Things to do in the Murraylands: April 17-23, 2026

With some lovely autumn weather ahead for the remainder of the school holidays, load 'em up and head to the Murray Bridge Showgrounds for the biennial Lower Murray Vintage Engine and Machinery Show.

You can indulge your love of vintage engines while the kids enjoy the tractor pull, mini steam traction engine rides, RC truck display, tractors and things to climb and play on plus lots of things that chug, choof, pop and bang.

Sticking with the engine theme, the Bend is hosting the local finals of the ANDRA Regional Series at the dragway and the MSCA and PSV Sprint Series on the main track.

For music lovers of all kinds there's live music in Murray Bridge, a DJ at Mypolonga and karaoke at Mannum.

Community activities include a Stores for Paws event at Bunnings, a Mannum Lions Club shed sale and two days of drop and swap, this time for children's clothes and accessories, at the Murray Bridge Library.

We're sure you'll find something to do, so get out of the house and have fun finding it.

To express an interest in sponsoring this weekly feature, contact jane@murraybridge.news.

Friday 17th 🌦️ 20°

Drop and Swap: 10am-5pm at Murray Bridge Library. You're invited to participate in Murray Bridge Library's own children's items swap, aimed at promoting sustainability by sharing gently used children's clothing, toys and other baby items. Please contribute your clean, gently used, preloved baby and children's clothes, toys and small furniture such as port-a-cots and bassinets. Donate what you can. Take what you need. More information: 8539 1175.

Live music: 6-8.30pm at Murray Bridge RSL. Join Noel Kneebone, Bradley Towns, David Garner, Darren Gurney and Neil Chapman for a bit of fun, playing tunes and enjoying the company of friends.

DJ Al: From 6pm at Mypolonga Combined Sports Club. Back by popular demand, he's dusted off the vinyl, found his headphones and he's ready to rock. Come to the club for a value meal and some great sounds by DJ Al afterwards. All welcome.

Karaoke with Bristles: From 8.30pm at Mannum Hotel. Grab your friends, warm up those vocals, and get ready for a night full of fun, laughs and your favourite tunes. Details: 8569 1008.

Saturday 18th 🌞 23°

River Murray football and netball: Imperials v Southern Mallee at Johnstone Park, Murray Bridge; Tailem Bend v Mannum at Jaensch Park, Tailem Bend; Ramblers v Mypolonga at Le Messurier Oval, Murray Bridge; Mallee v Coorong at Karoonda Memorial Oval. A grade football at 2.30pm, A grade netball at 3.10pm. Entry fee applies.

MSCA and PCV Sprint Series: 8.30am-5pm at the Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. The MSCA represents 13 different sports car clubs and runs 10 sprint events per year across Victorian and South Australian motorsport circuits. Spectators free.

ANDRA Regional Series grand final: 9am-8pm at the Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. Witness Australia's best sportsman racers battle it out down the quarter mile. With coveted ANDRA gold Christmas trees up for grabs, this is a competitive spectacle not to be missed. A full day of tyre-smoking, wheels-up drag racing action for the whole family. Tickets: $30 from outix.co.

Mannum Lions Club shed sale: 8am-12pm at Mannum Showgrounds. Don’t miss the bargains. Coffee van and barbecue available. Everything from kitchen to garden and lots more. More information: 0434 470 227.

Lower Murray Vintage Engine and Machinery Show: From 9am at Murray Bridge Showground. Features stationary engine displays and working exhibits, a vintage tractor pull running both days, 20-plus market/craft stalls and a vehicle display. There's something for eveyone and plenty for the kids as well. Full catering on site. Continues Sunday. More info: Contact Jayme on 0419 037 756.

Stores for Paws: 10am-2pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Bunnings Stores for Paws is helping support local animal welfare groups, lifting awareness of pets in need of adoption and raising funds to support their work. Paws and Claws Adoption Group on site 10am-2pm with cats available for adoption plus donations and information stalls for local animal rescues. There will be something for the whole family, fur babies included.

Drop and Swap: 10am-12.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. You're invited to participate in Murray Bridge Library's own children's items swap. Aimed at promoting sustainability by sharing gently used children's clothing, toys and other baby items. Please contribute your clean, gently used, preloved baby and children's clothes, toys and small furniture, such as port-a-cots and bassinets. Donate what you can. Take what you need. More information: 8539 1175.

The Great Dog Walk of Murray Bridge: 12pm for a 12.20pm start at Thomas Road dog park, Murray Bridge. Walk to Totness Park for a break and then on to Sturt Reserve. Dogs must be on leash at all times and please respect the fitness and age of your dog – you can walk park or all of the way, you don't have to do it all. Please bring dog waste bags and water for both you and your dog.

Project V: 9pm-late at the Swanport Hotel, Murray Bridge South. Come and support local legends Project V as they play every rock classic you ever wanted to hear. Details: 8532 3666.

