Things to do in the Murraylands: October 3-9, 2025
Your guide to everything happening in the Murraylands this week, thanks to Spry Holdings.
Between the long weekend and school holidays, it’s going to be a huge week in the Murraylands.
The Spring Nationals will be the weekend’s heavyweight event, with 20,000 drag racing fans expected to make their way down to the Bend.
Down the card will be local events like the Wellington Strawberry Fete, Palmer Hot Rod Street Party and sprintcar racing in Murray Bridge.
But if those aren’t your kettle of fish, there’ll be a range of free holiday activities and other goings-on, as well – scroll down and take a look.
This weekly feature is brought to you by Spry Holdings – supporting locals is our priority.
Friday 3rd 🌤️ 23°
Spring Nationals: From 8am at Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. The Australian Top Fuel Championship returns to headline the Spring Nationals alongside a bumper field of National Drag Racing Championship group one and sportsman racers. The country’s top drivers will push their machines to the limit, shattering records along the way and reaching speeds of 500km/h. Support categories include high-speed dragsters and bikes. Tickets: From $50 at www.outix.co.
Awakening exhibition opening: 9.30am at the Arnold Gallery, Mannum Visitor Centre. Come and celebrate two local artists holding their first joint exhibition: Helen Kauer and Hayley Hunt. A Mannum local, Helen's art embraces bold, bright colours from emotions and love and holds stunningly different textures. Hayley Hunt is a young, emerging artist from Murray Bridge. The exhibition will be open daily from 9.30am-3pm until October 29.
Animals Anonymous: 10-11am and 11am-12pm at Murray Bridge Library. Featuring around 8-10 friendly Australian native animals, including a baby crocodile, two pythons, two lizards, two marsupials and a bird. Get ready for a thrilling, interactive experience where you can pet and even hold most of these amazing creatures. Don't forget your camera – there's plenty of time to snap some unforgettable photos with your new animal pals. Bookings essential: 8539 1175.
Escape room – Yellow Brick Road: Multiple sessions from 10am at Murray Bridge Library. Dorothy and her friends need your help to escape the Wicked Witch's castle, hide from the flying monkeys and make it safely to the Emerald City. To succeed you must summon courage, use your brain and open your heart to defeat the Wicked Witch. Book: 8539 1175.
Snap's Kakadu Club: 11am-12pm at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre. Join Australia's leading female ventriloquist, Lindi Jane, as she presents Snap's Kakadu Club, a family show featuring Snap Crocodilous, the cheeky crocodile from Kakadu. Snap's Kakadu Club features clever ventriloquism, songs, dance games, comedy and educational themes. Tickets: $15 at events.ticketbooth.com.au.
Kids craft – beaded animal keychains: 2-3pm at Murray Bridge Library. Create your very own beaded animal keychains, from funky lizards to shiny fish and everything in between. Bookings: 8539 1175.
The Lipstick Pickups: From 8.30pm at Mannum Hotel. Join in an evening of great vibes, ice-cold drinks, and a live band that will keep you dancing all night long. Bring your friends, family, and dancing shoes. More information: 8569 1008.
Saturday 4th ⛅ 32°
Spring Nationals: From 8am at Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. The Australian Top Fuel Championship returns to headline the Spring Nationals alongside a bumper field of National Drag Racing Championship group one and sportsman racers. The country’s top drivers will push their machines to the limit, shattering records along the way and reaching speeds of 500km/h. Support categories include high-speed dragsters and bikes. Tickets: From $60 at www.outix.co.
Taylor Swift – the Official Release Party of a Showgirl: 10am, 2.10pm, 4.10pm and 6.10pm at Cameo Cinema, Murray Bridge. Featuring The Fate of Ophelia music video world premiere, lyric videos and Taylor’s reflections on songs from her brand new album. Tickets: $15 from www.cameocinema.com.au.
Sprintcars Battle of the Bridge: From 4pm, racing from 6-11pm at Murray Bridge Speedway. Join the annual Bill Wigzell Battle of the Bridge. Also features speedcars and junior sedans. Tickets: $37.50 at tickets.speedwaytickets.com.au; concession tickets only at the gate with ID.
Sunday 5th ⛅🌬️ 33°
Spring Nationals: From 8am at Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. The Australian Top Fuel Championship returns to headline the Spring Nationals alongside a bumper field of National Drag Racing Championship group one and sportsman racers. The country’s top drivers will push their machines to the limit, shattering records along the way and reaching speeds of 500km/h. Support categories include high-speed dragsters and bikes. Tickets: From $50 at www.outix.co.
