News
The 2026 Bluff Oyster & Food Festival takes place in Bluff today, Saturday 23 May.
A big Southland welcome to everyone visiting our great region this weekend for one of the South’s most iconic events! 🙌
Locals — you know the drill! 😅
🌦 Today’s forecast: Mostly cloudy, with the chance of a morning shower. Westerlies easing into the evening, so rug up for classic southern conditions! 🧥
🎟 Gate sales available at the 🚨Lee Street entrance $50 entry
⏰ Gates open from 10:30am
💵 Attendees are recommended to bring cash, as EFTPOS facilities will not be available directly at the gate. EFTPOS will still operate at the bar, merchandise areas, and before entering the venue. 👑💰 As the saying goes — Cash is King!
🚌 Buses 🚌
🚎Buses are available to and from the festival for just $30 return
📍 Departing Invercargill: 9:45am 10:45am 11:45am
📍 Returning From Bluff: 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm
🚌Bus routes are available at bluffoysterfest.co.nz
✅ No bookings necessary — just jump on and enjoy the day! 🦪
Seafood
Other seafood treats include scallops, pāua, squid, blue cod, seafood chowders, kina, fish sliders, whitebait, salmon nibbles, crayfish, mussels, and more — all prepared in various ways across the festival stalls.
Other food offerings
If seafood is not your thing, there are plenty of other options available including slow-roasted Southland lamb shoulder, pork belly, wagyu beef rump, and goat ragu among other offerings.
Beverages
There is a great range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available on site. No BYO!
Main Stage Entertainment (subject to change)
10.30am – Te Vaka O Te Uki Ou Drummers
11.00am – Piping In Of The Oyster
11.10am – Ode To The Oyster & Official Opening
11.20am – Bluff School Kapa Haka
11.30am – Te Vaka O Te Uki Drummers
12.00pm – 1.15pm – Sweet Marie
1.30pm – 2.15pm – Polynesian Dance Off
2.30pm – Helen Henderson
3.30pm – Lachie Hayes
4.30pm – Band Of Bluffies
Oyster Competition
The popular Oyster Opening and Eating Competitions get underway at 12 noon in Shed 3. The oyster opening races feature Men’s, Ladies’, Novice, and Factory Relay categories, plus a Blindfold Competition. The eating races will also see members of the crowd selected to take part.
Enjoy the oysters, music, seafood, atmosphere and everything Bluff has to offer today 🦪🎶🔥
While you’re here enjoying some famous southern hospitality, make sure you check out a few other local gems around Invercargill and Bluff 👇
🛍Thieves Alley Market 80 Barrow Street Bluff.
⚓Bluff Maritime Museum, 241 Foreshore Road, Bluff.
TJ's Kitchen, 42 Gore Street. We're open early today from 11:30am to 7:00pm
👨👩👧👦 Bring down your family and friends in Bluff and enjoy these beautiful moments and create memories 📸. Cheers Jag and the Team
☕🍫 Grab a coffee and try the famous chocolate oyster treats at The Seriously Good Chocolate Co. on Spey Street.
🚚🏍 Take a tour through Bill Richardson Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca if trucks, transport and motorcycles are your thing.
🔧🚗 Don’t miss the legendary E Hayes & Sons Ltd - Invercargill Motorworks Collection on Dee Street, home to some incredible motoring history.
🛍🍔 If it’s shopping and food you’re after, head along to Esk Eats inside Invercargill Central.
👗✨ Looking for fashion? Check out the stores along Dee, Esk and Kelvin Streets for some great Southland shopping.
🎶💿 Vinyl lovers can dig through the crates at Rock'n Rolla Records on Spey Street and Threes & Sevens Records on Dee Street, or check out the latest vinyl releases at JB Hi-Fi NZ inside Invercargill Central.
🎶🍻 And if you’re looking at hitting the town after the festival, make sure you check out this weekend’s Weekend Gig Guide Invercargill for live music, DJs, bars and late-night entertainment happening across the city! 🔥🎤
From laid-back acoustic sessions to full Saturday night party vibes, there’s plenty happening around Southland this weekend 🎸✨
👉 whatsoninvers.nz/weekend-gig-guide-invercargill/
