The 185 victims' names will be read out at the Canterbury Earthquake Memorial before a bell is rung once, for each person.
The bell is a replica of the HMNZS Canterbury's - which was presented to the people of Christchurch by the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Mayor Phil Mauger says he will attend a private ceremony before laying a wreath at the memorial wall.
He says it's a scaled back day as requested by the victim's families.
Anyone is welcome to the memorial - which starts at 12.45pm.
