Invercargill Weekend Gig Guide 15

Invercargill's live music scene is firing on all cylinders this weekend, with a packed programme spanning roots reggae, Irish folk, karaoke showdowns, and a night of unexpected arts encounters across the city.

THURSDAY
The weekend kicks off a day early at RIFF tonight with a genuinely special show. Jonathon Harper brings his ROADWORKS tour to Invercargill — a concert journey inspired by four decades of touring across New Zealand, Australia, England and Italy. Expect stunning original instrumentals woven through folk, Latin, flamenco and classical influences, brought to life with storytelling and Super 8-style atmosphere. Opening the evening is local duo Primrose Blue, featuring Renee McGinnis and Belinda Anderson, before Southland stalwart Brad MacClure — founding member of Little Green Men — joins Jonathon on stage for the second half. If you love world-class guitar music, tonight is not one to sleep on. Thursday 14 May, RIFF.

FRIDAY
The early start award goes to Two Doors Down (Langlands Lobby Bar), where Cheryl Anderson plays live in the lobby from 5:00pm. Social Hour runs 5–6pm with discounted drinks — ideal for easing into the weekend without the late-night chaos.

Over at Emberz Restaurant & Bar (Ascot Park Hotel), Saelyn Guyton takes to the stage from 6:00pm for a laid-back Friday night session.

Later in the evening, Waxy's Irish Pub opens the weekend double-header with Euphoria live from 9PM — cold drinks, great vibes, and that reliably good Waxy's atmosphere.

The Ave Sports Bar keeps the energy up with Triple Shot bringing live music from Friday night — grab a table, bring your crew, and settle in.

Ascot Sports Bar has Hitmen playing live from 9pm.

For something a little different, head to The Shack for Hori Shaw — a rapidly rising NZ roots/reggae artist from Ōpōtiki on the East Coast. Hori took out the People's Choice Award at the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards and Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2025, and has performed at major festivals including One Love. Saturday's show is sold out, but Friday 15 May still has some tickets left — don't sit on it.

Night owls can head to Waikiwi Tavern for karaoke from 9pm — after the Highlanders game. Drink specials and a courtesy coach make The Kiwi a no-brainer for a fun locals' night.

Also Friday: Arts Murihiku – Night of the Arts. Jazz drifting through the streets. A pied piper pulling you around corners. Pop-up gardens, underground fashion, puppetry on the move. One night only — all-weather, for everyone, with food trucks on site. Expect the unexpected, Invercargill. Check Arts Murihiku for full details and locations.

SATURDAY
Waxy's Irish Pub brings the second act of their weekend with Elscratcho taking over from 9:30PM.

The big ticket at Newfield Tavern this Saturday is the Sydney Hotshots — Australia and New Zealand's premier male entertainment show, with over 150 performances a year and TV appearances on Studio 10, Sunrise, and Australia's Got Talent. Whether it's a hens' night, birthday bash, or just a well-deserved night out, this one promises energy, laughs, and plenty of surprises. Tickets: bit.ly/3NDOewO

At Eastern Suburbs Tavern, it's the FINAL HEAT of You're The Voice Karaoke — your last chance to qualify for the semi-finals and potentially the grand final. First place takes home $1,000. Free entry. Saturday 16 May, 8pm–11pm.

Heading north to Gore, Eastern Southland Gallery hosts Sean Kelly & The Super 8's for an intimate evening of Irish music and storytelling, with live performance set against authentic Super 8 footage from Derry and Donegal. Saturday 16 May, 7:30pm. Tickets: General Admission $35 / Members $30 / Students $10 — book via [email protected].

SUNDAY – FIRSTIES AT THE TROTS
If you've never been to the harness racing before — or you have and you're bringing fresh faces — Sunday at Ascot Park is the one. Firsties is landing in Invercargill for an afternoon of live racing with a dedicated first-timers experience built around making it easy, fun, and genuinely worth your time.

There's a Firsties Zone set up inside the main stand — your base for the day, with hosts on hand to answer questions, no dress code, no pressure, and no need to stay all afternoon. Just turn up, follow the signs, and get amongst it at your own pace.

Here's what's in store: free on-site parking, stable tours and behind-the-scenes access, chances to meet trainers and drivers, mobile rides up for grabs, entry into Firsties-only draws and giveaways, punting help if you want to give it a go, and $1 off drinks for the first hour (1–2pm). The first 50 through the gate get a pair of Firsties socks.

The standout prize: one lucky Firsties guest wins a share in a racehorse for the day — with a meet and greet with the horse, trainer and driver, a drink in the President's Room, and a photo to take home. That's a race day experience most people never get. Sunday 18 May, Ascot Park Raceway.

The Weekend Gig Guide is published every Thursday afternoon/evening.
Got a gig on? Email your details to [email protected]