DATES SPRING EVENT INFORMATION– Updated 22/8

DATES SPRING EVENT INFORMATION – Updated 22/8/2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

Sat 11 Aug – Margaret Flockton Award Exhibition – A Scientific Botanical Exhibition – Blue Mountains Sun 14 Oct 2018 Botanical Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mt Tomah. Margaret Flockton was the first botanical illustrator to work at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The Margaret Flockton Award honours the enormous contribution Margaret made to early Australian botanical illustration and taxonomic research and encourages outstanding contemporary illustrators to build on this fine tradition. Complex science is translated into precise and detailed imagery as artists from around the world compete for this annual Award. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm daily. FREE Entry. www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/What-s-On

Thurs 16 Aug – Rhett Brewer and Anthony Cahill: On The Road – Braemar Gallery, 104 Macquarie Road, Sun 9 Sept 2018 Springwood. On The Road is a two person exhibition of paintings by Blue Mountains artists Anthony Cahill and Rhett Brewer. Anthony Cahill’s attention is drawn towards the shapes and colours of roadside monuments and playground equipment. The images that catch Rhett Brewer’s eye act as postcards from his many painting road trips. Time: 10am – 4pm, Thurs to Sun. FREE Entry. P: 4780 5410 http://bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/braemar-gallery

Thurs 16 Aug – Sanja Zemljacenko Herrmann: Sublime and Transient – Braemar Gallery, 104 Macquarie Road, Sun 9 Sept 2018 Springwood. Sublime and Transient presents a series of paintings and drawings by Sanja Zemljacenko Herrmann, documenting her encounters with fleeting moments, of beauty and awe, of time and place, of mindfulness and reverence. Time: 10am – 4pm, Thurs to Sun. FREE Entry. P: 4780 5410 http://bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/braemar-gallery

Fri 24 Aug – Sun Daffodil Festival – Throughout the Garden, Blue Mountains Botanical Garden, Bells Line of Road, 2 Sept 2018 Mt Tomah. With optimum growing conditions, the Garden will be transformed by a sea of gold as plantings of daffodils erupt in bloom. Enjoy a picnic, take some photos or simply enjoy the mass plantings. View the many varieties of cut flower in the Visitor Centre with cut flowers available for purchase along with Cancer Council Daffodil Day merchandise. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm daily. FREE entry although for a small fee book in for a guided daffodil walk or our bulb growing workshop. www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/What-s-On

Sat 25 Aug – Mycorrhizal Futurae – Ferox – Inferius – Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, 30 Parke Street, Sun 7 Oct 2018 Katoomba. Mycorrhizal: Futurae – Ferox – Inferius is Freedom Wilson’s new body of work which raises awareness of the endangered Buttercup Doubletail Orchid (Diuris aequalis). A Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Expose Program exhibition. Cultural Centre Opening Times: 10am - 5pm Mon to Fri, 10am - 4pm Sat/Sun. Gallery Entry: $5 Adults, $3 Concession, FREE for children under 16. P: 4780 5410 www.bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au

Sat 25 Aug – Blue Mountains Botanica – Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, 30 Parke Street, Katoomba. For Sun 14 Oct 2018 more than two centuries the unique vegetation of the Blue Mountains region has provided a rich treasure trove for some of Australia’s most notable botanists and botanical illustrators. Developed in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Blue Mountains Botanica delves into the history of botanical exploration of the Blue Mountains. Cultural Centre Opening Times: 10am - 5pm Mon to Fri, 10am - 4pm Sat/Sun. Gallery Entry: $5 Adults, $3 Concession, FREE for children under 16. P: 4780 5410 www.bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au

Sept – Nov 2018 Garden Safari – Kids’ Self-guided Treasure Quest – Throughout the Garden, Blue Mountains Botanical Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mt Tomah. Can you find the five trail stops? Follow the map All Spring to explore the Garden and enjoy fun hands-on activities. Learn about some weird and amazing plants, then answer the quiz questions to solve the puzzle and win the prize! Suitable for 6-13 years. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm. Entry: $7.50 per kit. Kits available from the Visitor Information desk. www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/What-s-On

Sept – Nov 2018 Curator’s Choice – Visitors Centre, Blue Mountains Botanical Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mt Tomah. Each season our Curator highlights a selection of his favourite plants that will be at their best in the Garden. During Spring he has chosen Waratah, Protea and Puya. You will be able to view these in the Garden, purchase plants grown from the Visitor Centre, with growing tips and information and you can read about them on the website. www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/Plants-(1)/Plant-of-the-Month

Sat 1 Sept 2018 Meet the Orchestra – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Performed by the SYO’s Western Sydney Youth Orchestra, this relaxed and informal concert has been specially designed to be interactive, informative and most importantly, lots of fun! Time: 9.30am OR 10.30am OR 11.30am. Entry: $27.50 Adult, $17.50 Concession/Child under 16yrs. Under 2yrs free. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Sat 1 Sept 2018 TANGENTS and Special Guest BROKEN CHIP – Upstairs for “Metro Social” at The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba. Tangents incendiary live shows are driven by live drums and electronic beats, with processed performances on cello, electric guitar and piano/Rhodes electric piano. Their live show is a natural extension of their recorded work – unique and unrepeatable, featuring an instinctual, organic sense of time & space, rhythm & melody between the five musicians. With a contempt for conventionality and a love for experimentation, Broken Chip creates music that is electronic yet organic, machine yet human. Time: Doors open 5pm, Show starts 6pm. Entry: $20 Early Bird pre-sale from Metropole Reception OR $21.50 with booking fee online/phone (02) 4782 5544 OR $25 at the Door from 5pm (unless sold out). www.stickytickets.com.au/70132

Sat 1 Sept 2018 Women’s Adventure Film Tour – Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel, 1 Sublime Point Road, Leura. This film festival is a celebration of the fantastic women around us who are doing extraordinary things. Join us for a series of inspiring short films with a focus on adventure, the environment and heart-warming stories. Time: 5pm – 7pm OR 7.30pm – 9.30pm. See website for tickets and booking details www.womensadventurefilmtour.com/australia

Sat 1 Sept 2018 Blackheath History Forum: Paul Irish, Hidden in Plain View: The Aboriginal people of coastal Sydney – Blackheath Primary School Hall, Corner Leichhardt Street and Great Western Highway. Paul Irish’s research formed the backbone of his 2017 book Hidden In Plain View: The Aboriginal People of Coastal Sydney, which he is here to discuss today. This talk explains how a period of cross-cultural entanglement arose, and later ended, in colonial Sydney, and why this history has remained hidden for so long. Time: 4pm. Entry: $5, refreshments available for $2 to $5. https://blackheathhistoryforum.org.au/2018-program

