Discover the best family-friendly and kids’ events at WORD Christchurch Festival 2025. From Gavin Bishop’s magical stories to free riverside boogies, here’s your guide to unmissable fun for tamariki and whānau.
If you love stories, music, and a dash of dancing in the sunshine, then you’re in for a treat this August. The WORD Christchurch Festival 2025 is back between 27 – 31 August to fill the city with books, kōrero, and creativity, and it’s not just for grown-ups. This year’s lineup is brimming with events made for curious tamariki, proud parents, and book-loving grandparents alike.
With over 70 events featuring 100+ writers, artists and thinkers flooding the CBD with excitement, we’ve rounded up the must-see family sessions so you can skip straight to the good stuff.
Read more: How to Prepare Your Child for Starting School in New Zealand: A Complete Parent’s Guide
Family-Friendly Festival Highlights Throughout the Weekend:
Thursday 28 August: Kick Off the Fun
Book Launch: Violet & The Velvets: The Case of the Angry Ghost (FREE!)
Thursday 28 August, 5:30–7:30pm at Scorpio Books
Start your festival weekend early with Rachael King’s celebration of her second Violet and the Velvets book! Drawing on her experience as a teenage bass player, this series captures the DIY joy of playing in a band, competing at BandChamps, and solving mysteries. All ages welcome with refreshments and perhaps some surprise entertainment.
Perfect for: Music-loving families and budding young musicians (ages 8+)
Pro tip: RSVP required via the ‘Get Tickets’ link here.
Location: Scorpio Books, 120 Hereford Street
Weekend-Long Fun
Ōtautahi Zinefest (FREE!)
Saturday 30 Aug & Sunday 31 Aug, 11:00am–4:00pm
Discover the fest within a fest! This whānau-friendly celebration of zine culture and self-publishing offers local zines, stickers, and handcrafted treasures in the Christchurch Art Gallery foyer. It’s perfect for creative kids who love making their own books and art.
Perfect for: Creative families and aspiring young artists (all ages)
What you’ll find: Local zines, art supplies, inspiration for budding creators
Location: Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū foyer
Sunday 31 August: Creative Workshop Fun
Active Storytelling Workshop for Teens
Sunday 31 August, 11:00am–2:00pm
Perfect for budding storytellers aged 12-16! This dynamic 3-hour workshop combines improv, clown, and stand-up techniques to unlock spontaneous storytelling. Participants will explore character creation, descriptive narration, and on-the-spot story devising while keeping active and moving. It’s all about connecting mind and body to enhance creative storytelling skills.
Perfect for: Ages 12-16 who love stories, performance, or want to boost confidence
What to expect: Interactive exercises, character work, and lots of creative movement
Cost: Koha (suggested $15)
Location: Cloisters Studio, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
Pro tip: Wear comfortable clothes you can move in!
Saturday 30 August: Your Family Festival Day
Morning Sessions
Gavin Bishop: Legend of Children’s Literature
Saturday 30 August, 10:30–11:30am
If you’ve ever curled up with Aotearoa: The New Zealand Story or marvelled at the illustrations in a Gavin Bishop classic, you’ll want front-row seats for this one. The legendary author and illustrator shares the tales behind his books in a lively, family-friendly chat that might just inspire your next bookshelf addition.
Perfect for: Ages 4+ (younger siblings welcome)
Pro tip: Bring a book for signing! Gavin Bishop titles are usually available for purchase at the venue.
Storywalk (FREE!)
Saturday 30 August, 11:00am–12:00pm
Stories are better when you can walk through them. Join Tūranga librarians at the Margaret Mahy Playground for a morning of tales, crafts, and sunshine. It’s part book club, part scavenger hunt, part playground party, and it’s completely free.
Perfect for: All ages, especially active toddlers and preschoolers
What to bring: Sunhat, water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes
Bonus: Let the kids burn energy on the playground after the session
Afternoon Adventures
Rangatahi Boogie (FREE!)
Saturday 30 August, 2:00–3:00pm
Grab the kids, the grandparents, and maybe even the neighbours. This Riverside celebration brings together singing storytellers Loopy Tunes for an hour of songs, movement, and smiles. It’s joy on tap, perfect for tamariki with more energy than a sunny Saturday can contain.
Perfect for: Ages 2-8 (but everyone’s welcome to join the fun)
Location: Riverside, Christchurch Central (dress for outdoor fun)
What to expect: Interactive songs, gentle movement activities, and plenty of giggles
Book (Fight) Club (Teen Edition)
Saturday 30 August, 2:00–3:30pm
It’s a book club for teens. It’s a fight club for teens. It’s a book fight club for TEENS! Watch Peter Pan battle Katniss, or Holden Caulfield face off against Geronimo Stilton in the most hilarious and unusual book club ever. El Jaguar hosts this comedy spectacular where randomly selected books enter the Literati ThunderDome for a battle to the death.
Perfect for: Teens and book-loving adults who enjoy comedy
Tickets: $20 / $15 concession. Info here.
Location: Cloisters Studio, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
Note: As seen at major comedy and writers festivals nationwide!
Planning Your Festival Day
Getting There & Parking
- Public transport: Take the bus to Cathedral Square and walk to venues
- Parking: Limited street parking available; consider carpooling or public transport
- Cycling: Bike racks are available near most venues
What to Pack
- Snacks & drinks: Keep little ones happy between sessions
- Picnic blanket: Great for outdoor events and impromptu story time
- Cash or card: For book purchases and festival treats
- Camera: Capture those magical storytelling moments
Make It a Full Day
- Lunch suggestion: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the Margaret Mahy Playground between morning and afternoon sessions
- Backup plan: If the weather turns, Tūranga Library offers cosy indoor spaces and children’s activities
- Extend the fun: Visit the Christchurch Art Gallery (free entry) for more creative inspiration
Age-Appropriate Planning
- Babies & toddlers (0-2): Storywalk and Rangatahi Boogie offer the most flexibility, plus browse Ōtautahi Zinefest at your own pace
- Preschoolers (3-5): All Saturday events work well, with Gavin Bishop offering gentle introduction to author events
- School age (6-12): Will especially enjoy Gavin Bishop’s storytelling techniques, and older kids might love the music theme of the Violet & Velvets launch
- Teens (12-16): Don’t miss Book (Fight) Club for comedy gold, the Active Storytelling Workshop for hands-on creativity, plus they’ll appreciate the DIY spirit of Ōtautahi Zinefest
Quick Reference: Don’t Miss List
FREE EVENTS:
- Violet & Velvets Book Launch: Thursday 5:30pm (Scorpio Books, RSVP required)
- Ōtautahi Zinefest: Sat & Sun 11am-4pm (Art Gallery foyer)
- Rangatahi Boogie: Saturday 2:00pm (riverside fun)
- Storywalk: Saturday 11:00am (Margaret Mahy Playground)
TICKETED EVENTS:
- Gavin Bishop: Saturday 10:30am (book signing opportunity)
- Book (Fight) Club Teen Edition: Saturday 2:00pm ($20/$15, comedy gold!)
- Active Storytelling Workshop: Sunday 11am-2pm (Koha $15, ages 12-16)
Whether you’re chasing free fun, meeting your favourite authors, or introducing the kids to the magic of storytelling, WORD Christchurch Festival 2025 has your weekend sorted. These sessions offer the perfect blend of education, entertainment, and outdoor adventure that will create lasting memories for the whole whānau.
Tip: Screenshot the “Don’t Miss List” above for quick reference on festival day!
For the full lineup, including more parent-focused events, check out wordchristchurch.co.nz.
Images credited to Christchurch WORD Festival
