Things to do in the Murraylands: March 27-April 2

If you’re a drag racing fan, don’t miss this weekend’s Riverbend Nationals, which will bring the very best drag racers in the country to the Bend.

Those less keen on fast cars and tyre-smoking action can have their own drag experience at the Bridgeport with Terry Daktyl’s Sparkle and Sip – you’ll put sequins and rhinestones on everything before you leave with your sparkly designs.

If you haven't visited the excellent Skoposexhibition at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery just yet, hop along on Sunday to hear from the artist and her mentor from 2pm.

There will also be local charitable events on Saturday, including a sock sale, a bake sale and a church market; plus a movie night for Kai’s Run for DV on Monday.

So don’t dilly dally – head out and enjoy some gorgeous autumn weather.

This weekly feature is brought to you by Itsandbits Australia – everything from crafting to cuddles, memorials to massages, we do it all.

Friday 27th 🌬️ 19°

Garden Corner: 10-11am at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Join Ben as he walks you through some irrigation hints and tips. Bookings essential: www.bunnings.com.au.

Funeral service for Thomas Lawrence Trevorrow: 2pm at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Race Off – the Big Rover Rally Space Week workshop: 4-5pm at Murray Bridge Library. Race Off is a one-hour interactive digital workshop that introduces kids and young adults to space exploration through teamwork and competition. Working in teams, participants analyse lunar missions, choose and customise a rover, and race to complete the mission as quickly as possible. Suitable for ages 8-15. Registration essential: humanitix.com.

Sparkle and Sip: 6.30-9pm at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. Unleash your creativity at Sparkle and Sip, the ultimate rhinestoning experience with the fabulous Terry Daktyl. Bring an item of your choice and learn how to make it sparkle under the queen’s expert instruction. While you craft, enjoy a lively evening filled with fun, laughter, and jaw-dropping drag performances from Terry herself. Whether you’re a DIY pro or a total beginner, this event is perfect for anyone who loves creativity, glamour, and a good time. Tickets: $55 from www.eventbrite.com.au.

Fired Up: 8.30pm-late at Mannum Hotel. Bring your mates, enjoy the atmosphere, and make the most of some live and local music to kick off your weekend. Courtesy bus available; call 8569 1008 to book.

Saturday 28th 🌤️ 21°

Riverbend Nationals: Gates 9am, racing 10am-8pm at the Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. This event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring an electrifying lineup of National Drag Racing Championship group one and sportsman racers. With history in the making and records on the line, what new feats will these fire-breathing monsters accomplish? Fireworks follow the final race at approximately 9pm. Tickets: $50 from www.outix.co.

Lions Club sock drive: 9am-3pm at Drakes Murray Bridge. Socks are always needed in the cooler months so help the Lions Club of Murray Bridge by donating new socks at their sock drive. Socks will be donated to charities for distribution to local people.

Bake for Brain Cancer: From 9am at 32 Leslie Street, Murray Bridge. Cupcakes for sale for 50c, Easter raffle entries for a gold coin donation. All proceeds to the Peace of Mind Foundation for brain cancer awareness and support.

St Luke’s Market: 9am-1pm at St Luke’s Church, Tailem Bend. Bric-a-brac, KT’S acrylic artworks, candles, CDs, DVDs, plants, farm fresh vegetables and preserves, gifts, jewellery, clothes, vintage, memorabilia, toys, sausage sizzle and kransky with sauerkraut, hot and cold drinks, cakes. Free raffle ticket on entry, must be there to collect the prize.

Funeral service for Jesse Samson Upton: 11am at Bridge Evangelical Christian Church, Murray Bridge.

Sunday 29th 🌤️ 25°

Riverbend Nationals: Gates 7.30am, racing 8.30am-5pm at the Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. This event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring an electrifying lineup of National Drag Racing Championship group one and sportsman racers. With history in the making and records on the line, what new feats will these fire-breathing monsters accomplish? Tickets: $50 from www.outix.co. 

Cars and Coffee: 8.30-11am at Arnold Park, Mannum. All makes of cars and bikes welcome. Come join us for something new, with the Mannum Country Women’s Association cooking bacon and egg muffins for us. More information: Call Peter on 0427 818 030.

Principal tour: 12.15pm at St Joseph's School, Murray Bridge. If you're interested in sending your kids to St Jo's next term, or for 2027, learn more on this tour guided by principal Ros Oates. St Jo's caters for reception to year nine students. Register your interest: di.cook@stjomb.catholic.edu.au or 8534 2000.

Picasso by the River: 1-4pm at Monteith Hall. Feeling creative? Love to paint? Uncork your inner artist, a glass of vin in one hand and a paintbrush in the other creating your masterpiece. Get your friends together and have a fun afternoon at Monteith Hall’s paint and sip event, made possible by the Department of Primary Industries to support rural mental health. Nibbles and finger food provided, BYO alcohol. Tickets: $45 from ticketebo.com.au.

In Conversation: Susie Althorp and Catherine Truman: 2-3pm at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery. Enjoy an afternoon with exhibition artist Susie Althorp, in conversation with mentor Catherine Truman. Register: humanitix.com.

Backbeat Blend: 2-5pm at Mannum Hotel. Relax by the river with some smooth tunes.

Monday 30th 🌤️ 27°

Kai's Run for DV movie night - The Magic Faraway Tree: 6.30pm at Cameo Cinema, Murray Bridge. This is another great way to support the cause and have a night out with your friends and family. Based on Enid Blyton’s best-selling children’s classic, the story follows Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe and Fran - a modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. Tickets: $20 from ticketing.oz.veezi.com.

Tuesday 31st 🌤️ 32°

Storytime at the Library: 9.30am at Murray Bridge Library. Every Tuesday during the school term, 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 ages 0-5 years, must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings: 8539 1175.

Funeral service for Harvey Roy Ahrens: 10.30am at Murray Bridge RSL.

Social craft group: 12.30-3.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. Are you looking for an inviting place to work on your craft project with like-minded people? Work on your project or learn something new from friendly, fellow crafters. More information: 8539 1175.

Lego Club: 4-5pm at Murray Bridge Library. Come along to Lego Club and let your imagination run wild. An adult must accompany children aged 12 and younger. Fortnightly on Tuesdays. Bookings essential, limited spaces: 8539 1175.

Wednesday 1st 🌧️ 30°

Funeral service for Maxine Hampel: 11am at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Easter egg hunt: 5.30pm at Murray Bridge Golf Club. All welcome, meet at the clubhouse to start the hunt. Register: docs.google.com.

Easter bingo: Doors 6.45pm, eyes down 7pm at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. Easter theme. All welcome. Books $15. Register: 8532 2002.

Thursday 2nd 🌦️ 24°

Yarn group: 9.30am-12pm at Murray Bridge Library. Work on your own project or start something new. Every Tuesday and Thursday at the library. Bookings essential - 8539 1175

Designer pop-up clothes sale: 4-6.30pm at the Square Community Centre, Murray Bridge. We have a fantastic range of pre-loved and brand-new clothing with tags at amazing prices. Whether you're looking to refresh your wardrobe, grab a stylish bargain, or find something special, there will be plenty to choose from. Great prices, starting from $10, all proceeds to the Murray Bridge Community Centre. More information: 8531 1799.

Stitch 'Em Up sewing group: 5.30-7.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. Join us for an ab-sew-lutely good time where beautiful things are created one stitch at a time. Open to all ages and skill levels, no bookings needed just "sew" up. 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.