Event Guide

Friday 2 September

Breathing and Meditation

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Does your mind feel overworked, overstimulated and technology-reliant? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to retain information, recall short-term memories and concentrate on what’s in front of you? By quietening the mind and focused breathing, you will learn techniques that can help you become present in the moment and find clarity. Bring own towel or cushion to sit on during this tranquil session.

Gordon White Library

Opening night - four exhibitions at Artspace Mackay

Friday, 6:00pm

Join in the opening night of four exhibitions, to be officially opened by Mayor Greg Williamson. ‘Tales of the Lyre Bird’, curated by Helen Cole and Ron McBurnie brings together more than two decades of work produced by the Lyre Bird Press, on show in the Main Gallery. In the Foyer Gallery, ‘Figuratively Speaking’ takes an interesting look at figurative works from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection. ‘D Harding: The Wall’ features work from Harding’s Artspace residency. Opening in the Foundation Gallery, ‘Veronika Zeil: Echo Forest – The Eloquence of Trees’ encourages visitors to contemplate human impacts on the environment. Bookings are required to attend.

Artspace Mackay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Film & Arts Mackay Friday Film Night: Delicious

Friday, 7:30pm

Writer/director Éric Besnard’s mouth-watering historical comedy Delicious indelibly pairs Grégory Gadebois and Isabelle Carré as a gifted chef and his unlikely protégé, who must find the resolve to free themselves from servitude.

Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

Mexican Night

Friday, 7:30pm

Get your wardrobe ready and come celebrate Latin Roots Mexican Night at The Gallery Lounge and Bar.

The Gallery Lounge and Bar

Mackay Musical Comedy Players Presents ‘Chicago’

Friday, 8:00pm and Saturday, 2:00pm and 8:00pm

Mackay Musical Comedy Players, who brought you the smash hit Mamma Mia and Shrek The Musical earlier this year, in association with Ma’s Pizza Kitchen, present Chicago. Featuring hits from the roaring twenties, such as Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, All That Jazz, this show is sure to dazzle audiences.

MECC

Saturday 3 September

BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival

Saturday and Sunday

Whether you’re a beginner, cycling fanatic or simply want to have fun with the kids, the River 2 Reef Ride Festival provides all that plus raises funds for two important and local charities, CQ Rescue and Mackay Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association. Saturday gives kids the chance to ride along the Botanic Gardens while being covered in colour, while Sunday is for cyclists to complete 30,60 or 100km trails, starting and finishing at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre. Find all details via the website.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Curators’ talk – Tales of the Lyre Bird

Saturday, 10:30am to 2:30pm

Join curators Helen Cole, former Coordinator of the Australian Library of Art at State Library of Queensland, and Ron McBurnie, Townsville based artist and educator, as they provide a closer look at artworks and themes in Artspace Mackay’s latest exhibition, Tales of the Lyre Bird.

Artspace Mackay

Sunday 4 September

Sunday Live Music

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

2022 Australian Poetry Slam Central Queensland Heat

Sunday, 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Think you've got what it takes to become Australia's next poetry slam champion? All you need is an original poem and two minutes on the mic. The winner goes on to the state finals, with the chance for a shot at the nationals. Everyone is welcome to compete. Both competitors and spectators need a ticket - so grab yours today!

The Grove

Tuesday 6 September

RSPCA Queensland Community Morning Tea

Tuesday, 10:30am to 12:00pm

Hear from your local RSPCA Inspector as they talk about their inspiring work in rescuing and rehoming animals in the Mackay region. There will also be a presentation on the Home Ever After program that provides care for much loved pets in emergency situations, a Q&A session about the RSPCA and much more. Join the RSPCA and other animal lovers at this free community event. RSVPs are essential, please call 07 3426 9937 or email supporterday@rspcaqld.org.au.

Botanic Gardens Café

Minibeasts – Entomology

Tuesday, 3:45pm to 5:15pm

Are you interested in learning how to pin and preserve the insects you find? This class will teach you how to do just that! Learn how to pin, label and preserve your insects for years to come. This event is for young adults aged 12 to 18 years.

Dudley Denny City Library

Wednesday 7 September

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

Thursday 8 September

Kids Take Over Caneland

Thursday, 10:00am to 7:00pm

As part of Child Protection Week the Mackay Family Support Alliance is hosting Kids Take Over Caneland. Come along and enjoy free children's activities during the day and youth activities in the evening. Over 20 service providers will be sharing information throughout the day.

Caneland Central

Andy B's Elvis Tribute Show

Thursday, 6:30pm

Andy B will be performing his Elvis tribute show on the "Reflections of the King tour". It's a colourful, exciting tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time, Elvis Presley.

Seabreeze Hotel

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