Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Mackay Show

Tuesday, June 14, 9am to 10pm (fireworks at 7pm and 9pm)
Wednesday, June 15, 9am to 10pm (fireworks at 9pm)
Thursday, June 16, 9am to 4pm (public holiday)
Mackay Showgrounds
The 143rd annual Mackay Show will showcase agriculture, equestrian events, sideshow alley, fireworks and entertainment over three days. Visit council’s interactive show display in Pavilion 500 for BMA Kidspace activity, live music, free popcorn from the MECC, and an interactive mountain bike game and large digital screen to promote the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails. Win some great prizes including a mountain bike, two $200 bike vouchers and corporate box tickets to the NQ Cowboys game. For more information and to book tickets, visit their website.

2) Dexter’s Storytime  

Tuesday, June 14, 10am to 10.30am
Gordon White Library
Explore the magic of reading with Dexter, the Libraries comfort dog, as he reads a new title each month. This program offers a welcoming, low-sensory and non-judgmental space for all family members.Carers and parenteral supervision are encouraged and required. Register

3) STEAM Club – Pre-construction of cardboard houses

Wednesday, June 15, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Gordon White Library
Explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. This term it is all about engineering. In this session we will design and pre-cut a cardboard house, learning what goes into the design and construction of a house. STEAM club is specifically designed for children in Year 3 to Year 6.Register

4) Conversations with Art  

Friday, June 17, 1pm to 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay
This free and enjoyable discussion is led by Artspace staff, looking at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from Gallery and Museum. It’s not an art theory lesson, it’s simply a casual conversation to talk about the art, deconstructing the works, considering themes, possible techniques used by the artist, and creating links with our own personal experiences. Book here.

5) Guided Walks in the Gardens

Friday, June 17, 10am to 11am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Discover the gardens with a free guided tour! Find out what's flowering, local wildlife and the history of the gardens. Booking are essential, group bookings are welcome. To book a spot, or find out more, phone the gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

6) Ross Noble - On The Go

Friday, June 17, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
Science has proved laughter can induce a zen-like state similar to meditation, but can contemplation, reflection and self-discovery be achieved by thinking every and all the thoughts at once? Ross Noble is always on the go and will be smashing ideas together in the pursuit of fun. Come see ‘one of comedy’s greatest marvels’ (The Daily Telegraph). Book your tickets at the MECC.

7) Cocktail Master Class

Saturday, June 18, 4pm to 5pm
Sarina Sugar Shed
Join the Sarina Sugar Shed team as they show you some of their favourite recipes expertly mixed from their selection of Sarina Sugar Shed liqueur products! The session includes cocktails on arrival, tasting liqueur board of products in stock, paired with individual boards of nibblies, instructions and samples, with recipe cards to take home. The designated driver does not miss out either with their own complimentary ticket, non-alcoholic Sugar Shed Ginger Beer and nibblies. Ages 18+ Book tickets

8) Les Divas: An All-Male Revue

Saturday, June 18, 8pm
MECC Auditorium
Witness the greatest divas being impersonated like never before as they tour Australia. From the producers of Prada Clutch’s: All-Drag Revue comes Les Divas: An All-Male Revue.Australia’s six-foot something songstress Prada Clutch plays Cher in her new show set on the Las Vegas Strip featuring an all-star line-up of her most famous friends. Book tickets.

9) 2022 Libris Awards: The Australian Artists’ Book Prize

Until Sunday, June 19
Main Gallery, Artspace Mackay
It’s the final week to catch the 2022 Libris Awards exhibition at Artspace Mackay. The Libris Awards, brings together works by leading and emerging artist book makers from across Australia. The Awards are a chance to celebrate the art form and build on the gallery’s significant artist book collection through the competition’s acquisitive prizes. Click here for detailed information about current and past Libris Awards. The exhibition is available during Artspace Mackay opening hours, Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, and weekends from 10am to 3pm.

10) Sarina Art Gallery

Until Friday, June 24, 10am to 3.30pm
Sarina Art Gallery, Field of Dreams Parklands
Sarina Art Gallery’s new exhibition is now on display, showcasing works of featured artists Susan Day, Sylvia Pucci, Barbara Simpson, Tia Gabriellah, Lenore Chapple, Julie Anderson and Brigitte Zimmermann. Entry is free. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Reminders:

Mackay Festival of Arts

June 30 to August 6
Various locations
Mackay Regional Council’s annual Mackay Festival of Arts program takes place across the month of July each year, with a suite of events activating various locations in the Mackay region, including the highly anticipated Wisely Wine & Food Day. See the full program here.

Morning Melodies 2022 – Paul Ettore Tabone sings Golden Days

June 24 from 11am
MECC Plenary Halls
Tenor Paul Ettore Tabone returns home for a regional Queensland tour. Golden Days is a musical journey of the best songs from movies to musicals throughout the decades. This show has it all and will certainly be a wonderful trip down memory lane. Book tickets.