Sat 1 Sept 2018 All Things Daffodil – Growing Bulbs Successfully – Blue Mountains Botanical Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mt Tomah. Join our horticulturist to learn the secrets to bulb growing success. Learn about general cultivation and care tips for growing both spring and summer flowering bulbs with a hands-on propagation workshop. Morning tea and materials supplied. Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm. Entry: $25 ($22.50 Foundation & Friends Member). www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/whatson

Sat 1 Sept 2018 Bulbs of the Taurus Mountains of Turkey – with Mat Murray – Waratah Education Centre, Blue Mountains Botanical Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mt Tomah. Mat Murray, Senior Horticulturist – Ornamental, recently accompanied an expedition to the Taurus Mountains of Turkey to look for spring flowering bulbs. In this presentation he will tell you about the plants, people and places that were encountered on this trip, with some stunning imagery as a back drop. Time: 1pm – 2pm. Entry: $15 www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/whatson

Sat 1 – Sun 2 Lower Blue Mountains Arts Trail – Various open art studios in the Lower Blue Mountains. See Sept 2018 how art is made and the environments in which creativity and inspiration flourish. The artists who are opening their doors create paintings, textiles, photographs, mosaics, glasswork, sculptures and more! Set your own pace for a leisurely and inspiring art crawl. Time: 10am – 4pm. For full event details, visit the website www.artstrail.org.au For information about each artist and studio, check out the Blue Mountains Arts Trail Facebook page for regular updates www.facebook.com/bluemountainsartstrail

Sat 1 – Sun 23 Life is a Carnival – Everglades Gallery, Everglades Historic House & Garden, 37 Everglades Ave, Sept 2018 Leura. Everglades Gallery presents paintings by Ann Warnes and ceramic art by Jan Riley. Join the Carnival. Opening on Saturday 1 Sept, 2pm – 4pm. Free entry to the Gardens during the Opening. (Wed to Sun) Exhibition Times: 11am – 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Entry: Free with Garden admission ($13 Adult, $8 Concession, $4 Child). www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/everglades-house-gardens/

Sun 2 Sept 2018 Museum Open Day – Valley Heights Rail Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Heights. Open Day with Steam Tram rides to celebrate Father’s Day. Time: 10am – 4pm (last rides 3.30pm). Entry: FREE entry for all (accompanied) DADS, $15 Adults, $13 Senior, Pensioner & Student Concession, $11 School Students, Children 4 and under: FREE, $45 Family. www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/index.shtml

Sat 8 Sept 2018 Comedy for a Cause – Winmalee High School Hall, High School Drive, Winmalee. Comedy for a Cause presents a showcase of some of the best comedians from the Sydney and Melbourne International Comedy Festival in support of Winmalee High School. Please note: this is 18+ show and may contain some low level coarse language. Time: Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm – 10.15pm (approx.). Entry: $35 tickets includes superb selection of free nibbles and tea & coffee served by our Hospitality Senior Students. Wine available at the bar. http://comedyforacause.net/tc-events/whs/

Sat 8 - Sun 9 Museum Open Day – History Week – Valley Heights Rail Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Sept 2018 Heights. Open Day with Steam Train rides for History Week with themed event ‘Life & Death’. View rarely seen exhibits from other museums and themed displays marking the relationship between the rails and the departed. Time: 10am – 4pm (last rides 3.30pm). Entry: $15 Adults, $13 Senior, Pensioner & Student Concession, $11 School Students, Children 4 and under: FREE, $45 Family. www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/index.shtml

Sat 8 – Sun 9 Katoomba Leura Wentworth Falls Hospital Auxiliary 10th Quilt Show – Blue Mountains Village, Sept 2018 Corner Queens Road and the Great Western Highway, Leura. Exhibition of beautiful handmade quilts by skilled artisans living in the upper Blue Mountains. Join us in a warm friendly environment and enjoy this wonderful display and a Devonshire tea. Time: 10am – 4pm. Entry: $5 (additional $5 for Devonshire Tea) and raffles with a beautiful quilt as 1st Prize. www.nbmlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/news-stories/come-along-to-the-hospital-auxiliary-quilt-show

Sat 8 – Sun 9 & Mid Mountains Garden Festival – Come and explore our eight beautiful spring gardens of the Sat 15 – Sun 16 Mid Blue Mountains. All funds raised go to Hazelbrook Public School P&C Association to assist Sept 2018 with school acquisitions. Plant sales at Tarraleah, Banool and 20 Mile Hollow Café. Present your Garden Festival ticket at 20 Mile Hollow Café (Woodford) for a free coffee or tea. Time: 10am – 4pm. Entry: $5 each garden or visit all 8 for $25. Children under 16yrs are free if with an adult. www.facebook.com/HazelbrookWoodfordLindenGardenFestival

Sat 8 – Sun 9 & Daffodils at Rydal – Various open gardens, Rydal. Combine colourful gardens with stunning daffodils through the heritage village and country landscapes. An exciting program featuring a Sat 15 – Sun 16 variety of guest presenters are sure to entice you with floral demonstrations, gardening talks, art Sept 2018 show and Sculptures in the Scrub in memory of local renowned sculptor, Antony Symons. Time: 10am – 4pm. Entry: $10 for admission to all the gardens, cash only. Proceeds support charities in the Lithgow district. Pay at the Information Centre, at the Railway Station on the main street or upon entrance to many of the gardens. www.rydal.com.au P: 0438 831 248 or 0448 542 848

Sun 9 Sept 2018 BMCS: Last Night at the Proms – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. A community event featuring the Blue Mountains Orchestra joined by the 100 voice choir and soloists. Time: 2pm. Entry: $45 Adult, $40 Concession, $25 Student. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Sun 9 Sept 2018 Three Piece Suite: Variations on a Theme – Blackheath Presbyterian Church (Leslie Memorial Church), 123-125 Wentworth Street, Blackheath. The string trio - Rachel Westwood, violin, Valmai Coggins, viola, and Deborah Coogan, cello, will explore examples from Boccherini via Mozart and Beethoven to Dohnanyi, Lawrence, Strauss, Klein and more, who all used the principle of theme and variations with elements of drama, joy and finesse. Three Piece Suite is also celebrating its 15th concert in Blackheath. Meet the musicians after the performance over afternoon tea with variations of its own. Time: 4pm. Entry: $30 Adult, $5 Child. www.tpschambermusic.com P: 0418 113 309

