Gig Guide
Saturday's the marquee — the Otago Southland Axemen Indoor Woodchopping Comp FINALS hit Waikiwi from 4pm. Axes, sawdust, roaring crowd — genuine Southland winter theatre, and a proper spectacle. Sunday brings Stags v Taranaki live on the big screen at Waikiwi from 5:05pm. Friday runs the usual weekend kick-off — Live in the Lobby at Two Doors Down, meat raffles at Southland Tavern and The Ave, and $9 Sips & Bites at Level One. And Thursday? Bruno the Bull is back at Waikiwi with Meat Raffles from 6pm. Grab your mates. Here's your weekend. 🎶
🪓 Saturday Marquee: Axemen Woodchopping Comp FINALS at Waikiwi
Waikiwi Tavern 🪓🪵 Otago Southland Axemen Indoor Woodchopping Comp FINALS — the winter comp reaches its peak. Axes, sawdust, and grunt. A properly Southland Saturday afternoon. 📅 Saturday 19 September | 🕓 4–6pm 📍 181 North Road, Invercargill.
Thursday, 17 September
Thursday kicks the week off — Bruno the Bull back at Waikiwi with Meat Raffles from 6pm, RIFF Open Mic / Jam Night from 7pm ($5), Half Price Desserts all day at Waxy's, and BINGO at Newfield. Plus Level One Happy Hour 5–7pm.
City Centre
Brew'd 🍵☕ Morning tea? Brew'd is the place to be. Pair your break with the amazing Stir Tea New Zealand range. 📞 03 928 5851 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Meld ✨🕯️ For the big nights that need a big table — Meld's Mezzanine is Level 1's private dining space at The Langlands. Warm, stylish, and yours for the evening. Ideal for parties of 20–24. 📞 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Level 1, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
360 Bar 🍸✨ Head upstairs for drinks and views. 360 — cocktails, city lights, and the best seat in the house. 🕓 Tuesday–Saturday, 4pm till late. 🍴 See the menu 📍 7th Floor, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Two Doors Down 🍽️✨ Your dinner plans are sorted. Whether it's a relaxed date night, a family dinner, or a special celebration, Two Doors Down is the perfect place to gather over exceptional food and warm hospitality. 🕓 Open daily from 4:00 PM until late. 📞 Reserve: 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Don Street, below The Langlands Hotel.
Niche Laneway Bar 🍸✨ Social Hours 4–6pm at Niche — crafted cocktails, tasty bites and that laneway hideaway feel. Book a table or walk in. 🍴 See the menu 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, 7 Don Street, Invercargill.
Level One Craft, Cocktails & Dining 🍸✨ Happy Hour every Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 5–7pm. Unwind after work — cocktails, small plates and that Level One vibe. 📍 Kelvin Hotel, 20 Kelvin Street, Invercargill.
Waxy's Irish Pub 🍮🍀 Half Price Desserts every Thursday — available all day. Cake, cheesecake, ice cream sundae — treat yourself. Book a table or drop in. 📅 Thursday 17 September | 🍴 See the menu 📍 90 Dee Street, Invercargill.
Retreat Restaurant & Bar 🍽️✨ Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 📞 03 217 1234 | Book a table 📍 Ground floor, Distinction Hotel Invercargill, 3 Esk Street West.
Suburbs
Newfield Tavern 🎉🎱 BINGO THURSDAY at Newfield! Grab your tickets with any purchase from 4pm. Rounds at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm, Cash Round at 7:30pm. Plus $5 Meat Raffles throughout the night! 📅 Thursday 17 September 📍 315 Centre Street, Invercargill.
Waikiwi Tavern 🥩🐂 Meat Raffles 6pm and Bruno the Bull 9pm till late. Grab your mates, saddle up, and see how long you can hang on. 📅 Thursday 17 September 📍 181 North Road, Invercargill.
Southland Tavern 🍺✨ Happy Hour 5–6pm. Good times, cold brews, great company. Live sport on the big screen. Ask about this week's Weekly Special. 📅 Thursday 17 September | 🕔 Happy Hour 5–6pm 📍 Cnr Elles Road & McQuarrie Street, Invercargill.
The Ave – Sports Bar 🏉📺 Sport on the big screens tonight. NPC Rugby + all the usual midweek broadcasts. 📅 Thursday 17 September 📍 57 Avenal Street, Invercargill.
