Armidale Light Festival
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Armidale Events

Click to view the Spring 2024 events calendar! (PDF 3MB), or view the list below.

No matter what time of year you visit, chances are there will be an event or festival in or around Armidale.

Events not to be missed include the Autumn Festival, Big Chill Festival, The Bach Festival, The New England Garden Festival, Armidale International Film Festival and Guyra Lamb and Potato Festival. Other great annual events include New England Sings, The Armidale Cup, Guyra Trout Festival, Armidale Youth Orchestra Garden Party, Vintage Truck, Machinery and Heavy Horse Show and the NEGS Equestrian events. The calendar is full with premier sport events including the TAS Rugby Carnivals, Tour de Rocks and the 12hr Mountain Bike Enduro.

Have an event to add to the calendar?

Drag Queen Paint & Sip

Armidale City Bowling Club 92-96 Dumaresq Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

18 years and older  Be guided by the amazing in-house artist step-by-step to create an amazing artwork that you will definitely love. And be entertained by the fabulous talents of our 7ft Drag goddess, Terry Daktyl! If you love a glass of wine or beer, enjoy a good laugh and want to get creative, you need to come along to one of our paint and sips. Grab a feed, kick back and enjoy yourself. Join in for a Paint and Sip […]

$65

“Living the Tradition” @ The Playhouse

The Armidale Playhouse 309 Beardy Street (cnr Ohio Street), ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

Film and Live Performance De Ziah and Date present Living the Tradition - A fabulous double event: Irish music film Living the Tradition followed by live concert. Step into the captivating world of Ilse de Ziah and Ian Date, a cello-guitar duo presenting an exclusive double event. Begin your journey with the enchanting documentary film Living the Tradition, where acclaimed cellist Ilse de Ziah explores the origins of Irish Airs. Delve into Irish musical heritage through stories, traditions, and melodies […]

$30.50 – $35.50

Shane Garrett @ Rafters

Rafters Diner 87 Malpas Street, GUYRA, NSW, Australia

Drop in for an awesome afternoon listening to all the pub rock classics. Great food, cold beer, delicious cocktails. Bring the whole family for a day to remember. Happy Hour 2.00-4.00pm.

Free

Can Assist Spring Luncheon

Manny's on Marsh 117 Marsh Street (upstairs), ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

The Whitebull Hotel is hosting a three-course luncheon upstairs at Manny's On marsh with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Can Assist, supporting cancer patients and their families across regional NSW. Let’s come together for a great cause and a wonderful meal! Ticket includes: three-course meal and your choice of beer, wine or soft drink. Purchase ticket from Whitebull Hotel.

$70

2024 John Dillon Memorial Lecture

Armidale Town Hall 127 Rusden Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

Will irresistible force overcome immovable object: solar photovoltaics and the energy transition? - John Quiggin (2011 UNE Distinguished Alumni and 2004 AARES Distinguished Fellow) Looking at the role of solar photovoltaics (PV) in the energy transition is reminiscent of the paradox arising from the clash of an irresistible force and an immovable object. John will argue that the irresistible force of low-cost solar generation will win out over the apparently immovable obstacles of entrenched attitudes and network structures. John Quiggin […]

Free

Fly Fishing Film Tour @ Belgrave Cinema

Belgrave Twin Cinema 145 Dumaresq Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

The Fly Fishing Film Tour is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind in the world and is now partnered with local fly fishing film festival RISE to bring you even more fly fishing. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction.

$19 – $22

Twilight Trivia Night @ the Newie

New England Hotel Cnr Dangar and Beardy Streets, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

Prizes for best dressed, themed drinks, mini games and more…!

Free

ArtsNational Lecture: “Matisse: Simple Beauty”

Michael Hoskins Creative Arts Centre The Armidale School, 87 Douglas Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

Matisse:  Simple Beauty - Paul Chapman (UK) Matisse is regarded as one of the artists who best helped to define the revolutionary developments in the visual arts throughout the opening decades of the twentieth century. During WWI he moved from Paris to the South of France, where his work became more figurative and traditional.  He was heralded as an upholder of the French Classical tradition and in later age he had a second flourish as an avant-garde artist. Paul Chapman is […]

$25

Book Launch @ Boobooks

Boobooks Books and Coffee Shop 176 Beardy Street Mall, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

Book Launch – Marty Branigan @ Boobooks VENUE: Boobooks Bookshop, 175 Beardy Street Mall. TIME: 6.00pm. COST: Free. For more information, phone 0400 859 250. Uralla Councillor, Adam Blakester, will launch the book, The Cultural Dimensions of Peace-building, followed by a Q&A with the author, Marty Branigan, led by Yvonne Langenburg.