Sunday 19th 🌦️ 27°

Rocky Gully Sporting Clays: 8.30am-4pm at 3749 Old Princes Highway, Monarto. All are welcome to participate in the 75-target high gun event. Kitchen open. More information: rockygully@safga.org.au; register: scalivescores.com.au.

Lower Murray Vintage Engine and Machinery Show: From 9am at Murray Bridge Showground. Features stationary engine displays and working exhibits, a vintage tractor pull running both days, 20-plus market/craft stalls and a vehicle display. There's something for eveyone and plenty for the kids as well. Full catering on site. More info: Contact Jayme on 0419 037 756.

Mypolonga RSL Anzac service: 11am at Mypolonga RSL. Join us for a commemorative service at 11am followed by a light lunch in the RSL clubrooms. All welcome, proceeds to Anzac Appeal. More information: mypolonga@rslsa.org.au.

Cycle speedway: 12-4pm at Murraylands Cycle Speedway, Murray Bridge. Come and enjoy something different with the family these school holidays. Racing from tiny tots to over 40s. No expensive uniforms required, just wear long pants, a long sleeved top and closed-in shoes. Racing helmets and gloves can be borrowed on the day. Cost: $5 per rider or $15 per family. Meets are held fortnightly. More information: 0419 850 924.

Monday 20th ⛅ 22°

Know of anything happening today? Email jane@murraybridge.news.

Tuesday 21st 🌤️ 26°

Kids DIY – giant tic tac toe yard game: 10-11am at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Looking for a fun activity over the school holidays to keep the kids entertained? Join us in store and get creative with our super fun craft workshops. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Bookings essential: bunnings.com.au.

Funeral service for Dean Schenke: 10am at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Animals Anonymous: 11am-1pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Join us for SA's most interactive wildlife experience. We bring the magic of Australian animals to life, allowing you to touch and interact with these beautiful creatures while fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation. All welcome, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Aerosol art workshops: 12-2pm and 3-5pm at the Station, Murray Bridge. Guided by a professional artist, participants will plan, design, sketch and paint with aerosol in a safe and supportive environment. Each session is hands-on, giving you the chance to explore techniques and create your own unique artwork. For young people aged 12-25. Bookings essential: For the 12pm session, visit humanitix.com; for the 3pm session, visit humanitix.com.

Coorong District Council April meeting: 10am-1pm at the Coorong District Council office, Tailem Bend. All welcome. Watch the proceedings: youtube.com.

Wednesday 22nd ⛅ 26°

Kayaking: 9.30-11am at Swanport Reserve. For families with children aged 13 and under. Please wear a hat, long sleeves, sensible shoes and bring a water bottle. Presented by Communities for Children Murraylands. Register: Call Lyall on 0437 389 997.

Kids DIY – giant tic tac toe yard game: 10-11am at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Looking for a fun activity over the school holidays to keep the kids entertained? Join us in store and get creative with our super fun craft workshops. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Bookings essential: bunnings.com.au.

Meet Magical Fairy Jenna: 10am-2pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace. Join our very own Magical Fairy Jenna near Big W for creative, colourful and imaginative arts and craft workshops. Perfect for little creators, curious minds and kids who love to make, mix and imagine. For children aged 5-12 years. Limited to the first 100 children who attend each day, parent/guardian must remain with children at all times.

Horse racing: From 11am at Murray Bridge Racing Club. Whether you're a seasoned race goer or just looking for something different, don't miss a fantastic day of racing, food and fun. Free admission. Race-day packages available: moshtix.com.au

Earth Day craft day: 1-2pm at Murray Bridge Library. Join staff from Bunnings as they guide children in making seed bombs and to offer helpful Earth Day hints and planting tips. Bookings essential: 8539 1175.

Thursday 23rd 🌤️ 24°

Kayaking: 9.30am-12pm at Swanport Reserve. For families with children aged 13 and under. Please wear a hat, long sleeves, sensible shoes and bring a water bottle. All equipment provided. Presented by Communities for Children Murraylands. Take part: Call Lyall on 0437 389 997.

Kids DIY – giant tic tac toe yard game: 10-11am at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Looking for a fun activity over the school holidays to keep the kids entertained? Join us in store and get creative with our super fun craft workshops. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Bookings essential: bunnings.com.au.

Fishing: 12.30-2.30pm at Swanport Reserve. For families with children aged 13 and under. Please wear a hat, long sleeves, sensible shoes and bring a water bottle. All equipment provided. Presented by Communities for Children Murraylands. Take part: Call Lyall on 0437 389 997.

Marie Antoinette: 5.30-7.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. Maria Antonia, an Austrian princess, marries a French royal in 1770 to become Queen Marie Antoinette. However, what is supposed to be a charmed life takes a turn due to family drama and revolution. Rated M. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Rose Byrne and Jamie Dornan. Bookings essential: humanitix.com.

Let Murray Bridge News know about an upcoming event or express an interest in sponsoring this feature by emailing jane@murraybridge.news. Events may be listed at Murray Bridge News’ discretion.