What's On in Timaru - Explore Timaru

This week · 31 August – 6 September 2026

🎭 Arts, Culture & Performance

ARTARAMA 2026

Until Sun 13 Sep · Aigantighe Art Gallery

An annual exhibition of artwork by students from across South Canterbury, running at the Aigantighe until 13 September.

An Taigh / The House: Held – Fifty Years of Friendship

Until Sun 11 Oct · Aigantighe Art Gallery

An exhibition marking the support and generosity of the Friends of the Aigantighe since the group was founded in 1976.

🍴 Food, Drink & Markets

Timaru Artisan Farmers Market

Sat 5 Sep · 2 George Street

The weekly Saturday market runs 9.00am to 12.30pm, rain or shine, with local produce, artisan food and handmade goods.

👪 Family & Kids

Mini Nix Playgroup

Wed 2 Sep · Timaru Squash Club

A free weekly playgroup for preschoolers and their caregivers from 9.30am to 11.30am, with games, music and a morning tea by the fire.

💪 Sports, Fitness & Wellness

Wednesday Night Badminton – Timaru Smash Social

Wed 2 Sep · Ara Institute Gymnasium

A casual social badminton night at the Ara gym on Arthur Street from 7.00pm to 9.30pm, with players matched by skill level.

🎓 Workshops, Classes & Talks

Girls N Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance Workshop

Sun 6 Sep · Keen As Tyres, Washdyke

A four-hour hands-on car care workshop for women covering fluid checks, jump starts, jacking up a vehicle and changing a wheel.

Coming up later this month

SCOFF 2026

Fri 11 Sep to Sun 27 Sep · South Canterbury

The South Canterbury Outstanding Food Festival returns with a programme celebrating local growers, producers and artisan makers.

Miniature Train Rides

Sat 12 Sep · SC Model Engineering Society

The Christchurch crew bring visiting trains to Timaru for public rides from 1.00pm.

Stars of Stage and Screen

Wed 16 Sep · Life Church

A daytime musical revue of songs made famous on stage and screen, starting 11.00am.

Spring Endurance Meeting

Sat 19 Sep · Levels Raceway

Round one of the 2026 South Island Endurance Race Series, featuring one hour and three hour races.

Celebrating Mozart's Birth Concert Tour

Sun 20 Sep · Aigantighe Art Gallery

The Baroque Music Community and Educational Trust brings its Travel Through Time chamber programme to the gallery at 4.30pm.

Jingo Night

Thu 24 Sep · Timaru Squash Club

Bingo played with music instead of numbers, kicking off at 6.00pm.

WishCon 2026

Sat 26 to Sun 27 Sep · Caroline Bay Hall

Timaru's pop culture and gaming convention, with board games, card games, cosplay, vendors and roleplaying.

Paint and Wine Sunday Afternoon – Aoraki

Sun 27 Sep · Bullock Restaurant & Bar

A beginner-friendly adults painting session from 2.00pm, with all materials supplied.

Sources: Eventfinda and Venture Timaru. Always check the venue or organiser for the latest details.

Frequently asked questions

What’s on in Timaru this week?

The What’s On calendar lists concerts, markets, sport, theatre, exhibitions and community events happening across Timaru this week, each with its date and venue.

What events are coming up in Timaru?

Upcoming events in Timaru, from gigs and festivals to markets and sport, are listed in date order on the calendar, so you can see what’s ahead at a glance.

Are there free events in Timaru?

Plenty. Markets, exhibitions and community days in Timaru are often free, and they appear alongside ticketed events in the calendar so free options are easy to spot.

Where can I find live music and gigs in Timaru?

Live music, gigs and club nights across Timaru are grouped in the calendar under their own heading, with the venue and date for each so you can plan a night out.

How do I find family-friendly events in Timaru?

Markets, festivals and daytime community events in Timaru are generally suitable for all ages, so look for these in the calendar for family-friendly outings.

How often is the Timaru events calendar updated?

Regularly. We refresh the Timaru What’s On calendar as new events are announced, so it stays current from week to week.

What’s On in Timaru

Keep exploring Timaru