Free

NECOM Lets Loose! @ Boobooks

Boobooks Books and Coffee Shop 176 Beardy Street Mall, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

NECOM Lets Loose! - Jack Cavanagh (pop music on electric cellos) In this exciting new venture coming out of the New England Conservatorium of Music, our brilliant teachers - mostly known for nurturing our young instrumental students to their potential in classical music - will be performing contemporary commercial music from Jazz to Beatles and Bowie. You will get to feel the sheer enjoyment of these musicians as they play some of their favourite popular music.

$15.88 – $21.00
Event Series NERAM Nights: MASQUERADE

NERAM Nights: Masquerade

New England Regional Art Museum 106-114 Kentucky Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

16+ event A night of mysterious and sensual entertainment after dark. Dress to impress, slip on a mask and join the Masquerade, NERAM’s latest cabaret extravaganza directed by Melissa Killen. Grab a cocktail at the pop-up bar and be delighted by the sultry show! It will be an evening of debauchery and allure. Ticket includes: Drink on arrival; Canapés; Cabaret performance featuring professional and local talent. Bookings close Sunday 13th October

$60.50 – $69.50

High Tea and Fashion

Oak Tree Retirement Village Martin Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

Ticket available from Turners (Beardy Street) and New England Hatters/Lifestyle Outfitters (The Plaza). Sponsored by the Quota club of Armidale, there will be a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival. Funds raised will go towards annual Community Spirit Awards for local secondary students.

$20

Springtime Platypus Picnic Afternoon Tea

Commissioners Waters Waterfall Way (4km east, left just after bridge), ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

Picnic afternoon tea with Bruce Cohen (a Traditional Owner from the Gumbaynggirr with ties to Anaiwan and Thungutti Nations), Dr Sue Elliott (developed an early years' resource kit for the Platypus and Rakali Project) and Dr Heidi Kolkert (will talk about community-based platypus project and how to effectively use camera traps). Activities: Indigenous perspectives, nature play, monitoring and recording techniques. Maybe even spot a platypus. If you would like to carpool, meet at the Armidale Visitor Information Centre at 2.00pm. […]

Free

PLC Armidale Signature Art Prize

PLC Armidale Astra Arts Centre Enter via Main Gates on Duval Street, Armidale

Come along for a night celebrating art and to raise money for the PLC Scholarship Foundation. This signature event will include finalist and student artwork sales, performances by our PLCA senior ensembles, dinner and dancing. The winners of our inaugural $10,000 acquisitive Signature Art Prize will be announced on the night. Avant-Garde ticket includes welcome drink at 6.00pm, three-course dinner and dancing. Masterpiece ticket includes pre-event tour of the finalist artwork exhibition with the judges: gallerist Allison Bellingen, curator Belinda […]

$113.25 – $154.25

NECOM Lets Loose! @ The Alternate Root

The Alternate Root 48 Bridge Street, URALLA, NSW, Australia

NECOM Lets Loose! - Rob Jackson Duo (pop and jazz on two electric cellos) In this exciting new venture coming out of the New England Conservatorium of Music, our brilliant teachers - mostly known for nurturing our young instrumental students to their potential in classical music - will be performing contemporary commercial music from Jazz to Beatles and Bowie. You will get to feel the sheer enjoyment of these musicians as they play some of their favourite popular music.

Free

Bush Dance @ Dangarsleigh

Dangarsleigh Hall 874 Dangarsleigh Road, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

Great fun for all ages with the Big Hairy Bush Band who will teach you all the steps as you do-si-do the night away. Bring your friends and family. Light refreshments and supper available. Prizes to give away! Directions to Dangarsleigh Hall - take Dangarsleigh Road for about 10km (past the Dangars Falls turnoff to left) and Hall is on the right just after this turnoff. Tickets available at the Armidale Tree Group nursery (80 Mann Street) or at door.

$10 – $20

19 for 19 Challenge – A Walk for Anya’s Wish

Armidale Visitor Information Centre 82 Marsh Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, Australia

5:45am - Registration and T-Shirt Collection at the Armidale Visitors Information Centre. 7:00am - 19km and 6.5km event starts, after Welcome to Country. * All walkers should have completed the course by 2:30pm. Buses will depart at 6:00am, 6:15am, 6:30am and last bus 6:45am. There is NO parking at the event site. The bus is the only form of transport. This is to lessen the impact on the roads and to protect the paddocks. Buses will be ready to return […]

$50 – $250

Kentucky Spring Fair

Kentucky Memorial Hall Noalimba Avenue, KENTUCKY, NSW, Australia

This market is one of the last market events before Christmas. What a great opportunity to find those last minute gifts and goodies for the stocking. BBQ, music and stalls showcasing local artisan crafts, food and wares. Visitors will enjoy displays from local vintage car and machinery clubs. Lots of fun for the kids.

Sunday Welcomes @ Walcha

Walcha WALCHA, NSW, Australia

Shop, Indulge, Explore! Shop for clothing, art, craft and bric-a-brac. Indulge in morning tea of lunch. Explore some of our hidden and not-so-hidden local artists.

Free