Friday 22 April

Conversations with Art

Third Friday of each month, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Join Artspace staff as they guide a casual conversation about traditional and contemporary artworks from the Gallery and Museum Collections.

Artspace Mackay

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Friday Jazz Music - Out Of Abingdon

Friday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Head down to the Seabreeze for a night of Jazz! Out of Abingdon will be kicking off from 7:30pm. Free all ages event.

Seabreeze Hotel

Saturday 23 April

Mango Junction Live at the Burb

Saturday, 7:00pm

Join us from 7pm-11pm with live music with Mango Junction! Grab a nice meal and a cold drink while you enjoy the music!

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Sunday 24 April

Pioneer Bonsai Mackay Workshops

Sunday, 1:00pm

Pioneer Bonsai Mackay hold their monthly bonsai workshops at the Botanic Gardens Meeting Room. If you enjoy the fellowship of bonsai or are interested in learning more please come along. New members are welcome.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Lift The Lid Walk – Mackay

Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Lift the Lid on Mental Health with this fundraiser for mental health. Funds raised go to Australian Rotary Health, which funds the all-important research, which helps the great local organisations deliver on the ground. You can walk for as short or as long as you like, departing from Bluewater Quay at 9am. Registration ($30, including free T-shirt) can be made at www.liftthelidwalk.com.au/mackay or late registrations (without the free T-shirt!) can be made from 7am on the day.

Bluewater Quay

Karaoke Under The Stars @ Eimeo SLSC Social Afternoon

Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Karaoke Social Afternoon at Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club. Everyone is welcome to come join in the fun, sing, dance & party.

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club

Sunday Live Music – Ella Hartwig

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews. Ella Hartwig will be hitting it off from 2pm - 5pm. Ella is originally from Cooktown and is currently touring Far North Queensland.

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 25 April

ANZAC Day at Harrup Park

Monday From 5.30am

Pay tribute to our diggers on ANZAC Day at Harrup Park. AFL and NRL matches will be televised in The Garden on the Big Screen and inside the club. Prior to the footy, Harrup Park's annual Two-Up competition will be held in an outdoor arena set up beside The Garden. Harrup Park is proud to be the Official Venue of the Mackay RSL Sub Branch.

Harrup Park Country Club

ANZAC Day AFL Fixture: City v Country

Monday, 12.30pm to 5:30pm

It’s a tried and tested battle, where the best city players fight it out against the best country players and it’s back on the AFL Mackay calendar in 2022. Hosted by Magpies Sporting Club, the clash will be played on Monday, April 25th to commemorate ANZAC Day. Gates will open at 12:30pm and will see the women’s action kicking off at 1pm, followed by the men’s game at 3pm. There is plenty of entertainment for the whole family including a jumping castle, face painting and food trucks.

Magpies Sporting Club

Tuesday 26 April

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s free and ever popular toddler’s program, gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in a climate of cooperative learning. The program includes free artist-run craft activities in two sessions, Sess1: Anytime from 10 to 11:30am; Sess2: Anytime from 12:15 to 2pm with live musical entertainment 11:30am to 12:15pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing. Proudly presented by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance.

Artspace Mackay

Wednesday 27 April

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Thursday 28 April

Mackay Black Coffee

Thursday, 7:30am

Black Coffee in Mackay is an opportunity for grassroots Indigenous business owners to network and build relationships with each other, other professionals and their supporters.

Primal Coffee Roasters

Morning Melodies at the Burb

Thursday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Enjoy a morning of fun, food and entertainment with Morning Melodies at the Burb with Anette Worthington performing live once a month!

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

Beergustation

Thursday, 6:30pm

Join The Dispensary for Beergustation hosted by Liam from Ballistic Whitsundays.

Taste 5 unique Ballistic beers each paired with food designed by Head Chef, Alex.

If you enjoy beer and delicious food this is one event you don't want to miss!

The Dispensary Mackay

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Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

It feels a long time since the first Newt Scamander film scurried onto cinema screens in late 2016, and an even greater time since we were introduced to J.K Rowling’s Hogwarts world of Wizarding.

The magic is still well and truly alive though, with its beating heart intact: magizoologist New Scamander, played by the foppish haired Eddie Redmayne. Redmayne gives an increasingly more David Copperfield performance, and he combines with Jude Law’s Aldus Dumbledore exquisitely in the film.

They’re still taking on the wizarding worlds, pre-Voldemort bad guy, Gellert Grindlewald, now played by Mads Mikkelsen, and it invokes heavy themes of fascism in a Europe on the brink of World War Two. That sounds heavy, but the balance of light and whimsy get rid of those nasty ruffles of politicism. There’s a lot to love in the film: the visuals as well as the performances.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is playing now at the Summergarden Cinema.

