Nine things to do in the regions this week (9 - 15 February)

Let’s get straight into our list of what’s happening in the regions this week – there’s a host of exciting attractions to get along to, from art exhibitions to agricultural shows (as well as something for those of us with a sweet tooth)! Dig in.

Multiple days

2024 Cobargo Show

When: 9 to 11 February
Where: Cobargo Showground, Cobargo
Cost: Tickets cost between $5 and $15 (with weekend passes available), and are available at the gate (no tickets are being sold online).

Get among this tradition in country Australia as the Cobargo Show comes back for its 125th year. As in previous years, the show society has planned plenty to keep everyone busy over the three days. There will be horse competitions and demonstrations, a mini-dog race, a pavilion full of exhibitors, live music performances and entertainment for the kids, a motorbike obstacle course and some delicious food and drink from stallholders.

Behind the Lines exhibition

When: 11 February to 17 March, 10 am to 4 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) or 10 am to 2 pm (Sunday); 10 February, 2 to 4 pm (exhibition opening)
Where: Cowra Regional Art Gallery, 77 Darling Street, Cowra
Cost: Free entry, though registration via eventbrite is necessary for the exhibition opening.

Feel like you can’t remember all the political and current affairs of the past year? Check out this exhibition opening at Cowra Regional Art Gallery. Sometimes funny, sometimes cutting, these cartoons sought to capture what we were thinking and feeling in 2023. Behind the Lines is a travelling exhibition developed by Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

Send for Nellie

When: 14 to 17 February, various times
Where: Bruce Gordon Theatre, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Tickets cost between $45 and $55, and are available through the Merrigong Theatre Company’s website.

The life of West Indian-Australian singer and enigmatic heroine of Australian vaudeville Nellie Small will be shown for a new generation in Send for Nellie. Shoalhaven playwright and director Alana Valentine spent decades researching Nellie, who was born in 1900 and took to a Sydney stage in a sleek top hat and tails to begin a career in vaudeville and cabaret. The result is a show that sees performer Elenoa Rokobaro take to the stage in the role, backed by a swinging three-piece band.

Friday

Chamber Philharmonia Cologne at Batemans Bay

When: 9 February, 8 to 9:45 pm (doors open at 7:30 pm)
Where: Anglican Church, 6 Herarde Street, Batemans Bay
Cost: Tickets cost between $35 and $45, and are available via TryBooking.

Treat yourself (or rather, treat your ears) in this performance of classical music from the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne on Friday evening. This concert will bring together works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Sergei Prokofieff and Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Saturday

Open Mic Comedy at Moruya Red Door

When: 10 February, 6 to 8 pm
Where: The Red Door, 50 Campbell Street, Moruya
Cost: Tickets cost $5 and are available via eventbrite.

This open mic comedy show offers a chance to wind down after the working week draws to a close. Comedians will step up and draw out some belly laughs from attendees. This is an alcohol-free event.

Googfest 2024

When: 10 February, 5 to 9 pm
Where: Rockley Oval, 15 Rockley Parade, Googong
Cost: Free entry.

Googong’s Rockley Oval will become a world of guitar, as award-winning country music stars take to the stage. In 2024, the festival will be headlined by Travis Collins and Hayley Jensen will also make her Googfest debut – and both will be supported by Canberra-based singer-songwriter Dana Hassall. Apart from the music, Googfest will also feature a variety of food vendors to make sure no one goes hungry, and attendees can bring a picnic to enjoy the event with friends and family. Buses will connect people from nearby areas of NSW, as well as those living across the border in the ACT.

Taylor Swift Eras Celebration

When: 10 February, 7 to 10 pm
Where: Goulburn Mulwaree Library, 184/194 Bourke Street, Goulburn
Cost: Tickets cost $5 (plus booking fee) and are available via Humanitix.

It’s a Love Story between Swifties and Goulburn Mulwaree Library with this Taylor-inspired celebration. The library will be transformed into a dance floor where attendees can show off their best dance moves in their Wildest Dreams. There will also be a chance to make friendship bracelets and pose in the giant butterfly photo booth, all while eating some snacks and washing it down with pink lemonade.

Kevin Welch and Heath Cullen Together in Concert

When: 10 February, 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Where: Candelo Town Hall, corner of William and Eden streets, Candelo
Cost: Tickets cost between $40 and $45, and are available via Humanitix.

You might know them from their sold-out show at the 2023 Headland Writers Festival – now Kevin Welch and Heath Cullen are coming to Candelo. Kevin’s work as a recording artist, producer and solo artist has seen him grow a following across the world. Meanwhile, singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Heath has released four albums and done multiple collaborations. Bermagui’s Lillian McVeity will be the opening act.

Sunday

Wine and Chocolate Synergy Workshop

When: 11 February, 2 to 3:30 pm
Where: Dionysus Winery, 1 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman
Cost: Tickets cost between $80 and $90, and are available for purchase online.

February is the month of love – and it can become the month of chocolates and wine. In this workshop, their winemaker and chocolatier will take attendees through how to pair six wines with chocolates (and yes, you will get to try them). To finish the afternoon, they’ll give you a box of chocolates to take home, so you can put your new knowledge to work.