Invercargill is set to roar to life this weekend with the Southern Grills & Gasoline Car & Bike Show, an annual celebration of classic cars, custom bikes, and Southland’s passionate automotive community. The event, now in its seventh year, will take place at the Collegiate Rugby Football Grounds on Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, promising a day packed with horsepower, entertainment, and community spirit.
Event president Jason says preparations are well underway, with a pre-show car cruise on Friday night heading to Winton to give the public an early look at some of the impressive vehicles.
“The generosity of Southland businesses has been incredible this year,” Jason said. “We’ve got our biggest year for prizes and giveaways, including raffles, cruises to Milford Sound and Stewart Island, and loads of local business-sponsored packages.”
A Show Packed with Cars, Bikes & More
The show will feature an impressive range of cars and bikes, with over 160 vehicles pre-registered, and numbers expected to double on the day thanks to the strong weather forecast.
“We could see up to 400 cars rolling in—everything from Mini Mokes to Mercury’s, Skylines, and Sunliners.”
Alongside the stunning automotive displays, the event will feature:
✔ Craft stalls
✔ Food vendors
✔ Trade displays
✔ A special exhibit from the Southland Drag Club
✔ A live DJ from NYMNUT Audio, keeping the energy high all day
A Community-Focused Event
“This is a community event first and foremost,” Jason said. “Entry is by gold coin donation, making it affordable for everyone, and all proceeds will go to the Southland Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust.”
The trust plays a vital role in road accident responses, rescue operations in remote areas, and emergency hospital transfers. “These helicopter crews are lifesavers, and we’re proud to support them.”
Friday Night Cruise to Winton
The weekend kicks off with a special Friday night cruise, starting from Otepuni Avenue in Invercargill and heading to Winton. The cruise is sponsored by Transcare and BurgerFuel, with BurgerFuel staying open late to provide food and drinks for attendees.
“With a great weather forecast, an incredible lineup of vehicles, and strong community support, the Southern Grills & Gasoline Car & Bike Show is shaping up to be one of the best yet,” Jason said.
🚗 Gates open at 10 AM on Saturday—bring the family, check out the cars and bikes, and enjoy a fantastic day out!