With the work week coming to an end, it’s time to let your hair down (figuratively speaking) and put your mind at ease. After all, you work hard so you should play hard.
If you’re not looking to go out of town for the weekend, it helps to know what’s going on in Emerald on Friday nights all the way to Sunday evenings, to help you plan your weekend fun.
Clean Up Australia Day
For those who are looking to do some good, head to Emerald Botanic Gardens on Sunday, the 1st of March 2020. Meet some friends and get to know other locals who care about the environment as you slip, slop, slap and step outside to help clean up the place.
The day starts early at 8am at the Opal Street Emerald Botanic Gardens entrance. Bags, gloves, and clean up tools are provided. You will be designated a site to clean, after which, you head back to the Botanic Gardens for a well-deserved barbecue at 10am.
Don’t think the event is just about hard work, there are prizes for the most unusual items found, and the barbecue promises sausage sizzles, finger food, and drinks.
Pick a site and sign up to be a part of a cleaner Emerald here.
Live Entertainment at the Maraboon Tavern
Let’s take things up a notch and head to the Maraboon Tavern for an amazing lineup of great performers for some live entertainment. There aren’t many things more refreshing than to tune in to the beautiful sounds of the weekend hitting. And nothing kick starts the weekend than some live music.
Local and touring artists are lined up to perform throughout all of March 2020, every Friday and Saturday from 9pm to 12am. Here is the performer list for this upcoming month.
- Friday, 13 March: Steve Jay. With over 20 years of professional experience performing in Central Queensland, Steve Jay is an accomplished guitar player and vocalist that will impress. With a strong ability to shift from light dinner music to full-on dance classics, a night with Steve is an amazing atmosphere guaranteed.
- Saturday, 14 March: Chenai Boucher. Touring from Rockhampton, Chenai is one of Rocky’s most passionate female musicians. With impeccable piano and guitar skills that will leave you speechless, performances will be eclectic ranging from originals across roots, folk, funk, soul, rock and pop.
- Friday, 20 March: Shane Ward. Originating from Rockhamtpon with a decade of professional experience playing cover gigs, Shane knows how to get a crowd going with lively music and classic popular hits that will have the whole room singing along.
- Saturday, 21 March: Mikayla J. A contemporary country artist, Mikayla wins the hearts of country folk. Her music has been dubbed as sensational, with guitar tunes that are melodic and a heart-stopping voice that will have your heads turning.
- Friday, 27 March: TJ Hollis. With a nationwide experience reaching the shores of Airlie Beach to Melbourne and Central Queensland, TJ comes from a bloodline of musicians. A mix of folk, rock ‘n’ roll and punk merged in an acoustic setting, you are definitely in for a treat as you listen to original creations and classics alike.
- Saturday, 28 March: Anna Farquhar. Refreshingly honest with an outburst of passion, Anna’s music radiates like no other. With songs that will move you, heartfelt tales of joy and sorrow, and original creations inspired by relatable experiences and legends the like of Fleetwood Mac and Amy Shark, this night will blow your mind as you spin into a revelation of acoustic and pop rock.
Beyond the music comes spectacular food. The Maraboon Tavern holds the hearts of locals for a good reason. With quality food, steaks to die for, exceptional customer service, experienced and trained chefs, and excellent value for money, a weekend at the Maraboon Tavern is a great way to spend your Friday, Saturday or Sundays in Emerald.
Super Steak Sunday at the Maraboon Tavern
Boasting some of the best steak you would have ever had the chance to taste, fill up with a generous 300 gram rump served with piping hot chips and a yummy side salad for only $15. Starting from 11:30am and happening every Sunday at the Maraboon Tavern, the Super Steak Sunday event makes the charts for the top things to do in Emerald during the weekend.
Parents will also be glad to know that there is a dedicated kids play area to keep the little ones busy as you sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal. There’s a TV, a bunch of toys, an air hockey table, an outdoor playground, an outdoor table tennis table, a giant scrabble on the wall, plenty of lawn space for imaginations to run wild, and a special kids menu for the little ones to feast.
Eat St Markets in Emerald
Following the theme of food, mark Saturday the 14th of March 2020 on your calendars and attend the Eat St Markets in Emerald. Brought to you by Two at a Thyme and the Emerald Jockey Club, this annual event guarantees fun for the whole family.
Entry fees are just $10 for those above 12 years old, and kids under 12 are free. There will be over 20 food vendors, ensuring that there will be something for everyone. To entertain the kids, there is a dedicated action packed kids corner consisting of jumping castles, face painting, and Bells Barnyard for some animal fun.
Bring along a picnic rug to sprawl out on the green grass, chill out, lay back, and have an amazing afternoon. There will also be a live performance by Tameaka Powell from 4.30pm, who will be playing all of the classic hits. Renowned for being an exceptional country music artist, Tameaka has several awards and achievements to her name, such as becoming a finalist on the TV Series The Voice Australia in 2015 – that’s how good her vocals are!
Springsure St. Patrick’s Day Races
Happening on Saturday, the 21 March 2020, head to the Springsure Racetrack at 11am for some racing fun. With the program starting at 1.30pm, a strong schedule of five races is lined up to entertain.
Food and drinks will be available all day, followed by live night entertainment. There will also be Fashions on the Field so come prepared in your best dress in hopes to win a prize or two. You won’t have to leave the kids at home with children entertainment provided too. Head to their official event page here.
Twilight Market
On Saturday, 21 March 2020, the Twilight Market is happening from 6pm onward. Hosted by Bells Barnyard and the Rotary Club, the event happens on the third Saturday of every month at the Rotary Park.
Entertainment includes the Rotary’s famous barbecue, Bells Barnyard, an 18+ area with a full service bar, face painting for the kids, stomping elephants, Kythera creations, rah rah sparkles, Mitch be busking, food stalls, plant stalls, Mini Moni, Abbie Rose & Co, Bottle tree soaps, baby coffee clothing, Lipsense, KP creations, Vibrations Crystals and Healings, jumping castles, and so much more.
Macrame Beginners Workshop
Starting on Saturday, 28 March 2020, at 9am, Lynn Bartley of Earthy Essentials will be hosting a macrame beginners workshop for those crafty ones to have a go at their macrame making skills.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided, along with macrame rope for practice knots and a final masterpiece to take home. Here, you will learn the fundamentals of macrame art, how to choose rope, cut it, common patterns and knots, and you will put your knowledge to the test by creating a piece to take home.
For more information, contact Lynny Bartley on 0427858443.
Emerald Parkrun
A free event that takes place every Saturday at 7am from the top entrance of the Emerald Botanic Gardens (next to McIndoe Park on Opal Street), the Emerald Parkrun spans over a 5 kilometre route.
If you are interested in attending, make sure to register here before turning up.
