Free upcoming events include exhibitions of the woodworkers' craft, on until 9 November at Canterbury Museum, the Active Christchurch walks, the Meridian Energy Fireworks Extravaganza on New Brighton Beach (after dark on 5 November), greyhound racing at Addington (7 November), watching the AMP City of Christchurch Multisport Race, which starts and finishes in Victoria Square on Saturday, 8 November, the Whopper Chopper Seaside Extravaganza and movies at Brighton Pier (also on 8 November) and the Canterbury Potters' display (12-23 November) at Canterbury Museum.

The popular Active Christchurch walking programmes, developed by the City Council and run by Graeme Stanley (ph 980 1553), have so far attracted more than 26,000 participants over the years.

They are there to encourage people to get fit, make new friends and explore their neighborhoods while learning more about heritage homes, pioneer history, and visiting notable trees, parks, reserves, waterways and wetlands.

There's also a feast of other events, including horse racing, fashion events, balls, speedway, a golf match, the A&P Show (12-14 November), a half marathon and 10km walk (9 November), a doubles petanque tournament sponsored by Rick Armstrong Motors (in North Hagley Park on Sundays from 11am to 2pm), garden tours, a quilting show, CircoArts' Circus Under the Stars show (from 7pm, 7-9 November), a sculpture event and an all-night dance party at the Civic Theatre (7 November).

For more information about Showtime events dates and times, call into any City Council office for a brochure, or look on the net at www.showtimecanterbury.co.nz Showtime's Canterbury Ministock Championship runs at Woodford Glen Speedway on Saturday, 8 November from 7.30pm and features the best drivers from Canterbury and beyond.