2022 Elvis Festival
Road trippin'
The 2022 Elvis Festival in Parkes has been launched. Moved from its usual January time due to COVID, the festival returns April 20 to 24 and is jam-packed with a king-sized program of more than 200 events in a rock 'n' roll and Speedway theme (after the 1968 film of the same name), including free entertainment on the stage at Cooke Park. For information visit parkeselvisfestival.com.au.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Santa photos
Get in the spirit
Santa Claus won't be quarantining but he will be socially distanced when he appears around Dubbo in the lead up to Christmas this year. Santa will be making appearances at Orana Mall from until Christmas eve. Bookings will be essential for Santa photos, and COVID safety protocols will be in place. Sensory sensitive Santa sessions can also be booked. Santa will also be making a number of stops at Dubbo Square until December 24, with Mrs Claus assisting from December 18 to 21. Again, bookings are essential. There will also be two Santa pet sessions on December 13 and 16 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Get Santa photos with your fur kids at Pet Barn Dubbo on November 27 and 28 from 10am-3pm, December 2 from 5pm-7pm, December 11 from 10am-2pm and December 12 from 10am-3pm. Santa Paws pics with all creatures great and small will also be available at Ollie Robbins Oval, courtesy of Dubbo Rotary Club. Held November 27 and December 5, from 8am to noon.
Markets
Get fresh
You'll be able to pick up a gift or fresh produce this weekend with a couple of markets being held. Get down to Wise Park at Geurie for the Geurie Lions Markets on Saturday, November 27, from 8am to 1pm. Alternatively, check out the Dubbo Rotunda Market at Victoria Park in Talbragar Street from 8am to 1pm. Rotary volunteers will be checking vaccination elegibility and QR code scanning for entry. $2 donation entry.
Harness racing
All the action
The Dubbo Harness Racing Club will welcome back patrons on Saturday, November 27 with an eight-race program, including three feature events. QR sign-in and vaccination proof mandatory for entry. Gates open at 6.30pm. Dubbo Showground.
Artist talk
The lowdown
Join artist Scott Howie and curator Mariam Abboud as they discuss the evolution of Howie's art and the influences he has drawn from to create his latest body of work, "Scott Howie: how good is unaustralia". A free ticketed event at Western Plains Cultural Centre. December 4. 2pm. Visit www.westernplainsculturalcentre.org/events to register
Drive-in
Experience it
The iconic WestView Drive-In has commenced screenings - a safe and social way to watch a movie. Saturday, November 27 - Antim: The Final Truth (Hindi, 7.30pm); Friday, December 3 Ron's Gone Wrong and Saturday, December 4 No Time to Die (7.30pm). $40 per car (legally seating up to seven). Gates open 6pm for 7pm screening. Ticket sales online only - www.westviewdrivein.com.au.
Season launch
Kick it off
After along and trying year, Dubbo Regional Theatre will hold its 2022 season launch. Coming up for its 12th season of touring shows, the launch will provide a preview of what the theatre will be hosting next year, including international and home-grown acts that will provide exceptional entertainment - 22 shows from the 2022 season will be revealed. This will be a low-key, intimate (but socially distanced!) event. Sunday, November 28. 1pm (doors open at noon). $20. Free for 2021 subscribers.
Christmas Market
December treat
The Lazy River Pop-Up Market will give you a chance to snap up presents to a backdrop of live music as you get into the Christmas spirit. There will also be some fab food on offer. Parking will be available inside the estate (don't park on the busy road). Sunday 12 December, 29R Old Dubbo Road, 9am 2pm, entry by gold coin donation.
Carols by candlelight
'tis the season
Christmas is not that far away. Dubbo West Rotary Club will host the community Carols by Candlelight. Featuring local artists, choirs and bands, there will be food, drinks, ice-cream, safe-flame candles, and glo-sticks available. No alcohol or glass bottles or drink eskies; food eskies allowed. Sunday, December 12. Gates open 6pm. Victoria Park No 1 Oval.
Wildflower Festival
Get prepared
Ok, it may not be held until October 29, 2022, but general admission tickets are now on sale for the anticipated Wildflowers Festival in Mudgee. The festival will feature a who's who of Australian female musical talent. One stop on a wider tour kicking off in March, the Mudgee event at Craigmoor Wines features Missy Higgins, Kasey Chambers, Kate Miller-Heidke, Sarah Blasko, Deborah Conway, Alice Skye and Georgia June. Tickets to Wildflower are on sale at wildflowerfestivalaustralia.com.au.
Kickin' back
Live music
Live music is back! Kicking off at 6pm every Friday night, come and settle in for some entertainment at Devil's Hollow Brewery. The November line-up will include Jo Hyndes (November 26) and Sam Coon (November 27). 6pm to 9pm. The Establishment Bar will provide some lazy Sunday vibes, with an occasional Friday gig thrown in to keep things interesting. Sunday performances kick off at 4.30pm and includes Shelby Jones (December 5), Colin Hewett (December 12) and Jazz with Sarah D (December 19). Friday's live entertainment from 6pm will be Dan Challis (December 17) and Katie Thorne. The next musical bingo will be on December 23.
Exhibitions
WPCC
Looking for something fresh? There's lots on at the Western Plains Cultural Centre. The JamFactory's ICON series celebrates the achievements of South Australia's most influential artists; Flock looks at the world of birds' beauty and relationship to the world around them through photos and video; Wallace and McGee looks at the contribution the business made to the creation of Dubbo from the 1920s; Cazneaux by the Water highlights the works of Australian photography giant Harold Cazneaux. Check with the venue for dates and costs. The third Wednesday of every month features The Grand (De)Tour, in illustrated journey through current exhibitions, ideas and events from around the world. Next one is November 17. 6pm. Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo, NSW 2830.
Madame Flute
Plan ahead
Renowned flautist Jane Rutter (accompanied by Marcello Maio) will bring a touch of Paris to town with a French-inspired concert featuring the works of Debussy, Ravel, Piaf, Aznavour and Cole Porter. December 3, Macquarie Conservatorium of Music, corner Darling and Bultje streets, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets available from 123tix.com.au.
Trivia with Miss Betty
Coming up
Put all that pent up pandemic learning to the test during a night of laughter, trivia and kicking up your heels, hosted by the incomparable Miss Betty Confetti. Drag Queen Trivia will be held from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Saturday, December 11 at The Establishment Bar. Visit www.establishmentbardubbo.com.au/book to book a table of eight (bookings close six hours before the event).