Things to do in the Murraylands: October 16-22, 2026

One of the world’s most iconic automotive marques will be celebrated in Murray Bridge this weekend at the 48^th National Chevrolet Festival.

About 150 enthusiasts from every state in Australia are expected to descend on the Murraylands for a four-day tour, including a sunset cruise at the Bend Motorsport Park and visits to Old Tailem Town and the Revolution Motor Museum.

The big thing will be a show and shine day at Sturt Reserve on Saturday from 9am to 3pm, if you’d like to take a look.

But there’ll be a million other events on this week, too – scroll down and see.

This weekly feature is brought to you by Machinery Distributors Australia – delivering machinery solutions across Australia.

Friday 16th ⛅ 27°

Krazy Krafters Art Group: 9am-3.30pm at Murray Bridge Community Centre. An inclusive and friendly group who welcome you to bring along your own project. $2 per session.

Friday Funday Bingo: 10am-12.30pm at Tailem Bend Community Centre. Bring your friends, test your luck and enjoy a few hours of fun and laughter. We look forward to seeing you. $6 per book, 10 games. Tea and coffee available for a gold coin donation.

Coorong Connects – introduction to email: 10.30-11.30am at Tailem Bend Community Library. This beginner-friendly workshop will help you develop confidence using email. Create an email account, send and receive messages, attach photos and documents and manage your inbox more effectively. Register: Visit the library or call the Coorong council on 1300 785 277.

Murray Bridge Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo: 10am-3pm at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre. The 18th annual expo will feature local service providers, free activities and guest speakers including Sean Phillips from the Shaka Project. Take part in activities such as massage therapy and henna design. A sensory space will also be available in the Vicki Nottage Gallery. Community connections include Coffee with a Cop and conversations with the Chatty Café team. Free pizza lunch, coffee and fresh fruit provided.

Thermomix cooking demonstration: 1-3pm at Murray Bridge Library. Join Jessica Roffel and discover what Thermomix can do. If you'd like to be inspired or want to learn more, please come along for a fun and relaxed time for food, fun and laughter. Registration essential: humanitix.com.

Funeral service for Angela Mary Hiscock: 2pm at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Leather and Lace: From 6pm at Murray Bridge RSL. Kick your weekend off with some great live music and the new dance floor will be open and ready.

Saturday 17th 🌤️ 28°

Off street drags: Gates 8am, racing 10am-3pm at the Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. This event provides the unique opportunity for legal off-street drag racing. No matter your experience, we will be happy to teach you how to have fun at the dragway. Bring your street registered car or motorcycle along, race your mates, call out a vehicle on the night or just test your vehicle and skill against the lights.

Chevrolet show and shine: 9am-3pm at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. Get up close and personal with some classic Chevrolets as part of the 48th National Chevrolet Festival. Vehicles have travelled from across the country so take this your opportunity to ask questions and take photos. All welcome.

Mosaics: 9.30am-12.30pm at Murray Bridge Community Centre. Relax with some arty fun on a Saturday morning and create your mosaic masterpiece. All welcome. $6 per class plus a once off $10 materials fee.

Kids DIY – little heroes: 10-10.45am, 11-11.45am and 12.15-1.30pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. During Crime Prevention Week, we're educating families on ways to help protect our homes, vehicles and belongings. Kids can get involved by coming along and creating their very own superhero shield. Recommended for children 5-12 years. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Registration essential: bookings.bunnings.com.au.

Josh Morphett: From 12.30pm at the Pretoria Hotel, Mannum. Join Josh for some relaxing afternoon tunes.

Speedway: Gates 5pm, racing 6-11pm at Murray Bridge Speedway. Head along for round one of the club championship featuring 360/LS sprintcars, wingless sprints, street stocks and junior sedans. Tickets: $32.10 from speedwaytickets.com.au.

Bingo at Tungkillo: 6.30pm for eyes down 7pm at Tungkillo Soldiers Memorial Hall. BYO nibbles and drinks, tea and coffee provided. Cash only, no card facilities available. Raffle.

