Nine things to do in the regions this week (24 - 30 November)

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, we have some terrific attractions listed below that just might tickle your fancy.

There are several theatre productions, including Mother And Son on the South Coast, and King Lear in Queanbeyan. If music or movies are more your speed, check out the Australian National Busking Championships grand final in Cooma or a Christmas-themed movie night in Moruya.

Braidwood will play host to the Airing of the Quilts when it returns for two days, while the inaugural Flourish Festival will highlight the best of Murrumbateman. Gin (and plenty more) will be on the cards at the Jervis Bay Gin Festival. Meanwhile, to raise money for those in need, the Rotary Club of Milton-Ulladulla has organised the inaugural Annual Poker Run and the Goulburn Community Bike Ride is returning for another year.

Multiple days

Mother And Son production

When: 17 November to 3 December, various times
Where: Wolumla Hall, Scott Street, Wolumla
Cost: Tickets cost $30 (concession holders) or $40 (general admission), and are available via TryBooking or at the door (cash).

Directed by Elaine Waddell, this is a production by the writer of the original television series. But it is hoped that this production brings more than laughs – it is also a fundraiser, with the money raised to be passed on to Merimbula Rural Fire Brigade and kids programs.

Braidwood Airing of the Quilts

When: 25 and 26 November, all day
Where: Various locations around Braidwood
Cost: Free entry.

This long-standing tradition is coming back to Braidwood, with organisers hoping it brings people from the wider region and Canberra to see the quilts hung from buildings in Braidwood. The 2023 Quilt Store Challenge, which runs as part of the overall Airing of the Quilts, is also returning. Entries will be displayed in an indoor exhibition. But there’s more! There will be markets in the park, a vintage car show and several pop-up shops.

King Lear production

When: 29 November to 3 December, various times over multiple days
Where: Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre (The Q), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: Tickets cost between $30 and $60, and are available via the centre’s website.

When the elderly King Lear of Britain announces his plan to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, he starts a tale that quickly gets out of his control. Karen Vickery will take to the stage as the King, joined by a local cast, in this story of power, family and legacy. The show is recommended for those aged 14 and older, and contains nudity, violence, strobe lighting, and haze effects.

Australian National Busking Championships

When: 24 and 25 November, various times
Where: Various locations; see program
Cost: Entry depends on activity; see program.

After heats across Australia, it is time to head to Cooma for the grand final! The fun will start on Friday evening with a welcome party from 5:30 pm. But don’t party too hard – the plan for Saturday includes free workshops and performances (9 am to 2 pm), a busking competition (10 am to 3 pm) and an after-party to bring the fun to an end.

Flourish Festival

When: 25 and 26 November, various times
Where: Various locations around Murrumbateman wineries; see program
Cost: Costs vary depending on activity; see program.

Murrumbateman will be the star of Flourish Festival, a new event to showcase the region and its producers, makers, farmers and creatives. The schedule includes food tastings, drawing classes, wine tastings and much more.

Saturday

Jervis Bay Gin Festival

When: 25 November, noon to 8 pm
Where: Huskisson Park, 74 Owen Street Huskisson (next to the Huskisson Hotel)
Cost: Tickets cost $27.78 (for adults, with free entry for those under 18) and are available via eventbrite.

Summer is arriving early at Huskisson, with a gin festival returning for its second year. As the name suggests, there will be stalls from distilleries and wineries from the Shoalhaven region and further away – but there will also be food stalls of all kinds, live music, face painting, other entertainment and a bouncy castle. Furry friends are invited, though they must be kept on a leash.

Moruya Saturday movie

When: 25 November, 1:30 to 3:30 pm (patrons asked to arrive 10 minutes early)
Where: Moruya Library, Vulcan Street, Moruya
Cost: Entry is free, but registration via eventbrite is essential.

This Saturday, head along to the library for a showing of a 1947 Christmas classic. While they cannot release the full name due to licensing restrictions, the library has released some hints: it follows a man claiming to be the real Santa Claus who faces some challenges as he tries to spread the true Christmas spirit. There will also be some Christmas treats and a chat afterwards. Children aged 12 or under can attend but must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday

Annual Poker Run

When: 26 November, from 9 am
Where: From Rotary Park on Crescent Street, at the north side of Ulladulla Harbour
Cost: Entry costs $20, with registration on the day or by contacting 0438 279 106 in advance.

The Rotary Club of Milton-Ulladulla has organised a poker run to raise money for charities the club supports. A poker run is a game inspired by poker, where participants draw a card at different checkpoints and compare cards at the finish line. There will be prizes for the best poker hand and for the cars and bikes participating. A barbecue will be held at the end, ensuring no one goes home hungry!

Goulburn Community Bike Ride

When: 26 November, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: From Rotary Park at the Marsden Weir, Fitzroy Street, Goulburn
Cost: Entry is through gold coin donation.

Strap on a helmet and dig out your bike for a good cause this Sunday. The ride will start at 11 am, with a free barbecue, drinks and some giveaways to serve as a reward for your hard work. The proceeds will be donated to the Men’s Shed.