![A young boy celebrates Australia Day](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/iStock-1043596850-1200x801.jpg)
There are plenty of events on this Friday for however you choose to partake in 26 January. Photo: File.
Dominating this week’s list of things to do in the Riverina are a bunch of Australia Day and Survival Day events, kicking off with each of the Riverina’s councils hosting their own citizen ceremonies and breakfasts on Friday morning.
For a bit of family fun, why not enter the Rubber Duck Race on Friday at Wagga Wagga Beach?
As the holidays draw to a close, students can have one last hit-out at the Back to School Party on Saturday, while parents have the chance to trade their homegrown vegetables at the Demonstration Gardens.
The rest of the week provides a great opportunity to sit back and relax with the Lazy Sunday event at Wild Vine, the Civic Theatre Balcony Sessions and Dan Webster and Emily Lawler at the Curious Rabbit.
All week
![There are three new releases at Forum 6 this week.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Catch-the-latest-release-at-Forum-6.-Photo-Collage-–-Shri-Gayathirie-Rajen-1200x960.png)
Catch the latest release at Forum 6. Photo Collage – Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
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.
This weekend presents the perfect opportunity to head to the cinema and check out one of the latest blockbusters. Arriving this week is a remake of the inspirational The Colour Purple as well as the story of a mass Jewish rescue in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s in One Life. Cinemagoers can also still see Mean Girls, The Beekeeper, The Iron Claw and many more.
Friday
![Wagga Wagga mayor Dallas Tout presenting a citizenship certificate to a young girl](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/326725834_1345184612906977_5772168630866277446_n.jpg)
In 2023 Wagga Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout presented 75 people with citizenship certificates. In 2024 another 40 will be presented. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
Australia Day Celebrations
When: Friday 26 January from 7 am
Where: Local government areas around the Riverina
Cost: Free.
Councils around the Riverina will be hosting breakfast or lunch events to celebrate Australia Day. Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Leeton, Gundagai, Cootamundra, Temora and Narrandera will all be hosting their own citizen ceremonies allowing the community to greet and congratulate the country’s newest citizens.
![Survival Day in Griffith will feature several experiences including smoking ceremonies and guest speakers.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/Griffith-142-684x1024-1-e1706052997606.jpg)
Don’t miss this incredible showcase of traditional dance and exposure to Aboriginal culture down at the Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre on 26 January. Photo: Visit Griffith.
Survival Day
When: Friday 26 January, 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre
Cost: Free.
This free family event is a chance to respect, reflect on and celebrate our local Aboriginal culture. Take part in a range of activities including storytelling, traditional dancers, language, arts and crafts, an elders tent, singing performances, a DJ, face painting, a podcast speaking workshop by One Mob radio, stalls, live radio broadcasts, a free barbecue, dance comp, and much more.
![Plenty of people will be enjoying the duck race this Australia Day.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/416283074_376063021782184_8793712902542804444_n-1200x900.jpeg)
The South Wagga Apex Duck Race is one of the most popular events on Australia Day. Photo: File.
Australia Day Mighty Murrumbidgee River Duck Race
When: Friday 26 January, 12:30 to 5 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Beach
Cost: $7.
Join in the Australia Day celebrations at Wagga Wagga Beach for the 2024 Mighty Murrumbidgee Duck Race. Enjoy live music, food, drinks, kids’ amusements and of course the spectacular duck races down the Murrumbidgee River. Make sure to book your duck here.
Saturday
![Wagga Wagga City Council will be hosting a back to school party this Saturday.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/Back-to-school_2024-RESIZED-1200x800.jpeg)
Wagga’s Back to School Party returns in 2024. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
Back to School Party
When: Saturday 27 January, 5 to 9 pm
Where: Chambers Park, 41 Bruce Street, Wagga
Cost: Free.
Come along for a chill afternoon with live tunes, a free barbecue, giant lawn games, free haircuts, a pop-up library, free school supplies and good vibes featuring some awesome local talent.
![The Demonstration Gardens are held every Sunday.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/demonstations-gardens-900x1200.jpeg)
This week’s Demonstration Gardens event will be a great opportunity for growers to trade their homegrown vegetables. Photo: Demonstration Gardens.
Demonstration Gardens – Vegetable Swap and Buy
When: Saturday 27 January, 9 am – noon
Where: Corner Shaw and Albury streets, Wagga
Cost: Free entry.
Come to the Demonstration Gardens, bring fruit or vegetables to swap, or purchase fresh vegetables from the community garden. All proceeds go to the community gardens. Held every Saturday morning, weather permitting, it is a great way to support the local community.
Sunday
![Dale Alison and Geoff Simpson will be performing at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre this Sunday.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/10/720x500.jpg)
Two of Wagga’s most applauded musicians will be performing on the relaxing Civic Theatre balcony this Sunday. Photo: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
Balcony Sessions
When: Sunday 28 January, 6 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
Cost: $25.
Dale Allison and Geoff Simpson from well known local band the Groove Factorie will be performing with various emerging artists for Balcony Sessions in 2024. The January Balcony Session will feature Harry Mangelsdorf on vocals, Linda Boardman and Cherie Medway on backing vocals, Darcy Stibbard on drums, Lachlan Brown on keys and of course, Dale and Geoff will be there to host.
![Lazy Sundays at the Wild Vine are some of the most popular events in Oura.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/b6c3301104a70ffa76160351a478430c.jpeg)
Oura’s own Wild Vine is one of the most popular weekend venues in the region and once you’ve experienced one of its Lazy Sunday events, you will see why. Photo: Wild Vine.
Lazy Sundays at The Wild Vine
When: Sunday 28 January, noon – 3 pm
Where: The Wild Vine, 1313 Oura Road, Oura
Cost: Depending on menu order. Booking is required.
‘Lazy Sundays at the Vines’ is serving up good banter, tasty tapas and delicious bevies. Enjoy a relaxing Sunday at The Wild Vine with views of the surrounding countryside while enjoying good company, local music and of course a glass of wine. Book your table here.
Tuesday
![Dan Webster and Emily Lawler will be playing at the Curious Rabbit on Tuesday.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/01/407408715_400689668949316_2061587445039714021_n-1200x628.jpg)
Bringing their own unique folk sound to the Curious Rabbit this Tuesday, Dan Webster and Emily Lawler are a must-hear duo. Photo: The Curious Rabbit.
Dan Webster and Emily Lawler Live from the UK
When: Tuesday 30 January, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: The Curious Rabbit
Cost: $25 – $30.
UK festival favourites Dan and Emily bring to the stage a unique blend of English folk music fused with country/Americana. Their combination of warm and powerful vocals and guitar, interlaced with a meld of Celtic- and country-style fiddling and beautiful harmonies will be sure to mesmerise The Curious Rabbit audience.