Sunday 18th 🌞 30°

Murray Bridge Car Show and Car Boot Sale: Sellers/vendors from 8am, public from 9am at Murray Bridge Showground. Come along and join our gathering of automotive enthusiasts showcasing a broad range of vehicles, including a car boot sale featuring car parts, accessories and motoring memorabilia. Incorporating the 48th National Chevrolet Festival.

South East Ride Against Suicide: From 8.15am, departing 9am at the Hall Cafe, Wellington East. Join motorcycle riders on a journey from Strathalbyn to the Naracoorte Show to raise awareness, and funds for support organisation Silent Ripples. Register: www.mycause.com.au.

River Murray Boat Owners sail past/parade: 10am at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge. Celebrate 50 years of the River Murray Boat Owners Association with a sail past featuring a spectacular flotilla of members' boats, paddle boats, and river boats led by the PS Daisy, the oldest paddle steamer on the River Murray. Two other paddle boats, the PV Mayflower and the PV Matilda, will also take part. Pack a picnic and settle in by the river as the flotilla cruises past.

Kids DIY – little heroes masks: 10-11.45am, 11-11.45am and 12.15-1.30pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Children will get hands-on creating a Little Heroes mask to match their shield from the previous workshop. Recommended for children 5-12 years. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Registration essential: bookings.bunnings.com.au.

Celebrate spring: 10am-2pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Join us for our family day including live product demonstrations, new season plants, pizza oven demonstration and tasting. Gardening questions can be answered by experts and support Paws and Claws at their adoption drive with puppies and kittens looking for a new home. Lots of family fun and activities including prizes to win. No booking necessary.

Come and try rowing: 9-11am at Murray Bridge Rowing Club. Have you ever wondered what it's like to glide across the water? Are you interested in a low impact, high reward fitness activity? Join us on Sunday morning and try rowing. Ages 12 plus welcome. More information: Call Peter on 0411 686 363.

Lucas Day: From 12.30pm at the Pretoria Hotel, Mannum. Join Lucas for some cool tunes by the river.

The Second Palmer Conversation: 1pm for shared lunch, 2-4pm talk in the Ecoshed at 372 Davenport Road, Palmer. Presented by Greg Johns and Bill Clifford; join Ross Young, associate professor in theoretical physics at Adelaide University, for "More than the Sum of Its Parts: A Conversation about the Proton". This is a rare opportunity to delve into the enigma of quantum, that least-understood yet most fundamental subject for understanding reality. Details: Contact Greg at gjoh4899@bigpond.net.au or Bill at billclif@outlook.com.

One Way Street: 3-6pm at the Mannum Hotel. Enjoy our regular Sunday sesh with some smooth grooves from One Way Street.

Troi Tyrell: 2-5pm at the Swanport Hotel, Murray Bridge. Grab your friends and settle in for some acoustic tunes with Troi Tyrell.

Resin art workshop for beginners: 1-3.30pm at the Parklane Motel and Restaurant, Murray Bridge. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of resin art at this hands-on workshop. This is a fun and easy class, open to anyone over the age of 18 but not recommended for pregnant women. You'll have a serving board, coaster and keychain to take home. Tickets: $120 from eventbrite.com.au, includes all materials.

Nine to Five information night: 7pm at Murray Bridge Players and Singers. Come along to find out more about our 2027 production of Nine to Five, our audition process and how you can get involved. All welcome. More information: bridgeplayersandsingers@live.com.au.

Monday 19th 🌞 31°

Yoga with Jo: 9.30am and 10.45am at the Square, Murray Bridge. Yoga with Jo is back for term four with hatha yoga at 9.30am and yin yoga at 10.45am. $6 per class of $10 for both.

Monica McInerney author talk: 11am at Murray Bridge Library. Join acclaimed Australian author Monica McInerney for a special conversation with 5MU's Jennie Lenman about her new novel, When Sullivan Met Lola. McInerney will share insights into her writing, characters and the inspiration behind her latest book. Registration essential: humanitix.com.

