Pottery students show off their handmade creations for just one of this week’s great events. Photo: Visit Wagga.
The week ahead in the Riverina is going to be a busy one, so we’ve put together all the best of what’s happening – no matter where you are and what you’re in the mood for, there’s something here.
Don’t miss out on the big week ahead, with attractions from live music and theatre performances to tributes to much-loved artists, art shows and one of the most beloved events in Wagga all on offer.
Multiple Days
The culture and history of the Sikh community are on display. Photo: Visit Griffith.
Our Southwest Sikhs – an exhibition on the Australian Sikh community
When: 2 to 8 May, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Pioneer Park Museum, Remembrance Drive, Griffith
Cost: Free.
Following the migration of the Sikh community all the way back to the 1830s, this exhibition focuses on the proud community of Sikhs that call Australia and particularly the Riverina region home. Visitors will learn about the culture of the community, the agricultural contributions made to the area, the martial history of Sikhs in Australia as well as their modern contemporary life and how their history impacts them.
This exhibit is proudly supported by Turbans 4 Australia, a charity founded in 2015 with the goal of supporting Aussies through crises like natural disasters, COVID and homelessness.
A unique blend of music from experienced instrumentalists. Photo: Visit Wagga.
The Kurrajong Ensemble
When: 1 and 8 May, 1 to 2 pm
Where: Riverina Conservatorium of Music, 1 Simmons Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free entry.
Viola virtuoso Jane Hazelwood joins the Kurrajong Trio, with Keith and Fran Griffin on flute and Harold Gretton on classical guitar, for a program of quartet and trio performances.
Featuring compositions both old and new, this exploration of instrumental music will take listeners on a tour through the ages with tunes from Joseph Haydn, Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, all the way to the lush rich sounds of 19th-century French baroque. These performances will also feature a very special new piece from Fran Griffin called The trees are broken.
Friday
Listen to the eruption of the crowd as the jockeys fight for first. Photo: Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
Wagga Gold Cup Day
When: 2 May, gates open 11 am
Where: Murrumbidgee Turf Club, Travers Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: General admission tickets $23. Book here.
The long-awaited Gold Cup Day is here. The whole community gets together this Friday to cheer on their lucky picks, share some drinks with mates and don their best frocks and suits. There’s something for everyone to get excited for at the races, whether you live for the speed and excitement of the track or the best dressed competition, the Gold Cup Day is not something to be missed.
Saturday
Who says fakes don’t have artistic merit? Image: Visit Wagga.
Fabulous Fake exhibition
When: 3 May, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Art Society gallery, 11 Small Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: All tickets $10.
The Fantastic Fake exhibition features works from local artists that seek to replicate and recreate the paintings of famous artists. After painstakingly creating their own versions of well-known works with their own personal touches and flair, the contributing artists are inviting the public to view their work. It’s a fascinating showcase of how each individual artist views not just a subject but the work of another artist. Support local art and see if you can figure out what the original work is.
Sunday
Roy Orbison’s vulnerable singing will be faithfully replicated. Image: Albury Entertainment Centre.
The Roy Orbison Story
When: 4 May, 2:30 to 4:10 pm
Where: Albury Entertainment Centre, 525 Swift Street, Albury
Cost: Adult tickets $69.50 | Concession and member tickets $67.50. Bookings required.
This theatrical performance is a tribute to the late Roy Orbison, celebrating his music, his uniquely powerful voice and the life he led. Mark Shelley, playing the titular role, has both the vocal range and the tone to faithfully and respectfully recreate the stage presence of Orbison to such a degree that you’ll believe you’re seeing the real deal. Come along and experience the best of Orbison, presented with the passion and skill that such a performer deserves.
This show’s songs include Only the Lonely, Running Scared, Sweet Dream Baby, Candy Man, Blue Bayou, In Dreams and many more.
Wednesday
Some of the biggest hits ever will be performed at the Wagga Civic Theatre. Photo: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
The Burt Bacharach Songbook
When: 7 May, 7:30 to 9:20 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Adult tickets $69 | Concession/member/student/group tickets $64 | Child tickets $42. Bookings required.
Immerse yourself in the songwriting talent of Burt Bacharach, renowned for his talent in creating the music behind well-known and much-loved hits from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield and Tom Jones.
Celebrate the best of Burt Bacharach’s contributions to the music world with performances of some of his best hits such as What The World Needs Now, Walk On By, Promises, Promises, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head and many more.
Thursday
Ever wanted to make your own mug? Photo: Visit Wagga.
Pottery and Pints
When: 8 May, 7 to 9 pm
Where: North Shore Studios, 57 William Street, North Wagga Wagga
Cost: Tickets are $95. Bookings required.
This fun class at North Shore Studios expertly guides students through the process of making their very own mug or plenty pot, all while they enjoy their own BYO bevvies. Students will plan, create, sculpt, detail, then paint their own pottery pieces that are both practical and beautiful. The studio will then fire and glaze them, eventually giving students back a professionally finished product that they will treasure and who knows – you might pick up a new passion.
The wonder and adventure of the mountains on film at the Albury Entertainment Centre. Image: Banff Mountain Film Festival – Australia Facebook.
Banff Mountain Film Festival 2025
When: 8 May, 7 pm
Where: Albury Entertainment Centre, 525 Swift Street, Albury
Cost: Full price tickets $34.70 | Groups 10+ tickets $30.70 | Child under 16 tickets $26.70. Bookings required.
Presented by World Expeditions, the 2025 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is a three-hour celebration of the world of mountains and adventure sports. Sharing the most exhilarating short films from explorers, runners, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers and climbers from around the globe.
The tour is hot on the heels of the largest and most prestigious mountain festival in the world, the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which takes place every November in the mountain town of Banff, Canada.
More than 300 of the world’s best mountain sports, culture, environment, adventure and exploration films are shown during the week-long event. A selection of award winners and audience favourites then tours the globe, visiting 390 communities and 35 countries as part of the festival’s official world tour.
