15 September 2023

Nine things to do in the regions this week (15 - 21 September)

| Claire Sams
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A man and woman standing with people holding up hats around them

Hats are an essential accessory at the Henty Field Days. Photo: Supplied.

Got plans? You do now!

There are plenty of arts and cultural events to keep us busy this week. A Monty Python production is coming to Queanbeyan, and Irish and Celtic culture is again making a home in Yass when an annual festival returns. The Eurobodalla will be hit by a force of creativity when the River of Art Festival kicks off!

Also this week, there are many events taking place outside. The Henty Machinery Field Days will start on 19 September, and the Cowra Harness Racing Club has organised a family-friendly day to keep everyone entertained. There will also be a celebration of Aboriginal culture of the South Coast taking place in Narooma.

And if any of that doesn’t tickle your fancy, then head to Iandra Castle for an open day, join the walk in Batemans Bay to raise awareness of the upcoming referendum or help track platypus sightings in Goulburn.

Multiple days

A vertical selfie of a group of actors in medieval costumes

The cast of Spamalot are ready to bring the laughs to Queanbeyan. Photo: Free-Rain Theatre Company/Facebook.

Monty Python’s Spamalot

When: 12 to 24 September, with performances starting at 2, 5 and 8 pm
Where: Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre (The Q), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: Tickets cost between $54 and $65, and are available online.

Free-Rain Theatre Company is coming to Queanbeyan for a production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Inspired by the iconic (and highly quotable) 1975 film Monthy Python and the Holy Grail, it sees King Arthur and servant Patsy search for the Holy Grail. Spoiler: it doesn’t go to plan in this production, which runs for 140 minutes (including the interval).

A flyer for the event

The annual festival is back for another year. Photo: Irish & Celtic Music Festival/Facebook.

Irish and Celtic Music Festival

When: 15 to 17 September, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Various locations; see program
Cost: Tickets cost up to $110 for an adult full weekend pass and are available via Humanitix.

This annual festival is returning to showcase the best of Irish and Celtic culture to Yass and the surrounding region. In 2023, the program will feature music, markets, poetry and more.

A man standing and looking at a light projection on a building behind him

Scott Baker’s Bioluminescence is one of a series of digital animations set to feature at the festival finale Luminous: Celebrating Place. Photo: River of Art Festival.

River of Art Festival

When: 15 to 24 September, various times
Where: Various locations in Eurobodalla; see program
Cost: Varies depending on the event.

The River of Art Festival will flood the Eurobodalla region with art and creativity of all kinds. The 2023 program includes more than 120 events – including artist talks, workshops, live music and theatre – and it will all come to a close with the finale Luminous: Celebrating Place.

A dog

Around 200 of Australia’s best working dogs will be at the field days this month (and we hope they’ll get lots of treats). Photo: Henty Machinery Field Days.

Henty Machinery Field Days

When: 19 to 21 September
Where: Henty
Cost: Tickets cost up to $25 (depending on age and kind of ticket purchased), and are available via 123tix.

These field days give you the chance to check out machinery, fashion parades, farm equipment, produce and much more. In 2023, competitors in the working dog trials will be up for nearly $10,000 in prize money.

Saturday

A flyer for the event

Aboriginal culture will be the focus of this event. Photo: Supplied.

Biraga Bunaan (Back to Country)

When: 16 September, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Bill Smyth Oval, McMillan Road, Narooma
Cost: Free entry.

The Biamanga and Gulaga National Park Boards of Management have organised this event, which recognises Aboriginal culture and connection to Country. In its return for 2023, there will be arts, activities to keep youngsters entertained, an elders’ tent, a range of live entertainment and food trucks.

Sunday

A flyer for the event

A packed schedule of events is planned trackside (and there’s also racing throughout the day). Photo: Cowra Harness Racing Club/Facebook.

Cowra Harness Races and Family Fun Day

When: 17 September, with gates open at 11:30 am
Where: Cowra Showgrounds, Grenfell Road, Cowra
Cost: Free entry.

Family-friendly fun will be the name of Sunday! There will be live entertainment from Josh Petty, dachshund races, a jumping castle, market stalls, as well as bar and food options on hand. There will also be a race program including two major cup races.

A platypus with its beak just out of the water

This citizen science project will count the number of platypuses visible. Photo: Supplied.

Platypus sighting study

When: 17 September, 5 to 6 pm
Where: Meet at the corner of Blackshaw and Park Roads, Goulburn
Cost: Free entry.

Do you have keen eyes or a love of nature? If so, you’re invited to this study, which aims to record platypus sightings on the Mulwaree River. The study is an Australian Conservation Foundation initiative and is in partnership with the University of New South Wales.

A flyer for the event

Campaigners for the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum will stage a walk to raise awareness. Photo: Eurobodalla for Yes/Facebook.

Batemans Bay Walk for YES

When: 17 September, from 10:30 am
Where: Meet at Korners Park (northside of Batemans Bay Bridge), 9 Wharf Road, North Batemans Bay
Cost: Free entry.

Those in support of the proposed Voice to Parliament – or those who would like to learn more about it – are invited to gather in Batemans Bay to make their voices heard. Respected Walbunja elder Bunja Smith will give a Welcome to Country before those gathered walk to the foreshore for speeches.

An outside view of Iandra Castle and its grounds

This historic castle is opening its doors, just as the weather starts to warm. Photo: Supplied.

Iandra Castle open day

When: 17 September, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Iandra Castle, 870 Iandra Road, Greenethorpe
Cost: Tickets cost $10 (school-age children) or $20 (adults), with bookings necessary via TryBooking.

This is your chance to feel like a medieval lady or lord and walk down the halls of this historic castle. Iandra castle was built in the early 20th century in the Federation Romanesque style. This Sunday will be the first of the spring open days, meaning once you’ve wandered through the house you can wander the stables and grounds in the sunshine! There is onsite parking available.

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