The Pasifika celebration that kicks off tomorrow features traditional music, dance, costume and speech. The non-profit event has been running for 16 years.
Organiser Diane Fenika puts the growth down to growth in culturally diverse communities and a strong pacific culture in schools.
She encouraged Cantabrians of all ethnicities to come along.
Christchurch Polyfest differs from Auckland's Pasifika events because its not a competition, rather a celebration of culture.
Up to 20 Christchurch schools will participate in the annual event held in the Red Zone in Dallington.
St Bede's College student Selwyn Gamble encouraged people to get along.
"Even if you don't understand the language, you can understand the passion through their actions, and that's the beauty of Polyfest." Gamble said.