Tamariki Book Festival, Christchurch

Christchurch's much-loved Tamariki Book Festival is returning this September, and for the first time ever it is moving to the iconic Great Hall at The Arts Centre. Having outgrown its home at Tūranga, the free festival promises an even bigger celebration of New Zealand children's books, stories and creativity.

Taking place on Saturday 26 September from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, the festival will bring together award-winning children's authors and illustrators from across Otautahi and beyond for a day packed with imagination, inspiration and family fun. Visitors can meet the creators behind their favourite books, have stories signed, buy books directly from the authors, ask questions, and enjoy a wide range of interactive activities.

This year's theme, Spellbound – Magic in Every Story, is a perfect match for the Hogwarts-vibe of The Great Hall, where witches, wizards and magical creatures of all ages are invited to celebrate the joy of reading. Alongside festival traditions such as the Scavenger Hunt and Imagination Station, this year's expanded programme includes puppet performances, a Human Story-Vending Machine and fun with the Storybox drama team.

The festival also recognises that every child enjoys books differently. A dedicated Quiet Hour at the end of the day will provide a calm, sensory-friendly opportunity for neurodiverse readers and their families to browse, meet authors and enjoy the festival at a more relaxed pace.

"The Tamariki Book Festival is all about giving young people the chance to meet Aotearoa’s talent behind the books they read, discover new stories and realise that they can become writers and illustrators too," says Festival Chair Robinne Weiss.

The celebrations begin a day earlier with the festival's popular creative workshops for young writers and illustratorson Friday 25 September. Schools and families can book their young authors into as many sessions as they choose throughout the day. New for 2026 are two special evening workshops for adults interested in writing for children.

Whether you're searching for your next favourite book, hoping to meet a literary hero, or dreaming of creating stories of your own, the Tamariki Book Festival has something for everyone. Dress as a literary character and you might just win a prize.

Entry to the festival is free and no booking is required. Workshop places are limited, so schools and families are encouraged to book early. For the full programme, workshop registrations and competition details, visit tamarikibookfest.wordpress.com.