Things to do in the Murraylands: May 15-21, 2026

This week is National Families Week and there's lots of do for all ages and tastes.

The Harrington Circus Show has landed in Murray Bridge with its amazing acrobats, clowns and other thrilling circus things, including an hour of rides and fairy floss before the show even starts.

A National Families Week activity is at Sturt Reserve on Friday afternoon, with a range of fun including face painting, arts, craft and a colour run for the youngsters and the youngsters at heart.

Who doesn't fancy a night at the drive-in at the Bend on Saturday night, with Dirty Dancing followed by Back to the Future?

It's also National Botanic Gardens Week, so green thumbs should visit Pangarinda Botanic Garden at Wellington East on Wednesday morning to celebrate with a range of activities run by their volunteers.

Have fun out there and don't forget to bring your brolly.

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

Friday 15th 🌦️ 22°

Flippin' Good Community Lunch: 12-2pm at Tailem Bend Community Centre. Enjoy a chicken burger or hamburger and soft drink for $5. Bring a mate, bring your appetite and let’s get flipping. Bookings preferred: 8572 3513.

National Families Week event: 2.30-5.30pm at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. Join an afternoon of family friendly fun, including free inflatables, face painting and a range of craft activities. Community partners will also provide interactive experiences, giving families the opportunity to learn more about the services, programs and supports available across the region. There will be a colour run at 5pm so please wear clothes that you don't mind getting messy. Register: www.trybooking.com.

Mypolonga RSL bingo and barbecue tea: 5.30pm at Mypolonga RSL. Join in for a barbecue, salad and chips followed by our monthly bingo. Assorted homemade sweets available for purchase. Eyes down 6.30pm. Adults $15, kids $10. Details: 0406 039 221.

Harrington Circus Show: 7pm at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. A classic family circus with 80 minutes of jaw-dropping acts, plus a funfair warming up the crowd from one hour before showtime. Tickets: $30/20 at harrington.sales.ticketsearch.com.

Saturday 16th 🌧️ 21°

River Murray football and netball: Ramblers v Mallee Districts at Le Messurier Oval, Murray Bridge; Mannum v Coorong at Mannum Showground; Mypolonga v Imperials at Mypolonga Memorial Oval; Tailem Bend v Jervois at Jaensch Park, Tailem Bend. A-grade netball at 12.30pm, A-grade football at 2.30pm.

Kids DIY – bee hotel: 10-10.45am, 11-11.45am and 12.30-1.15pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Join us in-store for a garden-themed kids DIY workshop. This workshop is recommended for kids aged 5-12 years old, children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Bookings essential: bunnings.com.au.

Drifting SA State Series round two practice: 4-8pm at the Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. Get along for this special night practice before the main event on Sunday. Four hours of track time, intermediate and advanced drivers welcome. If you know a driver, buddy passenger passes are available on the day. Tickets: $22.50 from trybooking.com.

Harrington Circus Show: 4pm and 7pm at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. A classic family circus with 80 minutes of jaw-dropping acts, plus a funfair warming up the crowd from one hour before showtime. Tickets: $30/20 at harrington.sales.ticketsearch.com.

Drive-in novie night: 4pm gates, 5pm start at the Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. Join us for a night under the stars with Dirty Dancing and Back to the Future on the big screen. It's perfect for couples looking for a romantic evening, families wanting a fun night out and friends who want to experience the nostalgia of the drive-in together. Tickets are priced per car, not per person. Please note that no alcohol or pets are allowed to be brought into the venue. Admission: Both movies $40, single movie only $25 from outix.co.

Sunday 17th 🌦️ 21°

Drifting SA State Series round two: 9am-5.30pm at the Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. The SA state series is known for its tight battles, fast-paced judging, and elite-level competition, where drivers push their limits to claim early championship points. Watch L1 and L2 drivers take on the challenge and battle their way to the podium plus SA drifting pro rides, RC drift, simulators and more. Tickets: $35 at trybooking.com.

Kids DIY – bee hotel: 10-10.45am, 11-11.45am and 12.30-1.15pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Join us in-store for a garden-themed kids DIY workshop. This workshop is recommended for kids aged 5-12 years old, children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Bookings essential: bunnings.com.au.

Harrington Circus Show: 12pm and 4pm at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. A classic family circus with 80 minutes of jaw-dropping acts, plus a funfair warming up the crowd from one hour before showtime. Tickets: $30/20 at harrington.sales.ticketsearch.com.

Monday 18th 🌦️ 20°

Yoga with Jo: 9.30am hatha yoga, 10.45am yin yoga at the Square, Murray Bridge. $6 for one session or $10 for both sessions. Mondays during school term. More information: 7559 0200.

