CultureFest
A celebration of the sounds, flavours and fun of cultures from around the world is returning to Selwyn this spring.
Experiencing delicious food and incredible entertainment is on the cards for people attending the annual CultureFest celebration at Lincoln Event Centre on Sunday 14 September.
The popular family event showcases the diversity of the district with crowds enjoying interactive activities, exciting cultural performances, delicious food and much more from local community groups and residents.
Download the event map, stage line-up and have-a-go activity timetable here!
Check out our event page on Facebook for all the latest updates.
CultureFest Series Events
Variety Dance Club
Fridays – 22 August to 19 September 2025, 6–7pm
Selwyn Sports Centre
We’re back with a new line-up of beginner dance classes for you to discover and try. Choose from K-Pop, Latin dance, Afro dance and more! All ages welcome.
$7 per person, bookings required.
English Learners — Conversation Group
Mondays — from 1 September, 1.30–2.30pm, Lincoln Library and Service Centre
Tuesdays — from 2 September, 1.30–2.30pm, Leeston Library and Service Centre
Thursdays — from 4 September, 1.30–2.30pm, Te Ara Ātea
Our popular English conversation sessions are now coming to Leeston Library! Practise everyday English in a relaxed and welcoming space. Each session explores a different topic, with conversations and activities shaped by the group’s interests. It’s a great way to build confidence and connect with others from diverse cultures. All English learners welcome! These sessions run year-round during term times. 16+ years.
Free to attend, drop-in.
Women and Girls Pool Night
Saturdays — 20 September, 11 October and 8 November, 5.30–8pm
Selwyn Aquatic Centre
An evening created especially for women and girls of all ages to enjoy the pool in a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment. Normal pool entry applies, drop-in.
Kanopy Film Screenings: World Cinema
Celebrate Culturefest with Kanopy! Discover films from around the world, all with English subtitles.
Bring a cushion, your favourite movie snack, and enjoy the magic of international cinema together.
Free for Selwyn Libraries members, bookings required.
The Crow's Egg: Kaakkaa Muttai
Saturday 20 September, 1.30–3pm, Leeston Library and Service Centre
Belle: Ryū to Sobakasu no Hime: 竜とそばかすの姫
Saturday 20 September, 1.30–3pm, Darfield Library and Service Centre
King of Peking: 京城之王
Sunday 21 September, 1.30–3pm, Te Ara Ātea
Nina and the Hedgehog's Secret: Nina et le secret du hérisson
Wednesday 24 September, 3–4.30pm, Te Ara Ātea
Scottish Dance Have-a-Go
Tuesday 23 September, 7.30–9pm, Lincoln Event Centre
Enjoy a captivating performance by dancers from the Lincoln Scottish Country Dance Club, then get ready to learn a few simple steps yourself! All ages welcome — bring your family and friends for a night of music, movement, and fun.
Free to attend, drop-in.
Surviving Marmite — Growing Up Between Cultures in Aotearoa
Sunday 28 September, 2–3pm, Lincoln Library and Service Centre
What does it mean to grow up between worlds? Join author Anisa MacLean, as she shares experiences from her book Surviving Marmite: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in New Zealand. She explores themes of identity, belonging, and what it means to call a place home. Learn about mixed heritage, cultural adaptation, and the personal stories that shape our lives. 13+ years.
Free to attend, bookings required.