Nine things to do in the region this week (12 May to 18 May)

We know it’s cold (and only set to get colder as winter approaches), but we promise there’s plenty of entertaining things to do away from a pile of blankets or a crackling fire.

The Out of Wagonga exhibition is coming to a close this weekend, and there’s an artist talk amid an ongoing exhibition about recovery, resilience and rebirth after the Black Summer bushfires.

For fun of a different kind, there’s also circus fun, a chance for keen readers to hear from an author with a debut novel, fireworks and fun in Wolumla, a chance for animal lovers to see Batemans Bay flying foxes at a camp and a multimedia event inspired by Aboriginal culture.

And if you need some inspiration for things to do on Mother’s Day, we have some picks that you can spend your Sunday enjoying!

Multiple days

Out of Wagonga exhibition

When: 5 May to 14 May, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Narooma School of Arts & Soldiers’ War Memorial Hall, 92 Campbell Street, Narooma
Cost: Free entry.

This exhibition is set to close on Sunday, meaning you have just a few days left to see the 39 multimedia artworks from local artists. Inspired by the natural world of Wagonga Inlet and the surrounding area, the works span a variety of mediums that include oil, video, photography, watercolour works, sculpture and ceramics.

Embers, Epicorm II

When: 13 May, 11 am to noon (artist talk); Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm (exhibition)
Where: Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre, corner of Vulcan and Campbell Streets, Moruya
Cost: Entry to the artist talk and exhibition is free, but registration is necessary via Eventbrite by 4 pm Friday (12 May).

These works of Cheryl Davison-Overton, Mirabel Fitzgerald, Jennifer Hawkins, Julie Mia Holmes, Raewyn Lawrence, Amy Schleif and Jo Victoria are united by a simple theme: coming back after the devastation of the Black Summer bushfires. If you wish to hear more about the artists and their artwork, register for an artist talk, with the exhibition itself open until 4 June.

Stardust Circus

When: Various; see schedule
Where: Various; see schedule
Cost: Various, depending on age and location; tickets via 365tix.

Roll up, roll up and come to the big top! The circus is in town – but only briefly, and only in Queanbeyan and Goulburn, before it moves on to Castle Hill and Rosehill. Queanbeyan’s run will finish on Sunday (14 May), with Goulburn’s to run from next Thursday (18 May to 28 May). The circus show runs for around two hours, including the interval, and features acrobats, clowns, flying trapeze, aerialists, a 12-person teeter board act and more.

Friday

Lucy Bloom Reveals a Story About Revenge

When: 12 May, 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Goulburn Mulwaree Library, 184/194 Bourke Street, Goulburn
Cost: $5, tickets via Humanitix.

This event celebrates Lucy Bloom’s debut novel, The Manuscript. The novel explores modern relationships and online dating. After author Edith Scott changes the genre she writes in, she learns some harsh life lessons and writes men into her book as characters and kills them off … but there are parallels in real life. The ticket covers drinks and nibble for attendees.

Wolumla Fireworks Festival

When: 12 May, 5 pm to 8 pm
Where: Wolumla Recreation Ground, Princes Highway, Wolumla
Cost: Entry is $5 per person, with food items available for purchase.

If you’re looking for something family-friendly, this is an option for you! There will be market stalls, live entertainment and performances from local school bands. The night will finish with fireworks at 7:30 pm. This event is alcohol free. There is limited EFTPOS, so people are encouraged to bring some cash.

Saturday

Get Batty at the Catty

When: 12 May, 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: 1st Batemans Bay Scout Hall, southern end of Pacific Street, Batemans Bay
Cost: Free entry; tickets via Eventbrite due to number restrictions.

Ever wondered about flying foxes? Eurobodalla Shire Council’s flying fox officer, Prue McGuffie, will be on hand to talk about the animal and show a camp on the Catalina golf course. The meeting point is the Scout Hall and the group will walk to the camp and back. The event involves a 250-m walk and is capped at 40 people; participants should bring a torch and, if they wish, something to sit on.

Bulla Midhong

When: 13 May, from 6 pm
Where: Umbarra Cultural Centre, Wallaga Lake
Cost: Free.

Bulla Midhong, meaning ‘one and two is three’, is a three-part multimedia event being held on the South Coast. The second event will focus on the Gulaga Mountain creation story. Following a night of live music, songs, dance and art from young Djiringang people and Wallaga Lake residents, there will be a barbecue dinner. While there are some chairs available, people are invited to bring camp chairs and blankets so everyone has a spot, according to the Facebook event.

Sunday

Mother’s Day lunch at RHQ

When: 14 May, 12 pm to 3 pm
Where: Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: $30 for children (twelve years and under), $80 for adults; tickets available online.

This is your chance to treat your mother like the queen she is (or to make some last-minute plans because time got away from you). This three-course lunch with live music is sure to please any and all fine women in your life, and give you some delicious food to eat at the same time.

Berries and Tunes Festival

When: 14 May, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Bidgee Strawberries and Cream, Billagha Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Entry is $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Name something better than fresh strawberries – we bet it’s pretty challenging! Over in Wagga Wagga, Bidgee Strawberries and Cream have organised a day packed with strawberry picking, yummy food, games and activities and live music. The Food Wagon from Bidgee’s cafe will also be on hand to keep everyone fed.