Murray Bridge Cars and Coffee: 8-10am at Murray Bridge wharf precinct. Family friendly event for all car enthusiasts. If you love your car, so will we. Cars, bikes and even boats welcome. Food and drinks available on-site.
Mannum Markets: 9am-2pm at Arnold Park, Mannum. Come along and enjoy a vibrant day out. Check out our fantastic range of over 30 stallholders with something for everyone – crafts, local produce, food, gifts, and more. Pop in, support local and don’t forget to say hello. First Sunday of the month.
Darren's farewell: 9.30am at Murray Bridge Uniting Church. Final service for Reverend Darren Lovell, shared lunch to follow at 11.30am.
Wellington Strawberry Fete: 10am-2pm at Wellington Hall. A fun day for everyone featuring music, home produce, art, bric-a-brac and food, including strawberries, scones, jam and cream.
Palmer Hot Rod Street Party: 10am-4pm on Palmer main street. Featuring an array of hot rods, classics and customs. Gate and wheel barrow raffles. Entertainment by the Silverados and DJ Jess. Free entry. Call the Palmer Hotel for details: 8569 4054.
Taylor Swift – the Official Release Party of a Showgirl: 10am, 2.10pm, 4.10pm and 6.10pm at Cameo Cinema, Murray Bridge. Featuring The Fate of Ophelia music video world premiere, lyric videos and Taylor’s reflections on songs from her brand new album. Tickets: $15 from www.cameocinema.com.au.
Sprintcar Stampede: Gates from 4pm, racing 6-11pm at Murray Bridge Speedway. Also features speedcars and junior sedans. Tickets: $37.50 at tickets.speedwaytickets.com.au; concession tickets only at the gate with ID.
Monday 6th 🌦️ 19°
Nature Navigators: 9.30am-5pm at Monarto Safari Park, daily until October 12. Pick up a Scavenger Quest booklet at the gate and set your little adventurers on the lookout for nine nature items around the park while discovering animals and nature. The adventure continues at home, with each booklet containing extra activities to keep curious minds busy long after your visit. Usual park entry fees apply, advance bookings for non-members essential: tickets.zoossa.com.au.
Stoma support group: 10am at Murray Bridge RSL. Enjoy a friendly chat over tea, coffee, and biscuits. Whether you're living with a stoma or supporting someone who is, you're warmly welcome. Gold coin donation appreciated. For more information call Stephen on 0427 978 699 or Sandrina on 0428 104 439.
Mypolonga History Group morning tea: 10am-12pm at at Mypolonga Institute. Come along for a good old fashioned cuppa and chat and learn about the history of this beautiful town. Lucky door prize! All welcome. AGM to follow at 1pm. For more information call Caroline: 0438 354 124.
Tuesday 7th 🌤️ 21°
Kids DIY – bird feeder: 10-11am at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Looking for a fun activity over the school holidays to keep the kids entertained? Join us in store and get creative with our fun craft workshops. Kids will make, decorate and take home a bird feeder. For ages 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Bookings essential: www.bunnings.com.au.
Bumbles the Clown, fairy floss and balloon twisting: 10am-1pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace. Australia’s number one clown magician will be performing live with his crowd-favourite magic shows full of laughs, tricks, and surprises, plus a full lineup of free activities for kids. Get ready for silent discos, free fairy floss and balloon animals too. No need to book, located in the mall.
Aerosol art workshops: 12-2pm and 3-5pm at the Station, Murray Bridge. Learn planning, design, sketching and safe spray-painting techniques with a professional artist in a supportive space. Make sure you're wearing clothes you don’t mind getting paint on and closed-toe shoes. For young people aged 12-25, please bring your own water bottle. Bookings essential, limited places. Please book one session only: events.humanitix.com or events.humanitix.com. Call Samara for more information: 0427 400 635.
Diggers bingo: 12.30pm, eyes down 1pm at Murray Bridge RSL. Come along for a fun-filled afternoon with great cash prizes, a friendly atmosphere an complimentary tea and coffee. Bus service available for anyone not able to drive. Fortnightly on Tuesdays. Call 0432 936 285 for more information.
Healthy Ageing Week event: 1-4pm at Geoff Gobbet Hall, Walker Avenue, Mannum. A get together featuring crafts of all kinds. Bring your own or come to watch handcrafts being made. Tea, coffee and biscuits always available at no cost.