Wed 12 Sept The Story and Songs of Olivia Newton-John with Dorathy Cooper – Blue Mountains Theatre & 2018 Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Dorathy Cooper presents this charming tribute to our ‘Liv’, in a journey from her discovery by Johnny O’Keefe to the present. This show features all her best known hits, including some great duets with guest Lonnie Brabender as JOK. Time: 11am. Entry: $20. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Thurs 13 Sept – Horizons: Three Blue Mountains artists explore landscapes – Braemar Gallery, 104 Macquarie Sun 7 Oct 2018 Road, Springwood. Horizons celebrates the rich Australian tradition of landscape painting and draws together three very different outlooks, perspectives and perceptions from three Blue Mountains artists, with new work from Ruth le Cheminant, Ingrid Russell and Vicki Hersey. Time: 10am – 4pm, Thurs to Sun. FREE Entry. P: 4780 5410 http://bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/braemar-gallery

Thurs 13 Sept – Blue Mountains Botanical Artists: Beginners and Beyond – Braemar Gallery, 104 Macquarie Sun 7 Oct 2018 Road, Springwood. This exhibition showcases the botanical art of local scientific illustrator Barbara Duckworth and her students, who meet on the last weekend of the month in the Lawson Library in the Blue Mountains. The majority of the works are watercolours, with pieces also in graphite, pen and ink, and coloured pencils, and subjects include both native and exotic plants, fruit and vegetables. Time: 10am – 4pm, Thurs to Sun. FREE Entry. P: 4780 5410 http://bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/braemar-gallery

Fri 14 Sept 2018 Glenn A Baker presents: Nancy & Lee Experience – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Join us for another unforgettable night of entertainment when Glenn A Baker once more graces our stage to host a presentation of the acclaimed Nancy Sinatra/Lee Hazlewood Experience. Time: 8pm. Entry: $33 Adult, $30 Concession. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Sat 15 Sept Ian Cooper & Emma Pask – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, 2018 Springwood. One of Australia’s most exciting virtuoso violinists together with one of Australia’s favourite Jazz voices delight audiences with Jazz Soul & Gypsy Swing. Time: 7.30pm. Entry: $62 Adult, $25 Student, $15 Child under 16yrs. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Sat 15 Sept Blackheath History Forum: Joe Gorman, The Game of Tomorrow: Australian soccer, 2018 multiculturalism and the Asian century – Blackheath Primary School Hall, Corner Leichhardt Street and Great Western Highway. This talk will examine the complicated relationship between soccer and the Australian identity. Charting the progress of the Socceroos, the Matildas, and Australia’s national competitions, it will argue that soccer offers new ways of understanding the story of modern Australia, from the postwar migrant boom to present predictions of an Asian Century. Time: 4pm. Entry: $5, refreshments available for $2 to $5. https://blackheathhistoryforum.org.au/2018-program

Fri 21 Sept 2018 Xylouris White – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Xylouris White, the visionary collaboration of Cretan lute player and vocalist George Xylouris and Australian post-punk drummer Jim White (The Dirty Three), returns to Australia to celebrate the release of their third album, Mother. Mother continues the duo’s innovative concoction of free- jazz, avant-rock and ages-old Greek folk traditions that saw their 2014 debut album Goats top the Billboard World Music chart. Time: 8pm. Entry: $36 Adult, $33 Concession. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Sat 22 Sept Always…Patsy Cline – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, 2018 Springwood. Always...Patsy Cline is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s endearing friendship with Houston fan Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky- tonk in l961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. Complete with down home country humour, true emotion and even some audience participation, it includes 27 of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight. Time: 8pm. Entry: $55 Adult, $50 Concession. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Sat 22 Sept Run Nation Film Festival – Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel, 1 Sublime Point 2018 Road, Leura. Live the passion, the purpose and the people. They have selected the very best running films to leave your heart pounding and your mind mesmerised. Presented by Travelling Fit, their 2018 collection of original short films will focus on human-interest stories that use running as the medium of storytelling. Time: 7pm – 9pm. See website for ticket details. https://runnationfilmfestival.com/bluemountains/

Sat 22 Sept Waratah Wander – Meet at the Visitor Centre, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of 2018 Road, Mount Tomah. Join us for an hour-long Horticulturist guided walk discovering the magnificent waratah collection on display at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. Time: 11.30am OR 1.30pm. Entry: $15 ($13.50 Foundation & Friends Members). Bookings essential. www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Sat 22 Sept Waratah Workshop with Gordon Meiklejohn – Waratah Centre, Blue Mountains Botanic 2018 Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah. Join Gordon Meiklejohn, grower of Australian and South African Flora, to learn how to strike waratah cuttings and hear tips on how best to care for your cuttings and plants. Gordon’s cut flowers are sold in the Sydney Flower Market with his farm in Southwest Sydney specialising in Telopea but also growing Grevilleas, Banksias, Kangaroo Paw, Protea and Brunia. Time: 11.30am – 1pm. Entry: $15 ($13.50 Foundation & Friends Member). Bookings essential. www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Sat 22 Sept – Wild About Waratahs Festival – Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount Mon 1 Oct 2018 Tomah. Join us to celebrate the waratah at our annual Wild About Waratahs Festival. This year’s festival includes the state-wide waratah bloom competition, along with guided Garden tours, a workshop, local waratah farm open day, spectacular wildflower arrangements and plant sales. Sponsored by Proteaflora. Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm daily. FREE Entry with some paid activities. P: 4567 3000 www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Sun 23 Sept Museum Open Day – Valley Heights Rail Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Heights. Open Day 2018 with Steam Train rides. Time: 10am – 4pm (last rides 3.30pm). Entry: $15 Adults, $13 Senior, Pensioner & Student Concession, $11 School Students, Children 4 and under: FREE, $45 Family. www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/index.shtml

Sun 23 Sept Varuna Open Day – Varuna, the National Writers’ House, 141 Cascade Street, Katoomba. 2018 Varuna, the National Writers House is one of Katoomba’s most special places. This is a rare opportunity for the public to come and visit this very unique place, get a sense of what it’s like to work at Varuna as a writer, and find out more about the legacy of the Dark family. The day includes guided tours of the house and gardens, author talks, poetry and music in the garden. Learn more about Varuna’s programs and make contact with local writers and their work. Time: 10am – 4pm. Entry: FREE Entry, although some talks and workshops are paid events. See the website closer to the date for tickets and the full program. www.varuna.com.au P: 4782 5674

Sun 23 Sept A Conversation with Richard Fidler - Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 2018 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Richard Fidler’s ‘Conversations’ has become one of Australia’s most loved radio programs and is Australia’s most downloaded podcast. Audiences can expect a never-before-heard insight into the most popular broadcast interviewer in Australian history in this special live show experience. Time: 3pm. Entry: $39 Adult, $36 Concession. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Fri 28 Sept 2108 Lennon Through A Glass Onion – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. John Water’s internationally acclaimed theatrical event celebrating the genius, music and phenomenon of John Lennon: a two act show that is part-concert, part- biography featuring 31 iconic Lennon hits. Time: 8pm. Entry: $65 A Reserve, $60 B Reserve seating. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Fri 28 Sept 2018 Alan Reid (Ex Battlefield Band) & Rob Van Sante (Scotland) + Special Guests Wombats Crossing – Upstairs for “Metro Social” at The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba. Alan & Rob present an evening of old and new music, featuring Alan’s compositions, Battlefield Band favourites and songs from Rob. With a foot in Australian and Celtic music camps, singer Christine Wheeler leads her trio Wombats Crossing in a rich blend of delicacy, strength and beautiful melodies. Time: Doors open 5pm, Show starts 6pm. Entry: $20 Early Bird pre-sale from Metropole Reception OR $21.50 with booking fee online/phone (02) 4782 5544 OR $25 at the Door from 5pm (unless sold out). www.stickytickets.com.au/71128

