Nine things to do in the regions this week (27 September - 3 October)

There’s so much happening across the regions as we head into spring that it can be hard to pick which activity to go to first.

We have the return of an annual art festival across the South Coast, a celebration of spring in the Hilltops region, a festival that’s the apple of the community’s eye – and much more. Get out of the house and head along to one – or more – of our top nine picks …

Multiple days

River of Art Festival

When: 27 September to 7 October, events at various times
Where: Various locations on the South Coast; see program
Cost: Depends on the event, see program.

The River of Art Festival is back this spring, ready to celebrate its 20th year of bringing art to audiences on the South Coast. Over 11 days, this festival will feature almost 100 unique events held from Durras in the north to Bermagui in the south.

The schedule includes exhibitions, open studios and art competitions, as well as chances for attendees to try their hands at creative endeavours in workshops and classes. Baranguba: A Tale of Noorooma, performed by the Djaadjawan Dancers, is the festival’s centrepiece performance. It uses a combination of digital technology and traditional dance to tell one of the stories of the First People of Noorooma (Narooma).

A MURRIALITY exhibition

When: 28 September to 13 November; 10 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday), 10 am to 2 pm (Saturdays)
Where: South East Centre for Contemporary Art, Zingel Place, Bega
Cost: Free entry.

A MURRIALITY is an exhibition that combines the artwork and activism of proud Waanyi man Gordon Hookey. Curated by Jose Da Silva and Liz Nowell, the exhibition uses multiple mediums in a satire of Australian politics and a critique of racism.

The exhibition will officially open on Friday evening (27 September) from 6 to 8 pm. Respected Djirringanj elder Aunty Glenda Dixon will open the event with a Welcome to Country before guest speakers (including Djirringanj elders Ellen Mundy and David Dixon) address those gathered.

AYO Chamber Players

When: 27 September (from 7 pm) and 28 September (from 12:30 pm)
Where: Old Ceramic Hall, Hume Conservatorium of Music, 160 Bourke Street, Goulburn
Cost: Free entry, though attendees can reserve their seats for the Friday and the Saturday performances via eventbrite.

Unwind after the long working week with some orchestral music. Mentored by the award-winning Orava Quartet, the 2024 Ensemble-in-Residence, young musicians have spent a week rehearsing and learning new skills. They will now take to the stage and perform in two concerts this weekend.

Saturday

Blossom Festival Day

When: 28 September, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Ballinaclash Wines and Fruit, 4321-4335 Olympic Highway, Young
Cost: Free general admission entry, though people can purchase tickets for specific events via the venue’s online booking system.

Springtime in the Hilltops region is known as a time when cherry blossoms and other plants bloom – and one orchard is giving everyone a chance to see them up close. The Ballinaclash Festival will feature live music, a Vietnamese food van, free face painting and cherry ice-creams. Attendees can also relax with a picnic (either one they’ve brought or purchased from the venue) and enjoy a series of workshops and activities.

Car Boot Sale Markets

When: 28 September (also the last Saturday of most months), 8 am to 1 pm
Where: Yass Showground, 27 Grand Junction Road, Yass
Cost: Gold coin donation.

If you’re late to your spring cleaning, don’t stress – take advantage of this car boot sale and take some items to a new home! The Yass Show Society organises the sales for the last Saturday of each month (except winter months and Yass Show weekend), so head along to the April event and find something new to treasure. A barbecue will also be on hand to make sure no-one goes hungry.

Murrumbateman Village Market

When: 28 September (also the second and fourth Saturday of each month), 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds, 19 East Street, Murrumbateman
Cost: Free entry.

We don’t want to scare you, but Christmas is just around the corner. Head over to the Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds and find a gift for that special someone (or something for yourself). The stallholders include local artisans and creatives, producers, winemakers and many more.

Boorowa Markets

When: 28 September, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Old Courthouse Park, corner of Queen and Marsden streets, Boorowa
Cost: Free entry.

After taking a break during the colder months, the Boorowa Markets are making their return. Organised by the local Rotary Club, the markets will feature a range of stallholders, live music and food options for everyone.

Spring Jam Festival

When: 28 September, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Botanic Gardens, Macleay Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free entry.

Celebrate the arrival of spring with this family-friendly festival, which is aimed at kids aged two to 12 years old. The young and young-at-heart can enjoy outdoor activities, roving performers, hands-on workshops, giant soccer games, live music and roving performers – and plenty of food stalls so no one goes hungry.

Sunday

Tallong Apple Day Festival

When: 29 September, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Tallong Memorial Park, Tallong
Cost: Entry is $5 (children under five have free entry).

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but everyone is invited to this celebration of all things apple. After it was postponed earlier this year, the festival will feature live music, a silent (wood) auction, raffle draw, whip cracking, pony rides, wood chopping and much more. Parking at the event is available with a gold coin donation, which will support the Wingello and Marulan RFS.