Caption 2: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Nicolas Cage once bought an octopus - as one does when you're famous, and bored - for $273,000 dollars.

If that doesn’t entice you to watch The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, I don’t know what will. Unfulfilled and on the cusp of financial ruin, Nicolas Cage plays Nick Cage – he plays himself – and attends a wealthy fan’s birthday party in return for $1 million.

It all gets a bit wild - it’s Nick Cage after all - when he forms a bromance with the billionaire fan, Pedro Pascal’s Javi Gutierrez, and Cage becomes an informant for the CIA, and Pascal is cast in a Quintin Tarantino movie.

It’s mental, and you need to see it. Cage said this fictionalised version of himself “bears little resemblance to my real offscreen personality” but he bought an octopus for goodness’ sake – he stole a dinosaur skull, too. Seriously.  

Look forward to it, because The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is playing at the Summergarden Cinema from Saturday, April 30.

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Entries are now open for one of Mackay’s most prestigious art prizes, the Woollam Art on Show Awards 2022.

Celebrating its 16th year, the annual Art on Show event will take place between August 5 and 8, this year joining the Mackay Festival of Arts as a new Fringe Event.

Art on Show offers artists an excellent opportunity to showcase their work to over 300 guests throughout the exhibition at the Mackay Showgrounds 500 Pavilion.

Entrants will also have the chance to win a share of the $11,000 prize pool and the opportunity to sell their work.

There are five sections of entry, with the major prize, the Woollam Art on Show Award, offering $3000, and the People’s Choice Award to be judged by event patrons.

The Mackay Show Association initiative is a celebration of visual arts in regional Queensland, seeking a significant level of participation from artists locally, interstate, and nationwide, with the aim of promoting the arts sector to the Mackay region through a high standard of presentation.

The event provides a platform for local artists to connect with the local art community, showcase and sell their work, and further their artistic careers.

The initiative also focuses on unearthing new talent amongst emerging high school senior art students by working closely with the region’s art educators.

Since the event’s inception in 2006, it has attracted over 6000 competition entries, received from artists as far as Tasmania and Cairns.

The Mackay Show Association has announced Ms Deanna Hitti as the guest judge for the 2022 awards.

Ms Hitti is an award-winning Melbourne-based artist whose works have been short-listed in numerous Australian art awards.

She was the recipient of The Libris Award in Mackay in 2008 and most recently the 2018 Fremantle Art Centre Print Award.

Ms Hitti will also be presenting a special artist talk at Artspace Mackay and a masterclass artist workshop at the Mackay Showgrounds during her visit.

The competition has previously attracted high-profile guest judges including directors and curators from Artspace Mackay, New England Regional Art Museum, the Queensland Art Gallery, Art Gallery

Artist Greg Cannon with his work entitled Driftwood Retreat, the Overall Winner of the Woollam Art on Show Award 2021

Local artist Jason Keehn views his work in the 2021 exhibition

Art on Show Awards Coordinator Melissa Broadhurst admiring entries in the 2021 exhibition. Photos: supplied

Ms. Deanna Hitti, nationally acclaimed Australian artist, and recipient of the 2018 Fremantle Art Centre Print Award will judge the 2022 Art on Show competition. Photo: Rebecca Umlauf

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Saturday 16 April

Falun Gong Classes

Every Saturday, 9:00am to 11:00am

Falun Gong offers you relaxation, meditation, inner peace, and health through movement. You're invited to come along and experience a session in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens. The meeting place is under the Mango Tree on the Tropical Sun Lawn (near the cafe). Please bring a yoga mat (or similar) and wear comfortable clothing.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Easter Family Fun Day

Saturday, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Meet the Easter Bunny this Easter Saturday at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay. FREE easter eggs, jumping castle, and face painting!.

Porters Mitre 10 Mackay

NBL1 North Pre-Season Game

Saturday, 5:00pm

The next pre-season game for the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors is next Saturday night when the boys take on the QLD U20 Men’s team at 8pm, with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes taking on the QLD U20 Women’s team at 6pm.

McDonald's Mackay Multi-Sport Stadium

Viva Solo Live @ HMK

Saturday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

The talented Viva comes back to Hotel Mackay for what is going to be a great night. Come join Viva as she sings all your favourites from gold oldies to all the hits including some Spanish hits!

Hotel Mackay

Karaoke Under The Stars @ Electric Dreams Karaoke Lounge McGuires Mackay

Saturday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Free entry, where you are the star! You love to sing, they have the songs.

