Halloween costumes will get plenty of wear across Christchurch and Canterbury this weekend, with trick-or-treat trails, twilight markets and late-night parties on the calendar.

But there is plenty happening beyond the spooky celebrations on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, including the Ashburton A&P Show, international rugby, a duck race and Diwali festivities.

Take the family to Ferrymead

Maleficent’s Park of Tricks and Treats takes over Ferrymead Heritage Park on Saturday from 10am to 8pm.

The ticketed event includes trick-or-treating, costumed villains, bouncy castles, face painting, messy activities and a Monster Mash Disco, alongside food vendors and market stalls. Tickets allow visitors to enjoy the event throughout the day.

Make a night of it at The Arts Centre

The Halloween Mākete at The Arts Centre is scheduled for Saturday from 4pm to 9pm, with free entry.

More than 60 makers and creatives will be joined by food trucks, live performers and face painters in Market Square. Costumes are encouraged.

The Friday evening market has been cancelled because of the weather.

Head north for Kaiapoi’s Halloween carnival

Norman Kirk Park hosts Kaiapoi’s Halloween Twilight Carnival on Saturday from 2pm to 8.30pm.

The free-entry event includes food and market stalls, bouncy castles, face painting and a children’s costume competition. A trick-or-treat trail around Kaiapoi finishes at the carnival, with fireworks scheduled for 8.30pm.

Get a taste of country life in Ashburton

The Ashburton A&P Show runs on Friday and Saturday at the showgrounds on Brucefield Avenue, bringing together rural displays, food and entertainment for children and adults.

For those who prefer their weekend entertainment with a little heat, the Great Ashvegas Chilli Eating Competition starts at 11am on Saturday, with $500 up for grabs for the winner.

Back the Black Ferns

Rugby supporters can head to One New Zealand Stadium on Saturday night as the Black Ferns take on France.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7.05pm, with the match marking the Black Ferns’ first appearance at the new stadium.

Explore electric motoring

The free Take Charge Expo at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre runs on Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

Around 30 battery electric vehicles will be on display, covering different vehicle types and price points. Entry is through the convention centre’s Cathedral Square entrance.

Spend Saturday night with the orchestra

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra performs Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius at Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday at 7.30pm.

Chief conductor Benjamin Northey leads the orchestra and CSO Chorus, with soloists Helen Sherman, Jared Holt and David Greco, in a work following a soul’s journey into the afterlife. Tickets are required.

Cheer on the ducks

The Great Canterbury Duck Race returns to the Avon River on Sunday from noon to 2pm, between the Bridge of Remembrance and Hereford Street Bridge.

The business race starts at 1pm, followed by the community race at 1.30pm. Spectators can also enjoy children’s activities, a barbecue and a visit from Harold the Giraffe.

The event supports Life Education Trust Canterbury and its Healthy Harold programme. It is free to watch.

Enjoy a family day in Oxford

Oxford’s Big Family Day Out runs at the Oxford A&P Showgrounds on Bay Road on Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

Organised by the Oxford and Districts Lions Club, the event includes a petting zoo, sheep shearing demonstrations, a fire brigade display, bouncy castles, wonky bikes, tug of war and craft and food stalls. Admission charges apply.

Celebrate Mexican culture at Tūranga

Tūranga hosts a free Día de Muertos celebration on Sunday from 1pm to 2pm, honouring the lives and memories of loved ones who have died.

The programme includes Mexican and Latin American music and dance, with performances by MEXidaNZ, Héctor and Adrián, and Christchurch musician Carlos Celis with Latin Loops. A Mexican-inspired craft activity follows the performances.

Finish the weekend with Diwali in Lincoln

Selwyn Diwali brings the Festival of Lights to Lincoln Domain on Sunday from 2pm to 9.30pm.

The free-entry celebration includes live music, cultural performances, food stalls, rides, games and markets, with a fireworks finale planned to close the evening.

Check organisers’ latest updates before heading out, particularly for outdoor events, and confirm ticket availability for paid activities.