Things to do in the regions this week (29 November - 5 December)

This week’s list of cracking attractions is bookended by the popular National Cherry Festival in Young and a screening of Home Alone 2 in Goulburn.

In between are plays, workshops, busking championships, and a concert from the Italian Tenors.

With so much happening around the regions, you’ll have no problem filling in your days. How you spend them is the only conundrum that remains. Dig in.

Multiple Days

National Cherry Festival

When: 29 November to 1 December
Where: Young, NSW
Cost: Free.

Join the locals in celebrating the sweet and delicious lifeblood of Young – cherries!

The air around Young is just a bit sweeter this time of year, and it’s not just because half the town is making some cherry-themed delicacies like cherry ice cream, cherry wine, and, of course, cherry pies.

It’s a real festival of town spirit; there are world-record attempts for spitting cherry pips, pie-eating contests, fireworks, a parade, bush poetry sessions, musical performances, and stalls, or if you’re looking for something quiet, you can get a bucket and pick your own beautiful ripe cherries.

Wild Clay Wheel Throwing Workshop

When: 29 November to 5 December, check website for times
Where: 118 Princes Hwy, Mogo
Cost: $126.

This two-hour class will teach you how to harvest and throw clay onto a potter’s wheel; you’ll learn various techniques to centre, pull and mould the clay into three pieces that the studio will fire in a signature turquoise glaze for you. Pottery is a great way to make something practical and tangible with your hands, especially at a time when so many people are stuck in offices. It’s endlessly satisfying to mould and bend the clay to your vision, even if your first attempts may be a bit wonky. It could be the start of a new passion.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

When: 29 November 6:30 pm, 30 November 6:30 pm, 1 December 5 pm
Where: 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: Pay what you feel.

Echo Theatre brings Shakespeare’s classic to the beautiful bushland of Queanbeyan. Shakespeare’s time-tested tale of love, laughter, romance and mysterious, enticing woodlands are brought to life by talented Queanbeyan actors. Bring some friends and some snacks and enjoy this retelling in a wonderful setting. Support the theatre by paying what you feel.

Australian National Busking Championships

When: 30 November, 10 am to 7 pm; welcome party hosted 29 November at the Alpine Hotel from 6 pm; additional concert on Sunday at lunchtime at the Alpine Hotel
Where: Cooma, NSW
Cost: Free.

Top buskers and musicians perform this weekend at the Australian National Busking Championship, featuring vibrant, soulful and earthy music from a diverse range of artists from all around Australia including LilG, a previous winner of the comp who will be guest performing.

Since winning the competition she has become a star with a significant online following, headlining festivals and preparing for a US tour – a great example of how local talent can be amplified to great heights because of the ANBC. There are competitions to select the best busker from a wide selection and visitors get to vote in the ‘people’s choice’ category. There are also workshops, activities, markets and prizes to be won. Celebrate some great Australian musical skill and enjoy Cooma.

Single Days

Friday

The Italian Tenors

When: 29 November, 7:30 pm
Where: 253 Crawford St, Queanbeyan
Cost: $64.90 – $79.90.

Luca Sala, Sabino Gaita, and Evans Tonon, better known as the Italian Tenors, are coming to Queanbeyan after a blazing sold-out tour of Europe. This fantastic concert will show off the best of their musical talent, bringing you their captivating performances of Italian classics. Let the Italian Tenors transport you to the sunny warm shores of the Mediterranean, the high windswept alps or the ancient beauty of Rome in a majestic and thrilling night of singing excellence.

Saturday

Goulburn parkrun

When: 30 November, 8 am
Where: Marsden Weir Park, Goulburn
Cost: Free, but registrations required.

The Goulburn parkrun is a staple in the community, providing a place for people of a range of skills to get together and walk, jog or run the 5-k course in the beautiful Marsden Weir Park. It’s a great weekly event where the community can come together and get fit and healthy. The fun doesn’t stop there – after the course, runners can retire to a local coffee shop together where you can recharge and catch up.

Bungendore Christmas Markets

When: 30 November, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: The Village Square, Bungendore
Cost: Free, cash encouraged for stalls.

Bungendore celebrates Christmas this year with its annual markets. There will be stalls and pop-up shops from local traders so you and your family can get some Christmas gifts and wares before the holidays. Enjoy local flavour and colour by seeing what the locals have to offer. For the kids, there will be a surprise visit from Mickey Mouse (don’t tell them, it’s a surprise!)

Sunday

STA Film Group — Home Alone 2

When: 1 December from 4 to 6 pm
Where: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
Cost: $12-$15.

The Goulburn Performing Arts Centre is screening the 90s classic Home Alone 2. When Kevin McCallister boards the wrong plane and ends up in New York, he has to make the best of it, but his unplanned New York holiday goes sideways when he comes across his old foes, the Wet Bandits. Kevin has to use all the tricks he can think of to defeat them and protect a toy shop from their thieving plans. Enjoy a night with this classic 90s comedy on the big screen at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.