Whether you’re after excitement on the track or quieter, more cerebral events, we’ve got something for you and your family. Photo: Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
It’s a busy week in the Riverina and we’ve put together a list of all the best live music, races, kids’ events, tribute acts, historic exhibitions, school holiday sports and rodeos coming to town in the coming days, so read on to sort out your schedule.
The Wagga Weekender Festival is bringing amazing music to town. Across a whole bunch of venues, there will be classical Persian songs, experimental jazz, string quartets, wind quintets, choirs and more. If you love music, there’ll be something here for you.
And there are plenty of exciting events for kids to cap off the school holidays, with meet and greets at the Botanic Gardens, craft and magic events, as well as sports activities.
All this and plenty more in our weekly guide to the best to see and do in the Riverina.
Multiple Days
Get up close with some of Wagga Zoo’s most cuddly creatures. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
Meet and Greet Encounters at Botanic Gardens Zoo
When: 17 to 19 April
Where: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, MacLeay Street, Turvey Park
Cost: Free. Donations welcome.
Wagga’s favourite zoo is running special meet-and-greets during the school holidays, giving kids a chance to get close to some of the Botanic Gardens’ amazing animals. Curious kids will be able to feed some of the zoo’s most lovable residents. There will also be photo opportunities, deer interactions and camel feeding.
Meet near the wombat enclosure to get started.
A three-day program of fitness and physical activity at PCYC. Photo: PCYC Wagga.
PCYC Wagga Wagga School Holiday Activities
When: 17, 20 and 21 April
Where: PCYC Wagga Wagga, 11 Fitzhardinge St, Wagga
Cost: Program is $55 a day | Book online.
The PCYC is helping keep young people busy and active these school holidays and this week it has a full schedule of physical, fun activities.
This three-day program has plenty for young people to get behind, with volleyball, painting, AFL, origami, ultimate frisbee, athletics, dodgeball, a dance party, nerf wars, basketball and more.
Unique insight into a part of Wagga’s war history. Image: Humanitix.
Looking for Merlin WWI Exhibition at the Museum of the Riverina
When: 17 to 23 April, during normal gallery hours
Where: 127 Lord Baden Powell Dr, Turvey Park
Cost: Free entry.
The Museum of the Riverina holds a special exhibition opening this week, which celebrates the life and trials of a young Wagga soldier, Merlin Kinneir Tarte, who went into the battle of St Quentin Canal in October 1918, just a month before the Armistice. Tragically, Tarte would not survive the final battle of the war that Australian forces engaged in, but more than 100 years later, he is remembered at the museum.
This exhibition explores his life, from his time as a farmer and poet in Wagga all the way to Belgium and France, where he helped defend against the German invasion. The exhibition includes both a digital component and a display of Tarte’s personal effects, recovered from the frontline, providing a tangible link to history.
There are plenty of exciting music events across the Riverina, with the Luminescence Chamber Singers coming to the Civic Theatre. Photo: Visit Wagga.
Wagga Weekender Music Festival
When: 17 to 19 April
Where: Various locations around Wagga
Cost: Ticket prices vary | More information online.
The Wagga Weekender Festival brings together a massive line-up of artists and performers from across the country playing just about every genre of music, from Persian classical to electro-acoustic experiments, First Nations-led compositions, jazz and live looped saxophone.
Some events are ticketed but there is also plenty of free music from the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, with performances featuring string quartets, wind quintets, choirs and big band music.
Come check out this amazing celebration of music and the joy of making it.
Saturday
Come check out the Hay Pro Rodeo for an afternoon of excitement in the ring. Photo: Visit NSW.
Hay Pro Rodeo
When: 18 April, gates open at 3 pm
Where: Hay Showground, Showground Road, Hay
Cost: Free entry.
The Hay Pro Rodeo is offering plenty of excitement for spectators, both laymen and experts alike, as well as stiff competition for cowboys and cowgirls.
Events include classics such as bull riding, saddle bronc, steer riding, bareback events, barrel racing, pole buck jump, team roping, steer wrestling, rope and tie, junior barrel, breakaway roping and junior steer.
Full catering and bar facilities are available on the ground, so come enjoy a full afternoon of excitement and fun at the Hay Showgrounds.
Sunday
An exciting morning awaits at the Wagga Art Gallery. Image: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
Family Day Out | Tripping the Light Fantastic! At the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
When: 19 April, from 10 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery | E3 Workshop Space + Lower Entrance Courtyard
Cost: Free | Book online.
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is offering a magical morning for kids and their parents, with a visit from magician Trevor Gager and some amazing interactive workshops for the kids.
Kids will get the chance to craft a secret message, create their own optical illusions and explore dazzling artworks bursting with light and colour. There will also be food, warm drinks and treats on offer.
Cheer on your lucky pick at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club. Photo: Murrumbidgee Turf Club Facebook.
Kooringal Stud Prelude Day
When: 19 April, 11:45 am gates open, races start at 12:40 pm
Where: Murrumbidgee Turf Club, 142 Travers Street, Wagga
Cost: Entry is not free.
The Murrumbidgee Turf Club is Wagga’s centre of racing excitement and this Sunday it’s hosting another great day on the track, with three feature races allowing winners automatic qualification to three of the upcoming carnival races. The Prelude Day is the first day of the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival, which means the best jockeys and horses on Sunday will go on to race for even higher stakes down the track. Don’t miss out on the excitement.
Mark your calendars for one of the most exciting events all week. Image: Arts and Culture Griffith.
The Australian Bee Gees Show
When: 22 April, 8 pm
Where: Griffith Regional Theatre, 1 Neville Place, Griffith
Cost: Tickets from $60 | Book online.
Fifteen years on the road and more than 4500 shows – the Australian Bee Gees Show is one of the most celebrated and beloved tribute acts around and this year it’s touring the country for its 30th anniversary.
Currently performing in a Las Vegas residency, the Australian Bee Gees are a sought-after act, renowned for their musical talent and ability to personify the sound and feel of the original band.
Come check them out this Wednesday and see why they’ve become the definitive Bee Gees tribute act.
