Thursday, October 2, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Event Guide October 3rd

Friday 3rd October

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

Queens Park Circle – Mackay Mums Circle
9am
Take a break and join a relaxed local mums’ gathering—come as you are, messy bun, hoodie, pjs, kids in whatever shoes (or none!). Sit, chat, and let the little ones run wild while sharing stories, tips, or venting about parenting. Most attendees didn’t know anyone at first, so don’t be shy. Free, casual, and your perfect excuse to get out for an hour or two.
Queens Park

Friday Guided Walks
10am
Discover the wonders of the Botanic Gardens on a guided walk led by an experienced Gardens Guide. These leisurely one-hour strolls offer insights into local plants and unique garden features, making it the perfect way to connect with nature. Ideal for all ages, the walks provide both education and relaxation in a beautiful setting.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, 9 Lagoon St , Mackay

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 4th October

Amped Up – Youth Initiative
11am
AMPED UP is more than just a performance – it’s a movement. This event brings live music, youth empowerment, and community spirit together, offering a safe stage for young performers from Mackay, Whitsundays, Bowen, and Isaac regions. Born from a focus on youth wellbeing and suicide prevention, it celebrates creativity, resilience, and the next generation of talent. Free entry, all ages welcome.
Seabreeze Hotel

Dress Up Party @ Mackay Family Carnival
5.30pm
Join the Mackay Family Carnival Dress Up Party for a night of costumes, characters, and carnival fun. On 4th October, from 5.30pm to 9pm at Mackay Showgrounds, enjoy free entry, face painting, dress-up prizes, a donut-eating competition, and unlimited rides for $45. A fun-filled evening for the whole family.
Mackay Showgrounds

Sunday 5th October

Mackay Swap Meet and Community Markets
6am
Mackay’s biggest morning of bargains is back! The Mackay Swap Meet & Community Markets returns on Sunday, 5 October, with more than 130 stalls and a huge variety of goods, from car parts and tools to plants, vintage items, toys, and collectables. Gates open at 6am, entry is $5, and site bookings start at $25.
Mackay Showgrounds

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

Puzzlin’ Fun Mackay
9am
Puzzlers of all ages are invited to the next Puzzlin’ Fun event on Sunday, 5 October. Enjoy a puzzle swap table, try puzzles ranging from 50 to 500 pieces, or take on the relaxed Puzzle Hustle and Puzzle Race challenges. Competitors can test themselves on puzzles from the QLD State and World Jigsaw Puzzle Competitions, with a 1,000-piece puzzle up for a lucky door prize.
Jubilee Community Centre

Monday 6th October

Ballroom and Latin Class
6.30pm
Learn International-style Ballroom and Latin dancing every Monday evening at St Charles Anglican Church Hall, West Mackay. Classes run from 6:30pm for beginners and intermediate dancers. All skill levels are welcome. Entry is $10 per person. For more information, phone Dave on 0401 290 109..
St Charles Anglican Church

Tuesday  7th October

BMA Kidspace
9.30am
BMA Kidspace at Artspace Mackay offers toddlers aged 0–5 a hands-on introduction to art through creative sessions and live music. Children can explore, make art, sing, and dance in a cooperative, fun-filled environment, with drop-in sessions running throughout the morning. A free, engaging experience for little ones to enjoy art and creativity.
Artspace Mackay

Community Climate Meeting
6pm
Join the monthly Climate Action Gathering in Central Queensland, hosted by the Mackay Conservation Group on the first Tuesday of every month. Meetings start at 6pm. Newcomers and regular supporters welcome. Can’t attend in person? RSVP online for the Zoom link and take part Mackay Conservation Group, 156 Wood Street.

Wednesday 8th October

Botanica 2025 - ‘Fruiting Bodies’ Exhibition
9am
The Botanical Art Interest Group Mackay presents Fruiting Bodies, showcasing detailed botanical artworks of flowers, fruits, seeds, and fungi. On display at the Lagoons Gallery, Botanic Gardens Café, from Wednesday 8 October to Sunday 9 November. Opening hours: Wed–Fri 9am–2pm, weekends 8am–3pm. Meet the artists 8 October, 11am–1pm; guided walk 24 October, 10am.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

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