Things to do in the regions this week (16 - 22 January)

Whether you’re in the mood for live music, blues festivals, family-friendly performances, magic shows or stand-up comedy, there’s something on in the regions for you this week.

Thredbo celebrates summer with its 31st annual Blues Festival, bringing musicians together from all across the country for a three-day live music extravaganza. The festival will also feature plenty of great food and fine wine among the beautiful scenery of the mountains.

Aussie comedian Akmal Saleh comes to the Twyford in Merimbula. His razor-sharp style of comedy is so in demand, he’s had to add another show, so don’t miss out and book now.

There are also a whole lot of kids’ events so young people can make the most of the school holidays, with bubble shows, magic shows and theatrical performances of Cinderella.

Multiple Days

31st Thredbo Blues Festival at Thredbo Resort

When: 16 to 18 January
Where: Thredbo Resort, Thredbo
Cost: Weekend passes $249 | Single day passes $149 | Book online.

The Thredbo Blues Festival is here, returning for its 31st year, with three days of great music.

There will be plenty of world-class performances, great food, fine wine and an atmosphere that only the mountains can provide. Enjoy the great music in Thredbo’s bars and restaurants or in the great outdoors at the open-air stages under the sky.

The whole village will be buzzing with the sound of blues music, so don’t miss out this weekend. Details about the line-up can be found on its website.

Cinderella at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre

When: 21 January, 10:30 am and 2:30 pm; 22 January, 10:30 am and 6 pm; 23 January, 10:30 am and 2:30 pm; 24 January, 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
Where: The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
Cost: Tickets from $36 | Book online.

Cinderella graces the stage and delights kids and parents alike in this pantomime performance featuring 24 performers bringing the tale to life. There will be treacherous villains, elegant ladies, laughs all round and plenty of opportunities to cheer on your favourite characters.

Experience the story of Cinderella with shenanigans, musical numbers and plenty of excitement, beautiful costumes and heart-warming moments. This is a great school holidays event for young kids looking for some magic.

Friday

Fling Summer Sessions – Dance and Circus

When: 16 January, 10 am and 1:30 pm
Where: FLING Physical Theatre, 45 – 47 Eden Street, Bega
Cost: Tickets are $70 | Book online.

Fling Summer Sessions are for kids and teenagers who want to pick up new dynamic skills in movement for dance, fitness and personal interest.

On Friday, there will be both a morning session for 5- to 10-year-olds, then a later afternoon session for those above the age of 11 who are curious about learning new skills in the areas of dance and circus.

Whether your child is already a dancer or wants to learn new things among other like-minded students, this is a great school holiday program.

Aaron Pollock at the Yazzbar

When: 16 January, 7 to 10 pm
Where: Yazzbar, 81 Comur Street, Yass
Cost: Free.

At the age of just 22, Aaron Pollock reached the International Blues Challenge Finals in Memphis, gaining him a reputation as one of Australia’s finest guitar and vocal talents. Now 28, he has 11 albums under his belt, with years of musical experience, as well as multiple award nominations for Best Blues Artist and Best Blues Album. He has sold out numerous venues across the United States.

Come see his signature fingerpicking style, a sign of his technical skill, as well as his heartfelt storytelling told with a magnetic voice.

Saturday

The Bubble Spectacular Starring Dr Hubble

When: 17 January, 11 am and 1:30 pm
Where: Bay Pavilions, 12 Vesper Street, Batemans Bay
Cost: Tickets from $34.90 to $49.90 | Book online.

The Bubble Spectacular is coming to Batemans Bay for two shows of weird, wild and exciting bubble-related magic and fun. Dr Hubble has a singular focus – making your day and bringing you joy with his endless bubbly tricks and skills.

You’d be amazed at what one man can do with bubbles, creating giant bubbles, fiery bubbles, volcano bubbles, square bubbles, perhaps even putting members of the audience within a bubble. There will be plenty of audience participation and both kids and their parents will be amazed by the sights they behold. This is a great, fun school holiday event touring the nation, bringing a unique kind of fun to town.

Akmal Saleh at the Twyford

When: 17 January, 7 and 9 pm
Where: The Twyford, 16 Market Street, Merimbula
Cost: Tickets are $56.90 | Book online.

Akmal Saleh, one of the country’s best-loved and funniest comedians, is touring Australia, bringing his quick-witted comedic mind to theatres all over the place.

This week he’s coming to Merimbula, with an added show on the Saturday to meet the roaring demand that meets Akmal wherever he goes. A master of unscripted comedy, Akmal will bring the full force of his improvisational skills to bear, making sides split up and down the aisles.

Akmal is a staple in the Aussie comedy scene and he’s been recognised for his talents in film, TV, radio, talk shows and as an author. He has made hilarious appearances on Thank God You’re Here, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Just For Laughs and in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala.

Sunday

Tony Jaggers – Live at the Steampacket Hotel

When: 18 January, 1 to 4 pm
Where: Steampacket Hotel, 963 Kings Highway, Nelligen
Cost: Free.

Tony Jaggers started his music career at 13 and his passion and experience for music show in his solo original music, particularly in the blues/roots genre.

This Sunday, he’ll be playing tunes from artists such as Men at Work, James Reyne, Dragon and Hunter, as well as plenty of original tunes.

Head to the Steampacket this weekend for an afternoon of cruisy tunes and cold drinks in the beer garden.

Wednesday

Mada’s Magic Marvels at the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre

When: 21 January, 11 am
Where: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulburn
Cost: Tickets from $15 | Book online.

Get ready for an interactive magic show like no other.

Adam Mada, accompanied by his own pianist, will be giving an absolutely spellbinding show this week, making things disappear, reappear and change before your eyes. But it’s more than just a magic show. So confident is Mada in his magical talents that he will bring a young apprentice from the audience on stage to help him with his illusions.

Rocket Masterclass

When: 21 January, 1 to 2:30 pm
Where: Goulburn Mulwaree Library, 184/194 Bourke St, Goulburn
Cost: Tickets are $5 | Book online.

Local creative kids and little scientists are invited to the Goulburn Library to design and craft their own rockets to launch into the sky using an industrial rocket launcher. Kids will get to monitor their rockets as they pierce the sky, learning how each shape and design interacts with the rocket’s flight. They will compete to create the best rocket. This is a fun, engaging way to get kids involved in science.

Don’t miss out on this great chance to spark scientific interest this week.

Fellowship of Australian Writers Open Night – Goulburn Workers Club

When: 21 January, 6 to 9 pm
Where: Goulburn Workers, 1 McKell Place, Goulburn
Cost: Free | Register by emailing [email protected] or phoning (02) 4823 5628.

The Goulburn Chapter of the Fellowship of Writers is holding its monthly open night, inviting creatives, writers, prospective writers, poets and everyone in between to meet with like-minded people and pursue the art of the written word.

Two guest speakers will give insights on the creative writing process and then follow up with a discussion and sharing about literature, either creating or enjoying. Members will also share their written pieces and receive feedback, should they want it.

This is a great chance to learn more about writing and the local support network of writers, which can start you on your journey or continue your development.