Sat 29 Sept – Blackheath Art Society – Blackheath Art Prize Exhibition – Blackheath Art Society Studio, 139a Mon 1 Oct 2018 Station Street, Blackheath. The art works on display at this exhibition, by members and non- members, are for sale. You can see the last exhibition’s winners on our website. Exhibition Time: 10am – 5pm. Entry: $2 P: 4787 5540 E: [email protected] www.blackheathart.com

Sat 29 Sept Cello and Chocolate: The Suites for cello solo – The Gingerbread House, Corner Lurline Street 2018 and Waratah Street, Katoomba. Enjoy a wonderful cello solo with Georg Mertens in the 100 year old former Presbyterian Church, now Josophan’s Gingerbread House. This event includes the concert plus Josophan's hot chocolate shot and fine chocolate on arrival, dessert in candlelight at the long oak table at Intermission, and take home chocolate. See website for more details. Time: 7.30pm. Entry: $60 Adult Concert & Dessert, $50 Child Concert & Dessert, $30 Adult Concert only, $20 Child Concert only. Bookings essential. P: 4782 6958 http://www.georgcello.com/cello.htm#choc9

Sat 29 Sept Blackheath History Forum: Judith Brett, How Liberals govern: The Enigmatic Mr Deakin (10th 2018 annual Vere Gordon Childe Lecture) – Blackheath Primary School Hall, Corner Leichhardt Street and Great Western Highway. Professor Judith Brett is a political historian whose writing has focussed on the on the non-labour side of Australian politics. Her new biography of Alfred Deakin, a father of federation and Australia’s most significant Prime Minister until World War Two, is the first full length study of the man in more than fifty years.Time: 4pm. Entry: $5, refreshments available for $2 to $5. https://blackheathhistoryforum.org.au/2018-program

Sat 29 Sept Baroque Room Relaunch – On The Stoop + Special Guests The Lost Mariachis – The Baroque 2018 Room*, 86 Bathurst Road, Katoomba, Blue Mountains. On The Stoop don’t plan on sticking to the rules. Or expectations. Or the straight path. Balkan Gypsy, Mariachi, New-Orleans Swing, Hot Jazz, Spaghetti-Western, Cabaret, Film Score, Cumbia, Ska, Punk-Rock and Funk and few other as yet unidentified genres are all represented in this magnificent ensemble. Come and enjoy the newly refurbished and improved room! (Upstairs from The Harp & Fiddle Irish Bar - *New Entry via the Carrington Hotel Driveway.) Time: 8pm. Entry: $15 DISCOUNT Early Bird pre-sale from Katoomba Music OR $16.50 with booking fee online or $17 from the Carrington Hotel reception OR $20at the Door from 8pm (unless sold out): www.stickytickets.com.au/71128

Sat 29 Sept – Leura Gardens Festival – Visit a selection of private and public gardens of Leura, situated in the Mon 1 & Fri 5 Blue Mountains, and famous for their magnificent displays of azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods Oct – Sun 7 Oct and camellias, and other cool climate exotics, as well as flowering annuals, perennials and bulbs. 2018 Pre-festival tours will be held from Monday 24 to Friday 28 September 2018. Time: Gardens open 9.30am – 4.30pm daily. There will be no festival from Tuesday 2 Oct to Thursday 4 Oct 2018 however plant sales will be open every day from Saturday 29 Sept to Sunday 7 Oct inclusive. Entry: $25pp to all gardens or $8pp single entry (children under 16 free except for Everglades Garden). Shuttle bus available from Leura Station from 9.30am until the close of gardens, stopping at all gardens throughout the day. $10pp for all day ticket. www.leuragardensfestival.com.au

Sun 30 Sept Gadara Wildflowers – Waratah Farm Open Day –3401 Bells Line of Road, Berambing. This local 2018 plantation has around 1,000 waratah plants including the unusual white waratah and is only open to visitors for one day during the Wild About Waratahs Festival. Access to the plantation is by a relatively steep rough track so is not suitable for people with mobility issues. Visitors require sturdy walking shoes. Cut blooms for sale. Time: 10.30am to 3pm. Entry: Gold Coin Donation. P: 4567 3000 www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Sun 30 Sept – Botanical Theatre: Garden of Heavenly Delights – Everglades Gallery, Everglades Historic House Sun 28 Oct 2018 & Garden, 37 Everglades Ave, Leura. Everglades Gallery presents works by Alison Jane Rice. The intended purpose of each specimen, juxtaposed in these intimate botanical portraits, alludes to (Wed to Sun) the inner world of the flower and the ethereal nature of the delicate soul residing therein. Its silent transition into the garden of heavenly delights is also a gentle reminder of our own impermanence. Opening on Saturday 29 Sept, 2pm – 4pm. Exhibition Times: 11am – 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Entry: Free with Garden admission ($13 Adult, $8 Concession, $4 Child). www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/everglades-house-gardens/

OCTOBER 2018

Sat 22 Sept – Wild About Waratahs Festival – Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount Mon 1 Oct 2018 Tomah. Join us to celebrate the waratah at our annual Wild About Waratahs Festival. This year’s festival includes the state-wide waratah bloom competition, along with guided Garden tours, a workshop, local waratah farm open day, spectacular wildflower arrangements and plant sales. Sponsored by Proteaflora. Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm daily. FREE Entry with some paid activities. P: 4567 3000 www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Sat 6 Oct 2018 Evergreen Ensemble – 2018 Tour – Snow in Summer – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Evergreen Ensemble pays homage to the music of the windswept landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Isles, as well exploring their Scandinavian ties. Scottish baroque music as you’ve never heard it before, arranged for electric viola da gamba, celtic harp, baroque violin, theorbo and the angelic voice of Claire Patti. Audiences will be enraptured by the ancient vocal and instrumental melodies interspersed with new compositions inspired by these beautiful rugged northern landscapes. Time: 8pm. Entry: $35 Adult, $32 Concession. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Sat 6 & Sun 7 Leura Village Fair – Leura Mall and Megalong Street Carpark, Leura. Now in its 37th year, the Oct 2018 Leura Village Fair provides the perfect opportunity for visitors of all ages to celebrate spring in the Blue Mountains. Set over two days, this vibrant event sees market stalls with a strong local flavour lining Leura Mall and the Megalong Street Carpark transformed into an international canteen. Time: Saturday: 9am – 4.30pm. Sunday: 9am – 3.30pm. FREE Entry. www.leuravillage.com.au

