Event Guide May 22nd

Friday 22^nd May  

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Mackay Outdoor Adventure plus Home and Lifestyle Expo  

8.30am - (Three Day Event - Friday-Sunday )

The Mackay Outdoor Adventure plus Home and Lifestyle Expo is set to bring together the best in travel, lifestyle and home inspiration, offering visitors a chance to explore everything from off-grid escapes to everyday home upgrades. Held as a ticketed event, the expo will showcase caravans, camper trailers, hybrids and 4x4 vehicles alongside smart camping gear, outdoor technology, home improvement ideas and décor inspiration. Visitors can also discover travel destinations, enjoy live entertainment and take advantage of exclusive expo-only deals. Designed as a one-stop destination for inspiration and planning, the event invites attendees to explore how their lifestyle and next adventure can come together in one place.

Mackay Showgrounds  

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Saturday 23^rd May

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Botanic Gardens Open Day   

8am

Celebrate nature at the Botanic Gardens Open Day this Saturday, May 23, from 8am to noon at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. The free event will feature community displays, workshops, native wildlife, plant sales, children’s activities and a selection of food and drink. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to come along, explore the gardens and learn more about the region’s unique plant life in a relaxed outdoor setting. For details, contact the gardens on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

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Writing for Performance – Free Workshop  

10am

Aspiring writers and creative minds are invited to step into the world of live storytelling at a free theatre writing workshop this Saturday, May 23, at the Dudley Denny City Library. Facilitated by Cassandra Ramsay, the two-hour session will explore how to craft compelling characters, build dramatic tension and create moments designed for the stage. Supported by Mackay Regional Council Libraries and the Queensland Writers Centre, the workshop runs from 10am to noon, with beginners and experienced writers welcome. Attendance is free, but bookings are essential.

Dudley Denny City Library

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Broken Ballerina Candle Lighting Ceremony  

5pm

The Mackay community is being encouraged to come together in remembrance and solidarity at a candle lighting ceremony marking Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Hosted by Broken Ballerina Inc., the event will be held at the Mackay Surf Club on Saturday, May 23 from 5pm. The ceremony will honour lives lost to domestic and family violence while supporting those impacted, with survivors, families, frontline workers and community members invited to stand together as candles are lit in remembrance and hope.

Mackay Surf Club 

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Sunday 24^th May

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Mackay Country & Western Club Family Afternoon

1.30pm

The Mackay Country & Western Club is inviting the community to enjoy an afternoon of live music and country entertainment at its Family Afternoon on Sunday, May 24, at the Senior Citizens Hall. Commencing at 1.30pm, the event features walk-up performances with backing from a live band, creating an open stage atmosphere for musicians and visitors alike. Admission is $5, with all welcome, including visitors to the region. Organisers are encouraging attendees to arrive ready for a relaxed afternoon of music, with club memberships also due on the day. For more information, contact Charlie on 0408 776 564.

Senior Citizens Hall

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Tuesday 26^th May

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The Mum Hub – Sparkly Brain Society  

10am

Mums seeking connection and understanding are invited to join a supportive neurodivergent mothers group held every Tuesday at 10am at The Mum Hub Mackay. Facilitated by founder Amanda Fenton through The Held Project, the relaxed gatherings offer a welcoming space for mums on the spectrum or those who simply feel they don’t fit the usual mould. Children are welcome, with the space suited to babies and young toddlers. Tea and coffee will be provided as mums share conversation, support and community.

10/46 Mulherin Dr, Mackay Harbour

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BMA Kidspace – Free Art, Craft & Music for Toddlers  

9.30am  

Families are invited to enjoy a vibrant morning of creativity and music at Artspace Mackay as part of the popular free toddlers’ program BMA Kidspace, designed for children aged 0–5 years. Running one Tuesday each month, the drop-in program offers two art-making sessions alongside live music designed to encourage playful, co-operative learning. Sessions run from 9.30am to 1.30pm, with families welcome to come and go throughout the day. Presented by Artspace Mackay and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, the program requires no bookings, with upcoming dates scheduled across the year for families to simply turn up and take part.

Artspace Mackay 

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