McGuires Hotel

Sunday 17 April

Interactive Easter Sunday Celebration

Sunday, 9:30am to 11:00am

Imagine walking into the Fitzgerald State School Hall and seeing a bunch of tables with chairs around them all set up and ready for messy fun. Where there’s music, great people. Where you get to play with dirt, sew seeds, decorate, create and listen to a couple of short stories that explain the reason for Easter. This is fun for the whole family where together we’ll make Easter gardens that will spring to life during the week. Whether you’re a kid at heart or you've got kids, this will be a really meaningful and fun way to celebrate Easter together! And of course there will be Easter eggs for everyone.

Fitzgerald State School

Family Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, 11:00am

Wake House Australia's inaugural Family Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt takes place around Lake Poco (aka the wake park lake) in Andergrove Lakes. You will need to check in first at the Lakeside Cafe @ Wake House between 11am - 11.30am. All ticket sales go directly to local charity All Abilities Inc - Summer House Mackay.

Wake House Australia

Seabreeze Liquor Launch Party

Sunday, 2:00pm

Celebrate the launch of Seabreeze Hotel’s new bottleshop Seabreeze Liquor on Easter Sunday. The Stone Apes Duo will kick off the celebrations from 2pm. Plus there will be jumping castles, face painting, exclusive bottleshop opening specials & more! Bring your friends and family and dance the afternoon away with your favourite tunes.

Seabreeze Hotel

Sounds on Easter Sunday

Sunday, 2:30pm

Fun family day with The Feels, face-painting, food, and more.

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Monday 18 April

FOCUS Training Centre Free Seminar & Workshop 3 of 4

Monday, 6:30pm

Join us at the Focus Training Centre for a free seminar & hands on workshop discussing and demonstrating various tempos to override plateau and build muscle. Free workshops for anyone to attend are held every Monday night for the month of April.

FOCUS Training Centre

Wednesday 20 April

2022 Innovative Grazing Forum

Wednesday April 20 to Friday April 22, 7:30am to 3:30pm

This event aims to create opportunities to improve landscape and production quality and quantity, to network, share knowledge and innovations to reduce nutrient runoff through our waterways and eventually to the Great Barrier Reef. It will include two separate field days and invigorate your perspective at the full conference day. Tickets on sale now.

Day #1 - Field Day @ Palmyra | Day #2 - Conference @ The Windmill Motel | Day #3 - Field Day @ Sarina Range

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Soul Jam

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm to 10:00pm

A friendly space to share your originals, jam with others and experiment with music. We supply a drummer and guitarist, bass also available. Slam Poetry and comedians also welcome.

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

Dinkum Assorted Gala Preview

Wednesday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Watch the gala preview of 'Dinkum Assorted', a comedy by Linda Aronson directed by Luana Royle, and featuring the talented cast of Kucom Theatre. The play is a dancing, singing comedy set in a biscuit factory in a small Australian country town in the early 1940’s. Not only are all the workers in the factory women but they also have to contend with the possible closure of their workplace, 2000 American troops billeted just outside their town and having to cope with the pressures of running an ARP Unit. Dress in your best 1940’s outfits and enjoy the entertainment! Ticket price of $25 includes entry to the show and a little box of delightful nibbles.'Dinkum Assorted' opens at Kucom Theatre on 21st April for a two-week season.

Kucom Theatre

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Sugardrop Festival is the latest addition to the calendar for Mackay music fans, curated by local sweetheart Tia Gostelow.

Taking place at Harrup Park in June, Sugardrop will see musicians from Mackay and all over Australia take the stage in what is set to be an epic afternoon of live music.

“I’m so excited for it,” said Tia.

“It’s been in the works for a long time and I’m excited to bring some bands from out of Mackay in and also give local bands the opportunity to get up and play in front of a new crowd.

“I think the line-up’s amazing.”

Tia will be headlining the event with her powerfully melodic indie pop, playing alongside Brisbane punks Beddy Rays, Canberra troupe Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, as well as more local acts Amber Farnan and Mt. Nadir.

“Beddy Rays are incredible,” said Tia.

“Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, they’re from Canberra so I’m not sure if they’ve ever been to Mackay before so that’ll be awesome.

“And Amber Farnan and Mt. Nadir are obviously regional bands as well so I think it’s incredible to see such a diverse range of bands.

“Mt Nadir, two of the boys from the band are from Mackay and they’re actually really good friends of mine and they’ve literally just started this band so it’s really exciting for them to come back and play in their hometown which they haven’t done yet.”

Tia says Mackay played an important role in her career and she can’t wait to bring the festival to her hometown.

“I moved to Mackay when I was 10 and I’ve literally been playing in pubs since I was about 12 years old, so Mackay was a very important part in my career,” she said.

“I feel like it’s a very special thing to come back and play in Mackay.

