Event Guide 1 August

Friday 1st August

Friday Flow
5pm
The River of Life Festival returns to the Mackay Waterfront from August 1, bringing a vibrant evening of connection and creativity every second Friday from 5pm to 8.30pm. Visitors can enjoy live music, interactive workshops, lawn games, botanical drinks from Elixir Garden Bar, and free children's art. Warm soup or dahl will also be available for purchase.
Bluewater Quay

Daryl McKenzie Kicks Off CQUniversity Schools Jazz Festival
6pm
Australian jazz icon Daryl McKenzie will perform live at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music from 6 to 7:30pm, launching the CQUniversity Schools Jazz Festival. Known for his work as Musical Director of Hey Hey It’s Saturday and collaborations with Ray Charles and Michael Bublé, McKenzie brings his signature style to Mackay for one unforgettable night. Don’t miss this rare chance to see a jazz master live. Tickets are available at cqcm.sales.ticketsearch.com.
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

LIVE Music
6-9pm
Enjoy LIVE music every Friday at Ocean International – it’s a performance you won’t want to miss! Pizzas & tapas available on the deck! Call 4957 2044 to make your booking!
Ocean International

Art On Show
6.30pm
The Mackay Art Society is hosting an art show from 1–4 August, showcasing a vibrant collection of works by local artists. Visitors can explore a diverse range of styles and mediums throughout the exhibition.
500 Pavillion

Film & Arts Mackay Opening Night Sceening – Holy Cow
6.30pm
Film & Arts Mackay invites film lovers to the Opening Night of the Mackay International Film Festival on August 1, featuring the award-winning French drama Holy Cow. The evening includes French-inspired cuisine and refreshments. Tickets are $35 via TryBooking. Doors open 6:30pm for a 7pm start.
BCC Cinemas.

Saturday 2nd August

61st Annual Sarina Show and Rodeo 2025
From 6am, Saturday and Sunday
The Sarina Show & Rodeo returns on August 2–3, 2025, marking its 61st year with two jam-packed days of community celebration, classic show attractions, and heart-pounding rodeo action. Gates open from 6am daily, with stud cattle, poultry, fine arts, and ring events filling the showgrounds. Saturday night features live music, fireworks, and a full rodeo lineup. Discounted family passes must be pre-purchased online or from the Show Society Office. Don’t miss this regional favourite!
Sarina Showgrounds

MACK POPCON
9am
MACK POPCON 2025 is officially locked in and promises to be bigger, bolder, and geekier than ever! Save the date and prepare for epic fandom fun, creative costumes, and pop culture mayhem.
Mackay Showgrounds

Sarina Soundwaves
1.30pm
An afternoon of soulful tunes is set to delight Sarina, with Golden Guitar winner Brad Butcher, touring duo JC and the Tree, blues legend Matt Tandy, and the renowned David Flower as MC. Held in the heart of town, this live music event promises talent, storytelling, and a warm community vibe. Tickets available via trybooking.com
Sarina Cultural Hall

Majesty – A Sacred Concert Of Timeless Beauty
3pm, Saturday and Sunday
This moving performance features the Mackay Choral Society alongside the Mackay Children’s Chorus, directed by Musical Director Nicole Thomson, with Professor Judith Brown AM accompanying on piano and organ. As part of the 80th anniversary celebration series themed Present, Past and Future, Majesty honors the "Past" through its rich tradition of sacred choral music.
St Paul’s Uniting Church, Mackay

Tunes in the Dunes
3pm
Tunes in the Dunes is back on Saturday, August 2! Set against stunning ocean views at Dunes Harbour Beach, enjoy a free afternoon of live music with Zoey Mills & Leyon Milner from 3–6pm. BYO picnic and book tickets via Humanitix to secure your spot.
Dunes Harbour Beach, Sol Drive

