Top 10 things to do around the region

Published: 30 May 2022

Start your week with Party in the Park – a great opportunity for families with children under five to connect and have fun! Join Artspace Mackay as they take a closer look at printmaking techniques, meet local authors at the Gordon White Library and there’s a huge week of entertainment with Xavier Rudd, the Pink Floyd tribute band and David Strassman performing at the MECC.

1) Party in the Park

Tuesday, May 31, 9am to 11.30am
Mackay Regional Council Lawns (Civic Precinct)
Party in the Park is happening again in Mackay! There will be jumping castles, free face painting, an ice-cream van and a petting zoo, along with more than 30 stallholders in attendance. This event aims to connect families that have children under five, with local no cost, low cost and age specific services within the Mackay region. For more information, visit council’s Facebook event.

2) Reconciliation Week movie screening: Charlie’s Country (M)

Thursday, June 2, 5pm
Dudley Denny City Library
Charlie is getting older and is out of sorts. The government’s intervention is making life more difficult on his remote community. He leaves to live the old way, but in doing so sets off a chain of events. Register

3) Printbank Think Tank

Thursday, June 2, 5.30pm to 7pm
Main Gallery, Artspace Mackay

Artspace Mackay and Printbank Mackay are getting together to take a closer look at selected finalists’ works in the 2022 Libris Awards that feature various printmaking techniques. If you are a lover of printmaking and have an interest in learning more about effects that can be achieved through various printmaking methods in combination with different types of papers and formats, you should come along! Find out more and book your free spot here.

4) Xavier Rudd ‘Jan Juc Moon’ Tour 2022

Thursday, June 2, 7pm
MECC Auditorium
Xavier Rudd announces his 2022 Australian tour, in celebration of the release of his forthcoming 10th studio album ‘Jan Juc Moon’. The wind blows strong though Xavier Rudd's tenth album. It’s a recurring image that speaks of wide-open space and the awesome natural elements that shape it: a force far greater than us, but ours to harness if we take the time to learn, reflect and respect its ways. This is an 18+ event.Book tickets

5) Echoes of Pink Floyd

Friday, June 3, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
Entitled “A Journey Through Time”, the Adelaide-based band’s latest show will take audiences on a musical and visual journey from Pink Floyd’s earliest days as darlings of 1960s London’s psychedelic underground, all the way to their 1990s powerhouse performances as the undisputed masters of stadium rock. Please note, this is a tribute show.Book tickets

6) Author Behind the Book

Saturday, June 4, 9.30am to 11.30am
Gordon White Library
Are you interested in meeting local emerging and established authors? Come and meet the authors behind the books that are making a difference in the local literary scene. They will be able to share their journey with you around becoming an author and describe their new book. Register

7) Foster Entertainment presents David Strassman – The Chocolate Diet

Saturday, June 4, 7pm
MECC Auditorium
From London to New York, David Strassman’s comic genius has shocked and surprised. Now it’s your turn to experience Strassman’s uproarious comedy with those infamous favourites, the loveable Ted E. Bare and the evil Chuck Wood. Strassman’s newest show is The Chocolate Diet. Ted E. Bare’s health quest is hilariously painful, and one we can relate to. Meanwhile, Chuck is going through an identity crisis.Book tickets

8) BMA Mackay Marina Run

Sunday, June 5, 6.30am
Mackay Marina
The BMA Mackay Marina Run is a signature event on the Mackay Road Runners’ calendar and features the 21.1km half marathon, 8km, 5km fun run, 5km corporate challenge and 3km junior dash. The event raises money for the Leukaemia Foundation and welcomes event ambassadors Robert de Castella and Benita Willis. Participants are asked to arrive at 5.30am. More information.

9) The World of Musicals

Sunday, June 5, 6pm
MECC Auditorium
The World of Musicals concert has graced stages across the globe and features a world-class ensemble of multi-talented performing artists who exquisitely recreate classic hits, fused with emotive ballads, big-screen anthems and iconic show tunes. From the best of “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables” to “We will Rock You, “Sister Act” and many more, the World of Musicals delivers a stirring musical concert theatre experience that will leave you spellbound – from the opening song to the final medley of classics. Book tickets

10) ‘Where a Plant Begins’ exhibition by Mackay’s Botanical Art Interest Group

Until Sunday, June 22
Lagoons Gallery, Botanic Gardens Cafe
In their latest exhibition, the botanical artists focus on a particular aspect of where a plant begins or have portrayed the entire life cycle of a plant complete with flowers, seeds and features of their chosen plants. The showcase displays how the artists take live specimens and create a living piece of botanical art via their sketch books, photos and art materials. More information here.

Reminders:

Mackay Beach Horse Races

Saturday, June 11, 11am until late
Mackay Harbour Beach
The iconic Mackay Beach Horse Races, one of the top social and tourism events in Queensland, are back and are expected to be bigger than ever attracting up to 3000 locals and visitors! With three days of entertainment including top Australian and local DJ’s, food, VIP packages, horse racing, Fashions on the Sand, market stalls and a recovery session on Sunday, there is something for everyone. Find out more and book your tickets at mackaybeachhorseraces.com.au.

Pioneer Valley Show

Sunday, June 12, 6am to 10pm
Finch Hatton Showground
The Pioneer Valley Show is an iconic event in the community, widely regarded by fellow agricultural shows, patrons, exhibitors, site holders and entertainers throughout as the best one day show in Australia.

Mackay Show

Tuesday, June 14 to Thursday, June 16
Mackay Showgrounds
The 143rd annual Mackay Show will showcase agriculture, equestrian events and sideshow alley, fireworks and entertainment over three days.