“It hasn’t felt like hard work because I’m enjoying it a lot.”

Tia has big hopes for Sugardrop, hoping to make it a mainstay in the Mackay music scene.

“I really want it to be something that people in Mackay can look forward to every year.

“Hopefully bigger and better things as the years go by.”

Tia will be heading to America soon to write her new album before she returns to finalise preparations.

Catch Tia Gostelow, Beddy Rays, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Amber Farnan, and Mt. Nadir at Sugardrop Festival at Harrup Park on June 18.

Tickets are on sale now.

Tia Gostelow is excited to bring a brand new festival to her hometown

Tia will headline a line-up of top-tier local and interstate acts. Photos: supplied

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The Lost City

In this fizzy action comedy, Sandra Bullock is Loretta Sage, a reclusive writer of exotic adventure novels in the vein of Indiana Jones. Her Jones though is “Dash McMahon”, a blond heartthrob bursting from his linen shirt on the cover of her books, the most recent “The Lost City”. We meet the cover model who portrays Dash early in the film - Alan Caprison, a beefy model who could best be described as a himbo: a good looking but unintelligent young man.

The pair don’t so much get along, but when Loretta is kidnapped by eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe) to find the real Lost City, Alan heads off to save her. He’s determined to prove he can be a hero in real life and not just on the page of a book, enlisting the help of ex-Navy SEAL Jack Trainer, with Trainer played by a gorgeously wigged-up Brad Pitt.

Alan and Loretta quarrel and flirt their way across the jungle in search of help, and Fairfax’s mysterious treasure.

You can see The Lost City in cinemas Saturday 10.00am, 2.10pm, and 6.45pm.

Monster Family 2

A perfect picture for school holidays, watch as the Monster Family head out to free Baba Yaga and Renfield from the clutches of Monster Hunter Mila Starr. A return to the screen for the Wishbone Family as they once more transform into a Vampire, Frankenstein's Monster, a Mummy and a Werewolf.

Aided and abetted by their three pet bats, the family zooms around the world to save their friends, making new monstrous acquaintances along the way.

A “mix of the Incredible and Mulan”, this feature sees the family finally come to the realisation that 'Nobody's Perfect' – and even those with flaws can find happiness.

You can see Monster Family 2 Saturday 12.10pm.

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Film fanatics of the Whitsundays will have their eyes glued to the screen for the return of the Flickerfest Short Film Festival in late May as it brings hand-picked short cinema to the region.

Over 31 years, the largest short film festival in the country has screened the best of shorts from Australia and around the world to audiences across the country – this year chosen from over 3,200 entries.

With Academy Award and BAFTA accreditation, the festival is upper echelon in the Australian film scene, and heads on a national tour each year – having been through Airlie Beach on and off for the last decade.

Its curated 2022 National Tour has collected the Australian and International highlights from the 10-day Flickerfest Festival in Bondi, in what organisers are calling “A kaleidoscopic carnival of short films.”

This year, the tour will play the Best Australian Shorts, Comedy Shorts, and another category to be announced closer to the festival date on May 27-28.

Airlie Beach Rotary Club administrator and event organiser Dalwyn McErlane said she was extremely excited to have the festival return.

“It’s so great to have it be back, with last year our first outing after a bit of hiatus with Cyclone Debbie,” she said.

“It will be great to build it back to where it was in those previous years – so make sure you save the date!”

The full roster of short films will be announced in the coming month.

This year’s Flickerfest is themed after The Great Gatsby and will return to Airlie from May 27-28

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This Anzac Day The Airlie Beach Hotel is hosting the ultimate Aussie Showdown featuring two of the country’s hottest tribute shows Chisel Revived and The Australian INXS Show.

In what is promising to be one of the biggest afternoons of classic rock anthems The Pub has ever hosted, The Australian INXS Show will kick into gear at 12 noon until 3pm.

Then it’s time for Chisel Revived to take the stage at 3.30pm until 6pm, keeping the bar-top stage rocking all afternoon.

The absolute festival of Australiana at one of Airlie Beach’s iconic venues kicks into gear with the celebration and honouring of both the memory of Michael Hutchence and INXS.

The Australian INXS show brings back to life the halcyon days of The Farriss Brothers, all the way from their self-titled debut onto Elegantly Wasted, all fronted by the enigmatic playboy Dellacoma Rio.

You’ll Never Tear Us Apart from the definitive tribute show that screams ‘Live Baby Live’ and exudes the live spectacle INXS were famous for.

It’s not time to head home though, because you won’t want to miss Chisel Revived, Australia’s number one tribute to the legends that are Cold Chisel and Jimmy Barnes.

