Nine things to do in the Riverina this week (18 - 24 August)

There is a lot to see and do around the Riverina this week, from the Ganmain Show, to international acts at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, to one of the most talked about movie releases of the year making its way to Forum 6.

It all kicks off on Saturday with the Mama Mia Tribute Show – whether you’re a dancing queen or looking to take a chance on a fun night, everyone will be thanking the music at The Gardens Cafe and Function Centre on Saturday night.

The same night, disco fans will also be gracing Bolton Park Stadium for the roller disco hosted by Twin City Skate, or if drag is your thing, the Curious Rabbit will be hosting a ‘viewing party’ for the latest season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race.

Musical talent is also on show this week from Wagga’s own, the Farout Showcase, as well as from India and Ireland with Rhythms India and Rhythms of Ireland during the working week at the Civic Theatre.

All Week

Forum 6 Cinemas

When: All week
Where: Forum 6 Cinemas, 77 Trail Street, Wagga
Cost: Various. Tickets can be purchased here.

One of the most polarising and talked about films of 2023, The Sound of Freedom will be making its international opening on 24 August. It is one of the most financially successful films of all time in terms of budget vs box office takings and this film is sure to leave a lasting impact on viewers.

The film follows the story of Tim Ballard, a former US government agent, who quits his job to devote his life to rescuing children from global sex traffickers.

Also still screening at the cinemas this week are the box office smashes Barbie and Oppenheimer, Australian horror movie sensation Talk To Me, as well as Dracula: The Last Voyage of the Demeter, Elemental and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.

Saturday

Mama Mia – The Abba Tribute Show

When: Saturday 19 August 2023, 7:30 to 10 pm
Where: The Gardens Cafe & Function Centre, Turvey Park
Cost: All tickets $115.

Abba was one of the biggest acts of the 70s with a string of massive global hits including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, SOS, Take a Chance on Me, Chiquitita, Fernando and so many more! Enjoy the costumes, the moves and most importantly, the music! Your toes won’t stop tapping as the performers sing and dance the night away!

Ganmain Show

When: Saturday 19 August 2023, 9 am to 8 pm
Where: Ganmain Showgrounds
Cost: Adults $15, child $5, concession $10, family $30.

Ganmain Show is a fun-packed day out for the whole family. It’s a country show with all the nostalgia of a true country show combined with the fanfare of sideshow alley and plenty of entertainment. A true country show has an electric atmosphere and a vibe that makes you want to put the date in your diary for next year before you head home. You will want to come back year after year.

Drag Race Down Under Viewing Party

When: Saturday 19 August 2023, 6 to 8 pm
Where: The Curious Rabbit
Cost: Free.

Join the viewing of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under 2023 at the Curious Rabbit. Share the joy and pain of each week’s challenge, runway and the loss of a queen as they are asked to sashay away each week.

Saturday Night Roller Discos!

Where: Bolton Park Stadium
When: Saturday 19 August, 7 pm
Cost: Entry $15, skate hire $5.

Twin City Skate, the largest roller-skating club in New South Wales, 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.

Tumbarumba Winter Bazaar

Where: Cafe Nest, 56 Winton Street, Tumbarumba
When: Saturday 19 August 2023, 10 am to 2 pm
Cost: Free.

The Tumbarumba Winter Bazaar is an annual seasonal event that showcases the best of the Snowy Valleys region. With an array of market stalls, street food, mulled drinks, wine and gin tastings, marshmallow toasting, firepits, and live music, the Tumbarumba Winter Bazaar promises a day of fun, creativity, and community engagement.

FarOut Showcase

Where: The Curious Rabbit
When: Saturday 19 August, 3 to 5 pm
Cost: $5.

The FarOut Showcase seeks to break the stigma relating to neurodivergence while also encouraging upcoming and current artists to share their voices and experience through their work.

The music showcase will feature local Wagga performers such as That Geraldine Chick, Connor Hodges, and Aria Amore, with MC Julia Erwin all sharing their art and experience with you.

Monday

Rhythm India

Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
When: Monday 21 August, 6 pm
Cost: Level A $50, Level B $33.

The Indian Malayali Association (Wagga Wagga Malayali Association) brings in the colours of South India and Bollywood to Wagga. Dance and music performers from the Malayalam film industry showcase the real rhythms of India.

The appreciation of beauty, combined with a love of celebration and worship, is evident throughout India, especially in the realm of the performing arts.

The Rhythms of Ireland

Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
When: Thursday 24 August, 7:30 pm
Cost: Adult $79.90, concession $74.90, child under 15 $59.90, group 10+ $74.90, family $250.

Highly successful, critically acclaimed and choreographed by two-time world Irish dance champion Michael Donnelan, Rhythms of Ireland is set to captivate audiences young and old with heart-pounding music, spectacular dance routines and vibrant costumes.

With a cast of talented musicians and world-class dancers, this show blends traditional Irish step-dancing with contemporary choreography, creating a thrilling and unique experience for all ages.