Event Guide 19 September

Friday 19th September

Crochet & Conversation
9am
Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community.
Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade

Friday Guided Walks
10am
Mackay residents and visitors are invited to join the Friday Guided Walks at the Botanic Gardens, led by an experienced Gardens Guide. Stroll at a leisurely pace for an hour while learning about the plants and unique features of the gardens. Walks run every Friday from 10am to 11am (excluding public holidays). Meet at Visitor Information opposite the café, and don’t forget a hat, water, and comfortable shoes. Free for all to enjoy.
Mackay Botanic Gardens

Conversations With Art – September
1pm
Art lovers of all levels are invited to join Conversations with Art at Artspace Mackay, held on the third Friday of each month. Led by Artspace staff, these free discussions explore artworks and images from gallery and museum collections. Whether a beginner, expert, or simply curious, it’s an inclusive and thought-provoking way to spend an afternoon. Sessions run from 1–2.30pm on 19 September, 17 October, and 21 November. Book your free ticket online.
Artspace Mackay

Dinner On The Runway
6pm
Dinner on the Runway returns to Mackay, hosted by Ibis Mackay in support of the Mackay Hospital Foundation. This unforgettable evening promises great food, lively atmosphere, and a chance to support a worthy cause.
Mackay Airport

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 20th September

Mackay's Orchid Extravaganza
8pm
Orchid enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Mackay Orchid Extravaganza on from 8am to 3pm at the Ken Burgess Orchid House, Queens Park, 9 Goldsmith Street. Enjoy a stunning display of orchids, sales, demonstrations, plant and accessory stalls, raffles, and food and drink vendors. Free entry—come along and celebrate the beauty of orchids!
The Orchid House Queens Park Mackay

That Place Mackay Open Day
9am
Come in and check out "That Place Mackay". There will be a petting zoo, free sausage sizzle, glitter tattoos and lots of family fun. Come see Steve, Tim and the rest of the team and find out what they’re all about.
91 Victoria St, Mackay

Art In The Park
9.30am
The inaugural Art in the Park brings hands-on workshops, live music, plein air painting, eco-art, kite making, and more across Bucasia Esplanade, Shoal Point, and Northern Beaches Community Hall. Suitable for all ages, this free-flowing, family-friendly celebration connects community, creativity, and nature. Registration is essential for most workshops—get involved and join the fun
Bucasia Espl, Bucasia

SpiritFest 2025
10am
Returning to the welcoming grounds of Fairview Tavern in Farleigh on 20 and 21 September 2025, the festival promises a full weekend of readings, markets, community connection, and more. Free entry and family-friendly, SpiritFest is the perfect way to celebrate, explore, and connect.
Farleigh tavern

Mackay Twilight Market
6pm
Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, food, and local treasures at the Mackay Twilight Market on Saturday 20 September, 4–8:30pm, in the Big Shed at Mackay Showgrounds. Entry is $2 for adults and free for kids 17 & under. Don’t miss local stalls, entertainment, and community vibes!
Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds

Sunday 21st September

Slade Point Community Markets
8am
Start your Sunday morning with community, creativity, and coastal vibes at the Slade Point Community Markets from 8–11am. Enjoy local stalls, live music, morning yoga, kids’ activities, and family fun while supporting local makers and connecting with neighbours.
Community Gardens (Slade Point Bowls Club, Wren St).

Dance Fit With Elena
9am
Join the weekly dance sessions every Sunday at 9am at Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay, next to Forgan Bridge. For $5 entry, participants can enjoy an hour of global-inspired music and movement, from Latin beats to Irish rhythms. Suitable for all skill levels, the outdoor event encourages fun, fitness, and connection, with a backup location at CQU on rainy days.
Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay, next to Forgan Bridge

Aus Poetry Slam
5pm
Could you be Australia’s next Poetry Slam champion? Join the CQ Heat in Mackay with an original two-minute poem for your chance to progress to the Queensland State Finals in Brisbane on 16 October 2025. All performers and supporters are welcome. Non-verbal poets and those needing interpreters are encouraged to participate. Tickets essential via trybooking.com
Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club

Monday 22nd September

Mackay Cartoon Program for Kids
8am | Monday – Friday
Mackay kids aged 5–15 can unleash their creativity at Cartooning Holiday Workshops, running Monday 22 to Friday 26 September at the Mackay Showgrounds. Enjoy drawing favourite characters, fun games, a special Thursday night event, and a huge Friday Market Day. Spaces are limited, so book early to join the fun!
Mackay Showgrounds

Wednesday, 24th September

PAW Patrol Live
10am and 1pm | 24th Sep – 3 Oct
The PAW Patrol pups are visiting Caneland Central these September School Holidays! Kids can enjoy free live shows with Chase, Marshall and Ryder at 10am and 1pm daily in Centre Court. After the show, lucky competition winners can meet the pups up close. No tickets required—fun for the whole family!
Caneland Central

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