Top 10 things to do around the region

1) STEAM Club – Spheros and blue bots

Wednesday, July 13, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Gordon White Library
Programmable robots, STEAM-based educational tools that transform the way kids learn, create and invent through coding. Explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. This term is all about engineering! STEAM club is specifically designed for children in Year 3 to Year 6. Register

2) Artist's Talk: Conversations with Shelley Engwirda

Thursday, July 14, 6pm to 7pm
Artspace Mackay
Inspired by her experience as a new grandmother, Engwirda explores the way female artists have been regarded historically. For this exhibition, she examines the success and failures of the women’s movement through her multidisciplinary practice. The artist’s large scale patchwork quilts, alongside glass work, respond to what she considers major moments in the women’s movement from the 1970s to the present. Register.

3) Wonder Rooms

Thursday, July 14, to Sunday, July 17
Thursday, July 21, to Sunday, July 24
Five locations to explore
Shipping containers converted into vibrant selfie museums, Wonder Rooms will awe visitors with their creative and unique backdrops. Get your camera ready for a day of exploration, with the Wonder Rooms set up across the region, from the Bluewater Quay to Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Melba House to Sarina Field of Dreams and Slade Point’s Ram Chandra Park – all with different themes! Travel the region, take a selfie and tag @mackay_festivals. Find out more.

4) DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 – Alphabet of Awesome Science

Thursday, July 14, 1pm and 6pm
MECC Auditorium Book tickets
Friday, July 15, 1pm
Pinnacle Playhouse  Book tickets
The Alphabet of Awesome Science will showcase 26 quirky scientific demonstrations in 52 minutes. This show uses BIG words to inspire BIG science – with a performance that’s equal parts explosive, messy, spectacular, hilarious, fascinating and gross! Age recommendation ages five to 12 years.

5) Conversations with Art

Friday, July 15, 1pm to 2.30pm
Artspace Mackay
A free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as we look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from gallery and museum collections. 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. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner, or expert, we’d love you to join us! It’s free, interesting, thought provoking and extremely enjoyable. Register

6) Barbaroi

Friday, July 15, 7.30pm
MECC Auditorium
Adult $35, Concession $32, Child/students $22, Group 6+ $32 each
Barbaroi is a blend of high-octane contemporary circus and exciting physical theatre. It combines daring acrobatics, aerials and phenomenal circus acts set against a pumping soundtrack complimented by finely tuned lighting and special effects. Book tickets.

7) Dads ‘n’ Bubs Baby Bounce  

Saturday, July 16, from 10am to 10.45am
Dudley Denny City Library  
The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays and action songs, and is a great opportunity for dads to do something special and beneficial with their little one. Please bring a small blanket to lay your child on, as we are unable to provide resources at this time. Register

8) Wisely Wine & Food Day

Saturday, July 16, 10.30am to 5.30pm
Queens Park
Set in the beautiful North Queensland winter, enjoy a relaxing day filled with wine, food and amazing music. Together with an array of restaurants, cafes and festival food trucks, the community bars will be showcasing a handpicked collection of sought-after wines, beer and foodie delights. Get exclusive VIP access in The Oasis area, sign up for a Plattered Up Wine and Cheese Masterclass or enjoy a mini Paint and Sip session. All information can be found on Mackay Festivals website.

9) BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, July 19, 10am to 2pm (music session 11.30am to 12.15pm)
Artspace Workshop Room
BMA Kidspace is Artspace Mackay’s free and ever-popular toddlers’ program, giving children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning. Local artists and performers deliver art and music activities in the gallery, designed especially for toddlers and their adults. Proudly presented by BHP Mistubishi Alliance and Artspace Mackay. Drop in anytime, no booking required.

10) 3D Your Heroes

Friday, July 22, 3.30pm to 4.45pm
Gordon White Library
Bring your superheroes to life and learn more about 3D printing at this exciting workshop for young adults aged 12 years and older. Learn clever methods on how to successfully 3D print gaming and fantasy models, which can be tricky. Register

Reminders:

Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch

Sunday, July 24, 11am to 1pm
MECC North Foyer
The Bluewater Big Band will take the stage once again in 2022 for the Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch. The band is a collaboration of local musicians who share a passion for jazz and big band playing. Led by band ‘instigator’ Kate Agioritis, the ensemble thrives on the sheer joy its members experience through making music. Performing a wide variety of jazz music and led by a vocal duo, this talented big band will have toes tapping with their loud and proud sounds. Tickets include a mouth-watering buffet lunch and non-alcoholic punch. Book tickets by July 19.

Bare

Saturday, July 30, 7.30pm
MECC North Foyer
Sunday, July 31, 2.30pm
MECC North Foyer
Join The Just Saying Project for a live cabaret show, as they explore the female body in all its pleasure and pain.This show will feature singing and dancing from Mackay performers, burlesque, comedic and dramatic stories, along with a Body Love Runway and BARE community project. Book tickets.