They’ve performed hundreds of shows across the country for the past 10 years to rave reviews and sold-out venues as one of the best tribute bands in Australia.

Chisel Revived more than faithfully reproduce a huge cross section of the unforgettable and dearly loved classic songs of Cold Chisel, their live show is second to none.

You’ll be feeling like Cold Chisel has indeed Revived with the searing vocals of front man Scott Beoford, with his backing band featuring top class musicians who have perfected the unique sounds of Cold Chisel and Jimmy Barnes.

Make sure you’re sticking around for the whole show because Chisel Revived and the Australian INXS show will be teaming for a medley and maybe even facing off to find out who’s better: Chisel or INXS - in what can only be described as ‘Good Times’.

Catch both bands this ANZAC DAY from 12 noon till 6pm and rock the afternoon away, yeah baby!

Whitsunday RSL will also be conducting 2up from 1.30pm – 3.30pm at the Airlie Beach Hotel pool area.

Chisel Revived

The Australian INXS Show

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This Easter long weekend the boys are back, entertaining the crowd from the roadside centre-stage at the Airlie Beach Hotel in a special event which sees them perform each afternoon from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.

Back by popular demand, the Gee’d Up crew offer a performance like you have never seen before – with choregraphed dance routines, hilarious jokes and unique medleys to some of the most well-known tunes – the show is guaranteed to entertain.

Influenced by all genres of music and their New Zealand culture, there is nothing that the boys of Gee’d Up can’t cater for with vocal styles that transcends into a fusion of soul, funk, edge and class.

To celebrate this special time of year with a multicultural flair, the Gee’d Up boys mix their Maori, Kiwi, Samoan and Japanese roots with a Polynesian element.

For the first time ever, Gee’d Up have invited dynamic dance troupe Mr Mr to join them on stage – these Polynesian dancers bring an authentic dance routine and mix it with some surprising elements to create a unique twist to tradition.  

Packed with laughs, fun and culture Mat Stokes from Gee’d up says that he is excited to bring some light relief to the stage - an opportunity for us all to forget about the challenges going on in the world.

“It’s a whole lot of laughs, fun and dancing,” he said.

“We want people to get out there, relax, laugh and have a dance if they want.”

From A cappella to beat box and base line to three-part harmonies – the band keep you guessing throughout the performance which is a non-stop rollercoaster ride where each song is a pre-mixed medley with no gaps in between.

“We love putting all these bangers together that people know,” said Mat.

“People don’t know what’s coming – we’re not like any other bands – the joke is always on us and the show is full of laughter because we have a go at each other live on stage.”

Gee’d Up will be performing Good Friday (April 15), Easter Saturday (April 16) and Easter Sunday (April 17) from 2pm – 5.30pm each day.

Gee’d Up performing live

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When the costumes go on and the makeup’s applied, when the music kicks in and the lights flick to life, the performers of Infamous The Show take to the stage.

They are the death defying and the raunchy, and in their Spiegel Big Top they travel across the country as one of Australia’s biggest circuses.

But behind the scenes of their bombastic performances are the performers, including the unassuming Jemima - a “newbie” to the circus scene who is the on stage sexy Blonde Bombshell, Marilyn – and the seasoned professional, Jensen, a seventh-generation circus performer.

Jemima, who was born in the Gold Coast, started out as one of the ensemble dancers, she progressed to centre stage and “ties the whole show together.”

“I’m one of the main characters now - mostly dancing but I’m mingling all through the audience throughout the show and getting the crowd going,” Jemima said.

“Involving myself in every part of the show, really – she’s Marilyn with a more contemporary, sexy vibe. And that’s hard to be sexier than she was!”

With a background as a dancer, Jemima has travelled across the world and took to circus life back on her home shores three years ago.

She attributes why she’s slotted in so well to the family feeling Infamous exudes, which is a feeling she shares with Jensen.

“The Circus always calls back to me, no matter how long you’re out of it,” Jensen said.

Jensen’s family, the Ashtons, have been proprietors of circuses for 180 years, back to 1850, and he has always lived in the Big Top – it’s his home.

His role is on the Wheel Of Death, a large rotating apparatus on which he carries out synchronised acrobatic skills with a partner, and it has always been his dream to be on it.

“My first memory of the circus was when I was three years old, and my dad and uncle were doing the Wheel of Death at the time,” he said.

“They stopped, took me up and held my hands while we did it.”

This pair with vastly different roles and experiences – one a dancer, the other an acrobat – are part of the Infamous family. Catch them while you can over the weekend

for an incredible evening of Cabaret.

