Event Guide

Friday 20 May

2022 Mackay Expo

Friday to Sunday, 8:30am to 4:00pm

The Mackay Showgrounds will be transformed into the region’s largest outdoor adventure and home and lifestyle event for 3 days in May 2022. Over 130 companies on show. Caravans, Camper Trailers, Boating, Holiday Destinations, 4x4 and Motoring Accessories, Homewares, Kitchens, Camping Gear, Sheds, Firepits, Pools, Spas, and loads more. Plus, daily entertainment and prizes to be won. Tickets available online only. For full event info, tickets, entertainment times, exhibitor list, and more, visit https://mackayexpo.com.au

Mackay Showgrounds

Free safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training

Friday, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Learn how to identify someone at risk of suicide, talk to those experiencing suicidal thoughts, and help guide them to resources. To make your booking go to http://www.grapevinegroup.org.au/bookings/ and book online.

Gordon White Library

Conversations with Art

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

A free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff looking at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from the gallery and museum. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner or expert, come along and enjoy this free, interesting, thought-provoking discussion.

Artspace Mackay

Sunset Sessions

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Saturday 21 May

Handmade Boutique Market

Saturday, 8:30am

One of the largest handmade-only markets in Australia. With over 120 stalls, our Handmade Boutique Markets feature handmade, homegrown and crafted products. We’re proud to showcase local and interstate artists and artisans – with many travelling in from around Australia to take part.

Mackay Basketball Stadium

The Nebo Hotel presents Nebo Rodeo 2022

Saturday, 9:00am

Grab your hats, dust off your boots, and roll up your swag......It's Rodeo time! The Nebo Hotel presents the Nebo Rodeo 2022. Make sure you keep May 21 free for plenty of cowboy action! Make a weekend out of it and grab a ticket for the Nebo Hotel Street Party (separate event and ticket required) on Friday night then enjoy all of the Rodeo action on Saturday. Enjoy a great day of local events including full open, rookie & junior events.

Nebo Showgrounds

Sunday 22 May

May Photo Walkabout Workshop – Composing flowers, big and small

Sunday, 9:00am to 11:00am

This month’s focus is about composing flower photos. Bring a macro lens and torch if you have one and meet at the Botanic Gardens Meeting Room (opposite the Café). These workshops are free to attend and suitable for anyone interested in photography and nature, with a smart device camera or DSLR. Workshops are hosted by Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and supported by the Botanic Gardens and Mackay Camera Group. Bookings essential as places are limited. Phone the Gardens on 4952 7300 to book your spot.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

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

Tuesday 24 May

Storytime at Mount Pleasant Centre

Wednesday, 10:30am to 11:00am

Calling all families! Join us on the Food Court Stage at Mount Pleasant Centre for some FREE Storytime Fun! Thanks to Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council Libraries, First 5 Forever, and Wild Puppets. Join for FREE FUN including storybook reading, singing, dancing, and puppets!

Mount Pleasant Centre

Wednesday 25 May

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

Exhibition – ‘Where a plant begins’ by Mackay’s Botanical Art Interest Group

Opening Wednesday May 25 to Sunday June 22, 9:00am to 2:00pm

Like the old conundrum - Which came first, the chicken or the egg - the same can be said for plants. Which came first: the seed or the flower? In their latest exhibition, the botanical artists focus on a particular aspect of ‘where a plant begins’ or have portrayed the entire life cycle of a plant complete with flowers, seeds and features of their chosen plants. The showcase displays how the artists take live specimens and create a “living” piece of botanical art via their sketchbooks, photos and art materials.

Lagoons Gallery, Botanic Gardens Café

Meet the Artists – ‘Where a plant begins’ by Mackay’s Botanical Art Interest Group

Wednesday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Meet the artists from Mackay's Botanical Art Interest Group on opening day, to interpret their exhibition 'Where a Plant Begins' which is on display in the Lagoons Gallery within the Botanic Gardens Cafe.

Lagoons Gallery, Botanic Gardens Café

The MECC & Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents Classical Favourites

Wednesday, 11:00am to 12:30pm

Queensland Symphony Orchestra Connect ensemble presents an evening concert packed with classical favourites from Prokofiev ‘the king of Russian ballet’ to Grieg’s tip-toeing masterpiece, “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” Marvel as thirteen talented musicians from Queensland Symphony Orchestra showcase their talent and artistry performing much-loved favourites. Don’t miss out on your chance to see Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Mackay. Book your tickets now.

MECC

Thursday 26 May

DBCT Kids’ Theatre Season 2022 Edward the Emu

Thursday May 26, 6:00pm, Friday May 27, 9:30am and 12:30pm (relaxed performance)

Written for the stage & directed by Eva Di Cesare, the award-winning Monkey Baa team brings to the stage a new imagining of the classic Australian books by Sheena Knowles and Rob Clement. Edward is bored with his lot. Being the only emu at the zoo has left him feeling glum and under the impression that the grass is greener in everyone else’s enclosure. Maybe being a seal, or a lion, or a snake might be a better option in life for a lonely bird? Convinced that the other creatures are more popular, Edward breaks ranks and goes to find the fun and along the way, finds Edwina!

MECC

Nat's What I Reckon

Thursday, 7:15pm

With hilarious commentary consistently clocking up views well into the millions, viral comedy champion, author, rock musician, and mental health advocate Nat's What I Reckon has proven that he is beloved for so much more than his sweary cooking clips. His dedicated audience of over 2.5 million champions are here for Nat’s love of taking the playful piss while never losing his ultimate message of positivity, kindness and inclusivity. Strap in legends for another epic live multimedia piss-taking extravaganza from Nat’s What I Reckon – live and Uncooked!

The Metropolitan Hotel Mackay

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