World Buskers Festival 2027

What it is

The World Buskers Festival is one of Christchurch’s signature summer events: ten days of “wild, world-class street performance” in the heart of the city, with local legends and international performers turning Ōtautahi into one giant stage. In 2027 it runs from 21 to 31 January, and it includes a Māori and Pasifika programme that supports developing artists from across New Zealand. The festival has been running since 1994, and Christchurch City Council calls it one of the best street performance festivals in the world. In 2025 it had more than 230 busking and ticketed performances over the ten days.

What to expect

Comedy, cabaret, circus and chaos. In the classic busking format, a performer draws a crowd on the street, does the show, and passes the hat at the end. You pay what you think it was worth. There are also evening shows, some of them ticketed or for adults. Most street shows last under an hour, so you can see several in an afternoon.

Where the shows happen

Performances happen in and around the central city. The festival’s most recent venue list gives a good idea of where to head:

• Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, including the North Quad and the Altiora stage and canopy bar
• Whiti-reia Cathedral Square, the classic open-air busking pitch
• The Bridge of Remembrance and the Scott Statue
• Papa Hou black box venues and the Isaac Theatre Royal for ticketed shows
• Rollickin Gelato on Cashel
• A pop-up show at the New Brighton amphitheatre by the beach

Check the 2027 programme for the final venues and timetable. A good plan is to base yourself around the Arts Centre and Cathedral Square, where several pitches sit within a few minutes’ walk of each other.

Who it suits

Families, couples and anyone who enjoys street theatre. It is easy to drop in on a few shows between other sightseeing.

Tickets

Many shows are free to watch, but have some cash or a card handy for the hat. Ticketed shows are listed on the official programme, released before the festival.

Getting there

Christchurch Airport is about 25 minutes’ drive from the city centre (an estimate), and the festival is spread across the walkable central city, so you will not need a car once you are there.

Where to stay

Stay in or near the central city so you can walk to shows. January is a busy month in Christchurch, so book early. Our things to do in Christchurch guide covers the main areas.

Food and drink

The festival’s visitor guide recommends:

• Riverside Market and Little High Eatery for an easy lunch
• The Terrace, beside the Ōtākaro Avon River, for dinner, craft beer, cocktail lounges and live music
• New Regent Street, with its Spanish Mission-style buildings, restaurants, dessert spots and small bars
• Rooftop bars and hidden spots on High Street and Cashel Street for drinks after the shows

What to bring

Christchurch summer days can be warm and sunny, but the weather can change quickly. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket, and comfortable shoes for standing in the crowd.

Make a trip of it

In the city, punt down the Avon River, ride the heritage tram or visit the Arts Centre. Further afield, the festival’s guide suggests whale watching in Kaikōura, the wineries of the Waipara Valley, the hot pools at Hanmer Springs, and Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. Our Lake Tekapo guide and 14-day South Island road trip are good next steps.