and Friday between 12pm - 2pm.A Justice of the Peace (JP) is a volunteer who...
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Digi coaches
Ashburton Library
9 January 2026 01:00 pm - 01:00 pm
Need help with your phone, tablet, laptop, or other digital devices? Our friendly Digi Coaches are here to assist! Whether it's setting up an app,...
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Active Adventures - School Holiday Pop-Ups
EA Networks Centre
10 January 2026 - 21 January 2026
Join us for exploration play for toddlers!A space for toddlers and parents to come and play with a variety of sensory & building toys, balance...
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Pawtraits | Summer Holidays 2025
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
12 January 2026 - 25 January 2026
Artists often enjoy painting their loved ones, and that includes their pets!Visit the Art Gallery to get inspired, then make your own purr-fectly whimsical animal...
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Knitting Group
Ashburton Library
14 January 2026 10:00 am - 10:00 am
Come and join our wonderful group of knitters who meet every Wednesday in the Event Space/Ashburton Lakes Room.Enjoy a coffee and a chat while getting...
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Explore Printmaking | Block Printing
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
14 January 2026 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Join us for the first session in our Explore Printmaking series of workshops! In this workshop we will make...
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Citizens Advice Bureau Drop In
Ashburton Library
14 January 2026 05:15 pm
Do you have a problem or a question about your rights or obligations? Then drop in to the CAB session at Ashburton Library on Wednesday...
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Social sewing/quilting group
Ashburton Library
17 January 2026 10:00 am - 10:00 am
Bring your sewing machine, quilt, or other sewing project along to this group.With some experienced seamstresses in the group, you will...
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Artist Talk | Kathy Reilly
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
18 January 2026 11:00 am
Join us for an artist talk with printmaker Kathy Reilly.In the summer of 2021, Kathy travelled to the Subantarctic Islands on a research expedition. For...
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Design a Holiday Wardrobe | Summer Holidays 2025
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
19 January 2026 - 1 February 2026
Our exhibition Dearly Beloved is all about weddings and after their big day, people often travel to wonderful places for their honeymoon!Where is your dream...
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Book Club
Ashburton Library
20 January 2026 01:30 pm - 01:30 pm
Our welcoming book club meets once a month to enjoy a cuppa and a chat about the books they’ve read. Be the first to read...
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BookTok Book Club
Ashburton Library
20 January 2026 06:00 pm - 06:00 pm
BookTok Book ClubNew this month! Come along to an evening of chatting about the popular books on BookTok and Bookstagram, and be the first to...
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Explore Printmaking | Intaglio Print
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
21 January 2026 10:30 am - 10:30 am
Join us for the second session in our Explore Printmaking series of workshops!Drypoint...
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Steady As You Go
Ashburton Library
21 January 2026 01:30 pm - 01:30 pm
Steady As You Go© (SAYGo) is Age Concern’s peer-led exercise initiative designed to help older people reduce their likelihood of having a fall.The exercises are...
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Gardening Conversation Hour
Ashburton Library
21 January 2026 01:30 pm
Connecting Mid Canterbury and the Library are hosting a Gardening Conversation Hour in the Ashburton Lakes Room. This group is held on the...
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Spinning Get Together
Ashburton Library
21 January 2026 05:45 pm - 05:45 pm
Spinner get together. Join us in the Event Space to spin yarn and a few tales.Bring your own wheel or use one supplied by Ashburton...
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Pool Party & Movie
EA Networks Centre
24 January 2026 02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Come cool down and party it up at the EA Networks Centre! We will have a film showing on our big LED screen in the...
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Explore Printmaking | Mixed Media
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
28 January 2026 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Join us for the third session in our Explore Printmaking series of workshops!We...
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Brain Injury Support Group
Ashburton Library
28 January 2026 10:30 am - 10:30 am
Are you or someone you know living with or supporting someone with a head injury? Facilitated by the Brain Injury Association, this monthly group...
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Heritage Talk | Jane Malthus
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
1 February 2026 11:00 am
In western fashion, the white wedding dress came into vogue with Queen Victoria. For various reasons, though, brides have chosen to wear other colours.At this...
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Card making with die cuts
Ashburton Library
2 February 2026 10:00 am
Come along and create beautiful cards and gift tags under the guidance of experienced die cutter Diane.These sessions are held on the first...
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Sahaja Yoga Meditation
Ashburton Library
5 February 2026 06:45 pm
Ongoing FREE Meditation Classes.Experience the peace of true meditation!Every Thursday, between 6.45pm -7.45pm, at Ashburton Library.For queries...
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Workshop | Treasured Threads
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
15 February 2026 01:00 pm - 03:00 pm
At this practical workshop, learn how to protect and preserve your special garments for future generations.Bring along a special garment such as a wedding dress,...
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ANZ Business of The Year Awards 2026
Ashburton District Council
20 February 2026 06:00 pm
The ANZ Business of The Year Awards for the Ashburton District endeavour to celebrate excellence in business and promote our region as a great place...
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Design and Print for Young Adults
Ashburton Library
2 December 2025 - 12 January 2026
For teens aged 13-18Create your own custom artwork on our iPads with our easy-to-use drawing software. Then print your design as a sticker or vinyl...
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Monochrome Photo Creation for Young Adults
Ashburton Library
3 December 2025 - 9 January 2026
For teens aged 13-18Get creative this summer! Learn how to use apps on our iPads or your own smartphone to create a summer-inspired photo with...
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Christmas I-Spy
Ashburton Library
10 December 2025 - 21 January 2026
Can you find all 10 hidden items in our Christmas themed I-Spy display in the children's library?
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Design and Print for Kids
Ashburton Library
23 December 2025 - 15 January 2026
Get ready to make your own awesome designs! use our super-easy iPad drawing apps to create your artwork, then turn it into a sticker or...
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Design a Love Bird | Summer Holidays 2025
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
27 December 2025 - 11 January 2026
Many types of birds are symbols of love. With our exhibition Dearly Beloved running through the summer for inspiration, come design and make 3D card...
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Spinning Around | Summer Holidays 2025
Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum
27 December 2025 - 11 January 2026
Did you know that spintops are among the oldest toys ever discovered by archaeologists? Discover the super-old spinning top in the museum collection, and then...
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