Dementia Connection Cafe: 1-2.30pm at the Square, Murray Bridge. For those living with dementia and their carers, friends and support partners. Come and connect with others in a supportive and friendly environment.

Funeral service for Jeffrey Winston Cross: 2pm at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

Walking netball: 6.45pm for a 7pm start at Christian Reserve, Murray Bridge. Please wear a dark/black top, sensible shoes and BYO water bottle. All ages and skill levels welcome. $5 per session. Details: 0466 809 400.

Tuesday 20th 🌦️ 27°

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. For ages 0-5, children must be accompanied by parent/carer.

Coorong District Council meeting: 10am at the Local Government Centre, Tailem Bend. All welcome. The meeting will be streamed at youtube.com.

Art Out Loud: 9.30am-12pm at Murray Bridge Community Centre. Try different art trends from paint pouring to mosaics and everything in between. $6 per session, all welcome.

Wood turning: 10am-12.30pm at Tailem Bend Community Centre. Join in to work on your current project or create new with us. CHSP $1.10, non-CHSP $2.20. Bookings required: 8572 3513.

Line dancing: 10-11.30am at Tailem Bend Town Hall. Beginner to advanced, all ages welcome. CHSP $5.50, non-CHSP $11.00. Bookings required: 8572 3513.

Paper coil bowl making workshop: 10.30am-12.30pm at Mannum Gallery and Gifts. Join our art and creative workshop designed to foster social connection, reduce isolation and support positive mental health in the community. $5 for tea and coffee. Details: Call 0447 633 116 or email mannumcreative@gmail.com.

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. Fortnightly during school term. Registration requested: humanitix.com.

Murray Mallee Regional Festival of Music: 7pm at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre. Featuring the combined talents of students from Murray Bridge North School, Mypolonga Primary School and Jervois Primary School. Tickets: $12 plus fees from trybooking.com.

Wednesday 21st 🌦️ 29°

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. Details: 0468 640 800.

She Rises: 1-3pm at the Square, Murray Bridge. She Rises is a safe space for women to connect, recharge, learn new wellbeing skills and support one another. Whether you’re seeking community, encouragement, or simply a quiet moment for yourself, you are welcome. Weekly on Wednesdays during term four.

Business networking event: 5-7.30pm at the Murraylands Skills Centre, Murray Bridge. This free event brings together local businesses, professionals, and community members to build meaningful relationships, share ideas and explore new opportunities within the region. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, promote your business or simply connect with others in a relaxed setting, this event is a great place to start. Registration requested for catering purposes: humanitix.com.

Cods quiz: 7pm at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. Each month your knowledge will be tested by Louise and Stacey, our amazing hosts. Third Wednesday of the month. Limited seating so make sure you register your team: humanitix.com.

Murray Mallee Regional Festival of Music: 7pm at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre. Featuring the combined talents of students from Karoonda Area School, Mannum Community College, Meningie Area School, Tailem Bend Primary School, Raukkan Aboriginal School and Lameroo Regional Community School. Tickets: $12 plus fees from trybooking.com.

Thursday 22nd 🌦️ 28°

Spring Nationals at the Bend: 10am-4pm at the Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. Day one of the Spring Nationals will be test and tune day and is free admission. This is your chance to get a sneak peak of the weekend's action. Don't miss the biggest drag meet in the country.

Chatty Cafe: 10.30am-12pm at the Square, Murray Bridge.

Tradies' sausage sizzle: 11am-2pm at Daish Irrigation and Fodder, Murray Bridge. Grab a feed and have a chat with the Headspace work and study team. All welcome.

Michael: 5.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. The story of pop superstar Michael Jackson, from his extraordinary early days in the Jackson Five to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuels a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Starring Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo and Mike Myers. Rated PG. Registration essential: humanitix.com.

Local Legends Sports Awards: 6.30pm for 7pm at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. These awards recognise the achievements and contributions of local athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials, clubs, teams and community leaders who help keep sport thriving across the Rural City of Murray Bridge. All welcome. Attendance registration essential: 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.