Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 24 May 2021

Are you looking for something to do over the next week? There is plenty on offer with special movie screenings for Reconciliation Week, new art exhibitions and activities for the little ones at the libraries.

1) ‘Botanica 2021’ Flora in Fauna exhibition

On display until Sunday, June 27
Lagoons Café, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

The artists of Mackay’s Botanical Art Interest Group present some of their encounters with ‘fauna in the flora’ in diverse artworks.

2) Artspace exhibitions

Leigh Schoenheirmer: Iterate | Elaborate
Donna Maree Robinson & David Pyke: Continuum
Tension(s) 2020: Tamworth Textile Triennial
Open now until Sunday, July 25
Artspace Mackay

Three exciting new exhibitions at Artspace Mackay! Iterate | Elaborate by Brisbane-based Leigh Schoenheimer combines image and object-making to create works that speak to each other and to key moments in art history. Mackay-based artist Donna Maree Robinson teams up with Mackay composer David Pyke to create an immersive, multimedia exploration of music and science.Held every three years, the Tamworth Textile Triennial showcases the best of textile art from across the country. Curator Vic McEwan creates a record of the changing nature and progress of textile practice from a national perspective. For more information on these exhibitions visit https://bit.ly/3ocntPi

3) Children’s Library programs

Story Time

Dudley Denny City Library, Thursday, May 27, at 10.30am

Baby Bounce

Gordon White Library – Thursday, May 27, at 10.30am
Dudley Denny City Library – Friday, May 28, at 11am
Dudley Denny City Library – Monday, May 31, at 11am
Mirani Library – Monday, May 31, at 9.30am

Toddler Time

Dudley Denny City Library – Friday, May 28, at 9.30am
Gordon White Library – Monday, May 31, at 9.30am
Sarina Library – Monday, May 31, at 9.30am  

Please book your spot via https://bit.ly/2SP127b

4) Uke IT

Thursday, May 27, from 4.30pm to 6pm
Dudley Denny City Library

A special program for young adults aged 12 to 18 years that provides a solid introduction to playing ukulele. Learn some great techniques on how to get truly unique new wave sounds from this terrific little instrument. To book your spot head to https://bit.ly/3eZwV5G

5) MAD Mountain Bike Classic

Friday, May 28, to Sunday, May 30
Rowallan Park, Farleigh

The MAD Mountain Bike Classic will be held at Rowallan Park where competitors can ride the rock gardens, dodge the bush turkeys, and enjoy the lush rainforest. Race participants will come from all over Australia to attend this exciting event. Registrations are still open, visit www.madmtbclassic.com

6) Piano for beginners

Friday, May 28, from 1.30pm to 2pm  
Gordon White Library  

Explore the magic of music! This mini workshop is perfect for beginners and will introduce you to the fundamentals of piano in a relaxed environment. Keyboards will be provided for use during the class. Book your spot at https://bit.ly/3ybFFgj

7) A Taste of Ireland

Friday, May 28, at 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium

Hot off its premiere New York City run in 2020 and with over 120 shows in 2019 across Australia and New Zealand, ‘A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation’ finally returns down under.Book at https://bit.ly/3y7NLXr

8) Silver Screen Surprise

Friday, May 28, from 9.30am to 11.30am
Gordon White Library

Are you tired of seeing the same movies or haven’t found one you loved in a while? Discover a hidden movie gem when our surprise title will be unveiled. Book your spot at https://bit.ly/3eHwgpg

9) Reconciliation Week movie screening

The Emu Runner (M)
Monday, May 31, from 1pm to 2.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library

Join us for our special screenings that will leave you thinking about how we can create a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A spirited eight-year-old girl deals with the grief of her mother’s death by forging a bond with a wild emu. This spiritual dreaming is a bond she will do anything to keep but one that puts her at odds with the new social worker. For adults aged 18+. Book your spot at https://bit.ly/3vdbFPD

The Spear (M)
Thursday, June 3, from 5pm to 6.30pm
Dudley Denny City Library

This story follows a young Aboriginal, Djali, as he journeys through his community to understand what it means to be a man with ancient traditions in a modern world. For adults aged 18+. Book your spot at https://bit.ly/3wigwPm

10) The Midnight Gang, DBCT Theatre Season

Tuesday, June 1, at 6pm
Wednesday, June 2, at 9.30am and 12.30pm
The MECC, Auditorium

The team behind The 13-, 26-, 52-, 78- and 91-Storey Treehouses, Mr. Stink and Billionaire Boy bring David Walliams’ bestselling book to life on stage, in a celebration of friendship, love and the power of the imagination for children 6+ and their families. Tickets on sale at https://bit.ly/3hClySI

Reminders:

Botanic Gardens Open Day – Flora for Fauna

Saturday, June 5, from 9am to 1pm
Tropical Sun Lawn

It’s on again! This year, over 100 Botanic Gardens across Australia and New Zealand will celebrate the 5th Annual Botanic Gardens Day and highlight the vital work undertaken for plant conservation. Join us as we celebrate ‘Flora for Fauna’ and explore the close relationship of host plants and the creatures that call them home.

Wonderland Spiegeltent Festival Hub

Popcorn Underground
Thursday, June 4 until 13 – Various times

Welcome to the immersive world of Popcorn Underground starring the obscenely intelligent, beautifully filthy and rib-crackingly funny Reuben Kaye in an explosion of high camp and filthy humour. Reuben Kaye is an international star, actress, model and award-winning cry for help with his band The Kaye Holes. The creme de la creme of the cabaret world. A magical experience!

Akmal

Friday, June 5, at 6.30pm
Akmal returns with an hour of hilarious, unfiltered stand-up comedy. Come and witness one of Australia's best comedians in full flight!
To book visit https://www.wonderlandspiegeltent.com.au/mackay