Tues 9 Oct 2018 Children’s Bird Walk with Carol Probets – Meet in the Wollemi Room, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah. Become a bird nerd as we go in search of feathered friends with birdwatching pro Carol Probets. See if you can spot colourful parrots, shiny blue fairy-wrens, lively honeyeaters, tiny finches, amazing bowerbirds and all the shy birds that hide in the bushes. More than 100 types of birds have been seen in the gardens. How many will we find today? Suitable for children 6 years+. All children to be accompanied by an adult. Time: 9am to 10am OR 10.30am to 11.30am. Entry: $20 per child. Adults free of charge. Bookings essential. www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Wed 10 Oct Feelin’ Groovey – The 60’s Show with Cool River Band – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community 2018 Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Feelin’ Groovy – The 60’s Show will entertain you with timeless classics from the era from the Summer of Love, Motown, the British Invasion and Swinging London plus a few perennial Aussie favourites. Time: 11am. Entry: $20. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Thurs 11 & Fri Kylie’s Calamity – Garden Theatre for children – Visitor Centre, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, 12 Oct 2018 Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah. Kylie the Kangaroo is a bit of a hoarder and loves to explore the treasures left on the roadside by humans but when her paw is cut and her friends the echidna, the Swift parrot and the Green and Gold Bell Frog are affected, Kylie looks for help. The performance looks at litter and illegal dumping, and the impact of wildlife specific to the Blue Mountains. There are plenty of interesting facts and interactive opportunities for the audience to be involved in solving the issues of illegal dumping and litter. Time: 10.30am each day. Entry: $12. Bookings essential. www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Thurs 11 Oct – Blue Mountains, Nepean Art Therapists: When Words Are Not Enough – Braemar Gallery, 104 Sun 4 Nov 2018 Macquarie Road, Springwood. When Words Are Not Enough explores the powerful nature of art-making and the capacity for art to reveal what cannot be spoken. Time: 10am – 4pm, Thurs to Sun. FREE Entry. P: 4780 5410 http://bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/braemar-gallery

Sat 13 Oct 2018 Blackheath History Forum: Christina Twomey, The Battle Within: Writing about the legacy of wartime captivity in postwar Australia – Blackheath Primary School Hall, Corner Leichhardt Street and Great Western Highway. Christina will discuss her research in an extraordinary archive of material created by the federally-funded Prisoners of War Trust Fund (1952-77). Granted special access to these files, Christina discovered rich and rare records of personal experiences of former prisoners of war that documented lives blighted by alcoholism, depression, marriage breakdown and loneliness. Time: 4pm. Entry: $5, refreshments available for $2 to $5. https://blackheathhistoryforum.org.au/2018-program

Sat 13 – Sun 14 Bijou: A Cabaret of Secrets and Seduction – The Palais Royale, 230 Katoomba Street, Katoomba. Oct 2018 A café-bar in Paris 1933. Wine flows, people chat, flirt and laugh while the music plays, but there’s a new face in the crowd. A ravaged figure in faded finery and fake pearls, enters. The evening takes an unexpected turn, as ‘Madame Bijou’ former Queen of the Demi-Monde, unleashes a string of intimate, colourful memories. Time: Dinner 6.30pm, Show 7.30pm. See website for ticket, menu and programme details. https://www.stickytickets.com.au/entertainment

Sat 13 Oct & Sat Spring Bird Walk & Talk with Carol Probets – Meet in the Wollemi Room, Blue Mountains 24 Nov 2018 Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah. Join birding guide Carol Probets on a morning walk to see some of the Garden’s beautiful birds and learn about their habits. Get some tips from Carol on how to use binoculars and how to spot birds. Suitable for beginners or those who have already done some birding. Participants to bring walking shoes, sunhat, sunscreen, bottle of water, notebook/pen, binoculars, raincoat for light rain, (camera optional). Time: 8am to 11am. Entry: $30 ($27 Foundation & Friends Members). www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Sun 14 Oct 2018 Museum Open Day – Valley Heights Rail Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Heights. Open Day with Steam Tram rides. Time: 10am – 4pm (last rides 3.30pm). Entry: $15 Adults, $13 Senior, Pensioner & Student Concession, $11 School Students, Children 4 and under: FREE, $45 Family. www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/index.shtml

Sat 20 Oct 2018 Through Different Eyes – Everglades Historic House & Garden, 37 Everglades Ave, Leura. Join Head Gardener, Dave Gray, as he leads us through the beautiful gardens of Everglades, looking at all aspects of garden conservation and his own points of interest. Dave has worked for Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens and was also Head Gardener at Vaucluse House, to name just a few of the important roles in his long career. A delicious two-course cold buffet will be served by The Friends of Everglades in our gorgeous Art Deco Tea Rooms (BYO). Time: 12.30pm. Entry: $55 per person, $45 National Trust Members. Bookings essential. P: Anita on 4784 1974 or Sandy on 0410 312 827 E: [email protected]

Sat 20 & Sun 21 2018 NSW Iris Show – Blackheath Community Centre, Blackheath. Part of the National Iris Oct 2018 Convention hosted by the Iris Society of Australia, enjoy the wonderful displays of many types and varieties of Iris, plus floral art, handcraft, photographs and art depicting Iris and Iridaceae. Potted Iris, Rhizomes, Seeds, Craft Items and Cottage Plants on sale. All Iris growers are encouraged to enter an exhibit (entries close 8.30am Sat 20 Oct). Time: Sat 11am to 4pm, Sun 9am to 3pm. Entry: $5 per person. (FREE Entry for children under 16 years). www.irissocietynsw.org.au P: B. Levy 4572 8582 or Michael Barnes 0412 985 238

Sat 20 Oct – Sun Blue Mountains Musical Society presents: We Will Rock You – Blue Mountains Theatre & 4 Nov 2018 Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. A musical based on the songs of Queen and a book by Ben Elton. Elton fashioned this hilarious futurist comedy around more than 24 of Queen’s biggest hit songs. See website for exact dates, times and ticketing. https://bmms.org.au/show/we-will-rock-you-2018/

