Gig Guide
Stags Day is on Saturday — the 250th game between Southland and Otago at Rugby Park, and every pub in town is falling in behind it. King Kapisi & Friends headline The Shack from 6:30pm. Waxy's, Speight's and Ascot Sports Bar are locking down the after-parties, and Ascot's even laid on a free bus to get you to the game and home again. If gigs are more your thing, The Weather And I bring their alt-folk misadventure to RIFF from 7pm.
Friday night has its own energy — Devin doing Live in the Lobby at Two Doors Down, Bad Horsie at The Ave, and Jetset back at Waxy's. Grab your mates, sink a few cold ones. Here's your weekend. 🎶
🍸 The Langlands Flavour Trail
The Langlands 🍽️🥂 Taste your way through The Langlands Flavour Trail. Sip, savour, and explore all five venues — Brew'd, Two Doors Down, 360 Bar, Meld and Niche Laneway Bar — and you could be checking in for a complimentary stay. Simply purchase any food or drink at each stop to go in the draw. Easy as that. Ready to follow the flavour? 📍 The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Thursday, 30 July
City Centre
Niche Laneway Bar 🌿🍸 Zero-alcohol, full flavour — try the Ecology & Co London Dry Botanical Blend. All the crisp, refreshing taste of a classic gin, none of the alcohol. Served with premium tonic, fresh citrus and your favourite garnish. Perfect for a mindful night out without compromising on flavour. 🕓 Social Hours 4–6pm | Open till late. 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, 7 Don Street, Invercargill.
Two Doors Down 🥩🔥 The Rib Eye experience — expertly grilled over an open flame, perfectly plated. Discover it at Two Doors Down. 📞 Reserve: 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 📍 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] 📍 Level 1, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
360 Bar 🍸✨ Head upstairs for drinks and views from 4pm till late. Cocktails, city lights and the best seat in the house. 📍 7th Floor, The Langlands, Don 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
RIFF – Live Entertainment Venue 🎸🔥 Jordan Luck Band — SOLD OUT! The legendary Kiwi frontman brings the tour to RIFF. 📅 Thursday 30 July 📍 33 Preston Street, Invercargill.
Friday, 31 July
City Centre
Niche Laneway Bar 🍸✨ Social Hours are on 4–6pm — crafted cocktails, tasty bites and that laneway hideaway feel to kick off your Friday. Book a table or walk in. 🌿 Trying to keep it soft? Ask for the Ecology & Co Zero — a botanical gin serve with none of the alcohol. 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, 7 Don Street, Invercargill.
Two Doors Down 🎶💫 Live in the Lobby with Devin from 5pm! Live music, delicious food, and your favourite drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're catching up with friends, on a date night, or unwinding after work — they've got your evening covered. 📞 Reserve: 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 📍 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] 📍 Level 1, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
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. 📍 7th Floor, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
Waxy's Irish Pub 🎸🍀 Jetset live from 9pm. 📍 90 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
The Ave – Sports Bar 🎸 Bad Horsie live from 8:30pm — kick off the weekend at The Ave! 📍 57 Avenal Street, Invercargill.
Saturday, 1 August — STAG DAY 🏉
Sport
Southland Stags 🏉🔴 STAG DAY IS BACK! Southland Stags v Otago — the 250th game between the two teams, plus 10K for Stag Day. Massive occasion. 📅 Saturday 1 August | 🕔 Kick-off 5:05pm 📍 Rugby Park, Invercargill.
City Centre
Retreat Restaurant & Bar 🍽️🥩 Post-rugby refuel or a proper sit-down dinner? Retreat's got you either way. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 📞 03 217 1234 | Book a table 📍 Ground floor, Distinction Hotel Invercargill, 3 Esk Street West.
Niche Laneway Bar 🍸💫 Laneway lounging — settle into Niche this Saturday for handcrafted cocktails, small plates and that hidden-gem feel. Pre-game drinks or a slow evening in — either way, you'll find your seat. 🕓 Social Hours 4–6pm | Open till late. 📍 Ground Floor, The Langlands, 7 Don Street, Invercargill.
Two Doors Down 🍷🍽️ Weekend dining, done properly — modern menu, warm lobby vibes, and drinks that match. Book your Saturday table or drop in and see what's on the pass. 📞 Reserve: 0800 84 86 88 | 📧 [email protected] 📍 Don Street, below The Langlands Hotel.
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] 📍 Level 1, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
360 Bar 🍸💫 Rooftop cocktails with a view. 360 Bar is where the weekend gets a little more elevated — literally. Cocktails, city lights, sunset if you time it right. Open 4pm till late. 📍 7th Floor, The Langlands, Don Street, Invercargill.
