Top 10 things to do around the region

1) LEGO Hogwarts Build Workshop

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 3.30pm to 4.30pm  
Gordon White Library
Develop your engineering skills and build a Hogwarts Castle with your grandchild.  Applicants must be 50+ and grandchild 8+ years of age. Limited spaces are available for the LEGO Hogwarts Build cross-generational Workshop and attendees must commit to 4 weeks of consecutive bookings. 1 Registration = 1 x 50+ grandparent and 1 x 8+ child. http://bit.ly/2IRLwRw

2) Cinema under the Stars

Friday, May 3, 5.30pm  
Mackay Base Hospital Lawn
Revisit the tradition of outdoor cinema on the lawns of Mackay Base Hospital. On Friday, May 3 from 5.30pm, bring your picnic blanket, sit back and relax to enjoy the movie Mrs Doubtfire. On the night, everyone will be entered into a raffle to win a VIP experience including access to a marquee filled with fairy lights, couches and pillows!

3) Charmaine Wilson – The Australian Medium

Friday, May 3, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
Charmaine Wilson is a world-renowned Australian medium, who has been consistently recognised for her skill and compassion since awakening to her gift in 1999. Charmaine has been dedicated to giving accurate information about the spirit world to her clients since she began her work.

4) Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Saturday, May 4, 7.30pm    
MECC Auditorium
Looking for a laugh? The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is coming to town. You can experience Australia’s largest and best-loved comedy festival in your own backyard. We’ve got over 80 destinations on the laugh-laden schedule, and a line-up of artists to tickle anyone’s funny bone. The Roadshow really has something for everyone! Grab a mate, grab a date… grab a ticket to the Roadshow!

5) Photo Walkabout

Sunday, May 5, 10am to noon
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Come and explore these wonderful gardens and take photos with others that are keen to learn about photography.  This group workshop is for beginners up to advanced amateurs wanting to learn more. The best way to learn is in a practical, active and fun environment. http://bit.ly/2VFtCHR

6) Foster & Allen

Sunday, May 5, 5pm  
MECC Auditorium  
This legendary Irish folk music act began in 1975 when Mick Foster & Tony Allen formed their duo after many years of playing together. Foster & Allen's style and easy listening sound remains as fresh and exciting as ever. Join them on their 2019 Australian tour!

7) Try the 5 – Adrenaline

Monday, May 6 to Sunday, May 12
Mackay  
Get active this May and you could win $6000 in fitness prizes! Check out these great events and activities during the second week of Try the 5 - Adrenaline Sports. Don't forget to take a photo/video while getting active and share it on social media with the hashtag #trythe5 or upload to the council website to WIN! http://bit.ly/2DEurGI

8) Containers for Change

Thursday, May 9, 5.30pm to 6pm
Dudley Denny City Library
How do you get your change from your bottles and cans? Start today - making change from your bottles and cans! For an understanding of how the scheme works, and how to deposit your containers to receive your money. Come and join this information session to understand your options. Learn how the scheme works and how to deposit containers to receive cash for containers. http://bit.ly/2J7mX2G

9) Birds of Botanic Gardens Exhibition

Until May 26
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Birdlife Mackay came to life after Birds Australia and the Bird Observers Club of Australia (BOCA) amalgamated in 2012. The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is fast becoming one of the best birding locations in the area. As the plants develop steadily over time and improve the habitat for wildlife, so too will the bird list grow. Ten of our keenest photographers were sought and asked if they’d supply two photos of birds that they’ve seen and photographed at the gardens. https://bit.ly/2Zvymiv

10) ANZAC Day Exhibition

Until May 31
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre, Community Hub
In the lead up to ANZAC Day, there will be a pop-up exhibition illustrating history from the First World War, and its legacy in Mackay. It will take you on a journey into the past through a series of historical photos from the Mackay Regional Council Heritage Collection, and learn about the history of Mackay war stories, the ANZAC's and our local soldiers. Open during centre trading hours. https://bit.ly/2Gyoqw1

Reminders:

River Street Twilight Market

Friday, May 10, 4pm
Bluewater Quay
A community night market showcasing local food, farmers and artisan makers. The River Street Twilight Markets provides a beautiful riverside experience for families, couples and singles.  Bring a blanket and relax on your Friday night under the stars and by the river. Tune out to the vibes of local music and enjoy a delicious food experience.

Mackay Musical Comedy Players presents The Wizard of Oz

Friday, May 17, 8pm
Saturday, May 18, 2pm & 8pm
MECC Auditorium
Following on from their smash hit “Wicked” in 2017, MMCP brings to Mackay audiences the other side of the story, thanks to Optus Mackay! Dorothy Gale is swept away in a tornado from a farm in Kansas to the fantastical world of Oz. There, she makes new friends, battles evil witches, and embarks on a quest to see the all-powerful and mysterious Wizard who can help her return home and help her friends as well. This magical re-interpretation of The Wizard of Oz will have you smiling all the way home from the theatre.