Jemima as Marilyn

Jensen on the Wheel of Death with his partner

Images: Lu-Ella Oxley SB Photography

Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Sonic the Hedgehog, a blue ball of whirring energy - played with jubilant and childlike glee by comedian Ben Schwartz - speeds onto the screen. Across from him in a rain-drenched, broken backyard is a beefier, red furred and fisticuffed minion of the moustachioed Dr. Ivo Robotnik. For those who played the famed SEGA video games of the ‘90s and early 2000s, you’ll know this anti-Sonic looking red guy as Knuckles the Echidna, played here by Idris Elba.

Echidna, meet Hedgehog.

If that’s not crazy enough for you, you’ll have recognised Robotnik as a comically Machiavellian and moustachioed Jim Carrey. There’s a shocking amount of talent in Sonic The Hedgehog 2, which sees its eponymous hero take on Robotnik once more with a new friend and ally, Tails. Funnily, it all works – once you’ve toppled the tower of confusion that comes with watching an animated hedgehog fight Jim Carrey, that is.

There’s a deeper story here, too. Sonic finds responsibility and friendship during this fun, kids romp that is perfect for a school holiday watch. There are even jokes for the parents along the way.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (G) is playing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from today, 10.00am, 2.10pm, and 6.45pm.

Dog

A man and his best friend tale that plays to Channing Tatum’s strengths? – don’t mind if I do.

Lulu, a Belgian Malinois army service dog, was once paired with the late Sergeant Rodriguez, who sadly lost his life in combat. The dynamic duo had once been military royalty – but since his passing, Lulu has been untameable. Returning Army Ranger Jackson Briggs (Tatum) is tasked with getting Lulu to the funeral on the other end of America’s Pacific Coast on time.

A mismatch story to its core, Tatum delivers a touching performance along the journey. He and Lulu drive each other completely crazy, break a handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards to have a fighting chance of finding happiness. There are sombre touches, funny performances, and great scenery on show in this trip of a lifetime.

Dog (M) is playing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from today, 12.15pm, and 4.25pm.

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Strap yourself in, Mackay! The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is hitting the highways to home-deliver the freshest and funniest from the 2022 Festival to neighbourhoods across the nation.

For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide.

Buckle up for a night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song in this rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your comedy cravings!

The lineup includes Blake Freeman, Prue Blake, Takashi Wakasugi (Japan) and two more acts to be announced soon!

Described as a ‘feast of humour’, ‘a night out that does not disappoint’ and ‘impeccable jokes with faultless antics’ it’s a night not to miss.

Please note, performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references and material that may offend. The show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow LINE UP

Blake Freeman

Blake Freeman is one of Australia's brightest new comedians, making a name for himself with his own brand of energetic and disarmingly honest comedy. Through his youthful energy and charismatic delivery Blake weaves charming stories, making the intensely personal relatable. In 2018 he was hand-picked for Melbourne International Comedy Festival's prestigious Comedy Zone and appeared on ABC TV's Comedy Up Late series, toured nationally and hosted his own radio show. In 2019 he was nominated for, and won, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's award for 'Best Newcomer', had a sell-out season at both the Brisbane and Sydney Comedy Festivals, and travels to the acclaimed Soho Theatre in London's West End.

Prue Blake

Prue Blake is the comedian for anyone that knows the game is rigged and thinks ‘well, why not find it funny?’ The voice of a generation? Maybe, though after years of sitting at the adult table she isn’t too sure which one. She is a strong, confident underachiever by choice… or she was before she became the 2020 RAW Comedy National champion! Since 2018, she has taken over the comedy scene and can be seen on posters for all the hottest comedy shows both in Australia and internationally (one show in New Zealand). Her style is observational, intelligent and cheeky. Prue has been described as both "dashing" and a "disillusioned feminist" by The Age.

Takashi Wakasugi

A typical Japanese boy, Takashi visited Sydney as an exchange student in 2012 where he joined the local comedy scene. He quickly built a unique reputation, performing at ‘Homebake Festival 2012’ and frequented spots at the Sydney Comedy Store. Upon his return to Japan, he joined the English comedy scenes in Osaka and Tokyo. In 2018, he moved to Australia and started his comedy career in earnest. He was picked as a performer at Comedy Zone Asia at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2018 and performed on the ABC television show “Tonightly with Tom Ballard”. His festival solo show “Welcome to Japan” and “Farm Backpacker (Subclass 417)” were sold out at comedy festivals around Australia. Takashi also joined the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow in 2021 and travelled all over Australia to perform. Stuck in a chasm between Japanese and Western culture, Takashi brings a fresh and unique perspective on Aussie life. His insights into everyday life in Japan are sure to have you both fascinated & roaring with laughter.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Thursday 5 May 2022, 7.30pm

MECC Auditorium

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

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Friday 8 April

The Ultimate Dirtbike Weekend

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

The Ultimate Australian Dirt Bike Weekend is heading to Mackay! As a show stopper for two-wheel race fans across the nation, the ProMX Championship Round 2 will combine forces with Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) at Gum Valley Mackay for the very first time, in what is set to be a massive three day weekend of two-wheeled off-road racing action and an unmatched spectacle for race fans, industry and riders alike.