Sat 20 Oct – Sun Contemporary Gallipoli – Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, 30 Parke Street, Katoomba. Coinciding 25 Nov 2018 with the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, Blue Mountains City Art Gallery will showcase the touring exhibition Contemporary Gallipoli, an exhibition originally created to mark the ANZAC Centenary in April 2015. The exhibition includes a diverse array of new works created by both emerging and established artists from Canakkale, near the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, and Australia, whose work unites to take the viewer on an experiential journey of remembrance, and a search for meaning beyond myth and memory. Cultural Centre Opening Times: 10am - 5pm Mon to Fri, 10am - 4pm Sat/Sun. Gallery Entry: $5 Adults, $3 Concession, FREE for children under 16. P: 4780 5410 www.bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au

Fri 26 Oct 2018 Don McGlashan (NZ) – Upstairs for “Metro Social” at The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba. Don McGlashan is one of New Zealand’s best known and loved songwriters. He delivers his songs – extraordinary tales of ordinary lives – with vulnerability, grace and hope, conjuring transcendent moments, navigating us through breath-taking beauty, the dark and the deep. Time: Doors open 5.30pm, Show starts 6.30pm. Entry: $25 Early Bird pre-sale from Metropole Reception OR $27.50 with booking fee online/phone (02) 4782 5544 OR $30 at the Door from 5.30pm (unless sold out). www.stickytickets.com.au/73808

Fri 26 Oct – Sun The Blackheath Rhododendron Festival Art Show – Blackheath Community Centre. The work of 4 Nov 2018 local and popular artists includes sections for painting, photographic portraiture, drawing, traditional and contemporary styles. Entry: $2. Free for children under 12. Time: 10am – 4pm (finishing Sunday 3pm). Opening Night Friday 26 Oct: Announcement of winning entries in all categories. Presentations to winning artists, live music, entertainment and supper. Time: 7pm. Entry: $25 per person (free for children under 12). www.facebook.com/blackheathrhodofestival P: 4787 6746

Sat 27 Oct 2018 Oktoberfest – The Carrington Hotel and Carrington Place, Katoomba. Held in the grounds of the historic Carrington Hotel, come and enjoy the live music and German cuisine. This is a free family friendly event. Times: 11am – 9pm. FREE Entry. www.thecarrington.com.au P: 4782 1111

Sat 27 Oct 2018 Blackheath History Forum: Mark McKenna, A Place Near the Water – Blackheath Primary School Hall, Corner Leichhardt Street and Great Western Highway. Toongabbie was Sydney’s third settlement and the first area in Australia to officially be given an Aboriginal name. A Place near the water? A place on the margins? A place at the centre? Moving between memoir and history, Professor Mark McKenna explores the history of Toongabbie and its broader connections with Australia’s past.Time: 4pm. Entry: $5, refreshments available for $2 to $5. https://blackheathhistoryforum.org.au/2018-program

Sat 27 – Sun 28 Halloween Museum Open Days – Valley Heights Rail Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Oct 2018 Heights. Open Day to celebrate Halloween. On Saturday only see the Museum and its secrets after dark at this special late session. Time: Saturday 2pm – 8pm (last rides 6.30pm). Sunday 10am – 4pm (last rides 3.30pm). Entry: $15 Adults, $13 Senior, Pensioner & Student Concession, $11 School Students, Children 4 and under: FREE, $45 Family. www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/index.shtml

Sun 28 Oct 2018 Back to Hartley – Historic Hartley Site, Old Great Western Highway, Hartley. Walk around the Hartley Historic Site and - explore the Talisman Gallery, the fantastic work of local indigenous artists in the Kew-Y-Ahn Gallery, view the village from the highest point on the site at the Granite Tors, look inside the convict cells and courthouse. Enjoy the short river walk. The event showcases a variety of arts, crafts, produce from the region, numerous activities for all the ages, pony rides, snake show, a selection of food and drinks are available to purchase, Lithgow living history will be firing the muzzle gun and much more. Time: 9am – 4pm. Entry: $5 per car, with all monies raised supporting Lithgow Aged Care. For more information contact T: 02 6355 2117 E: [email protected]

NOVEMBER 2018

Thurs 1 Nov John Reischman & Eli West (North America) + Special Guests Eagle & The Wolf – Upstairs for 2018 “Metro Social” at The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba. John Reischman is a master instrumentalist capable of swinging between re-inventions of traditional old-time tunes, deconstructions from the bluegrass repertoire, and compelling original tunes, many of which have become standards. Eli West is a Seattle-based multi-instrumental musician and interactive graphic designer. With an interest in angular phrasing and non-traditional improvisation within the historic precedents of bluegrass and old-time music, his playing both grounds and pushes the ensembles he is involved with. Time: Doors open 5pm, Show starts 6pm. Entry: $20 Early Bird pre-sale from Metropole Reception OR $21.50 with booking fee online/phone (02) 4782 5544 OR $25 at the Door from 5pm (unless sold out). www.stickytickets.com.au/72597

Sat 3 Nov 2018 Blackheath Rhododendron Festival – The village comes alive with The Grand Parade with bands and floats, music, a great variety of entertainment and an array of street stalls selling everything from jewellery to plants to delicious food and drink. See the Facebook page for more details. Time: 9am – 4.30pm. Parade at 11.30am. FREE Entry. https://www.facebook.com/blackheathrhodofestival/

Sat 3 Nov 2018 International Games Week Event – Katoomba Library, 30 Parke Street, Katoomba. Held in conjunction with International Games Week, Blue Mountains Library is once-again teaming up with Katoomba-based games shop, Afternoonified, to bring a jam-packed day of board game fun. Come ready to play a game or learn to master one of the many exciting new games that Afternoonified will be teaching. There will be games for sale too! An event for all ages. Time: 11am – 3pm. FREE Entry. No bookings required. P: 4780 5750 www.facebook.com/BlueMountainsLibrary

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Unframed Art Works Sale – Blackheath Art Society – Blackheath Art Society Studio, 139a Station Nov 2018 Street, Blackheath. This annual event presents a variety of unframed works on paper from the community and members of the Blackheath Art Society featuring water colours, drawings, etching, prints and similar mediums. Time: 10am – 5pm. FREE Entry. P: 4787 5540 E: [email protected] www.blackheathart.com

Sun 4 Nov 2018 12th Annual Variety Concert – Pat Heffernan Hall of Katoomba Public School, Merriwa Street, Katoomba. The Orpheus Strings Orchestra will open the program with a selection of short pieces, then be joined by Leura Singers who will perform three movements from Vivaldi’s Gloria. The remainder of the program will be taken up with local musicians and singers, young and old. Proudly supporting Blue Mountains District Anzac Memorial Hospital. Time: 3pm. Entry: $15 including afternoon tea. P: Colin Semmler on 02 4782 5765