The Loney 🚫 The Loney is CLOSED tonight — everyone's heading down the road to The Shack for King Kapisi. See you next weekend! 📍 28 Leet Street.
The Shack 🎤🔥 Let's pack The Shack! King Kapisi & Friends live from 6:30pm — Stag Day doesn't end at the final whistle. Free entry. 📅 Saturday 1 August | 🕡 6:30pm 📍 77 Don Street, Invercargill.
Speight's Ale House 🎸🍺 The boys are back! Justin Funk Monkey playing live from 8:30pm. Grab your mates, come on down, and sink a few cold ones. Good on ya mate! 📅 Saturday 1 August | 🕗 8:30pm 📍 38 Dee Street, Invercargill.
Waxy's Irish Pub 🎸🍀 Jetset — Stag Day After-Party from 9:30pm till late. Final whistle to last call. 📍 90 Dee Street, Invercargill.
Suburbs
RIFF – Live Entertainment Venue 🎶🌾 The Weather And I — original eclectic, alternative folk. A multi-instrumental journey led by Margi, Sean, Luke and Jen. Songs about love, madness, chickens, upholstery, the pace of life, philosophy, glockenspiels and the weather! Come for musical misadventure, good banter and sweet old homemade tunes. 📅 Saturday 1 August | 🚪 Doors 6:30pm | 🎶 Music 7pm | 🎟 $10 entry 📍 33 Preston Street, Invercargill.
Ascot Sports Bar — Ascot Park Hotel 🚌🏉 Free Stags Day Bus! Leave the car at home — Ascot's laid on a free bus to and from the game. Enjoy the rugby, a few drinks, and let them take care of the transport. 🎧🍻 Then once the final whistle blows, DJ Grant keeps the celebrations rolling with all your favourite tunes. Round up your mates and make Ascot your Stags Day HQ. 📅 Saturday 1 August 📍 Ascot Park Hotel, Racecourse Road, Invercargill.
Waikiwi Tavern 🚌🏉 STAGS DAY at Waikiwi! Free bus to and from the game — bus leaves at 4:15pm sharp, so get down early and don't miss it. 🎧🍺 After the game: DJ Matt Murray & Special Guest keeping the celebrations rolling till late. 📅 Saturday 1 August 📍 181 North Road, Invercargill.
Coming Up 📅
RIFF – Live Entertainment Venue 🎶🌿 GaiaDance – Acoustic Duo | Sunday Sessions in the Cosy. Supported by the Southland Musicians Club. 📅 Sunday 2 August | 🚪 Doors 4pm | 🎟 $5 entry 📍 33 Preston Street, Invercargill.
Waxy's Irish Pub 🎸 Jetset — Friday 7 August, 9pm 🎸 All Night Long — Saturday 8 August, 9:30pm 🍀 Trad Irish Night — Sunday 9 August, 5–7pm + Kids Dine Free all day long (T's & C's apply) 🧠 Quiz Night — every Wednesday from 7pm. Free entry. Book via waxys.co.nz or 03 214 0313. 📍 90 Dee Street.
The Loney 🕺 Michael Jackson Party — Saturday 8 August. DJ Matt Murray from 11pm playing all things MJ. Prizes for best dressed announced at 12am sharp! "HEE HEEEEE!" 🎧 DJ Awhe — Saturday 15 August, 11pm 🎧 DJ Awhe — Saturday 22 August, 11pm 📍 28 Leet Street.
ILT & Ascot Park Hotel presents Joe Schmidt 🏉🎤 Friday 7 August. Wallabies coach and NZ Rugby legend — three Six Nations wins for Ireland among his career highlights. Don't miss this chance to hear from a renowned strategist at the top of his game. Ticket includes a 3-course meal + table beverage. 📞 Book: 03 219 9303 | 📧 [email protected]
Ascot Park Hotel 🍽️❤️ Sunday Night Buffet — Host a Roast — Sunday 9 August. Charity dinner supporting the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Southland Hospital. 📞 Book: 0800 272 687 | 📧 [email protected]
ETC presents Emma Gilmour 🏁🥂 Friday 28 August. Inspiring afternoon with guest speaker Emma Gilmour. Ticket includes a 2-course meal + glass of bubbles. 📞 Book: 03 219 9303 | 📧 [email protected]
Got an event or gig happening around Invercargill & Southland? 📩 Send details to [email protected] and get in front of the largest audience in Invercargill & Southland 🎉