Races, markets, Christmas pageants and music shows make up just a small selection of activities that families can choose from this week as the holiday season slowly creeps up on us.
Kicking off a packed week is the Street Slamin musical at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. Dance through the night or take a punt on a winner at the Snake Gully Cup at the Gundagai and Adelong Race Club.
Saturday is the busiest day of the week as Wagga’s first-ever TEDx seminar, Bidgee Strawberries and Cream’s fifth birthday, Christmas on Broadway and a Roller Disco make it difficult to pick what to enjoy and what to miss.
The Rotary Christmas Markets return to the Botanic Gardens on Sunday, presenting a perfect time to find gifts for friends and family.
Finally, rounding off the week is the Temora Country Music Festival. So stand up, sit down or hit the dance floor to enjoy some of the best country musicians from the Riverina.
All week
Forum 6 Cinemas
When: Various times between 10 am and 8:30 pm
Where: 77 Trail Street, Wagga
Cost: Various. Tickets can be purchased here.
Three new movies hit the cinemas this week including the next instalment in the Hunger Games franchise, A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a Thanksgiving-themed horror movie and the mind-bending indie hit Saltburn. This week, there is something for everyone with The Marvels, Freelance, Dumb Money and Five Nights at Freddy’s all still showing.
Friday
Street Slamin – Dancing Through The Decades
When: Friday 17 November, 7 to 9:30 pm, Saturday 18 November, 7 to 9:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
Cost: All tickets from $30 to $40.
Street Slamin Dance Centre’s ‘Dancing Through the Decades’ is a captivating blend of styles – contemporary, jazz, cheerleading, ballet, Broadway, acro, and hip-hop, celebrating iconic songs that have shaped our lives. From the jazz melodies of the 80s to the electric beats of today, each decade comes alive with mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances.
Snake Gully Cup
When: Friday, 17 November, 11 am
Where: Gundagai Adelong Race Club
Cost: $25.
Taking its name from the famous Dad and Dave radio program, the popularity, prize money and prestige of the Snake Gully Cup Carnival has grown dramatically in recent years, with thousands of racegoers converging each November on the picturesque Gundagai racecourse.
Saturday
Saturday Night Roller Discos!
When: Saturday 18 November, 7 to 9 pm
Where: Bolton Park Stadium
Cost: $15 entry + $5 skate hire.
Twin City Skate, the largest roller skating club in NSW, runs regular Saturday night roller discos in Wagga! Think cool tunes, fancy lighting and a giant disco ball! Bring your own skates or hire them at the venue.
TEDxWagga Wagga
When: Saturday 18 November, 6 to 9 pm
Where: CSU Riverina Playhouse
Cost: $103.
The very first TEDxWagga Wagga event will showcase the best and most brilliant minds in the Riverina at ‘TEDxWagga Wagga, a Dance of Ideas’. Inspired by the Wiradyuri translation of Wagga Wagga, the event brings our community together to share stories and ideas as the Wiradyuri people have done for millennia. It will feature Dane Simpson, Shokoofeh Shamsi, Jonathan Medway, Sarah Verdon, Jonathan Ho, Yazdan Mansourian, Bernard Higgins and Rachel Hogg.
Bidgee Strawberries and Cream Fifth Birthday
When: Saturday 18 November, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Bidgee Strawberries and Cream, Billagha Street
Cost: Adults $10, Children $8.
Bidgee Strawberries and Cream turns five and to celebrate there will be Bohemian Bees and Blooms’ live hive and honey tasting, live entertainment by local artist Josh, delicious strawberry daiquiri and Strawberries and Cream Gin. Enjoy some delicious strawberry-themed desserts like strawberry ice cream sorbet, and milkshakes. Children will also have the opportunity to ride ponies, enjoy face painting, pass the parcel, pin the calyx on the strawberry, play large yard games, and pick strawberries.
Christmas on Broadway
When: Saturday 18 November, 4 to 9 pm
Where: Broadway Street, Junee
Cost: Free.
Junee Business and Trades proudly presents the 2023 Christmas on Broadway. Featuring musical entertainment, market stalls, kids entertainment and so much more. Let’s not forget the man himself, Santa, will be making an appearance. This is a fun event for the whole family.
Sunday
Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga Sunrise Christmas Markets
When: Sunday 19 November, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens
Cost: Free.
Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga Sunrise Christmas Markets are on again this year. Have a relaxing morning wandering through the markets, have a bite to eat or perhaps a coffee and grab those special Christmas presents for your loved ones. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.
Thursday
Temora Country Music Festival – “The Friendly Festival”
When: Thursday 23 November, 2 pm – Sunday 26 November, 5:30 pm
Where: Temora Ex-Services Club, 130 Baker Street
Cost: $12.
Join in the fun of the Temora Country Music Festival by enjoying some of the best country music by some of the best country musicians in the region. It features the likes of Craig Giles, Kinta, Col Thomson, Grant Luhrs, Vanessa Waara and many more across four jam-packed days.