Things to do in the Murraylands: January 23-29, 2026

The weather might not be looking too kind ahead of this long weekend, but there's plenty of ways to beat the heat.

After 13 years, the Murray Bridge Rodeo will make its return at the Monarto Sporting Complex on Saturday.

A later start of 6pm has been announced to coincide with the expected arrival of the cool change.

There will be an awful lot of sausages being sizzled as we celebrate Australia Day at events across the region, kicking off in Murray Bridge from 7am then at Tailem Bend and Mannum later in the morning.

Join us as we welcome our newest Australians and honour those who have been here a bit longer for their invaluable contributions to our communities.

If you'd rather something a bit sillier, Mannum Hotel are holding a lamington-eating competition on Monday afternoon, so don't have breakfast if that's on your calendar.

We hope to see you out and about enjoying this lovely long weekend.

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

Friday 23rd 🌞 36°

Funeral service for Arturo Nigro: 1.30pm at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Murray Bridge.

Deborah Othams author talk: 2pm at Murray Bridge Library. Join local author and trauma-informed practitioner Deborah Othams as she shares stories from her powerful book Beyond the Bruises, exploring the lasting emotional and relational scars left by bullying at any age. With gentle insight and grounded tools, Deb invites the community into a conversation about healing, voice, and safety in our bodies, our relationships, and our online spaces. Bookings essential: 8539 1175.

Angels and Oils: 8pm at the Swanport Hotel, Murray Bridge South. From the politically charged energy of Midnight Oil to the hard-hitting, no-nonsense rock of the Angels, this tribute night brings together the best of both worlds. Kick off your Australia Day long weekend with this thunderous tribute to two of Australia’s greatest rock acts. Call the hotel for details: 8532 3666.

Saturday 24th 🌤️ 46°

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

Lincoln Park open day and garage sale: POSTPONED.

Nate Franco: 12.30-4.30pm at the Pretoria Hotel, Mannum. Live music.

Race night: Gates 5pm, racing from 6.20pm at Murray Bridge Speedway. Featuring modified sedans, street stocks, wingless sprints, V6 sprints, junior sedans and classic speedcars. Tickets: $27/17 at tickets.speedwaytickets.com.au.

Murray Bridge Rodeo: 6pm at Monarto Sporting Complex. Bring a chair and get ready for a full evening of entertainment. Food and licensed bar available. Tickets: $40/30/20 plus booking fee at www.ticketebo.com.au.

Joe Blake and the Snakes: 8-11pm at Mannum Hotel. Kick off your long weekend with some blues with groove. Call the hotel for more information: 8569 1008.

Sunday 25th 🌤️ 31°

Cars and Coffee: 8.30-10.30am at Arnold Park, Mannum. All vehicles, bikes etc welcome. For more information call Peter: 0427 818 030.

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

Workin' Overtime with Graeme Hugo: 11am-4pm at the Imperial Football Club, Johnstone Park, Murray Bridge. Murray Bridge Country Music Club event, lunch available, all welcome. Admission: $12/10; for bookings and more information call Gloria on 0488 748 911.

Donna Gordge artist talk: 12pm at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery. Hear from the artist about her practice, and how her art explores the complex relationship between loss, longing and the continual evolution of our identities. Enjoy a personal tour of her current exhibition Hollow. Book your free ticket: events.humanitix.com.

Jack Driscoll: 12.30-4.30pm at the Pretoria Hotel, Mannum. Live music.

Lisa Jane: 2-5pm at the Mannum Hotel. Live music.

Monday 26th 🌞 42°

Australia Day celebrations: 7am at Edwards Square, Murray Bridge. Complimentary breakfast from 7am, official proceedings from 7.45am. Includes citizenship ceremony and the awarding of citizen of the year, young citizen of the year, award for active citizenship and community event of the year. All welcome.

Australia Day brunch and awards ceremony: 9am-12pm at Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum. Includes Mannum Lions brunch from 9-11, followed by a citizenship and awards ceremony at 11am. All welcome.

