Nine things to do in the region this week (24 February - 2 March)

A fascinating exhibition opening and absolute comedy gold bookend our top nine picks in the region this week.

In between you’ll find a tractor pull and swap meet, a car boot sale and the launch of a new artisan market.

There will be a throwback to some old-fashioned fun involving the humble billy cart in Cooma, a race day and something on the serious yet colourful side for the youths of the Eurobodalla.

And of course, don’t miss one of the week’s highlights – Tumbafest, in all its country festival glory.

All week

Silent Conversations

When: Friday 24 February to 25 March, 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Studio Altenburg, 104 Wallace St, Braidwood
Cost: Free

This fascinating new exhibition launches at Studio Altenburg tomorrow (Friday 24 February). Featuring the works of Basil Hall, Sandra Shrubb and Slavica Zivkovic, these three artists will be in conversation through various printmaking media including etching, screen printing and relief prints.

All Weekend

Tumbafest 2023

When: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February, 10 am – 6:30 pm
Where: Tumbarumba Creekscape and Sportsground, Hammonds Lane, Tumbarumba
Cost: Weekend festival ticket $100, pension weekend festival ticket $90, Saturday festival ticket, $80, Sunday festival ticket $80, 17 and under weekend ticket free, book here

A relaxed and fun weekend of music, activities, retail, food and drink set along the shady banks of the Tumbarumba Creekscape – this is Tumbafest. The festival showcases beautiful, local cool-climate wines and produce, tantalising cuisine and unique handicrafts. A guaranteed fun outing for the whole family.

Saturday

Youth against domestic violence colour run

When: Saturday 25 February, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Riverside Park, Ford Street, Moruya
Cost: Free, book here

You’re invited to come out and support students from Eurobodalla high schools and colleges as they participate in this event promoting an important message. Having undertaken the “Love Bites” education program, they will don shirts featuring anti domestic violence messages they have made throughout the year and run, walk or stroll the 5 km track set out to raise awareness of this important cause. Registration will open at 9 am for a 9:30 am start and funds raised on the day will be donated to the Eurobodalla Domestic Violence Committee.

Gundagai tractor pull and swap meet

When: Saturday 25 February, 7 am to 4 pm
Where: Gundagai Showgrounds, Oibell Dr, Gundagai
Cost: General $10, family $20, children under 16 free (with one paid general entry), payable at the gate

Tractor pull and swap meet will be a match made in heaven for a fun family day out. There will be up to three tractor pulls operating most of the day, many swap meet stalls selling just about everything, food and drinks, kids amusements, heavy horse and vehicle displays and a truck show and shine. Please note there will be no ATM onsite, but entry will be payable via cash or card.

Yass Picnic Races 2023

When: Saturday 25 February, 11 am
Where: Marchmont Racecourse, Gums Lane, Marchmont
Cost: General $20, membership $76.88, member’s marquee $128.13 – $153.13, book here

After a few years’ hiatus due to COVID-19 and weather, it’s time to get your friends and family together for a great day at the Yass Picnic Races. Buses will be available in and out of town, kids jumping castles, ice cream and of course – horses. Set against a treasured bush atmosphere, the day entails a six-race meet with the horses trained both locally and across regional NSW.

Yass Show Society Car Boot Sale

When: Saturday 25 February, 8 am
Where: Yass Showgrounds, 27 Grand Junction Road, Yass
Cost: Gold coin donation, payable upon entry

Buying preloved items saves them from landfill, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to pick up a treasure for a bargain at the Yass Show Society’s Car Boot Sale. Buyers can browse and enjoy the barbecue. For $20, vendors can declutter the house and earn some coin (set up from 7 am). For more information call the Show Society on (02) 6226 1615.

Sunday

Yass Railway Museum Artisan Markets

When: Sunday 26 February, 10 am
Where: Yass Railway Museum, 3 Crago Street, Yass
Cost: Free entry

Don’t miss the debut of this market, set to run on the last Sunday of each month. You can take advantage of free museum entry during the event and shop local produce stalls, handmade crafts, food and drinks. This Sunday’s market will feature the Yass Wool Spinners and AMEC (Australian Military Equipment Collectors). For vendor enquiries, please contact the Yass Railway Museum via email – [email protected]

Monaro Billy Cart Derby

When: Sunday 26 February, 9 am entry for an 11 am start
Where: Cooma Showground, Boundary Street, Cooma
Cost: Entry $20, spectator gold coin donation, entry form here

The Cooma Car Club are once again bringing back the traditional fun family day of the Billy Cart Derby. This wholesome outdoor event brings together the community for a spot of friendly competition, sportsmanship, engineering, innovation and creativity. On your mark, get set, go!

Thursday

The best of Arj Barker power hour

When: Thursday 2 March, 8 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulburn
Cost: Adult $54.90, member $46.90, book here

Beloved Aussie-American comedian Arj Barker has taken his very best jokes from three decades, lovingly restored, refined and remastered each one, jammed them all into a single hour, and finally, sprinkled in some new material and a hint of improv. So if you’re in need of some good belly laughs, book your tickets now.