RIFF – Live Entertainment Venue 🎤🎶 OPEN MIC / JAM NIGHT tonight! Get up and play, join a jam, try something new — or come along and enjoy the music. Originals, covers, solo performers, bands and first-timers all welcome. Hosted by the Southland Musicians Club. 📅 Thursday 17 September | 🕖 7pm | 🎟 $5 entry 📍 33 Preston Street, Invercargill.
The Saucy Chef — Social Club & Eatery 🍷🕯️ Where Windsor unwinds — the social lounge inside The Saucy Chef. Wines by the glass or bottle, premium spirits and signature serves, shared platters, luxe seating and outdoor lounge. Open from 4:30pm. 📞 03 217 1980 📍 Cnr St Andrew & Sydney Streets, Invercargill.
Friday, 18 September
Friday's covered — DEVIN back for Live in the Lobby at Two Doors Down from 5:30pm, $9 Sips & Bites at Level One 5–7pm, and the usual meat raffle circuit across Southland Tavern, The Ave and Waikiwi.
City Centre
360 Bar 🌌🍸 Seven floors up. Friday night starts with a lift ride — cocktails, views over Invercargill, and that "we made it to the weekend" feeling. Open 4pm till late. 🍴 See the menu 📍 7th Floor, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Niche Laneway Bar 🍸💫 Laneway lounging — settle into Niche for handcrafted cocktails, small plates and that hidden-gem feel. Pre-dinner drinks or a slow evening in — either way, you'll find your seat. 🕓 Social Hours 4–6pm | Open till late. 🍴 See the menu 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, 7 Don Street, Invercargill.
Two Doors Down 🎶💫 Live in the Lobby with DEVIN from 5:30pm! Live music, delicious food, and drinks that match. Whether you're catching up with friends, on a date night, or unwinding after work — Two Doors Down's got your evening covered. 📞 Reserve: 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Don Street, below The Langlands Hotel.
Meld 🥂 Got a milestone coming up? Meld's Mezzanine private dining room seats 20–24 — an intimate Level 1 space for birthdays, engagements, or the send-off that deserves the good glassware. Book it in. 📞 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Level 1, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Brew'd 🥐☕ Kick off your Friday at Brew'd — great coffee, house-baked treats, and the Stir Tea New Zealand range if tea's more your thing. Ground-floor café done right. 📞 03 928 5851 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Level One Craft, Cocktails & Dining 🍸🍽️ Happy Hour + $9 Sips & Bites — cocktails and small plates for $9 each, 5–7pm every Friday. Unwind after work at Level One Bar. 📍 Kelvin Hotel, 20 Kelvin Street, Invercargill.
Waxy's Irish Pub 🎸🍀 Waxy's on a Friday — where the weekend starts. Cold pours, Irish craic, live music into the evening. 📅 Friday 18 September | 🍴 See the menu 📍 90 Dee Street, Invercargill.
Speight's Ale House 🎸🍺 Speight's Ale House on Friday. Grab your mates, sink a few cold ones. 📅 Friday 18 September 📍 38 Dee Street, Invercargill.
Retreat Restaurant & Bar 🍽️❄️ Come in from the cold — cosy dining, warm service, and a menu built for winter appetites. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 📞 03 217 1234 | Book a table 📍 Ground floor, Distinction Hotel Invercargill, 3 Esk Street West.
Suburbs
Newfield Tavern 🍺✨ Friday night at the Newfield. Open for a cold one, a feed and a catch-up. 📅 Friday 18 September 📍 315 Centre Street, Invercargill.
Southland Tavern 🥩🍺 Friday Meat Raffles from 5pm + Happy Hour 5–6pm. Live sport on the big screen all weekend. 📅 Friday 18 September 📍 Cnr Elles Road & McQuarrie Street, Invercargill.
The Ave – Sports Bar 🥩🏉 Friday Meat Raffles from 5pm — multiple prizes to win! (Handle Club). Plus NPC Rugby on the big screens. 📅 Friday 18 September 📍 57 Avenal Street, Invercargill.
Waikiwi Tavern 🍺✨ Happy Hour 5–7pm — kick off the weekend Waikiwi-style. 📅 Friday 18 September | 🕔 5–7pm 📍 181 North Road, Invercargill.
