KENRING TAKES THE WIN
THE DRAW
Heat 1 - Wednesday 29th April
WINNER: KING TIDES
Return of the Terror Birds
King Tides
Rust Wire
Drone Noises
In The City
Heat 2 - Wednesday 13th May
WINNER: THE PERFECT GUN & EQUILIBRIUM
Wild Wild East
Insomniac
The Perfect Gun
Equilibrium
Sandfly
Hattford
Heat 3 - Wednesday 27th May
WINNER: SWEET PEA
Indefinte Descent
The Frankies
Sweet Pea
Steampunk Fish
Hotel Emily
Crisis
Banned
Heat 4 - Wednesday 10th June
WINNER: KENRING
Tephra
Mendacity
Crimson Eches
Missed Exit
Kenring
Minerva
Grand Final - Wednesday 24th June
WINNER: KENRING
Minerva
CRISIS
Equilibrium
King Tides
Sweet Pea
The Perfect Gun
Kenring
PRIZES
Studio Recording Award:
The winning band will have one day at Yard Bird Recording Studio here in the Garden City to record their single
DIG THE GIG Music Video Award:
The wining band will have their music video filmed, produced and activated online with an $600.00 activation budget
Go Live Award:
The winning band will have the chance to strut their swagger at Christchurch’s coolest Winter Festival held at the Town Hall
Recycle Boutique Style Booster Pack:
Every band that registers and performs receives a $200.00 voucher from our wonderful friends at Recycle Boutique
212 Music Group Mentoring Award:
A crucial three stage session with industry legend Cary Caldwell taking the winning band through vital steps for setting up your band’s success in the topsy turvy industry of Rock N’ Roll
Whistle and Ride Digital Billboard Award:
The winner receives a two month Whistle & Ride Digital Billboard Campaign across two sites worth over $12,000.00
Thunderdonk’s Live Music Experience FAN Award:
The distance between a band and it's audience is a very special place, the magic energy in that space can be overwhelmimg - we want you the FANS to tell us in FOUR words with ONE epic photo (of the band) the incredible feelings & emotions that you felt when you experienced watching your favourite DIG THE GIG band! The winning FAN will be announced at the end of each DIG THE GIG NZ Final and the prize pack will blow your minds! More details coming soon.
Rolling Meadows Festival Main Stage Award
The winning DTG CHCH 2026 band will secure a slot at Christchurch’s coolest live music festival! December 29th-31st
Coffee Culture's "Perfect Pick Me Up" Pack Award
Every band that registers and performs receives a four pack of Coffee Culture Cans. If you haven’t tried an Iced Latte or the Oat Mocha in a can you're in for a hit!
Spark NZ Music Connect Award
Brand Spanking New Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
2026 GALLERY
CHRISTCHURCH
JUMP TO
2023 Winners
Crown is a four-piece band from Christchurch. Comprising of Damon on drums, Reece on bass, Nikau on vocals and Thomas on guitar.
DIG THE GIG: CHRISTCHURCH
Venue: A Rolling Stone
579 Colombo St, Christchurch.
Doors open at 7pm
House-band warms up the PA at 7.30pm
First Tertiary band takes the stage at 8.15pm
DTG Chch 2026.
THE VENUE
Venue: A Rolling Stone
579 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central
All live DIG THE GIG gigs will be held at 'A Rolling Stone' one of Christchurch's very own famous live music venues. A Rolling Stone is a family-run, old-fashioned Irish hospitality venue inspired by the heart of Ireland and realised in the heart of Christchurch. We open every day of the week from 10am for brunch, lunch and dinner with a full menu and great chefs, through till late.
A Rolling Stone is also an epic live music venue, the perfect place to uncover Christchurch's best Tertiary live band!
So join us every second Wednesday for a head to head DIG THE GIG showdown with a little taste of Ireland – without a doubt the best pint of Guinness in town, and Bulmers Cider on tap.
