Things to do in the Murraylands: May 1-7, 2026

In recent times, hay runs and the generosity of so many has enabled many of our farmers to keep going.

South Australia's Rotary Clubs have been part of that, delivering much-needed assistance to more than 350 farms across the state; and this Sunday they will host a Pioneer Adventure Day at Old Tailem Town, at which they will wrap their arms around families who are still doing it tough.

From 9am you will be able to enjoy food, drinks, live entertainment and even free haircuts and health checks for those who might need those services.

The SA History Festival will also kick off this Friday, with events dotted around our region, including an exhibition opening at Tailem Bend and an author talk in Murray Bridge.

Rev heads can spend the weekend at the Bend for round three of the Australian Superbike Championship, featuring seven classes of racing over three days; or at Cars and Coffee at Sturt Reserve on Sunday.

If you'd like something a little more leisurely, head to Mannum Markets or visit Murray Bridge Regional Gallery for the annual Rotary Art Show.

Have fun.

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

Friday 1st 🌬️ 30°

Australian Superbike Championships: 7.30am gates, 8.30am racing at the Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. Round three of the Australian Superbike Championship is the ultimate weekend for two-wheeled enthusiasts. Featuring bike displays, manufacturer displays, pit lane walks and autograph signing. Classes include superbike, supersport, supersport next gen, supersport 300, R3 Cup, Oceania Junior Cup and superbike masters. General admission is free on Friday for all practice and qualifying rounds. Tickets: $45 from outix.co.

The Story of Tailem Bend and Regions: 10am at the Coorong Gallery, Tailem Bend. Join Tailem Bend Historians for the opening of this exhibition celebrating local history through a collection of photos and stories. Additional photos and stories welcome. There will be a morning tea following official proceedings. The exhibition will be open Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm until May 21. Part of History Month. RSVP for catering purposes: 0438 389 307.

Funeral service for Janet Ruth Morrison: 2pm at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Biblio Banter: 2-3pm at Murray Bridge Library. Join a relaxed group of readers to discuss current reads, uncover hidden gems, and swap recommendations. Settle in with coffee or tea and enjoy lively conversation, fresh perspective, and a shared love of literature. More information: 8539 1175.

Domestic violence vigil: 4.30-5.30pm at the Place of Courage, Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. The Murray Bridge Regional Collaboration on Violence Against Women and Children invites you to this annual domestic violence vigil, a time for our community to come together, remember lives lost and stand in solidarity with survivors.

Saturday 2nd 🌦️ 25°

River Murray football and netball: Mannum v Mypolonga at Mannum Showground; Southern Mallee v Jervois at Lameroo Sport Grounds; Tailem Bend v Imperials at Jaensch Park, Tailem Bend; Ramblers v Coorong at Le Messurier Oval, Murray Bridge. A grade football at 2.30pm, A grade netball at 1.50pm.

Australian Superbike Championships: 7.30am gates, 8.30am racing at the Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. Round three of the Australian Superbike Championship is the ultimate weekend for two-wheeled enthusiasts. Featuring bike displays, manufacturer displays, pit lane walks and autograph signing. Classes include superbike, supersport, supersport next gen, supersport 300, R3 Cup, Oceania Junior Cup and superbike masters. Tickets: $45 from outix.co.

Kids DIY – Mothers Day craft and colouring in: 10am-2pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Join us for a weekend of fun, creative and imaginative arts and crafts that celebrate Mum. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Bookings: bunnings.com.au.

Triple Strike: 8.30pm-late at the Swanport Hotel, Murray Bridge South. Get ready for a night of rock anthems, grunge classics, party hits and Aussie favourites that’ll keep you on your feet all night long. Details: 8532 3666.

Sunday 3rd 🌦️ 20°

Australian Superbike Championships: 7.30am gates, 8.30am racing at the Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. Round three of the Australian Superbike Championship is the ultimate weekend for two-wheeled enthusiasts. Featuring bike displays, manufacturer displays, pit lane walks and autograph signing. Classes include superbike, supersport, supersport next gen, supersport 300, R3 Cup, Oceania Junior Cup and superbike masters. Tickets: $45 from outix.co.

Cars and Coffee: 8-10am at the wharf precinct, Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. All mums get a flower and if mums are driving the car, you get priority parking. Family friendly event for people who love cars, bikes, boats, tractors, trucks, utes, 4x4 and electric cars. All welcome. More information: Call Joanne on 0415 790 260.

Pioneer Adventure Day: 9am-4pm at Old Tailem Town, Tailem Bend. Presented by Rotary, the day aims to help those still affected by the drought and raise funds. Activities include free haircuts in the old-time barber shop, food, drinks, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, health checks and lots of fun for all ages. Help support a farming family by enjoying a day out with yours. Usual entry fees apply. More information: rotarypioneeradventureday.au.

Native plant giveaway: 9am-1pm at Brinkley Reuse Centre. Plant allocation: five plants for properties under 500m², 10 for those over 500m² within the Rural City of Murray BRidge. All plants have been lovingly propagated by community nursery volunteers, from seed collection to planting and care. Available while stocks last. Make a morning of it, grab a coffee, enjoy the sausage sizzle and ask our volunteers your gardening questions. Please bring proof of residence for eligibility. More information: 8539 1100.

