Things to do in the Murraylands: October 9-15, 2026

As the school holidays draw to a close, there will be one last burst of family-friendly activity before things calm down a bit.

Take the kids to the Round House on Friday for its 150th birthday, or go and see some drifting at the Bend.

Then take a deep breath, because it will be time to start packing school lunches again in no time.

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

Friday 9th 🌦️ 24°

Round House 150th celebrations: 10am-12pm at the Round House, Murray Bridge. Come along and celebrate 150 years of history, stories and community with a cake cutting and music from the Strathalbyn Band. The Round House will be open to the public with heritage experiences, family-friendly activities, storytelling and refreshments available throughout the morning. Registration essential for catering purposes: humanitix.com.

Dungeons & Dragons: 10am-2pm at Headspace Murray Bridge. Fancy having a go at D&D? Come along to our free, come-and-try day for ages 12-25. Lunch provided. Registration essential, limited spaces: 8531 2122.

Drop and Swap - kids' items: 10am-5pm at Murray Bridge Library. You can contribute your clean, gently used, preloved baby and children's clothes, toys and small furniture eg. ports cots and bassinets. Donations will be sorted by size and age of child. Any items left over will be donated to a local op shop. More information: 8539 1175.

Funeral service for Trevor John Blake: 10.30am at the Minge Chapel, Murray Bridge.

UNO knockout competition: 6pm for 7pm at the Hub, Mannum. Become a champion and play the organiser for the grand prize! Lots of prizes to be won, snacks and drinks supplied. Entry fee: gold coin donation. More information: Contact Ben on 0407 613 360 or at benjamineichler1990@gmail.com.

Mumma Blue: 8pm-late at the Mannum Hotel. Kick off the weekend with some rockin' covers and original tunes with Mumma Blue. Courtesy bus available: 8569 1008.

Saturday 10th ⛅ 22°

Drifting SA State Series practice day: 9am-5.30pm at the Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. Join us for the finale of the State Series and see who takes home the silverware. The SA State Series is known for its tight battles, fast-paced judging, and elite-level competition where drivers push their limits to claim championship points. Tickets: From $27.50 plus fees from trybooking.com

Head of the Murray: From 10am at Mannum Rowing Club. Join fellow rowers for the annual 7.1-kilometre journey and see who takes home the Phil Mangelsdorf Trophy. Classes include masters, second and third grade, mixed crews. Lots of prizes on offer. $40 per seat. More information: 0417 803 707.

All Bike Nationals: 10am-9pm at the Dragway at the Bend, Tailem Bend. Don't miss your chance to see over 150 of Australia's quickest and fastest bikes battle it out over the quarter mile. Featured brackets: top fuel motorcycle, pro stock motorcycle, competition bike, modified bike, junior bike, plus classes for street registered bike, street registered Harley and extreme motorcycle, grudge Harley and scooter drags. Tickets: $30 from outix.co.

Kids DIY - emergency board: 10-10.45am, 11-11.45am and 12.30-1.15pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Kids will create a personalised emergency board where they can record important information such as emergency contacts, home address and key phone numbers. Using colourful markers and creative decorations, they can use their imagination and help keep their families organised and prepared. For ages 5-12, children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Registration recommended: bunnings.com.au.

Drop and Swap - kids' items: 10am-1pm at Murray Bridge Library. You can contribute your clean, gently used, preloved baby and children's clothes, toys and small furniture eg. ports cots and bassinets. Donations will be sorted by size and age of child. Any items left over will be donated to a local op shop. More information: 8539 1175.

Acoustic Footprint: From 12.30pm at the Pretoria Hotel, Mannum. Spend the afternoon by the river with some relaxing tunes.

Sunday 11th 🌞 29°

Drifting SA State Series: 9am-5.30pm at the Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend. Join us for the finale of the State Series and see who takes home the silverware. The SA State Series is known for its tight battles, fast-paced judging, and elite-level competition where drivers push their limits to claim championship points. Tickets: $35 plus fees from trybooking.com.

Come and try rowing: 9-11am at Murray Bridge Rowing Club. Have you ever wanted to try rowing? It's a low impact, fun way to get fit and enjoy the river. No experience needed. Ages 12-plus welcome. Please wear comfortable sports clothing and a hat. BYO water bottle and sunscreen. Other come and try dates will be October 18 and 25. More information: Peter 0411 686 363.

Friendly Street Poets open mic: 10am-12.30pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Church hall, Murray Bridge. This annual FSP poetry reading provides local poets with the opportunity for their poetry to be published in the FSP annual anthology. Please come and read and risk publication. Spectators welcome. Morning tea provided. More information: Call Val on 0487 041 046 or email Heather at sladdheath@gmail.com.

