Nine things to do in the Riverina this week (24 - 31 March)

The Riverina has been blessed with a variety of activities throughout the week, ranging from festivals and markets to movies and concerts. With something for everyone, the only thing stopping you from having a great time is your willingness to leave the house.

Starting on Thursday night at Red Earth City, art lovers get the chance to experience an experimental gathering called Burning Seed, which is akin to the Burning Man festival in the United States.

Meanwhile, the hot ticket of the weekend appears to be the Wagga Food and Wine Festival at the Victory Memorial Gardens on Saturday. Griffith have their own wine festival with the Grapes of Mirth on 25 March, while the Kapooka Army Band returns to the Civic Theatre for a mid-week performance on Wednesday 28 March.

All Weekend

BURNING SEED

When: Thursday 23 March – Monday 27 March
Where: Red Earth City, Matong
Cost: $160 – Over 18 event. Tickets can be purchased here.

Burning Seed promises to be the Riverina’s answer to the famous Burning Man Festival in the United States. An experimental festival that allows participants to express their creative side before casting their creations into a burning pyre, Burning Seed will be a memorable five-day experience filled with a range of artistic activities for anyone who was lucky enough to secure tickets.

Friday

DRENCH: Back To The 80’s

When: Friday 24 March, 7 pm & Saturday 25 March, 7 pm
Where: Temora High School
Cost: Free – seats need to be reserved prior. Book your spot here.

Temora High School are promising a nostalgic blast from the past with their new musical Back to the 80s. A musical that follows Corey Palmer in his senior year at high school, this musical will feature classic hits, laughs and a fun time for all who attend.

Saturday

Wagga Food and Wine Festival

When: Saturday 25 March, 4 pm – 10 pm
Where: Victory Memorial Gardens, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $25 entry – wine, beer and food stalls will be available. Tickets can be purchased here.

One of the staples of the Wagga Wagga festival calendar, the Wagga Food and Wine Festival returns to the Victory Memorial Gardens with a plethora of local wineries and food stalls for patrons to try, and enjoy. Eight wineries from across the Riverina will be offering their greatest varieties and flavours with music playing for people to sit back and relax. Working with the Rotary Club of Wollundry, the festival is looking to raise $40,000 for a local charity, with 4000 people expected to attend.

Mind / Body / Soul Expo – The Loftus Junee

When: Saturday 25 March, 12 pm – Sunday 26 March, 4 pm
Where: The Loftus Junee
Cost: Free ($10 for lucky door prize)

A jam-packed weekend of wellness talks, demonstrations, activities, stalls and heaps of info about local services and products available to support you and your loved ones. Featuring talks from wellness professionals, one-on-one sessions, markets, massages and tarot card readings this expo looks to be everything you need to cleanse your mind/body/soul.

Grapes of Mirth

When: Saturday 25 March, noon – 6 pm
Where: De Bortoli Rd, Bilbul
Cost: $89 – Over 18 only. Tickets can be purchased here.

One of the premier comedy and wine festivals in NSW, Grapes of Mirth brings an all-star cast of Australian comedians such as Joel Creasy, Heath Franklin’s ‘Chopper’, Jordan Barr and Alex Ward, while offering gourmet wines from De Bortoli. This 18 and over event is perfect for those who are looking for a fun lighthearted time on a Saturday afternoon.

Old Gundagai Gaol Escape Room & Ghost Hunt

When: Saturday 25 March, 7 pm – 11:45 pm
Where: Old Gundagai Gaol
Cost: $93. Tickets are selling fast so be sure to purchase yours here.

Sunday

Race against time, test your knowledge and skills and try your best to escape the Old Gundagai Gaol before it’s too late. If you do manage to escape, stick around for a late-night ghost hunt with professional ghost hunters from Sydney. This novelty experience is unlike anything else in the Riverina with only the bravest being encouraged to take part.

Griffith Rotary Market

When: Saturday 26 March, 7 am – noon
Where: Griffith Showgrounds
Cost: A gold coin donation

The Griffith Rotary Market is held every Saturday between 26 March and 25 June and features a range of fresh food such as seasonal fruit and vegetables, breads, cakes, Italian biscuits, jams, relish, olive oil, eggs, honey and much more.

Tuesday

Athenium Movie – Walk the Line

When: Tuesday 28 March, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Athenium Theatre, Junee
Cost: Free.

Junee’s famous heritage-listed Athenium Theatre is hosting another film, this time it’s the Academy Award-winning biopic of Johnny Cash, Walk the Line. Served with a complimentary morning tea, the opportunity to see a fantastic film in one of the Riverina’s best theatres is something that shouldn’t be missed.

Wednesday

A day with Australian Army Band Kapooka

When: Wednesday 29 March, noon and 6 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
Cost: Free. Book your spot here.

The wildly talented Australian Army Band Kapooka is returning to the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre to perform a free concert. Featuring a range of classical music and recognisable hits, the Australian Army Band Kapooka continues to blow audiences away with Wednesday’s performances looking to continue their tremendous reputation.