Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 29 Aug 2022

Glitz, glamour and razzle dazzle is coming to Mackay when local theatre company, Mackay Musical Comedy Players, presents ‘Chicago’ on Friday and Saturday. Be the first to see Artspace Mackay’s newest exhibitions or register to ride in aid of a good cause with the River 2 Reef Ride Festival. There’s plenty to do around the Mackay region this week!

1) Celebrating Positive Male Role Models by Shed Happens Mackay

Wednesday, August 31 to Sunday, October 2
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
A new exhibition will be on display in the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Café. This exhibition will display the works of finalists in the first art show as part of Shed Happens Mackay’s annual celebration of International Men’s Day. The café and gallery are open Wednesday to Sunday, 8am to 2pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

2) Relaxation Corner

Wednesday, August 31, 12pm to 2pm
Dudley Denny City Library

Come along once a month to this quiet spot in the library and colour away your stress or just relax. Adult colouring-in is proven to be very therapeutic so give this time to yourself and take a moment for you. This event is for adults aged 18 and above. Register today.

3) National Wattle Day Guided Walk

Thursday, September 1, 10am
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Celebrate National Wattle Day with a free guided walk exploring the Botanic Gardens’ wattle collection. The walk goes for approximately one hour and are run by Friends of the Gardens volunteers, who also run a regular Friday guided walk. To book your spot and find out more, phone the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

4) Breathing and Meditation

Friday, September 2, 1pm to 2pm
Gordon White Library

Does your mind feel overworked, overstimulated and technology-reliant? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to retain information, recall short-term memories and concentrate on what’s in front of you? By quietening the mind and focused breathing, you will learn techniques that can help you become present in the moment and find clarity.Bring own towel or cushion to sit on during this tranquil session.Register your interest.

5) Banjolele for Uke Players

Friday, September 2, 3.40pm to 4.40pm
Gordon White Library

Come along a try out our new Banjoleles, new shapes but still the fun – a new program for the ukulele players. Bookings required.

6) Opening night - four exhibitions at Artspace Mackay

Friday, September 2, 6pm
Artspace Mackay
Join in the opening night of four exhibitions, to be officially opened by Mayor Greg Williamson. ‘Tales of the Lyre Bird’, curated by Helen Cole and Ron McBurnie brings together more than two decades of work produced by the Lyre Bird Press, on show in the Main Gallery. In the Foyer Gallery, ‘Figuratively Speaking’ takes an interesting look at figurative works from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection. ‘D Harding: The Wall’ features work from Harding’s Artspace residency. Opening in the Foundation Gallery, ‘Veronika Zeil: Echo Forest – The Eloquence of Trees’ encourages visitors to contemplate human impacts on the environment. Bookings are required to attend.

7) Mackay Musical Comedy Players Presents ‘Chicago’

Friday, September 2, 8pm
Saturday, September 3, 2pm and 8pm
MECC Auditorium
Mackay Musical Comedy Players, who brought you the smash hit Mamma Mia and Shrek The Musical earlier this year, in association with Ma’s Pizza Kitchen, present Chicago. Featuring hits from the roaring twenties, such as Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, All That Jazz, this show is sure to dazzle audiences. Book tickets

8) Curators’ talk – Tales of the Lyre Bird

Saturday, September 3, 10.30am to 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay
Join curators Helen Cole, former Coordinator of the Australian Library of Art at State Library of Queensland, and Ron McBurnie, Townsville based artist and educator, as they provide a closer look at artworks and themes in Artspace Mackay’s latest exhibition, Tales of the Lyre Bird. Book your free tickets.

9) BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival

Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Whether you’re a beginner, cycling fanatic or simply want to have fun with the kids, the River 2 Reef Ride Festival provides all that plus raises funds for two important and local charities, CQ Rescue and Mackay Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association. Saturday gives kids the chance to ride along the Botanic Gardens while being covered in colour, while Sunday is for cyclists to complete 30/60 or 100km trails, starting and finishing at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre. Find all details via the website.

10) Minibeasts - Entomology

Tuesday, September 6, 3.45pm to 5.15pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Are you interested in learning how to pin and preserve the insects you find? This class will teach you how to do just that! Learn how to pin, label and preserve your insects for years to come. This event is for young adults aged 12 to 18 years. Register your interest.

Reminders:

DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 – Erth’s Prehistoric World Tour

Friday, September 9, 6pm
Saturday, September 10, 9.30am and 12.30pm
MECC Auditorium
Bringing ancient creatures from land and sea together in one show, Erth’s Prehistoric World is the perfect combination of theatrical magic and charm. It takes the audience to the bottom of the ocean to discover ancient bio-luminescent creatures and incredible marine reptiles, and then back to dry land to witness some of the most amazing dinosaurs to have ever walked this Earth. Experience the creatures of your imagination coming to life on stage in this enthralling new show!  Book tickets

Melbourne Writers Festival Events

Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, September 11
Mackay Regional Council Libraries
A rare opportunity to come together and revel in books, stories and ideas is finally here, thanks to Mackay Regional Council Libraries! Our libraries are thrilled to offer library members exclusive access to this cultural event for writers and readers. View the entire program and register for events here.