Top 10 things to do around the region  

1) 2022 Libris Awards opening

Tuesday, November 30
Artspace Mackay
Artspace Mackay’s biennial event, the Libris Awards, brings together works by leading and emerging artist book makers from across the country. 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. With four awards, including special categories for locally based artists and art students, the prize offers $14,500 in total prize money. The Awards open on Tuesday, November 30 until January 5. https://bit.ly/306sykw

2) Summer Reading Club

December 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022
Mackay Libraries 
Young people and families are invited to join the Summer Reading Club, which encourages summer-long reading, plus there are some fantastic local and state prizes to be won. Register for the local Summer Reading Club and visit any of our branches to pick up a Challenge Sheet. While you're there, participate in our "Find all the Koalas" and "Koalas Like To" competitions. All registered participants who submit an entry at our library branches go into the draw to win a double pass to any show in DBT’s Young People Entertainment Season at the MECC 2022 or a $20 QBD book voucher. www.mackay.qld.gov.au/src

3) A Not So Silent Night

Friday, December 3, 6.30pm 
The MECC, Plenary Halls
Leave your judgement at the door, this is cabaret as you've never seen before! Comedian Steven Oliver, music by The Base Coats and a buffet Christmas feast, this really will be A Not So Silent Night. Grab the crew and join in on the fun, for an end of year party like never before. But hey, let's leave the kids at home - this one is strictly 18+. https://bit.ly/3FfBS4p

4) Loose Ends

Friday, December 3, 7pm
MECC North Foyer
Kooky, social, inclusive. Enjoy a quirky night of entertainment, giveaways, fundraising and socialising as Crossroad Arts Inc presents Loose Ends. Come together to embrace difference and celebrate diversity for International Day for People with Disability. Book tickets here https://bit.ly/3GHs2dc

5) Star 101.9 and 4MK’s Carols in the City

Saturday, December 4, 6.30pm
BB Print Stadium  
A free community event, jam packed with festive-fun and entertainment for all ages.
From Christmas Carols, free kids rides and entertainment as a part of the McDonalds Kids Zone, Twilight Markets thanks to Harvey Norman Bedding Mackay, VIP area thanks to Walz Group and even a visit from the man in red himself! There’s everything you need to celebrate Christmas at Mackay’s very own Carols in the City. https://bit.ly/31bsUql

6) Kids painting competition

Monday, December 6, 2021 until January 19, 2022
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Is there a budding artist in your home? If so, here’s an opportunity for your children to have their artwork showcased in the February Lagoons Gallery Art Exhibition at the Botanic Gardens and win a $50 Wish gift card. This competition is open to children aged 10 to 17 years old. All you have to do is use your imagination to create a piece of hand painted canvas art that reflects the theme “Nature”. The only limit is your imagination! https://bit.ly/3o2OsOA

7) Movie Screening: Black Hole (M)

Monday, December 6, noon to 2pm 
Gordon White Library 
The stage has been set for one of the most intriguing David and Goliath battles in this country’s history. Black Hole is the story of the fight to save the Leard State Forest from one of the most controversial coal mining projects in Australia – Whitehaven’s Maules Creek Coal Mine. https://bit.ly/3xACG1o

8) BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, December 7, 10am to 2pm 
Artspace Mackay
BMA Kidspace, our 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 12pm to 1pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing. https://fb.me/e/1V6Md2m1d

9) Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly

Friday, December 10, markets from 10am, show starts at 11am 
The MECC, Plenary Halls
The MAP Pharmacies Morning Melodies 2021 will present Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly and celebrate all that is Christmas with an incredible collection of Christmas favourites performed by Scott “Buddy” Cameron and his band. There will be free tea, coffee and Christmas cake. https://bit.ly/3x9KDtU

10) Fifth Lane Street Activations

Every Friday, until December 17, 5pm to 8pm
Fifth Lane, between Gregory and Wood Streets
Small activations will be staged in Fifth Lane each Friday evening, ranging from face painting and musicians to Sensory Circus performers, to encourage families to visit the revamped space. Visitors can also check out the augmented reality experiences featuring the lane’s artwork. More info here: https://bit.ly/3wTxV2n

Reminders:

Triple Bill

Sunday, December 12, 7pm
MECC Auditorium 
Contemporary Ballet Youth Company Z Proudly Presents Triple Bill. Three completely different productions all in one show. Take a dream with the Jewels inspired by George Balanchine, show your feminine side wearing Rouge and take a walk around the Lake. https://bit.ly/31aFwxW

Conversations with Art

Friday, December 17, 1pm to 2.30pm 
Artspace Mackay
Come along to the final Conversations with Art for 2021! It’s a free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as we look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from gallery and museum collections from around the world. 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. https://bit.ly/3CWD6Qt