There’s no end to the live music on in the Riverina this week. Photo: Visit Wagga Wagga.
The holiday period may be winding down but there are still plenty of things to get excited for in the coming week – live performances, school holiday events, exhibitions, races, tribute acts, workshops and more.
The Riverina Summer School for Strings is holding no less than four special concerts presenting the music of Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Haydn, as well as a jazz performance.
Families scrambling to find their kids something to do this week are spoilt for choice as there are plenty of craft, art and photography workshops aimed at young people who want to learn new skills and hone their artistic repertoire.
There’s a whole lot to get enthusiastic about in the Riverina this week – don’t miss out.
Multiple Days
Four special concerts come to Wagga. Photo: Visit Wagga Wagga.
Riverina Summer School for Strings – Concerts
When: 10 to 15 January, various times, see program for more detail
Where: Numerous locations in Wagga, see program for more detail
Cost: Various prices | Book online.
The Riverina Summer School for Strings is bringing together musicians, performers and talent from across the Riverina to learn from each other and hone their skills. Beyond practice and education, the Summer School for Strings also includes public concerts.
The week’s schedule of classical music includes Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet in C major, Op.20 No.2, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48, as well as Johannes Brahms’ Piano Quartet No.1 in G minor, Op. 25, all at St John’s. There will also be a jazz violin performance in Wagga RSL’s Mirage Room.
Check out Australia’s cheekiest art prize at the Museum of the Riverina. Image: Bald Archy.
2025 Bald Archy on Tour at the Museum of the Riverina
When: 10 to 15 January, during normal museum hours
Where: The Museum of the Riverina, Historical Council Building, 243 Baylis Street, Wagga
Cost: Free.
Head to the Museum of the Riverina for the Bald Archy prize, Australia’s most humorous art prize, with 48 satirical portraits of well-known Aussie figures from athletes to politicians.
Don’t miss out on this chance to check out the country’s most irreverent art prize, poking fun at celebrities we love (or love to hate), blending pop culture, politics and satire.
Previous winners of the competition have depicted Kerry Packer, Shane Warne, John Howard and Pauline Hanson, among others.
Get creative this week at the Wagga Art Gallery. Image: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
Summer Art Camp at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
When: 13, 14 and 15 January
Where: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St, Wagga
Cost: Tickets from $15 | Book online.
The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is opening its doors during the school holidays for kids aged 5 to 12 who want to get creative.
There are multiple artistic and craft events on at the gallery. Curious kids will get together with other like-minded young people and create their own paper fans using paint, printing and stamping techniques, as well as create carousel books, enjoy special workshops with gallery educators to explore the dynamic works at the gallery and even get out and about in the environment to experiment with naturalistic art.
Check out their website for information on the great classes and programs on offer.
Friday
A tribute to the best music of the 60s comes to the Wagga Theatre. Image: Visit Wagga.
John Waters – Radio Luxembourg at the Wagga Civic Theatre
When: 9 January, 8 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way, Wagga
Cost: Tickets from $69.90 | Book online.
Australian star of the stage and screen, John Waters celebrates one of the most dynamic and revolutionary times in music with his Radio Luxembourg show, bringing back to life smash hits from the 60s.
The project is named Radio Luxembourg because clever British artists, unable to broadcast their music without a commercial radio licence, would base their operations in Luxembourg, bringing their music to people around the globe.
Bands such as The Animals, The Who, Steppenwolf, The Kinks, The Bee Gees and many more will receive their due respect from Waters and his band as they perform with energy and stage presence.
Saturday
A full day of racing awaits. Image: Temora Trotting Club.
Temora Pacers Cup
When: 10 January, 5:30 to 9 pm
Where: 9 Mimosa St, Temora
Cost: Tickets available at the gate.
Temora Trotting Club’s Pacers Cup is a full 8-race day with plenty to get excited for. There will be live music, fashion on the field and free kids’ entertainment, including jumping castles and face painting, making this a fun day out for the whole family.
Whether you want to test your luck on the track or you just want to get dressed to the nines and enjoy the atmosphere of race day in full swing, this is the event for you.
Get out and about to enjoy Australia’s pastime. Image: Visit Griffith Facebook.
Sydney Thunder Holiday Bash – Griffith
When: 12 January, 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Jubilee Oval, Groongal Ave, Griffith
Cost: Enrolment is $49 | Book online.
The Sydney Thunder Holiday Bash is coming to Griffith to provide an easy entry into the world of cricket for your child. Suitable for kids from five to 12, this action-packed day of cricket has plenty of activities aimed at getting young people moving and learning, all while enjoying Australia’s favourite sport. There will be fun games, team challenges and cricket activities, all in a supportive environment that encourages fun for all abilities.
See photography in a new light. Image: Humanitix.
House of Remix – Photography Workshop at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
When: 14 January, 2 to 4 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St, Wagga
Cost: Tickets are $27 | Book online.
Photographic artist and CSU Lecturer Timothy Crutchett is offering a fun photography workshop, teaching young people from 13 to 18 years old dynamic and innovative skills in the art form. Students will go for a walk around the area and then return to the gallery to print their images. They will work collaboratively to cut, remix and collage each other’s works to create unique composite images from many components. Everyone will then receive a digital version of their creation.
This workshop is a great educational and artistic experience for photography or media-savvy kids but no experience is needed. If a student does not have a camera phone or tablet, please contact the gallery in advance and one can be provided.
Have you been looking to start your knitting journey? Photo: Visit NSW.
School Holidays program: Learn Knittin’ at the Wagga Wagga City Library
When: 15 January, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Where: Wagga Wagga City Library, 243 Baylis St, Wagga
Cost: Free | No booking required.
If you’ve wanted to learn how to pick up knitting or crochet, this is your chance as Wagga’s Knittin’ Group opens its doors for curious laymen. The Knittin’ Group is full of experienced knitters and crocheting prodigies who will be happy to share their secrets about the beloved craft, seeing a resurgence in popularity. Attendees will learn how to use their own French loom and all knitting supplies will be provided, though people are welcome to bring their own knitting projects from home.
