Things to do in the Riverina this week (25 September - 1 October)

It’s a busy week in the Riverina, with a huge schedule of town festivals, rodeos, shows, stage performances, spring celebrations, astronomical events and more.

The Lockhart Show has something for everyone, with a mechanical bull, an animal farm, a magician, live music, an emergency services display, car displays, showbags, competitions and more.

Spring Jam in the Wagga Botanic Gardens is a great way to spend a day out in the sun for kids. There’s going to be a lot to keep them busy, from live music to magic, a DJ, dancing, learn-to-skate classes, circus workshops, craft workshops, a nature school, an obstacle course, a zoo safari and more.

All this and so much more in our weekly guide to the best to see and do across the Riverina in the days to come.

Multiple Days

Enjoy this trip: The art of music posters

When: 25 September to 1 October, during normal gallery hours
Where: Morrow Street, Wagga
Cost: Free.

Transport yourself to the 60s, 70s and 80s. Sampling the gallery’s huge collection of musical artwork, you’ll get a nostalgic look into the groovy design that so easily takes you to the era of Nixon, The Rolling Stones and the free love movement. If you’re a veteran of the Summer of Love or just an old soul, this exploration of graphic design, typography, music and eye-popping colour is worth it.

YIELD Festival

When: 25 September to 1 October
Where: Various locations around Coolamon
Cost: Prices may vary | More information online.

YIELD Festival celebrates the significant creative arts in the Coolamon Shire, with plenty of events, workshops, performances, exhibitions, sales, walks, book fairs, town shows and comedy nights.

It’s going to be a great multi-week festival with lots of excitement for everyone, so check out the schedule and find which event is right for you.

Marrar Madness 2026

When: 25 September, from 5:30 pm and 26 September, from 5:30 pm
Where: Marrar Gymkhana Reserve, Marrar
Cost: Tickets from $15 to $35 | Book online.

Head to Marrar for a rodeo extravaganza this weekend, offering plenty of excitement in and out of the ring.

Rodeo events start on Friday from 5:30 pm, with the locals challenge, campdrafting and other entertainment.

The main event starts on Saturday, with bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and much more.

There will also be live music, food vans, trade stalls, carnival rides and free kids’ events, games and chances to meet the rodeo stars.

There will also be a live screening of the AFL Grand Final.

GEOCON Wagga – Why Canberra?

When: 29 and 30 September, 5:30 to 7 pm
Where: Union Club Hotel and the Wagga Country Club
Cost: Free | Book online.

GEOCON, a property developer with 19 years’ experience in Canberra, is hosting two free property events in Wagga for anyone interested in investing. With less than 1% of Canberra rental properties vacant, rental demand is high. Both events invite you to learn about Canberra’s property market, see what’s for sale and ask the GEOCON team your questions over free food and drinks. Plus, attendees get 5% off the purchase price, with legal fees and blinds paid by GEOCON and a flooring upgrade included on select purchases.

Saturday

Spring Jam in the Botanic Gardens

When: 26 September, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Botanic Gardens, Wagga
Cost: Free.

Spring Jam is back in the Botanic Gardens this week, with plenty of excitement to celebrate the warmer weather and the school holidays.

This year’s Spring Jam includes plenty of live music, magic, a DJ, dancing, learn-to-skate classes, circus workshops, craft workshops, a nature school, an obstacle course, a zoo safari, food trucks, a book nook and a games garden.

Head down with the kids this week and enjoy a day out at the park.

Saturday Skywatch

When: 26 September, 6 to 10 pm
Where: The Rock Showground, 3778 Lockhart Road, The Rock
Cost: Free.

The Rock Regional Observatory is hosting a night of astronomical adventure this Saturday.

Open to all ages, Saturday SkyWatch invites you and your family to explore the night sky through the observatory’s telescopes, as well as learn about stars, planets and the constellations.

If you’re curious about the stars and you want to take advantage of the dark skies available in the country, this is your chance.

Sunday

Lockhart Show

When: 27 September
Where: Lockhart Showground
Cost: Entry from $10 to $15 | Tickets available at the gate.

The Lockhart Show is back this year, bigger and better than ever, with so much to see and do across a whole day of entertainment.

There will be a mechanical bull, an animal farm, a magician, live music, an emergency services display, car displays, showbags, paper plane and tug-of-war competitions, Irish dancing, musical performances, food vendors and market stalls.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s something at the Lockhart Show for the whole family.

Tuesday

The Gospel According to Paul at Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre

When: 29 September, 7:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way (off Tarcutta Street), Wagga
Cost: Tickets from $50 | Book online.

The Gospel According to Paul explores the life and political journey of Paul Keating, one of Australia’s most remarkable prime ministers. In this production detailing the life of one of Australia’s political heavyweights, co-creator of the show Jonathon Biggins stars as the quick-witted Mr Keating, displaying the best of the PM’s skill in question time as well as his talent for policy.

If you’re nostalgic for a bygone era when parliament more closely resembled the Colosseum, and party leaders eschewed politeness for pointed insult, this is the show for you.