Australia Day citizen of the year awards ceremony: 9am at Tailem Bend Town Hall. Celebrate the 2026 citizen of the year, followed by a bacon, egg and Coorong mullet breakfast in the Willow Street precinct. Breakfast is $10 per serve. All welcome.

Australia Day Golf Day - Tailem Bend: registration from 9.30am, tee off from 10am at Tailem Bend Golf Club, Parkland Street, Tailem Bend. Format is 4-ball Ambrose, drinks and snacks available at the bar. Members - $20, Non-members - $30. For more information visit their page - www.facebook.com

Lamington-eating contest and Aussie trivia: 1pm at Mannum Hotel. Enjoy Australia Day at the Mannum Hotel including a sausage sizzle, Aussie trivia and a lamington-eating contest. Call the hotel for details: 8569 1008.

Tuesday 27th 🌤️🌬️ 41°

Parent Child Mother Goose: 9.30am at Mannum Leisure Centre. Cuddle, communicate, connect using songs, stories and rhymes to support connection between child and parent. Tuesdays during school term for children aged 0-5 and their parents/caregivers. More information: call 8572 3513.

Story time: 9.30-10am at Murray Bridge Library. Dive into a whimsical adventure with the library crew as we flip through some delightful picture books and unleash our inner artists with a super fun craft during story time. For kids aged 0-5 and their carers. Every Tuesday during school term. Call the library for details: 8539 1175.

Art Out Loud: 10am-2.30pm at Murray Bridge Community Centre, 18 Beatty Terrace. Focus on different art trends from paint pouring to mosaics and everything in between. Tuesdays during school term. $6 per session, all welcome. Call the centre for more information: 8531 1799.

Funeral service for David James Kennett: 10.30am at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Diggers Bingo: 12.30pm at Murray Bridge RSL. Bring along your friends for a fun-filled afternoon including cash prizes and a friendly atmosphere. There's a complimentary bus to and from the venue for Murray Bridge residents, please call Errol to book: 0428 115 911.

Chess Club: 4-5pm at Murray Bridge Library. No experience required, all welcome. Fortnightly during school term. Call the library for more information and to book your spot: 8539 1175.

Rural City of Murray Bridge meeting: 7pm at the Local Government Centre, 2 Seventh Street. All welcome. If you can't make it in person you can watch the livestream at www.youtube.com.

Wednesday 28th 🌦️ 26°

Decorative art: 1-4pm at Tailem Bend Community Centre Art Shed, 141 Railway Terrace. Join our social art group to share skills and learn from likeminded people. More information, book: $2.20/1.20, call 8572 3513.

Creative Kids Craft – Aussie emblems: 4-5pm at Murray Bridge Library. From seasonal decorations to personalised gifts and unique art projects, our sessions offer kids aged 5-12 the opportunity to make some fresh and exciting creations. Bookings essential: 8539 1175.

Bingo at the Bridgeport: 6.30pm in the Cods Bar at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. Eyes down 7pm, books $20. Limited seating due to venue size. Please note that no external food or beverages are allowed. This month's theme is pool party. Call for more information: 8532 2002.

Thursday 29th ⛅ 31°

Parent Child Mother Goose: 9.30am at Tailem Bend Primary School library. Cuddle, communicate, connect using songs, stories and rhymes to support connection between child and parent. Thursdays during school term for children aged 0-5 and their parents/caregivers. More information: call 8572 3513.

Funeral service for Shirley 'Heather' Baker: 10am at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Chatty Cafe: 10.30am-12.30pm at the Square, Murray Bridge. Come along for a cuppa, a chat and connect with others in your local community. Call the centre for more information: 8531 1799.

Rural Reads and Rhythms: 1.30-2.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. This is a 10-week program for families and young children to explore a variety of activities that support early childhood development in early years, helping babies and children thrive by talking, playing, reading and singing. Presented by Tailem Bend Community Centre. Call the library for more information and to book: 8539 1175.

The Correspondent: 5.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. The story of the arrest, trial and imprisonment of Australian journalist Peter Greste, who while reporting on the Arab Spring uprising becomes entangled in a deadly game of rivalries. Starring Richard Roxburgh. Rated M. Bookings essential: 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.