If you're scoping out unforgettable events in Christchurch, clear your calendar for The Midwinter Session.

Happening Saturday, 2nd August 2025, at Wolfbrook Arena, this winter celebration is part cosy festival, part local love letter, and 100% your new favourite way to warm up the season. Food, music, and mood all wrapped into one delicious day out? Yes please.

We had the absolute pleasure of styling the exclusive Platinum Lounge—our creative playground for editorial vibes, layered textures, and the kind of comfort that makes you forget it’s winter.

What is The Midwinter Session?

The Midwinter Session is Ōtautahi Christchurch’s leading winter festival, proudly presented by Venues Ōtautahi.

It’s a vibrant mash-up of live music, artisanal bites, and the best sips from Canterbury’s beer, wine, and spirit makers.
Think intimate energy, high vibes, and an all-local lineup that brings the city to life.

Now in its third year, the festival is levelling up. For those wanting more than just a wander and a wine, there’s the Session Seminars—$15 deep-dives into your favourite local brands, complete with tastings and behind-the-scenes flavour stories.

It’s like TED Talks but tastier.

And the best part? The timing is chef’s kiss: 1pm to 8pm.

That’s a full day of curated festival energy with just the right amount of runway to either kick on or call it a night with your soul (and feet) still intact.

GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE

The Platinum Lounge Experience

VIP ticket holders didn’t just attend this event in Christchurch—they entered a whole new world. Our Platinum Lounge design was all about softening winter’s edge with moody tones, lush layers, and laid-back luxury.

Guests floated between cocktail zones, bar leaners, and chill-out nooks. Whether you were sipping Curiosity Gin cocktails at our velvet-draped marble bar or catching up with mates over canapés, the Lounge delivered atmosphere in spades.

Bonus: VIP tickets included two drinks and constant gourmet grazing throughout the event. No lines. No FOMO. Sound a bitta you? Get your friends on the group chat and book those tickets here.

2024 Vibes Recap

Let’s just say—2024 was a whole vibe. Silent disco? Check.

Insane live music? Absolutely.

Street food that had guests double-dipping? You bet.

The Concourse was buzzing, and our Lounge offered the perfect contrast: elevated calm in the middle of it all.

For the Platinum Lounge styling, we leaned into black-on-black accents, raw woods, rattan touches, and lush living trees to create a space that felt like your chicest friend’s lounge met an upscale speakeasy. Cushions, throws, ambient lighting—coming together like a quiet invitation to slow down, sip, and soak it all in.

TICKETS HERE

What’s Coming for 2025?

This year’s Midwinter Session is going bigger, better, and maybe even bolder. A fresh lineup of entertainers. More culinary legends. And a who’s-who of local drink suppliers. As for us? We’re turning up the volume in the Platinum Lounge—more luxe, more zones, more you-had-to-be-there energy.

One of the most exciting aspects of events in Christchurch is getting to sample the very best from our local food and drink legends—and Midwinter Session nails it with its handpicked vendor lineup. Here’s a sneak peek at who’ll be pouring, cooking, and crafting that winter magic:

Wineries

Pegasus Bay – Iconic Waipara wines with bold character and depth.
Melton Estate – Boutique vineyard bringing fresh, fruity sparkle to your glass.
Main Divide – A family-owned label known for approachable, food-friendly varietals.

Breweries

Cassels Brewing Co. – Renowned for their wood-fired brewing and rich stouts.
Chinchiller Brewing – Creative, hop-forward brews with a chilled-out attitude.
Beer Baroness Brewing Co. – Fierce, flavourful beers brewed with bold flair.

Distilleries & Spirits

Curiosity Gin – Bold, botanical-forward gin distilled right in Christchurch.
Elsewhere Gin – Light and aromatic gins inspired by travel and nostalgia.
Hector’s Gin – Sustainably crafted coastal gin with seaweed botanicals.
The Racketeer Gin – Classic London Dry style with a modern Kiwi twist.
Divergence Whisky – Local single malt whisky with smooth, smoky notes.
Herrick Creek Distillery – Wild-foraged spirits rooted in Aotearoa’s rugged terrain.
Bee Alcoholic Lemonade – Zingy, sparkling lemonade with a cheeky kick.
Bacon Brothers – Not just burgers—they’re bringing their cocktail A-game too!

Food Vendors

Roma – Authentic wood-fired pizzas, fresh out of the oven.
Bangkok Wok – Flavour-packed Thai street food favourites.
The Saucey Kiwis – Saucy, cheeky eats with a hearty local spin.
The Vagabond Chefs – Globally inspired bites using Canterbury’s best produce.
Bacon Brothers - the Canterbury staple

From bold gins to gourmet eats, this year’s vendor lineup is another reason The Midwinter Session continues to be one of the most delicious events in Christchurch.

Any Music? Say less!

An epic festival deserves an epic soundtrack, and Midwinter Session 2025 is pulling no punches. With nine incredible local artists performing across two stages, the vibe will be nothing short of immaculate. Expect everything from soulful sets and indie favourites to full-blown party anthems—and yes, there’s even a silent disco.

Headlining the day is none other than 1 Drop Nation, bringing their signature blend of high-energy rhythm, feel-good funk, and reggae soul to Wolfbrook Arena.

Here’s the full musical lineup: