There is a busy month ahead across Christchurch and Canterbury, with a mix of community events, ticketed performances and free family days on offer.

Highlights include the upcoming Diwali celebrations at the Horncastle Arena and Cathedral Square, several school gala fundraisers across the eastern suburbs, and the seasonal launch programmes at the Botanic Gardens.

On the ticketed side, a number of touring acts are scheduled through Wolfbrook Arena, the Town Hall and the Isaac Theatre Royal. Tickets for the larger shows tend to move quickly and are best secured through official outlets.

Community boards and Tūranga's events team also maintain free what's-on listings, which are a useful reference point for families looking to plan ahead through the month.