Gum Valley Motocross Track

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Saturday 9 April

A Vocal Masterclass with Garrick Jones

Saturday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Come and see Garrick work his wonders with local singing talent. Garrick will explore vocal technique, delivery and so much more! Singing students, singing teachers and general public singers are welcome to enjoy this masterclass.

Thompson Voice Studio, 2 Toorak Street, Glenella

Public Art Walk with Brian Robinson

Saturday, 10:30am

Join Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood for a free, enjoyable public art walk with the artist who created our beautiful ‘Building Blooms’ public artwork series that brightens the Mackay City Centre. Brian is in Mackay to judge the 2022 Libris Awards with co-judge Adele Outteridge. A north Queenslander by virtue of his Torres Strait Islander heritage, Brian is known for his ability to combine elements organic and manmade into a unique fusion that speaks to popular culture, art history, his own heritage and broad contemporary interests. Meet at front entrance, Artspace Mackay 10:30 Saturday 9 April. Book your free spot at this enjoyable event online now.

Artspace Mackay, meet at front entrance

Sarina Rodeo

Saturday, 2:00pm

Gates open at 1pm. Gate Tickets will NOT be sold at the gate.

Sarina Showgrounds

Judges' talk: 2022 Libris Awards

Saturday, 5:00pm

Join 2022 Libris Award Judges Adele Outteridge and Brian Robinson as they discuss Libris Award artists’ book entries from across the country. The judges will give insight into works that stood out to them during the selection and judging process - they may even provide clues to award winners which will be announced later in the evening! This free talk is scheduled prior to the exhibition opening, so simply stay on for the official opening celebrations and exciting announcement of 2022 winners from 6pm.

Artspace Mackay

Trivia @ The Bowlsie

Saturday, 6:00pm

Back by popular demand is our Trivia Night hosted by the witty but hilarious and always inappropriate Janelle! Trivia @ The Bowlsie is the place to be, to have the ultimate fun night with prizes to be won!

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Ian Moss & Troy Cassar-Daley

Saturday, 7:30pm to 11:30pm

Two of Australia’s most respected singers, musicians and songwriters - Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley - are taking their guitars and songs on the road for the National ‘Together Alone Tour’ in 2022. The 'Together Alone Tour' will be the first time these two powerhouse guitarists and vocalists have joined forces to tour together and shared a stage in such an intimate setting as they take the audience on a musical journey across their respective careers. Don’t miss your chance to see these old friends light up, and rip up, the stage. It will be magic.

MECC

Sunday 10 April

Real Mates Talk Mens Only Triathlon

Sunday, 7:30am to 10:30am

We have put together a Triathlon Specifically for our Adult & Junior Men, whatever your skill or ability with $5.00 from every entry going to Real Mates Talk. With an anything goes Enticer distance for the beginners consisting of a 300m swim, 8km cycle, and 2.5km Run, and for the more adventurous or seasoned athletes there will also be a Sprint Distance with a 600m swim, 16km cycle and a 5km run. The Real Mates Talk men’s campaign intends to prevent suicide attempts and deaths of men in our community and support them to connect with others and live well.

Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex

Two Day Celtic Weave Binding Workshop

Sunday 10:00am to Monday 3:00pm

Join Brisbane artist and 2022 judge of the Libris Awards, Adele Outteridge as she shares this fascinating binding technique. Coptic binding is one of the oldest forms of bookbinding we know, dating from about the fourth century AD. In this workshop, participants explore a decorative variation of coptic binding called Celtic Weave, devised by book artist extraordinaire Keith Smith. Celtic Weave produces a very attractive exposed lattice-like binding across an open spine.

Artspace Mackay

Sunday Live Music

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

Travis Collins

Sunday, 3:00pm

Travis Collins has long led the charge in the Australian country music fold with his soulful voice, earthy sound, and unique gift for piloting both sophisticated, heart-felt ballads and high octane country-rock belters. A powerhouse vocalist, blistering guitarist and energetic performer that connects with an audience like few can. This is an artist and tour you don’t want to miss seeing live.

