Invercargill Brewery is about to be open more hours.

It will be open from 12noon to 4pm for a family-friendly Sunday- jam session from Sunday January 21.

“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel – there’s already some great stuff going on in Invercargill – we’re trying to fill in some of the gaps.”

In a twist on the traditional BYO, families are encouraged to bring their own picnics.

“Of course we will always have food available, and where possible food trucks, but particularly with young families it’s great to be able to pack your own food,” Steve Nally said.

Anyone who plays a (portable) instrument is encouraged to bring that along too and join in the fun.

The eclectically themed space is furnished with comfy old couches and chairs, patiently compiled in an 18 month long op-shopping spree.

“It’s always fun when some-one comes in and recognizes the sofa from their old flat,” Steve Nally said.

Since the brewery gained its on-license for events and functions in October, it’s been open every Friday night, as well as for special events and private functions.

First on the line-up this year is February 2 when Dunedin-based folk duo Flora Knight and Sean Donald will take to the stage from 8pm with fiddle and guitar. Presented by Massav Productions, tickets are available from Ticket Direct.

Another Massav act is Christchurch Indie rockers, the Jas Josland Band, who will be ringing in the Chinese New Year at Asylum on February 16 as part of a New Zealand tour.

The House Series will be tickling funny bones again this year too. On March 17 comedians Nick Rado and Raybon Kan host “Rado and Raybon Save the World” at Asylum. (House Series tickets are available from Event Finda.)

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