What’s On
10 - 25 July
Mackay Festival of the Arts - see individual dates for highlights
In July, Mackay will come alive with the best regional arts festival in Queensland. This year it will be firing up your imagination, sounding out new ideas and venues and bringing you exciting events and activities to enjoy. Returning this year will be the White Party, the Queens Park Big Top Tent that will host a series of Cabarets, the Divine Kitchen Concert at Greenmount Homestead, Songs for Sarina at Grasstree beach and the fabulous Royal Palm Long Table Dinner. Click here for full program.
15 July
Community Cabaret & Snuff Club - Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
Returning by popular acclaim and featuring the wonderful talents of the Ballshai Ballet, Velveteens, Sensory Circus and Selah Gospel Choir. Taking place in the comfort of the MECC Foyer, this night will be full of crazy, fun and beautiful singing. Book here.
15 July
In the Bin Short Film Festival - Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Australia’s unique short film festival, In The Bin, returns with Artistic Director, Jed Cahill, also offering workshops for budding filmmakers. All films are rated M15+, are under 15 minutes in length and will showcase the best of Australian talent. Bring a rug and picnic, sit back under the stars and enjoy. Starts 7.30pm Tropical Sun Lawn (Botanic Gardens), free entry.
25 July
Wine & Food Day - Queens Park, East Mackay
The Festival of Arts’ signature event, the G & S Engineering Wine and Food Day, will return again to Queens Park with an array of activities for young and old, food, wine and an ecclectic smorgasbord of entertainment including Frankie J Holden & Wilbur Wilde. 11am - 6pm, free entry.
17 July
Ruby Red's Burlesque Ball - Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
Ruby Red’s Revue has been voted the No 1 entertainment by Sydney’s Time Out - here's your chance to catch the best burlesque and vaudeville performers including The Town Bikes, Frankie Valentine and host Cam Hot August Knight. Throw on your best and brightest burlesque outfit (prizes for best costumes) for a night of fantastic burlesque entertainment. The evening will feature a cabaret, tapas menu and an array of fine wines and alcohol. This new event is set to be an eye opener! Tables of 10 can be booked - click here for prices and tickets.
27 - 29 July
Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) - Mackay Showgrounds
Every two years, QME brings together mining industry suppliers and buyers in the very heart of Queensland’s vital coal mining region. One of the largest expos of its kind in Australia, QME attracts thousands of visitors globally. Accommodation and flights to Mackay will be heavily booked during QME week so if you're planning on coming to Mackay during this period, we strongly recommend you confirm your accommodation well ahead of schedule.