Thurs 8 Nov – A Year at Glenbrook Lagoon – Braemar Gallery, 104 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Eleven artists Sun 2 Dec 2018 respond to visiting Glenbrook Lagoon, returning over a sustained period of time, to develop a deeper understanding of that place. The work includes plein air drawing, painting and works made in the studio including drawing, painting, print making, ceramics and assemblage. Time: 10am – 4pm, Thurs to Sun. FREE Entry. P: 4780 5410 http://bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/braemar-gallery

Fri 9 Nov 2018 Phoenix Choir – Armistice Centenary Concert – St Finbar’s Catholic Church, Glenbrook. Phoenix choir will mark the centenary of Armistice with a special performance which combines Gabriel Fauré’s sublime Requiem Mass with the two great commemorative hymns in a respectful concert of remembrance. The choir is joined by organ and instrumental ensemble and soloists Sarah Arnold (Soprano) and Jeremy Dubé (Baritone).Time: 7pm. Entry: $10 (no concessions). Tickets available online or at the door. https://phoenixchoir.org.au/

Fri 9 Nov 2018 Lawrence Mooney: An Evening with Malcolm Turnball – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Malcolm Bligh Turnbull is often ridiculed for being out of touch, aloof and ultimately humourless. Now it’s time to discover the real Malcolm Turnbull – witty, charming, erudite and sexually explosive. Come and spend an evening with Malcolm. Please note: This show has content that may offend. Strong language warning. Not suitable for under 15 years. Time: 8pm. Entry: $44.90. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Fri 9 – Sun 11 Blue Mountains Artfest – Wentworth Falls Public School, Falls Road. Celebrate the talents of Nov 2018 local and regional Australian artists and artisans. During the weekend there is ample opportunity to purchase over 200 quality artworks and exquisite handcrafts at affordable prices - just in time for Christmas! There are art and craft workshops to take part in, entertainment to relax to and delicious food and great coffee. The feature artist for 2018 is Mandy Schone-Salter. Time: Opening night Friday 7.30pm. Opening Night Entry: $12 pre-purchase or $15 at the door. Sat 9am – 5pm. Sun 10am – 4pm. Entry: Gold coin donation over the weekend. www.bluemountainsartfest.net.au

Sat 10 Nov 2018 Glenbrook Spring Festival – Glenbrook Park, Glenbrook. The Glenbrook Spring Festival is a festival of local art and craft focusing around fun, friendship and entertainment for all the family in Glenbrook, the Gateway Village to the Blue Mountains. The Festival is held on the second Saturday of November in each year with bands, singers, dance groups, displays, large carnival with amusement rides, various street stalls, and locally made goods. A variety of food stalls will be running during the day, giving you an opportunity to spend the day enjoying the festivities. Time: 9am – 3pm. FREE Entry. www.facebook.com/Glenbrook-Spring-Festival- 121494517912117/

Sat 10 Nov 2018 Cavalcade – 1920s Cloaks & Coats – Everglades Historic House & Garden, 37 Everglades Ave, Leura. The Cavalcade of History and Fashion present a parade of elegant and glamorous cloaks and coats from their extensive collection. Hear about the wide variety of fabric and design used to achieve the look, and step into the world of Parisian style. Listen to stories of bohemianism, the evils of the dancing clubs, and the lives of “modern”1920s girls, when fashion was art and art was fashion. A delicious two-course buffet luncheon will be served in Everglades Art Deco Dining Room (BYO). Time: 12.30pm. Entry: $50 per person, $45 National Trust Members. Bookings essential. P: Anita on 4784 1974 or Sandy on 0410 312 827 or email [email protected]

Sat 10 Nov 2018 Blue Mountains Concert Society presents: Simon Tedeschi – Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Simon Tedeschi is often described by respected critics and musical peers as one of the finest artists in the world. He is one of the most sought-after pianists in Australia and renowned especially for championing non-standard repertoire for piano. Time: 7.30pm. Entry: $55 Adult, $25 Student, $15 Child under 16years. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Sat 10 & Sat 17 Cello & Chocolate: Vivaldi, Vivaldi, Vivaldi for 2 cellos – The Gingerbread House, Corner of Nov 2018 Waratah and Lurline Streets, Katoomba. Enjoy a wonderful performance with Georg Mertens and Trish McMeekin in the 100 year old former Presbyterian Church, now Josophan’s Gingerbread House on either Saturday 10 November or Saturday 17 November 2018. Each event includes the concert plus Josophan's hot chocolate shot and fine chocolate on arrival, dessert in candlelight at the long oak table at Intermission and take home chocolate. Time: 7.30pm. Entry: $60 Adult Concert & Dessert, $50 Child Concert & Dessert, $30 Adult Concert only, $20 Child Concert only. Bookings essential. P: 4782 6958 http://www.georgcello.com/

Sun 11 Nov Museum Open Day – Remembrance Day – Valley Heights Rail Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, 2018 Valley Heights. Museum Open Day to commemorate Remembrance Day. Time: 10am – 4pm (last rides 3.30pm). Entry: FREE entry for returned & serving Defence Service personnel, $15 Adults, $13 Senior, Pensioner & Student Concession, $11 School Students, Children 4 and under: FREE, $45 Family. www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/index.shtml

Wed 14 Nov The Brothers Gibb – The Life and Music of the Bee Gees – Blue Mountains Theatre & 2018 Community Hub, 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood. This stunning show takes the audience down memory lane from the Bee Gees humble beginnings in Manchester England to the dizzying heights of world-wide acclaim with the release of Saturday Night Fever. Featuring all the hits you would expect to hear and featuring a bevy of top musicians that will recreate the unique sounds of the Bee Gees. Time: 11am. Entry: $20. P: 4723 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com

Sat 17 Nov 2018 Mid Mountains Festival – Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Lawson. A fun family-focused event bringing people together to celebrate and showcase local performers, children’s activities, craft groups and cultural exhibitions from the Blue Mountains. Time: 10am – 3pm. FREE Entry. www.facebook.com/pages/Mid-Mountains-Festival/1485282581688138

Sat 17 Nov 2018 The Buzz on Native Bees – Spring – Waratah Education Centre, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah. Join Megan Halcroft PhD to learn about bees and how they drive biodiversity and support food security. They are beautiful, diverse and fascinating to watch with about 200 species of native bees calling Sydney and the surrounding regions home. Learn how to prepare for spring activity by making a bee hotel or arranging flowering plants in preparation for the newly emerging bees. This is a 3 hour sit down presentation and suitable for children 10 years+ Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm. Entry: $25 ($22.50 Foundation & Friends Members). Bookings essential. www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Sat 17 & Sun 18 Upper Blue Mountains Arts Trail – Various open art studios in the Upper Blue Mountains. See Nov 2018 how art is made and the environments in which creativity and inspiration flourish. The artists who are opening their doors create paintings, textiles, photographs, mosaics, glasswork, sculptures and more! Set your own pace for a leisurely and inspiring art crawl. Time: 10am – 4pm. For full event details, visit the website www.artstrail.org.au For information about each artist and studio, check out the Blue Mountains Arts Trail Facebook page for regular updates www.facebook.com/bluemountainsartstrail

