What’s On

BYRON

Connecting Generations autumn event

23 May, 3pm-5:30pm

Young families and older members of the community are invited to come along to the Connecting Generations autumn event at Bangalow Heritage House & Museum for a fun afternoon of activities, including bush dancing to a live band, damper making and dressing up as cowboys and cowgirls. There will also be opportunities to create nature-based art and craft and a community collage, and show off your talents in an open mic session. Connecting Generations is sponsored by Bangalow Men’s Shed and is a free event. Contact Ruth Winton-Brown 0413 261 011 or [email protected] for more information.

After Disaster Project

28 May, 6pm -7:15pm

Created by local musician Janet Swain, the After Disaster Project brings together children from Northern Rivers schools following the 2022 floods in a powerful musical collaboration. Working with Harry James Angus, Emily Lubitz, Ash Grunwald and Swain, students co-wrote songs about floods, climate change and resilience, culminating in a free community concert. The project was documented by award-winning filmmaker Sharon Shostak, and the film is to be screened at Brunswick Picture House. Featuring live performances of the original songs by Angus, Lubitz and Swain, the screening will act as a fundraiser for Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre. Tickets can be purchased through Eventfinda.

Shrek Rave

29 May, 6pm

Shrek Rave is bringing all the layers of the party to life with a swamp-sized night of chaos and fun. DJs will be spinning Shrek-inspired anthems and rave bangers to unleash your inner ogre, alongside wild visuals and special themed drinks. Expect a high-energy dancefloor, Shrektacular giveaways, and non-stop party vibes. You’re invited to step into the swamp for an unforgettable night of music, mayhem, and ogre-level celebration at Hotel Brunswick. Get tickets at Moshtix.

 

Tweed

Jason Delphin

28 May, 5pm

Jason Delphin delivers much more than just jazz, bringing a versatile mix of styles to his live shows. Regularly gigging between Byron Bay and Brisbane, he performs original material alongside well-loved covers that keep audiences singing and dancing. His sound blends flamenco swing, bluegrass blues and folk influences, showcasing a wide musical range and a strong ability to connect with any crowd. Catch Jason Delphin at Twin Towns for a free show. For more information visit twintowns.com.au/events/jason-delphin

The Caldera – Luke Close

22 May – 23 August

Regional artist Luke Close (Githabal/Widjabul Wia-bal) is passionate about his arts practice and sources information from people, places and things, and most importantly the land. His latest series of paintings feature regions of the Caldera he visits often, and honours his connection to Country and Aboriginal culture. Guests are invited to explore his exhibition at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre. For more information visit gallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/the-caldera-luke-close

Chi Chi Band

29 May, 7:30 pm

Chi Chi Band is a seasoned four-piece outfit that has rocked every kind of gig across Queensland and the Tweed, from packed dance parties to laid-back club lounges. Bringing a crowd-pleasing mix of live music and energy, the group is now heading to Club Tweed for a night guaranteed to get every kind of dancer on their feet. Expect classic hits, lively performances and a vibrant atmosphere. Book your party table at Trybooking.

 

Ballina

Karise Eden

31 May, 3pm

Karise Eden is one of Australia’s most distinctive voices, blending blues, soul, country and raw rock grit. Rising to fame as the inaugural winner of The Voice Australia in 2012, she broke ARIA records with her debut album My Journey. She has since released acclaimed records including Things I’ve Done, Born To Fight and Into The Black. Known for her powerful, genre-spanning live shows, Karise Eden’s performance at Shaws Bay Hotel is not one to miss. This is a free show. For more information visit shawsbayhotel.com.au/whats-on/karise-eden

Matthew Armitage

30 May, 6pm-9pm

Folksy blues and roots singer-songwriter Matthew Armitage has developed a distinctive solo style built around nylon-string acoustic guitar, foot-stomp percussion and blues-influenced vocals. Originally from New Zealand, he studied jazz, Brazilian and classical guitar and early rock ‘n’ roll before touring internationally, as well as honing his craft in Berlin and New York. Now based in the Northern Rivers, he continues to collaborate widely while performing original material, and in 2018 he shared his first album length collection of songs New Tide. See Matthew Armitage live in this free gig at Ballina RSL. For more information visit ballinarsl.com.au/event/matthew-armitagel

Art That Makes Itself – In Conversation with Paul Brown

30 May, 11am-12pm

A special in-conversation event at Northern Rivers Community Gallery, in conjunction with Ignite Studios, features exhibiting artist Paul Brown in discussion with NRCG Exhibitions Officer Travis Paterson. They will explore the evolution of Brown’s artistic practice and the ideas shaping his work. Brown creates generative artworks using artificial intelligence and artificial life systems, where simple programmed agents interact to produce complex, organic forms. His exhibition Colonies: The Geometric Sublime – Art That Makes Itself is on display at NRCG from 30 April – 21 June. For more information on the artist talk event visit nrcgballina.com.au/v1/public-programs/workshops/1026-artist-talk-with-paul-brown

 

Lismore

Thrashville Regional Battle – Lismore

31 May, 3:30pm-11pm

Thrashville 2026 Regional Battle is hitting Lismore’s Blah Bar, showcasing some of the most fierce and hard-working bands from the country’s overlooked corners. The Lismore lineup features Torment, Human Dinosaur Machine, Gusset Rats and Nuexit, each bringing high-energy, uncompromising live sets forged in Australia’s heavy underground. Expect a night of raw intensity, loud riffs and full-throttle performances as these acts battle it out for a spot on the official Thrashville 2026 lineup at Dashville. Get tickets at Humanitix.

Narmada Smith – Colour: gentle awareness

29 May-19 July

Colour theory is central to the multi-decade practice of Narmada Smith, whose work explores the transformative power of vivid colour on perception and consciousness. Her paintings invite slow looking and reflection on the relationships between colour, form and composition, creating a sensory, immersive experience. Influenced by modern art and Indian mysticism, and shaped by time spent in India, Smith’s practice is driven by colour’s ability to evoke awareness. Guests can view her work at Lismore Regional Gallery. For more information visit lismoregallery.org/exhibitions/colour-gentle-awareness

Checkered Past Band

30 May, 9:30pm

A five-piece rock covers band from the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Checkered Past Band deliver high-energy performances of some of the best rock songs from past decades. Known for their crowd-pleasing setlists and strong live presence, they bring classic rock favourites to life for audiences. They will be performing a live show at Hotel Lismore bringing a night of nostalgic, feel-good rock entertainment. For more information visit hotellismore.com.au/whats-on-at-hotel-lismore