Basket weaving and feather flowers: 1.30-3.30pm at Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Empowered Communities, Murray Bridge East. Join Aunty Georgie for a basket weaving and feather flowers activity during the school holidays. All are welcome. Presented by AC Care. For more information and to book call Christine on 0487 204 687.
Funeral service for Donald Edwin Mossop: 2pm at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.
Wednesday 8th 🌦️ 23°
AFL kids coaching clinic: 9am-12pm and 1-4pm at Ramblers Football Club, Le Messurier Oval, Murray Bridge. Ages 9-11 at 9am, ages 12-14 at 1pm. Sessions feature high level fundamental skills focused on precision and decision making, game sense development, built in match like scenarios and feedback on skills to take away from the clinic. Only 24 spots per session, bookings essential. Tickets: $65, includes snacks, from www.eventbrite.com.au.
Kids DIY - Handy Flowers: 10am - 11am at Bunnings, Maurice Road, Murray Bridge. Looking for a fun activity over the school holidays to keep the kids entertained? Join us in store and get creative with our fun craft workshops. For ages 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by a parent / guardian at all times. Bookings essential - www.bunnings.com.au
Funeral service - Coral Traeger (nee Ritter): 10.30am at Christ Church Lutheran, Murray Bridge. If you'd like to livestream this service - bit.ly/48H9Oc8.
Battle of the Bridge Super Series (Rd 5): 7pm - 10.30pm at Johnstone Park Combined Clubrooms, Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge. Presented by Murray Bridge Indoor Mini RC Speedway. This week features (Regulated) - Midgets, EDM's, Sprintcars and Late Models. Cost: $5 per racer with your own car. For more information - mbindoorminircspeedway20@gmail.com
Thursday 9th 🌤️ 21°
Kids DIY - Pool Noodle Monster: 10am - 11am at Bunnings, Maurice Road, Murray Bridge. Looking for a fun activity over the school holidays to keep the kids entertained? Join us in store and get creative with our fun craft workshops. Kids will make and take home a pool noodle monster. For ages 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by a parent / guardian at all times. Bookings essential - www.bunnings.com.au
Bumbles the Clown's Amazing Magic Show: 10am - 1pm at Murray Bridge Marketplace, South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Australia’s #1 clown magician will be performing live with his crowd-favourite magic shows - full of laughs, tricks, and surprises, plus a full lineup of free activities for kids. No need to book, located next to EB Games.
Bike Cypress Hill Trail - Kinchina: 10am and 1pm sessions. For families with children aged under 13 years. Call Lyall at Centacare to register - 0437 389 997
Mallee Sustainable Farming AGM: 10.30am at Willow Precinct - 93a Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend. If you are unable to attend in person you are welcome to join online, email admin@msfp.org.au for link. Register your attendance at www.eventbrite.com.au
Murray Bridge Racing Club - Golf Day: 11am at Murray Bridge Golf Club, 1 Ritter Street, Murray Bridge. Murray Bridge Golf Club. Gather your team of 4 and get ready for a day of laughs, swings and friendly competition. Ambrose Shotgun start. Lunch from 11.30am, play from 12.30pm. Pre-order drinks for your eskies. Cost: $60 per person – includes BBQ lunch and a cap. Buggy hire $50. Spots are limited. Tickets - www.moshtix.com.au
Mayor and CEO Drop-In Session: 3.30pm - 5pm at Sunnyside Reserve, Murray Bridge. Join Rural City of Murray Bridge Mayor Wayne Thorley and CEO Heather Barclay for an informal, community drop-in session. Speak with Council leadership, share ideas, raise concerns and ask questions. For residents, business owners, community groups and anyone interested in local issues and opportunities. All welcome. Call Council for more information - 8539 1100
Murray Bridge Gold Cup - Calcutta: from 4pm at Murray Bridge Racing Club, Brinkley Road, Murray Bridge. Enjoy a drink and on arrival and a cocktail service for dinner be part of all the excitement in the lead-up to the Gold Cup. Doors open at 4.00pm, 4.30pm bar opening, formalities commencing at 7.00pm. Tickets - $42.47 from www.moshtix.com.au
Andrew Skeoch - Author Talk: 6pm - 7pm at Murray Bridge Library, 2/51 South Terrace, Murray Bridge. Join acoustic ecologist Andrew Skeoch for an inspiring author talk on his book Deep Listening to Nature. Andrew will guide you in identifying species by ear, understanding animal communication, and hearing the balance of entire ecosystems. Through immersive audio, spectrograms and fresh insights you'll hear the world in a whole new way. Bookings essential - events.humanitix.com
Correction: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect time and location for Coral Traeger's funeral.
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