Top 10 things to do around the region

1) Melbourne Writers Festival

Tuesday, September 7 to Saturday, September 11
Various library locations
Mackay Regional Council Libraries is pleased to be offering exclusive access to the digital program for Melbourne Writers Festival. Writers, thinkers, illustrators and performers of all age groups are welcome to participate and celebrate this event. Hear more from leading authors including Rumaan Alam, Rachel Cusk, Sigrid Nunez, Jhumpa Lahiri, Akala, Viet Thanh Nguyen and AC Grayling as they explore the themes in their new books. Full list of events and tickets available via https://bit.ly/3Dt56wx

2) Building Your Business Digital Footprint webinar

Thursday, September 9, from 11am
Your digital footprint is all of the information about a particular business that exists on the internet as a result of your online activity. Learn how consumers use the internet, how important it is to make sure your website is working for you and where you should be featured on listings. Can’t make it? Register anyway and receive the link to listen to the recording and resources https://bit.ly/3tgNuzr

3) Bell Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream - Live at the MECC

Thursday, September 9, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
The MECC Auditorium
Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is reawakened in this breathless production brimming with magic, mirth and mayhem. Purchase your tickets via the MECC website https://bit.ly/2WecYkG

4) Weekend Inflatable Fun

Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12, from 12pm to 4pm
Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex
Come along to the Mackay ARC for some inflatable fun! There will be a giant crocodile in the 50-metre pool along with individual floaties available for use. These events will occur every weekend throughout September, with free entry, whilst the Bluewater Lagoon is closed for maintenance. https://bit.ly/3DK6lrz

5) Sarina Sugar Shed’s 15 year birthday celebration

Sunday, September 12, from 9am to 4pm
Sarina Sugar Shed
Join the Sarina Sugar Shed team for an open day of celebration as they thank the local community for their support over 15 years of operation. There will be continuous tours, free fairy floss, product tastings, giveaways, kids’ activities, and much more!

6) Orchid Extravaganza

Sunday, September 12, from 8am to 4pm
Orchid House, Queens Park
The Orchid Extravaganza is back again this year with local orchid workshops, demonstrations and plants for sale. There will be orchid experts on hand who can give professional advice to ensure your orchids thrive in our climate. Free entry. https://bit.ly/3yMXLV2

7) BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, September 14, from 10am to 2pm
Artspace Mackay
The ever-popular toddlers' program, gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run workshops from 10am to 2pm and live musical entertainment for kids from noon to 1pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing. https://bit.ly/3zSH9N6

8) Pirates and Buccaneers!

Tuesday, September 14, from 3.30pm to 5pm  
Dudley Denny City Library
Arr all ye scurvy dogs, get yerself into the Dread Ship Dudley Denny fer some pirate antics. Thar will be seekin’ o’ treasure, a fine portrait taken of yerself aboard a schooner and o’ course a sea shanty orrr two to sing! This program is for young adults aged 12 to 18 years. https://bit.ly/2WVkqla

9) STEAM Club

Wednesday, September 15, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm  
Gordon White Library
Imagine, invent, discover and create with challenging and entertaining hands-on activities.
Sessions range from LEGO play to coding, science experiments to creative arts and much more. Our STEAM Club offers something for everyone. STEAM club is specifically designed for children in Year 3 to Year 6. Bookings essential https://bit.ly/3yMhjZT

10) Lagoons Gallery Exhibition ‘Alchemy’ by Felicity Chapman

On display until Sunday, September 26
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Cafe
The latest exhibition is now on show at the Lagoons Gallery within the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Café. Take a look at ‘Alchemy’ by Felicity Chapman and other beautiful artwork on display at the Gallery. Enjoy food and drink overlooking the gardens while there. The Café is open Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, phone the gardens on 4952 7300.

Reminders:

Rock, Paper Scissors Art and Design Market

Mackay Civic Precinct
Come along for a free curated market featuring a fabulous selection of stalls highlighting the talented artists, designers, makers, and foodies of our region! Artspace Mackay will be open for all to enjoy the exhibitions on show. Foodspace and local food vendors will be serving their best food and coffee. Families can venture into the Art Yurt for free craft activities for kids. There'll be entertainment on the market stage with local musicians performing throughout the afternoon. Bring your friends, family and a picnic rug so you can linger as long as you like https://bit.ly/3h7T3vk