Things to do in the Murraylands: April 24-30, 2026

As Anzac Day rolls around, we quote words by John Schumann, the songwriter behind the band Redgum and the anthem I Was Only 19.

Schumann still works tirelessly on behalf of veterans to let people know about the awful toll that mental health problems continue to take on many who have worn the uniforms of our defence forces.

This Anzac Day, I’m asking Australians to widen the circle of remembrance to include those current and former ADF members who have taken their own lives as a result of their service, and to honour them as we honour those who fell or were wounded in the service of Australia. Every Anzac Day we stand together in the early morning light with our hands on our hearts saying “lest we forget”. Are these words just something we mumble once a year? Or are they a sacred promise that we Australians actually keep, in full, regardless of cost and the passage of time? If we truly mean these words then, on this Anzac Day, I’m asking that we also remember and honour those whose lives were claimed, slowly and silently, by the wars they brought home.

If you can't get to a dawn service, perhaps you could take a moment to remember those who have served to keep our country the extraordinary, totally unique and utterly magnificent place that it is.

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

Friday 24th 🌤️ 27°

Magical Fairy Jenna: 10am-2pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace. Join our very own Magical Fairy Jenna for creative, colourful and imaginative arts and craft workshops. Perfect for little creators, curious minds and kids who love to make, mix and imagine. There's glittery arts and crafts plus messy magic potion making. Limited to the first 100 children per day, suitable for primary‑aged children. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Find us near Big W.

Search for Spongebob Squarepants: 10am and 2pm at Murray Bridge Library. Hoping to prove his bravery to Mr Krabs, Spongebob follows a mysterious ghost pirate known as Flying Dutchman on a seafaring adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the ocean. Bookings essential: 8539 1175.

Funeral service for Scott 'Scotty Mac' McDonnell: 10.30am at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Mr Snotbottom: 11am at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre. Mr Snotbottom is a hysterically deeesgusting kids comedian brimming with all the ooey, gooey yucky things kids love and is the perfect entertainer for weird kids aged four-plus and their even weirder parents. Tickets: $15 from ticketbooth.com.au.

Make your own shrinky: 11am-1pm at Critter Cube, Murray Bridge. Looking for a little pet-themed fun for your school holidays? Meet our resident furry employees and take home your own little shrunken masterpiece. Bookings not required. Most suited to primary school aged and above, gold coin donation per shrinky and adults absolutely welcome. More information: 0428 682 116.

One Way Street: 6pm at Murray Bridge RSL. Start your weekend with some great live music and fantastic food at the Murray Bridge RSL. Details: 8532 1314.

JK Chillin': 8.30pm-late at Mannum Hotel. Kick off your weekend with some rockin' live tunes. Courtesy bus available. Details: 8569 1008.

Saturday 25th 🌦️ 31°

Anzac Day services:

• Bowhill: 6am at Bowhill Anzac Memorial, at the boat ramp, followed by breakfast at Bowhill Community Centre. Gold coin donation invited for breakfast.
• Mannum: 6am at the Randell Street war memorial, followed by a march to Mannum Rowing Club for a gunfire breakfast.
• Murray Bridge: 5.50am at the Sturt Reserve war memorial, with gunfire breakfast to follow at Murray Bridge RSL.
• Palmer: 6.30am at the Collier Park memorial gates. Breakfast follows at Palmer Pavilion.
• Rockleigh: 6am at the Old Rockleigh School House, then breakfast at Rockleigh CFS for $5 per person, with children under 12 free.
• Tailem Bend: 6am at the Railway Terrace war memorial, then breakfast at Tailem Bend RSL.
• Wellington: 6.30am at Wellington Hall, with a gunfire breakfast to follow.

River Murray football and netball: Jervois v Mallee at Jervois Oval; Imperials v Ramblers at Johnstone Park, Murray Bridge; Coorong v Southern Mallee at Tintinara Oval; Mypolonga v Tailem Bend at Mypolonga Memorial Oval. A grade football at 2.30pm, A grade netball at 12.30pm/4.20pm/5.45pm. Entry fee applies.

Kids DIY – poppy wristband: 1-2pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Join us for some of fun, creative and imaginative arts and crafts to inspire and delight. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Bookings essential: bunnings.com.au.

Just a Farmer: 6pm meal, 7pm screening at Purnong Hall. Come along to this free event in support of the Purnong Caurnamont Progress Association and Purnong Hall. Enjoy a free roast dinner plus dessert, soft drinks, tea and coffee followed by a screening of Just a Farmer. The film will be followed by a Q&A with special guests. Confirm your dinner: Contact Kris Sims on 0412 773 023 or at kris@simsrealestate.au.