The Saucy Chef — Social Club & Eatery 🍷✨ Kick off your Friday early — the social lounge doors open 3pm. Wines by the glass or bottle, premium spirits, small plates, and that luxe lounge feel. Where Windsor unwinds. 📞 03 217 1980 📍 Cnr St Andrew & Sydney Streets, Invercargill.
Saturday, 19 September
Saturday's the big one — the Otago Southland Axemen Indoor Woodchopping Comp FINALS hit Waikiwi from 4–6pm. DJ Matt Murray on the decks at The Loney from 11pm, Southland Tavern's Sip & Play Quiz kicks off 1pm, and city venues run the usual Saturday-night music circuit. Chase Waxy's and Speight's for their live acts.
City Centre
Brew'd 🥐☕ Take five at Brew'd — great coffee, house-baked goodness, and the Stir Tea New Zealand range. Ground-floor comfort at The Langlands. 📞 03 928 5851 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Two Doors Down 🍷🍽️ Weekend dining, done properly. Modern menu, warm lobby vibes, and drinks that match. Book your table or drop in. 📞 Reserve: 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Don Street, below The Langlands Hotel.
Meld 🥂✨ Celebrate life's special moments at Meld's Mezzanine. Planning a birthday, engagement dinner or corporate gathering? Their elegant private dining space seats 20–24 guests — warm, stylish, exceptional food and service. 📞 Book: 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Level 1, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
360 Bar 🍸💫 Rooftop cocktails with a view. 360 is where the weekend gets elevated — literally. Cocktails, city lights, sunset if you time it right. Open 4pm till late. 🍴 See the menu 📍 7th Floor, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Niche Laneway Bar 🍸✨ A Saturday hideaway. Niche — handcrafted cocktails, tasty bites, warm welcome. Book a table or walk in. 🕓 Social Hours 4–6pm | Open till late. 🍴 See the menu 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, 7 Don Street, Invercargill.
Level One Craft, Cocktails & Dining 🍸✨ Happy Hour 5–7pm — cocktails and small plates to kick off the night at Level One Bar. 📍 Kelvin Hotel, 20 Kelvin Street, Invercargill.
The Loney 🎧🎉 Weekend plans sorted — DJ Matt Murray on the decks from 11pm till late. The Loney's open Saturday. 📅 Saturday 19 September | 🕚 11pm till late 📍 28 Leet Street, Invercargill.
Speight's Ale House 🎸🍺 Speight's Ale House on Saturday. Cold pours, good company. 📅 Saturday 19 September 📍 38 Dee Street, Invercargill.
Waxy's Irish Pub 🎸🍀 Waxy's on a Saturday — proper Irish energy. Live music into the evening. 📅 Saturday 19 September | 🍴 See the menu 📍 90 Dee Street, Invercargill.
Retreat Restaurant & Bar 🍽️🥂 Saturday night dinner, sorted — Retreat's got the atmosphere, the menu, and the wine list to match. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 📞 03 217 1234 | Book a table 📍 Ground floor, Distinction Hotel Invercargill, 3 Esk Street West.
Suburbs
Waikiwi Tavern 🪓🪵 Otago Southland Axemen Indoor Woodchopping Comp FINALS — 4–6pm at Waikiwi. Axes, sawdust and grunt. See feature callout above. 📅 Saturday 19 September | 🕓 4–6pm 📍 181 North Road, Invercargill.
Southland Tavern 🧠🍻 Sip & Play Pictorial Quiz — starts 1pm, free entry. Then Happy Hour 5–6pm and live sport all afternoon and evening on the big screen. 📅 Saturday 19 September 📍 Cnr Elles Road & McQuarrie Street, Invercargill.
The Ave – Sports Bar 🏉📺 Big sport Saturday on the big screens. NPC Rugby + NRL fixtures — grab a seat, grab a beer. 📅 Saturday 19 September 📍 57 Avenal Street, Invercargill.
The Saucy Chef — Social Club & Eatery 🍷🕯️ Saturday at the social lounge — doors from 3pm. Luxe seating, outdoor lounge, shared platters and signature serves. The Windsor go-to for a relaxed drink and a proper catch-up. 📞 03 217 1980 📍 Cnr St Andrew & Sydney Streets, Invercargill.
