Australia’s only authentic joust is on this week. Photo: Visit NSW.
Whatever you’re after this week, we’ve got something for you and your family in our weekly guide to all the best to see and do, from after-school art programs to live performances from national icons, string quartet performances, art classes, medieval fairs, live music and more.
Tarago’s Medieval Faire is bursting with amazing events to look forward to, with showcases of history made real, including blacksmithing, combat, jousting, and riding.
And Narooma’s Oyster Festival has plenty of events celebrating the region’s food and drinks culture, with cooking demonstrations, food stalls, oyster bars, competitions, shucking championships and live music.
Read on to figure out your schedule for the next week across the regions.
Multiple Days
Narooma’s Oyster Festival is back this week. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Narooma Oyster Festival
When: 1 to 3 May
Where: Riverside Dr, Narooma
Cost: Ticket prices vary | Book online.
The Narooma Oyster Festival puts the taste of the sea front and centre with plenty of exciting events centred around the coast’s bountiful food and dining culture. This multi-day event includes cooking demonstrations, food stalls, oyster bars, competitions, shucking championships and live music.
There are also plenty of opportunities to explore local culture and bush food, and check out regional performers, wine, beer and spirits.
Don’t miss out on one of the coast’s most anticipated events.
Saturday
Braidwood’s history is on display for the Heritage Festival. Photo: Visit NSW.
Braidwood Museum Open Day
When: 2 May, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Braidwood Museum and Heritage Centre, 186 Wallace Street, Braidwood
Cost: Free entry.
The Braidwood Museum and Heritage Centre is hosting its open day as part of the Australian Heritage Festival, with live music from local performers, traditional signwriting and apple cider demonstrations showing bygone practices, free-zine making workshops from Southern Tablelands Arts, along with plenty of food vendors, local stallholders and a chance to explore the museum’s collection.
Hone your artistic skills and take advantage of live models at the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre. Image: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Life Drawing Group at the Moruya Library
When: 2 May, 1 to 3 pm
Where: Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre, Vulcan Street, Moruya
Cost: Tickets are $20 | Book online.
If you’ve been looking to hone or sharpen your drawing skills, this life drawing class at the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre is the place to be. All artists have to do is bring a sketchbook, charcoal, pencils, ink and creativity. This class gives artists a rare chance to practise their drawing skills with both a nude and a clothed live model.
Head to the Steampacket Hotel for a cruisy afternoon performance. Image: Steampacket Hotel Facebook.
CJ Lee at the Steampacket Hotel
When: 2 May, 6 pm
Where: Steampacket Hotel, 963 Kings Highway, Nelligen
Cost: Free.
Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist CJ Lee is coming to the Steampacket Hotel, bringing his signature sound combining blues and Southern-inspired folk storytelling, with a raw and percussive sound that takes one instantly to the swamps of Louisiana.
He has performed across North America, making appearances everywhere from dive bars to festival stages, earning himself Best Blues Act nominations at the Forest City London Music Awards.
Now he’s back in Australia, performing his unique sound at the Steampacket Hotel.
Sunday
Tarago gets medieval this week. Photo: Tarago Medieval Fair Facebook.
The Tarago Medieval Faire
When: 3 May, 9:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Tarago Showground, Braidwood Road, Tarago
Cost: Ticket prices vary | Book online.
The Tarago Medieval Faire takes you back to the age of chivalry, with all the shining armour and excitement that comes with it. This special event will include Australia’s only historical solid lance joust, where knights in full armour charge each other on horseback and break lances with authentic steel tips. This is your only chance in the whole country to see real, authentic medieval jousting.
Also in the day’s schedule is the inaugural Australian Harnessfechtin Championships, in which armoured knights will showcase their talents with all sorts of historically accurate weapons such as pollaxes, spears and swords.
Other attractions include horse archers fighting Greek soldiers, a large melee battle, dancing and period musicians, along with mead and beer from a tavern.
There’s something for everyone here. If combat and warfare aren’t your thing, the day’s celebrations include opportunities to learn about Roman life, blacksmithing and even medieval medicine.
Read our main article for more information here.
Decades of composition skill from one of Japan’s best-known musicians will be on display. Photo: Humanitix.
Phoenix Collective: The Art Music of Joe Hisaishi
When: 3 May, 2 to 3:10 pm
Where: St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Braidwood
Cost: Tickets from $45 | Book online.
The Phoenix Collective is a versatile ensemble presenting adventurous programming, combining the deep sound of a string quartet with contemporary and popular music.
This performance is an exploration of the music of composer Joe Hisaishi, whose work for Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki has cemented his position in the pantheon of great modern composers.
If you, like many people, were enchanted by the music in films such as Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Way, this is a must-attend event.
Tuesday
Anh Do brings his inspiring story to Goulburn. Image: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.
Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee Live – at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
When: 5 May, 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulburn
Cost: Tickets from $69.9 to $74.9 | Book online.
Anh Do takes his incredible life story from page to stage in this live retelling, stretching from a leaky boat drifting across the sea to becoming one of Australia’s most-loved comedians. Anh Do always resonates with his audience with his story of perseverance, courage and determination. It’s a great opportunity to listen to an inspiring Australian story.
If your kids are artistic, push them in the right direction at SECCA, where they can improve their skills and meet other artists. Photo: Humanitix.
Art After School at SECCA! Thursday Term 2 (Ages 9+) Kids Art program
When: 7 May, with classes each Thursday until 18 June
Where: Zingel Place, Bega
Cost: Tickets for the eight-week program are $210 | Book online.
This program is an after-school art adventure with South East Centre for Contemporary Art, giving kids the space and resources they need to experiment artistically with other like-minded kids in a welcoming, open environment. Over the eight-week program, students will use different materials, pick up new skills and create original artworks, along with working on their problem-solving skills and self-expression.
At the end of the eight-week program, there will be an end-of-term exhibition, where family and friends are invited to celebrate and view their children’s work. There are three experienced art educators helping the kids along, including Özlem Güler, Jessica Martin and Angela Tarlinton.