Sunday 26th 🌞 22°

Cars and Coffee: 8.30am at Arnold Park, Mannum. All vehicles, bikes etc welcome. Come and join us on the riverfront with great cars, company, coffee and B&E thanks to Mannum CWA. Last Sunday of the month. More information: Contact Peter on 0427 818 030.

Kids DIY – pick n mix: 10-10.45am, 11-11.45am and 12.30-1.15pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Join us for some of fun, creative and imaginative arts and crafts to inspire and delight. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Bookings essential: bunnings.com.au.

Eddie Edwards and Chooka Williams: 11am-4pm at the Imperial Football Club, Murray Bridge. Murray Bridge Country Music Club event, lunch available, all welcome. Admission: $12/10; for table bookings, call Gloria on 0488 748 911.

Global Book Crawl event: 11am-3pm at Fiction and Friction, Murray Bridge. Twenty per cent off all stock, appearance by author Montana Fyre, raffle, colouring for kids and more.

Tough Love Garden Supply second birthday: 11.30am at Tough Love Garden Supply, Murray Bridge. Join the team in celebrating their second birthday with a free sausage sizzle. Coffee Be-Bop will also be there. You're welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and a chair for a chat. More information: 0480 458 315.

Rotary Art Show official opening: 2-4pm at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery. Jointly hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Mobilong and Murray Bridge for more than 30 years, this popular annual, community-driven exhibition presents a broad diversity of artworks by emerging, seasoned and hobbyist artists from the Murraylands region and beyond. Join us for our exhibition opening with guest speaker and 2026 judge Samantha Faehrmann. Register: events.humanitix.com.

One Way Street: 2-5pm at Mannum Hotel. Spend a relaxing few hours by the river to wind down your weekend. Details: 8569 1008.

Murray Bridge Basketball Association AGM: 6pm at the MBBA clubrooms, Murray Bridge Showground. All welcome. More information: admin@mbba.com.

Monday 27th 🌞 24°

Support at Home aged care information session: 10-11am at Murray Bridge Library. Join Murray Mallee Aged Care for this freesession on the new Support at Home aged care program. Learn what's changing, who the program is for, and how it can help older people supported at home. There will be time for questions and the chance to speak with local aged care experts. More information: 8539 1175.

Walking soccer: 10-11am at Tailem Bend Primary School gym. A fun, social and non-competitive way to exercise for people aged 30 to 80-plus. Please wear suitable clothing and bring a water bottle. Register at Tailem Bend Community Centre: 8572 3513 or info@tbcc.org.au.

Funeral service for Rita Stroeh: 10.30am at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Tuesday 28th ⛅ 28°

Storytime: 9.30-10am at Murray Bridge Library. We’ll read a few fun and engaging picture books together, then enjoy some bubbly sensory fun. For children aged 0-5 years, must be accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times. Tuesdays during school term. More information: 8539 1175.

Line dancing: 10-11.30am at Tailem Bend Town Hall. Join our new line dancing classes, beginner to advanced skills welcome. Booking required from Tailem Bend Community Centre: $11/5.50, call 8572 3513.

Social craft club: 12.30-3.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. Work on your project or learn something new and enjoy a few laughs with fellow crafters. Join us for craft, chats, and a cuppa. More information: 8539 1175.

Chess club: 4-5pm at Murray Bridge Library. No experience required, just bring your brain and a sense of fun. Ages 8-15 are welcome to join in for some chess-tastic fun. Fortnightly during school term. More information: 8539 1175.

Wednesday 29th ⛅ 25°

Golden Go Getters: 10.30-11.30am at Tailem Bend Town Hall. Help strengthen your muscles in a safe, fun and supported environment. Booking required from Tailem Bend Community Centre: $11/5.50, call 8572 3513.

Creative Kids Craft – Mothers Day: 4-5pm at Murray Bridge Library. From seasonal decorations to personalised gifts and unique art projects, Creative Kids Craft sessions offer fresh and exciting creations for children aged 5-12 years. Bookings essential: 8539 1175.

Bingo – glitter and sparkles theme: 6.45pm at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. Eyes down 7pm, books $20. Limited seating – first to come get the seats. Please don't bring your own food or drinks. Register: 8532 2002.

Thursday 30th ⛅ 29°

Yarn group: 9.30am-12pm at Murray Bridge Library. Bring your projects and savour a warm drink with other yarn crafters. Held Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. Bookings essential: 8539 1175.

Bed time stories: 6-6.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. Snuggle up in your cosiest PJs and grab your beloved teddy bear for a magical bedtime story with us. Fortnightly on Tuesdays, for children 0-5 years. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. More information: 8539 1175.

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.