Event Guide 18 July

Friday 18th July

Crochet & Conversation
9am
Join a welcoming morning of crochet, coffee, and conversation with Northern Beaches locals at Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. All skill levels welcome—just look for the yarn to find the table. Connection and creativity guaranteed.
Bucasia Beachfront Bar and Restaurant

Christmas In July
12pm
L&H Mackay is hosting its Annual Christmas in July event at Fairways Golf Simulator & Bar. Attendees can enjoy a festive afternoon filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and holiday cheer. Guests are encouraged to bring their best golf swing for some friendly competition in a warm, celebratory atmosphere. This event promises to be a memorable occasion for all.
Fairways Golf Simulator & Bar

Come & Try Wheelchair Basketball
4.30pm
Experience the excitement of wheelchair basketball with a demonstration by the Mackay Machines Wheelchair Basketball Team. This inclusive sport welcomes everyone to play. Attendees are invited to try the game themselves, with spare sports wheelchairs available for use. Come and discover the fun and skill involved in wheelchair basketball.
Mackay Basketball

Barrier Reef Markets (Formerly Paxtons)
5pm
Barrier Reef Markets is supporting the Red Socks Appeal by hosting a special market night themed “Walking in Red Socks for Kidney Health.” The event highlights local performer Chrissy Karehana’s upcoming 60km walk in support of Kidney Health Australia. Attendees are encouraged to join the community in raising awareness and funds for kidney disease while enjoying the vibrant market atmosphere.
Mackay PCYC

Concert 1 – Transfiguration
7pm
The 2025 Mackay Chamber Music Festival opens with Transfiguration at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Ooralea. The program features Wojciech Kilar’s dynamic Orawa, Vivaldi’s charming Lute Concerto in D major performed by guitar virtuoso Slava Grigoryan, and concludes with Schoenberg’s emotionally powerful Verklärte Nacht. The evening promises a captivating journey through transformation, passion, and redemption. Tickets available via 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

Saturday 19th July

Winter Orchid Show
8am | Saturday and Sunday
Experience a breathtaking display of exotic blooms at the Mackay & District Orchid Society’s Winter Orchid Show. Held as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts, the show brings together vibrant entries from across the Mackay and Whitsunday regions. A must-see event for garden lovers and flower enthusiasts, with a variety of orchids on display and for sale. Don’t miss this celebration of colour, beauty, and local horticultural talent. $2 Admission
Mackay & District Senior Citizens Centre, 58 Macalister Street

Bookbinding Workshop Mackay
10am
Bookbinding enthusiasts and creative makers are invited to a special weekend workshop at Artspace Mackay, hosted by Sandra Johnson from the Queensland Bookbinders Guild. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, participants will learn traditional bookbinding techniques and create their own hardcover art journal or sketchbook. All materials are included in the $150 fee. Limited places available—bookings essential via Artspace Mackay.
Artspace Mackay

Wisely Wine & Food Day
10.30am
The much-loved Wisely Wine & Food Day returns to Queens Park as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts. Presented by Wisely Group, this free, all-ages event brings together delicious cuisine, beverages, and outstanding live music. A highlight on the local calendar, it’s a day not to be missed by families, food lovers, and festivalgoers alike
Queens Park, Mackay

Mackay Poetry Slam
6.30pm
Enjoy an evening of poetry, whisky, gin tasting and good company—all in support of our 2025 Australian Poetry Slam CQ Heat winners. Funds raised will help send the regional champions to Brisbane for the Queensland State Finals. Doors open at 6.30pm. A night of words and warmth not to be missed. Tickets available via trybooking.com

Sunday 20th July

Dance Fit With Elena
9am
Destress and dance your heart out with a friendly, welcoming crew! Dance Fit with Elena is all about joy, movement, and community. No experience needed—just come as you are and let the rhythm carry you. Perfect for beginners and pros alike. No bookings required, just show up!
Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay

Lego Sessions
10am
Looking for a creative Sunday activity? Join the weekly LEGO sessions—open to all ages and skill levels. No need to bring anything but your imagination, as all LEGO is provided. A gold coin donation is appreciated. A great way to start the day with fun and community connection.
Abbott Park - Souths JRL

Live Music At The Pinnacle
11.30am-3pm
Enjoy live music from 11:30 am to 3pm! Indulge in delicious pies, crumbed steak, and in-house sweets for a perfect day out with great food and tunes.
Pinnace Family Hotel

Tuesday 22nd July

Northern Beaches Community Playgroup
9am
Northern Beaches Community Hall will host its weekly playgroup on Tuesday, welcoming families for a morning of fun, connection and learning. Special guests include a Child Health Nurse from Queensland Health for optional weigh-ins and Q&A, and local educators bringing interactive play. Sessions run 9:00am–11:15am with storytime, sensory play, crafts, and more. A $3 donation per family is appreciated. Families are encouraged to support setup and pack-up.
Northern Beaches Community Hall

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