We’re officially in the last week of summer and temperatures are still quite warm. Fortunately for the people of the Riverina there is still plenty to see and do.
The biggest event of the weekend has got to be Tumbafest which looks to again be a fantastic celebration of local music, food and wine. If festivals aren’t your thing, but glitz and glamour are, look no further than the Wiradjuri Drag Pageant at the Riverina Playhouse. Wagga drag queens Jojo Zaho and Rose Quartz provide plenty of entertainment.
Regular fixtures including the Saturday Night Roller Disco at Bolton Park and Balcony Sessions at the Civic Theatre return on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Sunday is jam-packed with the Rotary Club’s Peace Day ceremony and the Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute show at the Riverina Stage Precinct.
No matter what you choose to do, be sure to enjoy the last week of summer in style!
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 at Forum 6.
Hitting the cinema this week are 2024 Best Picture nominated Poor Things, starring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, and Baghead, a new horror movie based on a German folktale. If those films don’t tickle your fancy, there’s the Bob Marley biopic One Love, the sequel to the popular Australian crime thriller The Dry, Force of Nature and the superhero movie Madam Web.
Waterslides at Narrandera
When: Monday to Friday, 6 to 8 am, then 10 am to 7 pm; weekends, 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Lake Talbot Water Park, Narrandera
Cost: $2 to $4.
After a late start to summer, it’s time to hit the pool, and the Lake Talbot Water Park in Narrandera Shire is the best place to do it.
Right next to the lake, you’ll find four swimming pools, terraced lawns, barbecues and, of course, the slides, including a high-speed ‘dual racer’ that allows two people to slide at a time!
All Weekend
Bendigo Bank Tumbafest
When: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 February, 10 am to 6:30 pm
Where: Hammonds Lane, Tumbarumba Creekscape
Cost: General admission weekend tickets – $100, 17 yrs and under weekend tickets – free.
On the last weekend in February of each year (since 1997), the township of Tumbarumba plays host to ‘Bendigo Bank Tumbafest’ – a celebration of music, wine and food. Truly a celebration of country lifestyle, this two-day festival is overflowing with country hospitality. Attractions include a jam-packed schedule of main stage entertainment, sublime local wines and tastings, food stalls, market stalls, as well as activities and entertainment for children.
Saturday
Wiradjuri Drag Pageant
When: Saturday 24 February, 7:30 to 10 pm
Where: Riverina Playhouse, 8 Cross Street
Cost: All tickets from $25 to $30.
Join Jojo Zaho and Rose Quartz, together with Wiradjuri’s most exciting upcoming drag kings and queens. The pageant is an opportunity for amateur drag kings and queens to strut their stuff on the catwalk of The Playhouse Theatre. The judges include Jojo Zaho – one of Australia’s most sought-after drag queens who was in the first series of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under. The judges will be looking at ‘overall performance’, ‘audience engagement’, ‘drag personality’, and ‘uniqueness’.
Saturday Night Roller Discos!
When: Saturday 24 February, 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.
ARTHC Tractor Pull and Swap Meet
When: Saturday 24 February, 7 am to 4 pm
Where: Gundagai Show Grounds, Oibell Drive
Cost: Adult $10.
The Tractor Pull and Swap Meet is set! Prepare for a day filled with vintage tractors, show-and-shines, swap meets, displays and markets galore. There is plenty to see and do at the ARTHC Tractor Pull and Swap Meet this weekend.
Sunday
Balcony Sessions
When: Sunday 25 February, 6 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
Cost: $25.
The Civic Theatre balcony is the perfect place to enjoy a world-class view, a tasty cheese platter and the chilled vibes of some seriously skilled musicians. Dale Allison and Geoff Simpson from well known local band the Groove Factorie will perform with various musicians throughout the year.
Peace Day Ceremony
When: Sunday 25 February, 10 am
Where: Victory Memorial Gardens, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free.
Each year the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga holds a ceremony to identify and reward by public recognition, citizens providing community service, and delivering outstanding community benefits through voluntary activities. This Sunday at the Victory Memorial Gardens, Rotary continues its tradition for the 31st year.
The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show – Get Rhythm
When: Sunday 25 February, 4 to 9 pm
Where: Riverina Precinct Stage, Johnston Street
Cost: Adult $61, concession $56, Civic Theatre member $56, child U16 $29.
The Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute show is an exciting event that will be held at the newly developed Riverina Precinct. The show promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Alongside the legendary Johnny Cash tribute, the event will feature performances by renowned local artist Aaron Oldaker.