Description
CHICKENSTOCK 2026
Date: Saturday 23 May
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Climate Action Campus, Christchurch - 180 Avonside Drive
Can a chicken climb stairs? Do a high jump? Be rounder than another chicken?
If you’ve ever laid awake at night wondering these things, then you’re in for a treat, because this year, on May 23rd, we’re going to put ALL that to the test.
Yes, chicken athleticism is real, and you can witness it yourself at Christchurch’s premier poultry athletics event, Chickenstock.
Chickenstock is a family-friendly daytime event for the WHOLE family. Yes, all of the family. Even Graham. So bring him along, and come watch real chickens compete to navigate mazes, pull objects, and attempt to perform dressage, all in a wholesome, alcohol-free environment - unlike these rowdy, boozy chicken athletic events you’re always hearing about.
Expect mazes. Tiny athletic hurdles. Dramatic stair climbs. Questionable obedience. Unexpected emotional investment in chickens you met 12 minutes ago.
The wellbeing of all chickens comes first at this event.
View our code of conduct HERE.
Proceeds from the event will go towards building a sensory playground at the Climate Action Campus.
SPONSOR A CHICKEN
The official Chickenstock weigh-in is complete and the competitors are now locked in, loosely supervised, and preparing mentally for the big day.
You can now sponsor your favourite chicken through the sponsorship links on the Humanitix event page.
All sponsorship money goes directly toward fundraising for the Climate Action Campus Sensory Playground Project.
Sponsors will also go in the draw to win one of 5 copies of Coop, a brilliant New Zealand-designed family card game about chickens escaping captivity. Which honestly feels very on-brand.
Additional prizes and surprises may also appear throughout the event.
Choose wisely. Some chickens are athletes. Some are barely cooperating with reality.
ENTRY TICKETS
Spectators are warmly invited to attend and cheer on the competitors.
Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring someone who says “this sounds ridiculous” because they are exactly the target audience.
Adult tickets: $10
Children under 12: Free
Food, snacks, coffee, and drinks will be available throughout the event thanks to The Crafted Coffee Company.
Alcohol will not be permitted. Not for attendees or chickens.
THE MAIN EVENT CARD
The seven official events of Chickenstock are:
🥚 The Egg Pull
A test of strength and determination as chickens attempt to pull a tray of eggs across the arena.
🐔 The High Jump
Chickens attempt increasingly difficult jumps until one remains victorious, confused, or both.
🌀 The Maze Run
Can chickens navigate a maze simple enough for a toddler?
The evidence so far suggests: maybe not.
🎀 Chicken Dressage
Precision movement. Elegance. Chaos.
⚪ Roundest Chicken
A celebration of spherical excellence. Only healthy chickens will be considered.
🏆 The Legendary Stair Climb
The marquee event. A 10-metre sprint, a stair challenge, then another sprint. The absolute peak of poultry athleticism.
👑 Best in Show
Audience voting decides which chicken wins the hearts of the people, regardless of actual skill..
*disclaimer: there is a non-zero chance that there will be no successful chicken feats performed due to reasonable chicken performance anxiety and / or lack of co-operation. Chickens are famously uncooperative, hence the fundamental tension present in this event.
THE OFFICIAL CHICKENSTOCK LINE-UP
Hei Hei – 2.70kg
Left the podium immediately. Strong “celebrity refusing media interviews” energy.
Sunnyside Up – 2.50kg
Refused to sit in the middle of the scale. Clearly disputes the judging criteria.
Tiny – 2.35kg
Named “Tiny” in what appears to be an act of deliberate misinformation.
Mazie – 2.25kg
Successfully exited the stage during weigh-in. Early signs of tactical independence.
Rolly – 2.25kg
Restless. Possibly training. Possibly plotting.
Chicken Nugget – 2.16kg
Sat still. Suspiciously professional.
Top Twin #1 – 2.15kg
Absolutely refused to co-operate with photography.
Bilbo – 2.15kg
Not a Hobbit. Confirmed after investigation.
Top Twin #2 – 2.13kg
The sensible twin. The family favourite.
Chickomb – 2.11kg
Held position like a seasoned combat veteran.
Marlene – 2.00kg
Would not stand still under any circumstances.
Ginger Cluck – 1.96kg
Did not escape. Technically a success.
Chook Norris – 1.90kg
No additional commentary required.
Hottie – 1.85kg
Appears aware of personal branding.
Princess – 1.70kg
Royal composure throughout proceedings.
Waffles – 1.49kg
Unexpectedly disciplined.
Repekah – 1.28kg
Sat perfectly still. A future champion or deeply confused.
Charlie – 1.28kg
Extremely well behaved. Teachers would write glowing reports.
Potato – 1.20kg
Tiny. Dense. Emotionally powerful.
Mr. FartyFace – 1.01kg
Sat still with the dignity his name denied him.
Rufio – 0.62kg
Light enough to potentially achieve flight.
Bhudda – 0.60kg
Refused to leave owner’s shoulder like a tiny feathery pirate companion.
Birde – 0.36kg
Currently ruled INELIGIBLE due to concerns about whether this is, in fact, a regulation chicken. Appeal pending.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity