Nine things to do in the region this week (7 - 13 October)

As school holidays come to a close, festivals dominate the region’s social scene this week, inviting the community to celebrate music, kites, whales and Indigenous art.

In between you can browse markets and book fairs, catch live music, picnic or participate in crafty workshops.

Check out our list of top picks of things to see and do in Bega, Eden, Merimbula, Goulburn, Harden, Wagga Wagga, Yass and Gundaroo below.

All Week

Goulburn Rotary Book Fair

When: Saturday 8 October to Saturday 15 October, 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Goulburn Recreation Area, 47-131 Braidwood Road, Goulburn
Cost: Free entry, register here.

Returning after a two-year hiatus, find your next great read at the annual Goulburn Rotary Book Fair. Expect books at bargain prices in fiction, biography, sport, romance, children’s books, gardening, cooking – you name it – with all proceeds going to Rotary charities and projects.

All Weekend

Eden Whale Festival

When: Friday 7 October, 2 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 8 October, 8 am – 9 pm and Sunday 9 October, 8 am – 7:30 pm
Where: Various Eden locations, view full program here
Cost: Free entry, selected events are ticketed.

The Eden Whale Festival is an annual event highlighting the southern migration of the humpback and other whales, with opportunities to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. Whether from the shore or at sea, whales are often seen in large numbers in the town’s stunning Twofold Bay. For one weekend each year, the rich maritime and whaling history of this port on Australia’s coastal wilderness becomes the centrepiece, celebrated with food events, art exhibitions, vibrant markets showcasing and selling the work of local artisans, educational marine displays and presentations, quality children’s entertainment, live music, and – of course – topnotch whale watching experiences.

Spirit of the Land Festival

When: Friday 7 October to Sunday 9 October, various times, see program here
Where: Various Lockhart locations
Cost: Free entry.

This colourful and vibrant celebration of the land features plenty of Indigenous art, photo exhibitions, extensive high-quality markets, fabulous foods, open gardens, live music, farm tours, vintage vehicles, Leeton Lions train rides and fireworks. Make a weekend of it and plan your festival experience with the full program here.

Saturday

Harden Kite Festival

When: Saturday 8 October, 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Harden Picnic Racecourse, Burley Griffin Way, Harden
Cost: Gold coin donation, register here.

This annual community event in the beautiful Hilltops region offers free activities and entertainment for all ages, including cultural performances, kite decorating workshops, a kid’s activity alley and a petting zoo. Browse the fantastic range of market stalls, enjoy the all-day unlimited ride pass or sit in the shade and enjoy the fun. You’re also invited to bring your own kite or buy one on the day. Food and coffee will be available, or you can pack a picnic.

Kate Ceberano live at Tallagandra Hill

When: Saturday 8 October, 7 pm – 10 pm
Where: Tallagandra Hill Winery, 1692 Murrumbateman Road, Gundaroo
Cost: $101, book here.

An Australian icon and all-time favourite, Kate Ceberano is coming to Tallagandra Hill Winery with her band this October. Kate has racked up 28 albums over 35 years and continues to experiment with different genres. She has also achieved platinum status 13 times, gold status eight times and received dozens of major awards including three ARIAs and seven nominations for Best Female Artist. Here she comes to you live at a spectacular venue.

Flow Festival

When: Saturday 8 October, 12 pm – 10 pm
Where: The Wagga Wagga Boat Club, Plumpton Rd, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $20, book here.

Back with a brand new lineup from over the Riverina and surrounds, this family-friendly festival is 10 hours of non-stop live music. It showcases the likes of Thunderstruck – The Australian AC/DC Show, 1987, The Madcoats, Mobes, Northbourne, Shotput Kitty, Reckless and RumbleTown. Local talent includes Bj Vernal, Shaun Webb, Garry Salvestro, Kelvin Bailey, Gianni Cocilova, Robert Fattore, Daryl Day, Sean Daniell, Aaron Oldaker, Adam Urquhart, Kathy Wall and Riley Burgess.

Workshop: OhhBulldust Couch Throw

When: Saturday 8 October, 1:30 pm – 5 pm
Where: Yass Community Centre, 1428 Yass Valley Way, Yass
Cost: $175, book here.

OhhBulldust runs workshops throughout the year to bring people together and showcase the incredible fibre that is merino wool. The workshops are about coming together, spending some much-needed time on yourself and making beautiful things of your own while sharing stories. Included in the workshops are nibbles, drinks and all the materials needed to complete your project.

Sunday

Yass Railway Museum Picnic Day

When: Sunday 9 October, 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Yass Railway Museum, 3 Crago St, Yass
Cost: Free entry.

Gather your family, pack a picnic and come and enjoy a day out at the Yass Railway Museum. There will be a sausage sizzle and activities including face painting, garden games, train and car displays, pony rides, heavy horses and much more. This event promises a great way to cap off the school holidays.

Thursday

Riverina Producers’ Market

When: Thursday 13 October, 1 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free entry.

Producers themselves run the Riverina Producers Market to connect with people who love good local produce. Browse a variety of stalls selling fresh and prepared foods, food-related products and complementary homewares. Foodies will pick up quality meat, fruit, vegetables, cheeses, bread, honey, jams, berries, pickles, sweet treats, chocolates and plenty more.