Nine things to do in the regions this week (23 - 29 August)

We’re reaching the end of the month, and it’s time to celebrate making it through winter. Take your seats and enjoy a two-for-one theatre show, treat your ears to some beautiful live music, take in puppet versions of some of Earth’s most well-known animals or be inspired at Griffith.

Here’s everything you need to know about our top event picks for this week.

Multiple days

ARC

When: 24 August, from 6 pm and 26 August, from 10 am
Where: Yuin Theatre, Bay Pavilions, 12 Vesper Street, Batemans Bay
Cost: Tickets start at $25 and are available via Bay Pavilion’s website.

ARC is an extraordinary story of self-discovery and wonder – but above all, it’s a look at our natural world. The show is a chance for young people to get up close and personal with snow leopards, hammerhead sharks, microbats, elephants, and more animals (all in puppet form), with chances for audience involvement. Which of the puppets will be your favourite?

Affinity Quartet In Concert: Beethoven Opus 18

When: 28 August, from 6 pm (doors open from 5 pm) and 29 August, from noon (doors open from 11 am)
Where: Four Winds, 17 Four Winds Road, Barragga Bay
Cost: Tickets cost between $35 and $45 (children aged 16 and under have free entry) and are available via the venue’s website (tickets for part one and for part two can be purchased separately).

The award-winning Affinity Quartet have returned from a period in Europe – and they’re bringing some of the best of classical music to the coast. They are set to bring Beethoven’s first foray into string quartets (the Opus 18) to life as a mini cycle. While the Affinity Quartet are coming to the coast for two performances, people can attend one or both of their shows.

You Are Here

When: 23 to 31 August, shows at various times and on various dates
Where: Red Door Hall, corner of Page and Campbell streets, Moruya
Cost: Tickets cost $15 and are available online.

You Are Here is a show consisting of two one-act plays. With only 45 tickets per show, there are limited seats – so make sure to snap up your tickets before they sell out. A Report by award-winning director and playwright Jack Spahr is a dark comedy drawing inspiration from the Robodebt saga. The play draws on the incursion of IT and AI in our lives, and its intersection with power. Audiences will also watch Then, which is a look at the connections between the present, past and future.

Saturday

Batemans Bay Kite Festival

When: 24 August, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Corrigans Beach Reserve, Beach Road, Batehaven
Cost: Tickets cost $3 for anyone aged over six (children under six have free entry) and are available via Trybooking.

A day dedicated to everything about kites is coming to the South Coast. The young and young-at-heart are invited to head along to fly a kite. Attendees will also be able to enjoy live music from a DJ, mechanical rides, jumping castles and food stalls.

Camp Oven Cook Off 2024

When: 24 August, from 11 am
Where: Nerriga Hotel, 6124 Nerriga Road, Nerriga
Cost: Free entry.

Two publicans first organised a Camp Oven Cook Off last year to raise money for the Black Dog Institute in 2023 – now, they’re inviting everyone back. Teams will once again go head-to-head to cook something special, while attendees can get involved in a raffle and auction with prizes donated by local businesses.

Sunday

Sharon and Slava Grigoryan

When: 25 August, 2 to 5 pm
Where: Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall, Comur Street, Yass
Cost: Tickets cost between $48.07 and $53.29 (plus booking fee) for adults (children aged 16 and under have free entry when with a paying adult) and are available via Humanitix.

This duo are heading to Yass to offer a treat for your ears. Classical guitarist Slava Grigoryan will be joined by Sharon Grigoryan, who has performed with major symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles across Australia.

Goulburn Neon Nights

When: 25 August, 4 to 9:30 pm
Where: Goulburn Recreation Area, 47 Braidwood Road, Goulburn
Cost: Entry costs $2 and is payable at the gate.

These nights still have a bite of winter, but this is one event where staying out late will be worth it. The Goulburn Neon Nights is coming to Goulburn, bringing a range of food trucks, kids’ rides (including a jumping castle), slideshow games, a neon photo wall, craft stalls and more for people of all ages to enjoy. A glow station, hula hoop roving show and a fire performance will also be there, ready to light up the night. There will be free on-site parking, and leashed pets will be welcome.

Thursday

Author Talk with Andra Putnis

When: 29 August, 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Queanbeyan Heritage Library, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: Free entry, though attendees can register via Humanitix.

Stories My Grandmothers Didn’t Tell Me by Andra Putnis chronicles the harrowing experiences of her grandmothers as they are forced to flee their homeland of Latvia amid the chaos of World War Two. In her book, she brings their stories to life for a new generation, giving a glimpse into their extraordinary journey to freedom in Australia. Ms Putnis will be stopping by Queanbeyan for a discussion of their lives.

TEDxGriffith

When: 29 August, 5:30 to 9:30 pm (doors open 5 pm)
Where: Marian Catholic College, 185 Wakaden Street, Griffith
Cost: Tickets cost $95 (plus booking fee) and are available online (they are for sale until 28 August or until sold out).

When was the last time you listened to a Ted Talk? TEDx, a program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience, is heading to Griffith for the first time. A filmmaker, a healthcare specialist, a teacher, a female pilot, a teenager and a weaver will be among eight presenters speaking on the night – chosen from the more than 70 applicants – about the theme of ‘home is where the heart is’.

Have an event to submit?

Submit your event here to be considered for our weekly events guide.