Wed 21 Nov Radical Reels Tour – United Cinemas The Edge, 225 Great Western Highway, Katoomba. A 2018 collection of short action-packed films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Designed to take you into the wilds and out of your comfort zone, the films feature daring footage or some of the most accomplished climbers, paddlers, wing-suit pilots, skiers, snowboarders and mountain-bike riders alive today. Time: 7pm – 10pm. Entry: $33.27 Adult, $22.72 Child (includes booking fees), group tickets available (15+ group). www.radicalreels.com.au

Sat 24 Nov 2018 Spring Bird Walk & Talk with Carol Probets – Meet in the Wollemi Room, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah. Join birding guide Carol Probets on a morning walk to see some of the Garden’s beautiful birds and learn about their habits. Get some tips from Carol on how to use binoculars and how to spot birds. Suitable for beginners or those who have already done some birding. Participants to bring walking shoes, sunhat, sunscreen, bottle of water, notebook/pen, binoculars, raincoat for light rain, (camera optional). Time: 8am to 11am. Entry: $30 ($27 Foundation & Friends Members). www.bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au

Sun 25 Nov Museum Open Day – Valley Heights Rail Museum, 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Heights. Museum 2018 Open Day with Steam Train rides. Time: 10am – 4pm (last rides 3.30pm). Entry: $15 Adults, $13 Senior, Pensioner & Student Concession, $11 School Students, Children 4 and under: FREE, $45 Family. www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/index.shtml

Regular Happenings and Open Days

For the market enthusiast, every weekend in the Blue Mountains offers a different market to explore. Everything from organic foods, local art and craft to collectibles Every Weekend. and clothes, there is a treasure to find for every avid market explorer. Ask for the Markets List at the Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centres.

Wascoe Siding – Grahame Street, Blaxland. You are invited to bring family and Open first Sunday of friends to picnic in the grounds and enjoy a train ride on these miniature locomotives. every month (except Time: 10am – 4pm. Cost: $4 per train January). ride. www.infobluemountains.net.au/rail/wascoe/

Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum Open Day - Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, Tusculum Rd, Valley Heights. Explore the Normally open second oldest remaining roundhouse in NSW, take a short ride on a steam train and witness and forth Sunday of the restoration works being carried out on tramway and railway exhibits. Examine the every month with exhibits of the historic locomotives, memorabilia, and more to learn about the history some special open of the railways in the Mountains and on the Western Line. Time: 10am – 4pm (Last days – see website for rides 3.30pm). Entry: Adults: $15, Senior, Pensioner & Student Concession: $13, actual dates. School Students: $11, Children 4 and under: FREE, Family: $45 www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/index.shtml

Braemar House & Gallery – Braemar House, 104 Macquarie Road, Springwood. Open Thursday to Showcasing changing exhibitions of various mediums from both emerging and Sunday. established artists work in one of Springwood’s most historic buildings. Time: 10am – 4pm. FREE Admission. http://bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au/braemar-gallery/

Open third Saturday of every Woodford Academy - 90-95 Great Western Highway, Woodford. This historic month (or by property dates back to the 1830s. Time: 10am – 4pm or by appointment. Cost: Adult: appointment for $6, Child/Concession: $4, Family $15. Guided Tours (subject to availability): $2 per groups of 10 or person. P: 4758 8743 E: [email protected] more - subject to www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/woodford-academy/ availability).

Open last Sunday of Historic Tarella Cottage Museum – 99-101 Blaxland Road, Wentworth Falls. Built the month (except in the 1890s, this cottage museum is a hidden treasure filled with a wonderful December). See collection of memorabilia of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Groups welcome website for more throughout the year by prior arrangement. Entry: Adults $5, Child $2. details. P: 4757 3824 www.bluemountainshistory.com

Saturday Chess at Katoomba Library – 30 Parke St, Katoomba. Come and join in Every Saturday the fun and sociable atmosphere of Saturday Chess. Both friendly and tournament 10am – 4pm. style chess available all day. All ages and levels of ability welcome. Time: 10am – 4pm. FREE Entry. P: 4780 5750

Blue Mountains Radio Players – Palais Royale, 230 Katoomba Street, Katoomba. Performances are before a live audience, using mainly scripts transcribed from original performances of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. The repertoire includes plays Last Sunday of each from long-running drama series as Suspense, Escape and Quiet Please!, episodes month, Feb to Nov. from the comedy series Easy Aces and Life of Riley; and crimes solved by Sherlock Holmes and more. Time: 2.30pm. P: 4782 2155 http://mountainheritage.com.au/index.php/about-us/events

Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Blackheath – End of Govetts Leap Road, Open daily, 9am – Blackheath. New exhibition every month. FREE Entry. P: 4787 8877 4.30pm. (Closed Christmas Day) www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/Visitor-centres/Blue-Mountains-Heritage- Centre

Mount Victoria & District Historical Society Museum – Located at the back of Open weekends, Mount Victoria Railway Station. Opening in 1868, this Heritage Listed sandstone public & school station is now a museum full to the brim with memorabilia of early history and old holidays ways of living, farming and working in the upper mountains. Closed Christmas Day Time: 12noon – 3pm. Entry: Adults: $5, Child: $1 Donations Welcome. and Good Friday. http://mountvictoriamuseum.info/

Open daily excluding Mayfield Garden – 530 Mayfield Road, Oberon. Owned by the Hawkins family and all public holidays. one of the world’s largest privately owned cool climate gardens. Features include a (The Private Garden is stone and water feature garden, a copper tree fountain, painted red bridge, blue- open on select dates stone bridge, iron and stone wisteria arbour, obelisk pond, allee of London Plane only, different entry trees, Valley of the Five Ponds, Venus Vale, the Gallery and more. Time: 9.00am – fees apply – see 4.30pm (last entry 3pm) Entry: $20 adult, $18 Concession/Senior, $10 child (7- website for more 17yrs), FREE for Child 6 and under, $55 Family. E: [email protected] details.) P: 6336 3131 http://mayfieldgarden.com.au

Blue Mountains City of the Arts Events – Various Locations and Times. Inspired by the natural beauty of this World Heritage Listed area, the Blue Mountains has a vibrant community of artists, writers, composers, poets, sculptors, performers, artisans and creatives who live, work, entertain and educate visitors to the Region. Everything from workshops to exhibitions, poetry readings to concerts, radio plays to films, there is something for everyone who wants to experience why the Blue Mountains was the NSW Inaugural City of the Arts. For more information on a full range of our City of the Arts cultural events “Like” the facebook page – www.facebook.com/cityofthearts