Sunday, 20 September
Sunday winds down — Stags v Taranaki live on the big screen at Waikiwi from 5:05pm. Brunch options at Brew'd, Sunday dining at Two Doors Down, and the usual Sunday suburbs circuit — 9Ball Pool at Eastern Suburbs, Free Pool at Southland Tavern, Big Bot Sunday at The Ave, and Kids Dine Free at Waxy's.
City Centre
Brew'd 🥐☕ Sunday brunch, Brew'd style. Great coffee, house-baked goodness, and the Stir Tea New Zealand range for something warm and thoughtful. Slow-morning vibes — perfect way to close out the weekend. 📞 03 928 5851 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Two Doors Down 🍽️✨ Sunday dining, done properly. Modern menu, warm lobby vibes, and drinks that match. Book a Sunday table or drop in. Open from 4pm. 📞 Reserve: 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 🍴 See the menu 📍 Don Street, below The Langlands Hotel.
Waxy's Irish Pub 👨👧🍀 Kids Dine Free every Sunday — family Sundays at Waxy's. Bring the whole crew. (T's & C's apply) 📅 Sunday 20 September | 🍴 See the menu 📍 90 Dee Street, Invercargill.
Retreat Restaurant & Bar 🍳✨ Sunday breakfast, brunch, and beyond — Retreat's kitchen runs all day, from morning coffee and eggs to a proper Sunday sit-down. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 📞 03 217 1234 | Book a table 📍 Ground floor, Distinction Hotel Invercargill, 3 Esk Street West.
Suburbs
Newfield Tavern 🍺✨ Sunday at the Newfield. Open for a wind-down beer and a bite. 📅 Sunday 20 September 📍 315 Centre Street, Invercargill.
Eastern Suburbs Tavern 🎱🍺 9Ball Pool Comp + Killer Pool — every Sunday from 2pm. Bring your A-game (or just your mates) and settle in for an afternoon on the felt. 📅 Sunday 20 September | 🕑 From 2pm 📍 61 Glengarry Crescent, Invercargill.
Waikiwi Tavern 🏉📺 Stags v Taranaki live on the big screen from 5:05pm. Back the boys. 📅 Sunday 20 September | 🕔 5:05pm 📍 181 North Road, Invercargill.
Southland Tavern 🎱🍻 Sunday Session — Happy Hour and FREE POOL from 1–3pm. The gentle way to close out the weekend. Live sport on the big screen too. 📅 Sunday 20 September 📍 Cnr Elles Road & McQuarrie Street, Invercargill.
The Ave – Sports Bar 🎯🏉 Big Bot Sunday — EVERY SUNDAY at The Ave! Sport on the big screens all afternoon. See ya there. 📅 Sunday 20 September 📍 57 Avenal Street, Invercargill.
The Saucy Chef — Social Club & Eatery 🍷🕯️ Sunday wind-down at the social lounge — doors from 4:30pm. A quiet drink, small plates, and that "close out the weekend properly" vibe. 📞 03 217 1980 📍 Cnr St Andrew & Sydney Streets, Invercargill.
Coming Up 📅
Waxy's Irish Pub 🧠 Quiz Night — every Wednesday from 7pm. Free entry. Book via waxys.co.nz or 03 214 0313. 📍 90 Dee Street.
Waikiwi Tavern 🥩🐂 Thursday 24 September — Meat Raffles 6pm + Bruno the Bull 9pm till late 🍺 Friday 25 September — Happy Hour 5–7pm 🏉 Saturday 26 September — Stags v Canterbury live from 5:05pm 📍 181 North Road, Invercargill.
Save the Date 📌
RIFF – Live Entertainment Venue presents IMPERIAL SLAVE — Existential Threat Tour 🎸⚡ A big one for Southland metal. IMPERIAL SLAVE bring the Existential Threat Tour all the way south, joined by local legends Autonomy with more names to come. Their ruthless third album Existential Threat lands 16 October — produced by legendary German metal producer Waldemar Sorychta (Grip Inc., Sodom, Unleashed, Sentenced, Moonspell, Lacuna Coil). 📅 Saturday 14 November 2026 🎟 Tickets through Under The Radar 📍 RIFF, 33 Preston Street, Invercargill.
Got an event or gig happening around Invercargill & Southland? 📩 For pricing options, email [email protected] and get in front of the largest audience in Invercargill & Southland 🎉