Seventeen classes will held on February 2-25, most based at the Waitaki Community Gardens or Te Whare Koa Marae.
The classes have a focus on sustainability, such as tofu making and creating biochar, but also ranged to other skills such as African drumming and personal development.
Course co-ordinator Mel Pronk said the aim of the classes was to increase resilience and help people connect with their community.
Last year the community classrooms changed from annually each summer to seasonally with a smaller programme.
The seasonal change had worked well and about 200 people took part last season, she said.
The classes also introduced many skills to the Oamaru community, as teachers were coming from out of town to share their knowledge.
When she moved to Otago and became a mother the classes helped her learn how to grow food, which she could now do reliably.
Class leader Ra McRostie said the lessons were a good way to meet new people and learn new skills.
Her class was on the art of West African drumming, specifically using a djembe.
The djemba was not an easy instrument for beginners and the class would focus on playing simple rhythms and beats as a group. It was designed to be played in an ensemble, which was "when the real satisfaction happens", she said.
Drumming in a group was a great way to enjoy "the power of rhythm".
She had been teaching classes for 18 years. Groups would come in as total strangers with no experience in music and leave feeling "inspired, content and open."
"It’s just a lot of fun."
There were limited spaces, but it would be going ahead rain or shine.
