Top 10 things to do around the region
The Wisely Wine & Food Day may be over but there’s still more to go for Mackay Festival of Arts, including some great fringe events. If you’re after something a little quieter, head along to one of the libraries or Artspace Mackay for a look at what’s happening this week.
1) BMA Kidspace
Tuesday, July 19, 10am to 2pm (music session 11.30am to 12.15pm)
Artspace Workshop Room
BMA Kidspace is Artspace Mackay’s free and ever-popular toddlers’ program, giving children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of co-operative learning. Local artists and performers deliver art and music activities in the gallery, designed especially for toddlers and their adults. Proudly presented by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance and Artspace Mackay. Drop in anytime, no booking required.
2) Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME)
Tuesday, July 19, to Thursday, July 21
Mackay Showgrounds
Returning to the Mackay Showgrounds, QME will be the ultimate showcase of supplier innovation and excellence and will illustrate the world class capabilities of Mackay and the broader Central Queensland region. Find out more.
3) Healthy Feels Good!
Wednesday, July 20, 9.30am
Dudley Denny City Library
Learn new ways to improve your diet and feel great from a qualified dietician. This session will motivate you to create positive habits for the new year, provide some nutritious cooking tips and give you information on healthy food for strong bones. There will be time for questions so bring them along to ask the experts! This event is for adults aged 18 years and above. Register your interest
4) Wonder Rooms
Thursday, July 21, to Sunday, July 24
Five locations to explore
It’s your last chance to see these fun shipping containers converted into vibrant selfie museums! Wonder Rooms will awe visitors with their creative and unique backdrops. Get your camera ready for a day of exploration, with the Wonder Rooms set up across the region, from the Bluewater Quay to Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Melba House to Sarina Field of Dreams and Slade Point’s Ram Chandra Park – all with different themes! Travel the region, take a selfie and tag @mackay_festivals. Find out more.
5) Kucom Theatre presents The Vicar of Dibley 2
Thursday, July 21, to Saturday, July 23, 7.30pm
Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove
The sequel to Kucom Theatre’s highly successful 2018 season, The Vicar of Dibley 2 features the wedding of Alice and Huge, Geraldine’s romance with David Horton’s younger brother and the Dibley Nativity play. Book tickets.
6) Breathing and meditation
Friday, July 22, 1pm to 2pm
Gordon White Library
Explore calmness and mindfulness. 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 us? 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. Register you place
7) City Heart Fridays
Friday, July 22, 2pm to 10pm
Mackay City Centre
Come and unwind after work on Friday in the Mackay City Centre. Enjoy M’Lady’s Shoes 40 year celebration, sidewalk markets, Latin dancing, paint and sip, and the Fifth Lane Zappar experience. Check out the @MackayCityandWaterfront Facebook page for more details.
8) Mackay Chambers Music Festival
Friday, July 22, to Sunday, July 24
Queensland Conservatorium of Music, CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus
The fourth Mackay Chamber Music Festival is back, offering a weekend of inspiring concerts, masterclasses and workshops, featuring some of the finest classical musicians from around the world. Book tickets.
9) Mackay Cup Race Day
Saturday, July 23, gates open at 11am
Mackay Turf Club
It’s one of the biggest days on the racing calendar, with function room, lounge bar, general admission and drink package deals available. The day will include Fashions on the Field with great prizes, local live horse racing, free photobooth, live music and free buses to MOJOs afterwards. Find out more.
10) Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch
Sunday, July 24, 11am to 1pm
MECC North Foyer
The Bluewater Big Band will take the stage once again in 2022 for the Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch. The band is a collaboration of local musicians who share a passion for jazz and big band playing. Led by band ‘instigator’ Kate Agioritis, the ensemble thrives on the sheer joy its members experience through making music. Performing a wide variety of jazz music and led by a vocal duo, this talented big band will have toes tapping with their loud and proud sounds. Tickets include a mouth-watering buffet lunch and non-alcoholic punch. Book tickets by July 19
Reminders:
Mingle at Melba
Saturday, July 30, 4pm
Melba House, Marian
Don’t miss out on this unique experience to Mingle at Melba. Tickets include wine tasting, unlimited beverage package, gourmet grazing platters, classically trained opera performers, live jazz band, outdoor seating with fabulous styling and return bus from Laffo’s Bar and Pizzeria, plus more! Book tickets.
Bare
Saturday, July 30, 7.30pm
Sunday, July 31, 2.30pm
MECC North Foyer
Join The Just Saying Project for a live cabaret show, as they explore the female body in all its pleasure and pain. This show will feature singing and dancing from Mackay performers, burlesque, comedic and dramatic stories, along with a Body Love Runway and BARE community project.
