Civic Theatre - Invercargill

31/10/2026

Did you know Neil Diamond wrote The Monkees' "I'm a Believer"? This was before he went out on his own to become famous in his own right.

30/10/2026

Treat someone you love to a fairytale at the Civic ✨

The Royal New Zealand Ballet brings The Sleeping Beauty to life with beautiful costumes and sets, Tchaikovsky’s music and a little wizardry from Wellington’s Wētā Workshop.

28/10/2026

Ever sat in the Civic and wondered what’s beyond the curtain? Now’s your chance to find out!

We’re celebrating 120 years of the Civic Theatre with a FREE Community Open Day on Saturday 14 November - and you’re invited.

Come and explore our much-loved theatre, discover its history and hear from the people who know it best.

On the day:
🎭 Join a free guided tour of the entire building, or explore at your own pace.

🎧 Scan and listen to audio stories from Garnie Ashbrook, drawing on 50 years of knowledge about the Civic.

🎬 Watch a short film upstairs in the Wikitoria Room featuring Phill Edlin, Garnie Ashbrook, Sarah Rae and more.

📖 Enjoy a fun, informative history talk with Senga’s Stories (Senga White from Heritage South).

🖼 Browse historic Civic posters and programmes with Invercargill Library and Archives. Feel free to bring along your own posters and programmes to be digitised and returned, or donate memorabilia to the Archives.

🎙 Share your own Civic memories with the Southland Oral History Project.

🧱 Admire the impressive Civic Theatre brick build, courtesy of local artist Tienkie Venter.

🎨 See 'Jewel of the city', a stunning homage to the Civic by Kimberley Birchfield.

Whether you know the Civic well or have always wanted a look inside, bring the whānau and make a day of discovery.

Saturday 14 November | 10am–4pm | Free entry, all welcome.

Guided tours depart at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Spaces are limited - collect an “admit one” ticket from the Melba Bar on the day.

27/10/2026

The Civic Theatre isn't a voting place for this year's General Election, but there are plenty of other places around town where you can have your say.

The nearest voting place to us is at Invercargill Central, near the Esk Eats entrance.

Our Civic Building – Te Hīnaki and Civic Theatre aren't voting places for this year's General Election, but there are plenty of other places around town where you can have your say.
The nearest voting place to us is at Invercargill Central, near the Esk Eats entrance.

Voting is open now until 7pm on Saturday 7 November.
Find your nearest voting place: https://vote.nz/votingplaces

20/10/2026

From Fiordland venison to Ōtautau blueberries, Murihiku Southland is centre stage at Dinner in the Spotlight. You could be too 🍷

For one night only, dine on the Civic Theatre stage with a five-course degustation menu by MASH Catering and live performances from Invercargill Musical Theatre woven between courses, just metres from your seat.

Regional flavours, highlights from much-loved musicals, and the grandeur of a theatre that has brought Southlanders together for 120 years.

Come and be part of our next special memory.

Dinner in the Spotlight | Friday 13 November | 6pm

Final tickets available. Book now 👉 premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=IDINSPOT26

17/10/2026

What's your favourite Neil Diamond song? Nothing gets a party started like Sweet Caroline.

14/10/2026

Can’t agree on a movie? Try seven 🎬

A little romance, a little sci-fi, some mischief and a few laughs. Show Me Shorts is bringing seven short films to the Civic Theatre, with stories from New Zealand and around the world.

The Sampler is your taste of the festival. Bring your movie mate, settle in and see which one gets you talking on the way home.

Make it a movie date: https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=SHOWMESH26

13/10/2026

Fancy a game of spot the difference?

📷 Civic Theatre c1980s - Invercargill City Council Archives mA42757 001