Nine things to do in the regions this week (2 - 8 February)

Looking for something to keep the family or friends entertained? As a new week comes closer, here are nine of many events set to keep regional residents and visitors alike happy.

Multiple days

The Bega Cheese Bega Cup Carnival

When: 3 and 4 February, gates open at noon
Where: Sapphire Coast Turf Club, 1695 Sapphire Coast Drive, Kalaru
Cost: Entry is between $10 and $15, while those aged under 18 have free entry.

The Bega Cheese Bega Cup Carnival is set across two big days of racing – but there will be plenty of attractions off the track as well. Embrace Saturday’s (3 February) Hawaiian theme and pull out the leis in preparation for a day of seven races, food vans, kids activities and more events off the racecourse. The next day (4 February) promises to be even bigger – eight races, body art and face painting stations and best dressed competitions with prizes.

Friday

An Evening with Mark Geyer and James Graham

When: 2 February, 5:30 to 11 pm
Where: Goulburn Railway Bowling Club, 271 Sloane Street, Goulburn
Cost: Tickets cost $150 each (or $1200 for a table), and are available by emailing [email protected].

Mark Geyer and James Graham are two giants on (and off) the footy field – and they’ll be joined by host Anthony Maroon in this one-off fundraiser in Goulburn. Organised by the Goulburn City Bulldogs, the night will see the two men share stories from their careers, and bids will flow in the memorabilia auction, which includes items for the club’s injured players fund.

Saturday

Music by the River

When: 3 February, 4 to 9 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth II Park, 41 Morisset Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: Free entry for general admission seating though registration is necessary; ticketed option $16.50 (those with allocated seating will need to bring a digital or printed copy of their ticket), with both options available via eventbrite.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has partnered with Icon Water and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for the eighth annual Music by the River in Queanbeyan. Queanbeyan musicians will entertain the crowd from 4 pm, while tribute act BABBA will take to the stage to perform some of ABBA’s greatest hits at 7 pm. Allocated seats to watch the performances will be given on a first come, first served basis.

The Healthy Gardener workshop

When: 3 February, from 9:30 am
Where: Uniting Church Hall, 61 Soho Street, Cooma
Cost: Entry is $5 for non-members of the Cooma Community Garden.

Getting out in the garden is fun – accidentally hurting ourselves while gardening is not fun. This workshop from exercise physiologist Dr Kathy Devonshire-Gill will cover safe ways to pick up heavy objects, move about and bend over and how to reduce the risk of falling. Attendees are encouraged to bring an exercise mat or towel, as they can get involved in the workshop.

Monster Thrillmasters

When: 3 February, 6 to 8 pm (gates open at 4 pm)
Where: Queanbeyan Showground, Glebe Avenue, Queanbeyan
Cost: Tickets cost between $35 and $50 (general admission) and $50 to $65 (gold seating option), and are available via eventbrite.

Queanbeyan Showground will host monster trucks, a flame-throwing jet van, comedy cars and much more. Attendees can watch the heart-stopping action from a fold-up chair or gather with friends on a picnic blanket, or take advantage of the gold seating option in the showground’s grandstand.

Tumut River Tap Days

When: 3 February, 1:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Bila Park Tumut, 1-11 Wynyard St, Tumut
Cost: Tickets cost between $15 and $49 (ticket packages available), and are available via Humanitix.

In the summer heat, a good drink is needed to quench your thirst – and this craft beer festival is the perfect place to get one as it returns for 2024. It is open to all ages, though those under 18 need to be supervised. Melbourne’s Amaru Tribe, The Barren Spinsters from Canberra, Left Lane and We Mavericks from Wollongong, Tumut locals Wild Tracks and Wagga’s Barr Nun will all be taking to the stage, while Dane Simpson will bring emerging comedians. Veteran Luke Heggie will be headlining on Friday night. If the dancing and laughing makes you thirsty, there will be taps from which visitors can try a range of local brews, along with some of the best from around NSW.

Cash Bingo Fundraiser

When: 3 February, 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Cootamundra Ex-Services Club, 299 Parker Street, Cootamundra
Cost: Free entry.

This is a gathering for a good cause! The public is invited to gather at the Cootamundra Ex-Services Club to raise money for Riding for the Disabled, an organisation that runs programs so people with a disability can experience fun and therapeutic horse activities.

Sunday

Bay to Bridge Run – Batemans Bay

When: 4 February; racing begins at 7:25 am (exact start time depends on race distance chosen)
Where: Batemans Bay Foreshore Park, Clyde Street, Batemans Bay
Cost: Depends on race distance chosen and when registration is made, with more information for each race available online.

Head to the (running) races in Batemans Bay on Sunday! Starting from Batemans Bay Foreshore, the Bay to Bridge Run route heads over the Clyde River Bridge. And if the thought of running a longer distance is intimidating, do not stress – there is a half marathon option, as well as 10 km, 5 km and 2 km fun run options.

Monday

The Carnival showing

When: 5 February, 6:20 to 8:30 pm (doors open at 6 pm)
Where: The Picture Show Man Cinema, 80 Main Street, Merimbula
Cost: Tickets cost between $15 and $18, and are available via TryBooking.

Residents and visitors to the South Coast alike pay a visit to Bell’s Carnival when it stops by the coast over the summer holidays. On Monday evening, they can appreciate a different view of what goes into the carnival. Isabel Darling filmed the documentary over seven years, capturing the day-to-day life of the travelling carnival.