Mannum Markets: 9am-2pm at Arnold Park. Browse a fantastic range of local stalls featuring handmade crafts, delicious treats, plants, gifts and more from more than 40 stallholders. Grab a coffee, enjoy some tasty food, and soak up the friendly community atmosphere. Held on the first Sunday of the month. More information: mannumvic@mid-murray.sa.gov.au.

Kids DIY – Mothers Day craft and colouring in: 10am-2pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Join us for a weekend of fun, creative and imaginative arts and crafts that celebrate Mum. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Bookings: bunnings.com.au.

Silent Ripples memorial day: 2pm at the Silent Ripples memorial garden, Murray Bridge Round House. This event honours those who lives have been lost to suicide and to support those left behind. More information: silentripples5@gmail.com.

Kevin Perks: 2-5pm at Mannum Hotel. Relax by the river and enjoy some acoustic tunes from Kevin Perks. Details: 8569 1008.

Monday 4th 🌦️ 20°

Journalling workshop/seed swap: 10am-12pm at Murray Bridge Library. Design a one-of-a-kind journal using mixed media, handmade paper, collage, stitching, paint, and found materials. Whether it's for self-care, storytelling, nature notes or family history, make it uniquely yours. Share and swap seeds while learning how to collect and grow native plants and edible crops. More information: 8539 1175.

Bruce Munday author talk: 11am at Murray Bridge Library. Discover the charm and mystery of South Australia’s dry‑stone walls with author Bruce Munday, whose unexpectedly beloved book Those Dry‑Stone Walls has become a local favourite. He'll share the curious story behind the book and explore the beauty of stone structures that have stood for more than 150 years without a trace of mortar. History Month event. Register: humanitix.com.

Tinny Rally wrap: 11am at Mary Ann Reserve, Mannum. Help celebrate the end of the 2026 Tinny Rally as the boats arrive from Mildura. Spectators can watch all the tinnies arrive from 11am, as they make their way into Mannum. 

Social walking netball update: 6.30pm at the Swanport Hotel, Murray Bridge South. All past, present and future participants are invited to come together and share ideas, direction, and vision for the future of the walking netball community. Whether you’ve played before or are simply interested in getting involved, everyone is welcome. More information: 0466 809 400.

Tuesday 5th 🌦️ 20°

Story time: 9.30-10am at Murray Bridge Library. We’ll read a few fun and engaging books together, then enjoy some bubbly sensory fun. More information: 8539 1175.

Coffee with a Cop: 10.30-11.30am at Murray Bridge Marketplace. Come and meet officers from SAPOL’s road safety section. Ask all your traffic questions and get safety advice while having a coffee.

Yarn Group: 9.30am-12pm at Murray Bridge Library. Searching for a welcoming space to work on your knitting, crocheting or other yarn-related crafts alongside fellow enthusiasts? Bring your projects and savour a warm drink with other yarn crafters. Every Tuesday and Thursday. Bookings essential: 8539 1175.

Bring Your Own Book Club: 2-3pm at the Square Community Centre, Murray Bridge. Do you love reading but don't always want to commit to the same book as everyone else? Come and meet fellow readers, have a chat and swap ideas for books to read. Tuesdays during school term. More information: 8531 1799.

Lego Club: 4-5pm at Murray Bridge Library. Join us at the Murray Bridge Library Lego Club and let your imagination run wild. An adult must accompany children aged 12 years and younger. Fornightly on Tuesdays during school term. More information: 8539 1175.

Wednesday 6th 🌦️ 20°

Mothers Day lunch and market: 10.30am at Karoonda Institute. Enjoy a two-course meal and shop for arts, crafts, jewellery, plants and more. All proceeds to the Karoonda Hospital Auxiliary. Lunch is $20 or pay a gold coin entry to the market. EFTPOS available at the door. More information: 8578 1004.

Horse racing: From 11am at Murray Bridge Racing Club. Enjoy a day of racing at South Australia's premier regional track. Tickets and race-day packages: moshtix.com.au.

Aussie Hoops: 4.30-5.30pm at Murray Bridge Basketball Stadium, Murray Bridge East. This fun and inclusive basketball program for boys and girls aged 5-10 is back for term two. Whether you’re new to the game or building skills for the future, Aussie Hoops is the perfect place to start. Register your interest: basketballconnect.com.

Murray Bridge Board Games Group: 10am-2pm and 3.30-9pm at Johnstone Park Combined Clubrooms, Murray Bridge. $5 entry, please bring your own games and share the fun. Held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. More information: mbbgg2025@gmail.com.

Thursday 7th 🌦️ 16°

Mosaics Classes: 9.30am-12.30pm at Murray Bridge Community Centre. All skill levels welcome. A $10 materials fee is payable on your first visit, then $6 per class.. Every Thursday during school term. More information: 8531 1799.

Crystalline silica substance training: 1-4pm at Tailem Bend Town Hall. This training will highlight an employer's legal responsibilities in relation to respirable crystalline silica and provide practical guidance. A key priority for the nining and quarrying occupational health and safety team and Return to Work SA is providing training and support to industries exposed to silica, to prevent injury and illness, and provide early intervention support. Register: eventbrite.com.au.

Victoria Purman author talk: 6.30-7.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. Celebrate History Month with bestselling author Victoria Purman as she explores The Marriage Trap, her engaging novel about family, rebellion and women's lives in 1960s Adelaide. Register: 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.