Seabreeze Hotel

Monday 11 April

Mackay April Holidays - Engineering & Robotics

Monday 9:00am to Tuesday 3:00pm

Exciting 2 DAY programs to ‘edutain’ (educate + entertain) kids. Bricks Challenge (Yr 1-2): experience STEM by designing and building with LEGO technic and motors. Robotics and (NEW) Electronics (Yr 3-5): get introduced to Software and Mechanical Engineering principles and electronic circuits. Inventor's Kit (Yr 6-8): model & solve real world problems with robotics and coding. Different activities each day for an unforgettable experience.

CQU Campus Ooralea

Wednesday 13 April

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater Quay

Thursday 14 April

Kallidad

Thursday, 7:30pm

Kallidad combines Spanish guitar magic with rock and roll energy to create a once-in-a-lifetime sound. The trio's notorious white face paint masks their identities, shifting the focus to a musical style that is alive, intense, emotional, and powerful. Kallidad's music is all instrumental – no lyrics are necessary to feel the energy and passion behind the music. Booming percussion and shredded nylon string guitars weave a deep web of sound that always leaves audiences breathless and begging for more!

Seabreeze Hotel

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The Bad Guys

There’s an extraordinary cast of actors lending their sultry tones to The Bad Guys, which follows the notorious criminals Mr Wolf, Mr Snake, Mr Piranha, Mr Shark, and Ms Tarantula. Led by Oscar winner Sam Rockwell, triple threat of rapper, comedian, and actress Awkwafina, Richard Ayoade of IT Crowd fame, and comic genius Craig Robinson - The Bad Guys is off to a rollicking start just in its by-line. After a lifetime of crime and legendary heists, this band of notorious criminals has finally been caught, and to avoid a sentence, they must pull off their most challenging con yet – becoming model citizens - to rapturous laughter and the delight of audiences.

Under the tutelage of their mentor, Professor Marmalade (Ayoade), the dubious gang sets out to fool the world that they're turning good in this feature animated film filled with genuine laughs and comic characters that mixes up the usual good guy narrative, replacing them with baddies with a heart of gold.

The Bad Guys (PG) opens tonight at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from 6.45pm.

Marry Me

Jennifer Lopez is pop superstar Kat Valdez, and tonight she’s set to marry her fiancé Bastian before an audience of her loyal fans. But Bastian, played in slimey greaseball fashion by Colombian singer Maluma, has some pre-ceremony, unsavoury antics with a backstage dancer. With his cheating ways exposed, Valdez melts down on stage, and in a moment of inspired insanity, the songstress locks eyes with a total stranger holding a Marry Me sign in the crowd – Owen Wilson’s Charlie Gilbert – and marries him on the spot.

In classic rom-com fashion, the pair give it their best go, and events conspire to separate the unlikely newlyweds, but they must decide whether a pair from different worlds can find true love together. Wilson and Lopez have a surprising chemistry in the featurette, and comedian Sarah Silverman manages to be a consistent source of laughter as the quirky-best friend to Gilbert.

Marry Me is playing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from Saturday at 12.10pm and 4.15pm.

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The sexy, sizzling, devilish show that makes you laugh so hard you feel like crying, is back in town and its cast of flamboyant characters are looking forward to welcoming audiences to opening night this evening.

Infamous The Show has been touring Queensland and returning to the Whitsundays on an almost annual basis, with organisers saying this iteration will see the return of our favourite acts plus a range of new twerks and tricks to keep us all entertained.

“The basis of the show is never going to change,” said performer Bekki Ashton.

“But acts do change and evolve constantly as new skills are learned – we don’t want to ruin any surprises but there are a lot of new elements to the show!

“Simon and Mimi do a fantastic act where they paint using UV light – art is getting painted while you are watching – it’s incredible!”

The big thrill acts have also gone up a notch with the ‘Wheel of Death’ now featuring three dare-devil performers and the skills on the Flying Trapeze are set to wow the crowd with a double full-twisting summersault and a triple summersault – both extremely difficult tricks that less than 10 people in Australia are able to achieve.

Other popular favourites include the raucous and ridiculous clown, Jessie as well as newcomer Blonde Bombshell who adds a classy sexiness.

The Spiegel big-top tent has become a fixture on the Cannonvale Plaza lawn, with every cast member helping to erect the massive structure.

On opening night, the cast will swap their overalls and work boots for eyelashes, sequins, high heels and thongs as they set out to captivate and caress their adoring crowd.

Guests will enjoy an entrance like no other, when the round-bottomed Infamous Dancers show you to your seat and serve refreshments from the bar.

This year, they are introducing two specialty cocktails – the aptly named Jessie’s Dick and the fantastical Fairy Flosstini.

“It’s like circus memories from when you are a kid but with a delicious adult twist,” said Bekki.

Infamous The Show is in Airlie Beach, on the green field next to Whitsunday Plaza, from Friday, April 1 to Sunday, April 10.

The show is for adults only.

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