Walking soccer: 10-11am at Tailem Bend Primary School gym. Are you looking for a fun, social, and low-impact way to stay active? It's a great way to get moving for ages 30-80. Please wear suitable clothing and bring a water bottle. Bookings essential: 8572 3513.

My Child and Me: 9.30am-12pm at Murray Bridge Library. This part one of a free, two-part workshop – part two is on May 25 – that helps you to build an understanding of your child and their healthy development. The workshop is full of helpful information with a choice of simple, practical strategies that each family can adapt for their own parenting situations. This workshop is recommended for parents/caregivers of children aged 2-12. There is no creche available for this workshop. Bookings essential: trybooking.com.

Walking netball: 6.15pm at Christian Reserve, Murray Bridge. Enjoy this fun, social and non-competitive activity for all ages. Please wear suitable shoes and clothes and bring your own drink bottle. $5 per session. More information: 0466 809 400.

Tuesday 19th 🌦️ 19°

Coorong District Council meeting: 10am-1pm at the local government centre, Tailem Bend. All welcome. Watch a live stream: www.youtube.com.

Bring Your Own Book Club: 2-3pm at the Square, Murray Bridge. Do you love reading but don't always want to commit to the same book as everyone else? Bring your own book, chat with others about their books and enjoy a chat with fellow readers. More information: 8531 1799.

Hip Hop Connect: 4-6pm at the Station, Murray Bridge. Come along to create, rehearse, record, and play. Free studio time included. Every Tuesday during school term. Contact Aiden: 0427 400 635.

Wednesday 20th ⛅ 19°

Botanic Gardens Week: 9am-1.30pm at Pangarinda Botanic Garden, Wellington East. We’d love you to celebrate with us at Pangarinda Botanic Garden for a relaxed and creative open morning. Includes volunteer guided garden tour, morning tea and a printmaking workshop. More information: 0409 282 477 or jbarrie40@gmail.com.

Easy Moves for Active Ageing: 10-10.45am at the Square, Murray Bridge. A light exercise class suitable for older people or those with mobility problems who are keen to keep their minds active and body moving. Contact the Murray Bridge Wellbeing Hub: 0468 640 800.

Coffee with a Lawyer: 2-3pm at Murray Bridge Library. Part of SA Law Week, drop into the library for a relaxed, free session where you are welcome to enjoy a coffee/tea on us and have a friendly chat with a qualified lawyer. It is a great chance to ask general legal questions and find out how we can best support you. No need to book.

Band Connections: 4-6pm at the Station, Murray Bridge. Come along to meet other musos, rehearse, record and play. Instruments provided. Every Wednesday during school term. Contact Aiden: 0427 400 635.

Cods Quiz: 7-10.15pm at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. Two rounds of 20 questions plus bonus round. Themed nights and prizes. Around two hours of fun. Teams of two or more are encouraged to register. Third Wednesday of the month. Register: humanitix.com.

Thursday 21st ⛅ 19°

I Am Woman: 11am at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre. Join cabaret powerhouses Amelia Ryan and Libby O’Donovan for a rollicking tribute to the women who redefined Australian music in the swinging 60s. From the anthems of Helen Reddy and Olivia Newton-John to the soulful sounds of Judith Durham, Wendy Saddington and more. Tickets: $22 from ticketbooth.com.au.

Chill Space: 3.30-5.30pm at Headspace Murray Bridge. Are you 12-25 looking for a chill space to play board games, try out new arts and crafts or win a round or two of Mario Kart? Join our fun, inclusive and safe space for all young people, with snacks provided. Thursdays during school term. Contact Headspace: 8531 2122.

Harrington Circus Show: 4pm and 7pm at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. A classic family circus with 80 minutes of jaw-dropping acts, plus a funfair warming up the crowd from one hour before showtime. Tickets: $30/20 at harrington.sales.ticketsearch.com.

Nights In Rodanthe: 5.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. Adrienne Willis, an unhappily married woman, meets Paul Flanner, a surgeon who carries his own share of difficulties, at a hotel. Troubled by their pasts, they both quickly find comfort in each other. Starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Rated PG. Tea and coffee provided. Book your spot: humanitix.com.

DM Henderson Q&A and book signing: 6pm at Fiction and Friction, Murray Bridge. Join romance author DM Henderson and celebrate the launch of Finding Northlane. Books are available to purchase directly from the author. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and nibbles available. Tickets: $20 at www.eventbrite.com.au.

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.