
The fun, excitement and energy of tango comes to the Snowy Mountains. Photo: Tourism Snowy Mountains.
There’s plenty going on in the regions this week, from dances and live kids musicals, to film festivals and more.
Head to Merimbula this weekend for the 34th annual Flickerfest, showcasing short films from across the world, hand-selected from 3500 domestic and international applications.
The Goulburn Performing Arts Centre puts on a special musical adaptation of the sequel to The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, telling a cautionary tale about a young girl’s dangerous trip into the deep, dark woods.
Multiple days

The best domestic and international short films at The Twyford. Image: Theatre Twyford.
Flickerfest Merimbula – Short Film Festival
When: 11 July, 7:30 to 9:40 pm and 12 July, 7:30 to 9:40 pm
Where: The Twyford, 16 Market Street, Merimbula
Cost: Tickets from $20 to $25. Book online.
Celebrating 34 years in operation, Flickerfest is the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, showing the best short movies from across the country and the world. Selected from 3500 entries, Flickerfest presents world-class entertaining, innovative short films. This festival tours the country across 40 venues but this is your chance to see it locally. Don’t miss out on this celebration of the art of film.
Included in the ticket price is a supper provided by the Pambula Rotary Club.

A musical adaptation of the beloved children’s book The Gruffalo’s Child. Image: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.
The Gruffalo’s Child at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
When: 16 July, 4 to 5 pm; 17 July, 10 to 11 am and 1 to 2 pm
Where: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulburn
Cost: Member price $15 | Concession/student/child $20 | Adult $25. Book online.
The Gruffalo’s Child is a musical version of the bestselling book of the same name. This brilliant adaptation tells the story of the Gruffalo’s child who ignores her father’s warnings about a mysterious, frightening beast living in the deep, dark wood. One day she goes wandering there, assured in her belief that there is nothing to be afraid of. Perhaps she’ll discover more than she bargained for.
It’s an exciting story that has something for adults and kids – don’t miss out.
Friday

A one-man blues show comes to the Steampacket Hotel. Photo: The Steampacket Hotel, Facebook.
Howlin’ Mitch at the Steampacket Hotel
When: 11 July, 5 pm
Where: The Steampacket, 963 Kings Highway, Nelligen
Cost: Free.
Howlin’ Mitch is a blues army of one, playing with energy and a deep-held conviction that comes from a love of music. With a soulful voice and significant guitar skills, Mitch creates his own unique sound informed by the greats that came before.

Learn the joy of tango at the Jindabyne Hall. Photo: Trybooking.
The Art of Tango at the Jindabyne Memorial Hall
When: 11 July, 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: Jindabyne Memorial Hall, Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne
Cost: Tickets from $30 to $40. Book online.
Fusing Indigenous, African, Spanish and European traditions of dance has created the tango, a discipline of dance that has formed over two centuries. This is a great way to indulge in the world of tango – the excitement, the rhythm, the music and the company – it’s all here and there’s no better way to beat the cold of mid-winter than to dance the night away.
Make sure to bring your favourite dancing partner and celebrate the end of the week.

Everyone’s favourite 80s glam band comes to life. Image: Bay Pavilions Arts and Aquatic.
Abbalanche – The Australian Abba Tribute Show 2025
When: 11 July, 8 pm
Where: Bay Pavilions, 12 Vesper Street, Batemans Bay
Cost: Tickets from $64.95. Book online.
Get ready for a fantastic night of Abba excellence on Friday at the Bay Pavilions with Abbalanche, a tribute band with the musical talent that the discography of Abba requires. Abbalanche brings the legendary music of Sweden’s biggest export to life with sparkling costumes, high energy and passion, all in the pursuit of creating an unforgettable night.
Die-hard Abba fans and newcomers alike will get a lot out of this tribute show.
Saturday

The best party of the winter season at the Alpine Hotel. Image: Trybooking.
CRUFC 2025 Snow Ball
When: 12 July, from 6 pm
Where: Alpine Hotel, 170 Sharp St, Cooma
Cost: Tickets from $130. Book online.
The CRUFC Annual Snow Ball is an unforgettable and unmissable night of glitz, glamour and fun. The whole community will get together and celebrate the magic of winter, so dust off your ball gown or black-tie suit and get dressed to the nines and head to the Alpine Hotel. There will be gourmet canapes, drinks aplenty, live music, raffles and auctions.
Black tie dress code.

A one-woman wine show at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre. Photo: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre.
Anna Thomas – How to Drink Wine Like a Wanker
When: 12 July, 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulburn
Cost: General admission $30 | Ticket + Wine Flight $50. Book online.
HTDWLAW is a delightful tale of one woman’s journey from wine amateur to complete wine tragic. Part performance, part storytelling and part wine tasting, HTDWLAW is a critically acclaimed, sell-out show.