A Night in the Canefields
4pm
Get ready for a fiery night under the stars at the Oh Deere Cane Field Burn on Saturday, August 24. Enter via Mackenzie Road off the Bruce Highway and arrive before gates close at 4:30pm. Bring a chair, torch, and something warm. Enjoy live music by Luke Miller, a real cane fire, bar and food stalls, sweet treats, face painting, John Deere merch, and kids' activities. Tickets $45 per car – limited spots. No ticket, no entry.
Oh Deere Farm Stay

Bliss n Eso at McGuires
7pm
Bliss n Eso are coming to McGuires Mackay on Saturday, bringing their legendary high-energy hip-hop show to the region. Loved by fans nationwide for over two decades, this iconic Australian crew promises an unforgettable night full of powerful beats and dynamic performances. Don’t miss the chance to see these crowd favourites live—joined by Melbourne’s Ivan Ooze, the Party on the Moon Tour is set to light up Mackay like never before! Tickets available via. oztix.com
McGuires Hotel Mackay

Sunday 3rd August

The BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run
6am
The BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run returns on Sunday, 3 August 2025, at Iluka Park—offering 5km and 10km distances for walkers, joggers, and runners alike. This community-driven event raises vital funds for BMA CQ Rescue, ensuring the life-saving helicopter service can continue to serve the region. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or a fun day out, every step helps keep this essential service in the sky.
Iluka Park

Race Village Market
9am
A brand-new celebration is docking at Mackay Marina Village as part of the GCCM Gold Coast Mackay Yacht Race! On race day, yachts will arrive throughout the day, with a mega market stretching from Sails Bar to the roadside, live entertainment, kids’ activities, raffles, and more. Celebrate 140 years of the Pine Islet Lighthouse with birthday cake, meet the crews, and enjoy a full day of waterfront fun and festivities.
Mackay Marina Village

Dance Fit With Elena
9am
Dance Fit with Elena is held every Sunday at 9:00am. This outdoor class encourages participants to move, laugh, and connect through joyful dance, no experience required. In case of rain, sessions relocate to CQU’s undercover sports area on Sydney Street. Entry is $5, supported by Mackay Regional Council. Just bring water, sun protection, and a smile.
Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay (next to Forgan Bridge)

Mackay IFF 2025 – FLOW
4pm
Winner of the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, FLOW is a visually stunning, dialogue-free adventure following a solitary cat who joins an unlikely crew of animals after a devastating flood. As they navigate a transformed, water-covered world, their survival depends on trust, courage, and cooperation. With breathtaking animation and a moving message about friendship, community, and the fragility of our planet, FLOW is a cinematic experience for all ages by Film & Arts Mackay. Tickets available via trybooking.com
BCC Mount Pleasant Cinemas

Monday 4th August

Northside Circle – Mackay Mums Circle Meet Up
9am
Northside Circle will meet this Monday at 9:00am. It’s the first gathering at this vibrant new space, which features playgrounds, picnic areas, an open lawn, and a crocodile-shaped amphitheatre—perfect for families to relax while the kids play. Bring snacks, bring a friend, and help shape what could become a regular meet-up for the community.
Northern Beaches Community Hub, (located opposite Northern Beaches High School)

Homelessness Week 2025
10am
Join CASA at the front of their office to launch a week of events aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those experiencing homelessness. Enjoy a free BBQ breakfast while connecting with friendly staff to learn about the services available and how they can help you take the next step from crisis to stability. Everyone is welcome—come along and find out how CASA can support you.
4/54 Gregory Street, Mackay

Thursday 7th August

World Breastfeeding Week – Mackay Group Chat and Play
9am
Join the community in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week with the theme ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.’ This informal gathering offers a welcoming space for families at any stage of their breastfeeding journey, including those who are mixed or formula feeding. While parents connect and share experiences, children can enjoy playtime at the nearby Harbour Playground, featuring the Snoopy and big crocodile structures. Everyone is invited to come together to support and strengthen breastfeeding for generations to come.
Mulherin Park, Mackay Harbour

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