Kids DIY - emergency board: 10-10.45am, 11-11.45am and 12.30-1.15pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Kids will create a personalised emergency board where they can record important information such as emergency contacts, home address and key phone numbers. Using colourful markers and creative decorations, they can use their imagination and help keep their families organised and prepared. For ages 5-12, children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Registration recommended: bunnings.com.au.

The Two of Us: From 12.30pm at the Pretoria Hotel, Mannum. Spend the afternoon by the river with some relaxing tunes.

Jordan Holmes: 2-3pm at Murray Bridge Library. Groove to some fantastic tunes while you browse the library or kick back in the cafe and soak in a live gig featuring some great local talent. More information: 8539 1175.

Open mic: 2-6pm at the Mannum Hotel. You be the star of the legendary open mic session by the river. Have a go yourself or come and support those who do. More information: 8569 1008.

Leather and Lace Duo: 2-5pm at the Swanport Hotel, Murray Bridge South. Grab a table, grab your friends and spend your Sunday with us. More information: 8532 3666.

Chef's tasting experience: 6pm at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. Join us in the River Room for a night of elegant indulgence with a six-course degustation menu curated by our head chef to showcase some of the exciting new dishes to be included in our summer menu. The focus will be on native ingredients and local producers, highlighting Australian cuisine. Participants are able to critique each dish and provide feedback. Tickets: $79 plus fees or $99 plus fees with wine pairings from humanitix.com.

Monday 12th 🌦️ 19°

Coffee with a Cop and Neighbourhood Watch: 10am-1pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. During Crime Prevention Week, this is a relaxed way to connect with your local police and you local Neighbourhood Watch representatives. Ask questions, share concerns and hear about the great work they do in the community.

Walking soccer: 10-11am at Tailem Bend Primary School gym. Are you looking for a fun, social and low-impact way to stay active? All skills levels and abilities welcome. For ages 30-plus. Please wear suitable clothing and bring a water bottle. Mondays during school term. Bookings essential: 8572 3513.

Seed Library and Swap: 10am-12pm at Murray Bridge Library. Come along to the library cafe area to swap and donate your seeds in our seed library. Chat with like-minded people about seeds and gardening. For details: 8539 1175.

Little Moments, Growing Minds: 6-8pm at Tinyeri Children's Centre, Murray Bridge. A free workshop for expecting parents focused on the joys and learning moments of early parenthood. Enjoy conversations, practical demonstrations and community connection as we explore how everyday moments like talking, reading, singing and playing help your baby's mind grow. Dinner included, resources to take home. Bookings essential: trybooking.com.

Social walking netball: 6-7pm at Christian Reserve, Murray Bridge. All ages and skill levels welcome. $5 per player, wear a black/dark shirt, sensible shoes and bring your own water bottle. Mondays during school term. Details: 0466 809 400.

Rural City of Murray Bridge council meeting: 7pm at the Local Government Centre, Murray Bridge. All welcome. Live stream available on the council YouTube channel: youtube.com.

Tuesday 13th 🌦️ 16°

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 and their parents. Weekly during school term. Details: 8539 1175.

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

Open studio: 10.30am-1pm at Mannum Gallery and Gifts. Drop in for a morning of conversation and inspiration while you work on your current project. Table space provided, and some easels available or bring your own table-top easel. $5 for tea and coffee. Details: 0447 633 116.

Check Mate Gaming Club: 4-5.30pm at Murray Bridge Library. Join us for a fun-filled session of games, challenges, and friendly competition. Make new friends, learn new skills, and enjoy an afternoon away from screens. All ages welcome to come and play. Fortnightly on Tuesdays during school term. Details: 8539 1175.

Wednesday 14th 🌦️ 15°

Easy Moves for Active Ageing: 10-10.45am at the Square, Murray Bridge. It’s a great opportunity to get out, meet others and enjoy some gentle movement in a relaxed and friendly environment. Move at your own pace, work within your level of ability. Stay on for a chat and a cuppa. Details: 8531 1799.

Thursday 15th ⛅ 17°

Tina Turner tribute: 11am at Murray Bridge Performing Arts and Function Centre. Don't miss this thrilling Tina Turner tribute with Love Soul Deep, Adelaide’s premiere nine-piece soul/funk band, celebrating her electrifying legacy. Tickets: $22 from leapevents.com.

Adult Make and Take - Mediterranean-inspired fruit painting: 12-2pm at Bunnings Murray Bridge. Bring a taste of Europe to life with a colourful fruit painting workshop. Create your own holiday-inspired artwork, perfect for capturing a getaway vibe. For ages 16-plus, bookings essential: bunnings.com.au.

Ausveg SA regional roundup: 3.30-7pm at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge. Join us for our annual industry update and weeds forum. All welcome. Register your attendance: trybooking.com.

Bedtime stories: 6pm at Murray Bridge Library. Snuggle up in your cosiest PJs and grab your beloved teddy bear for a magical bedtime story with us. Fortnightly on Thursdays. Details: 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.