New England Times

Opera Australia: "Don Giovanni"
2026-08-06 19:00 - 22:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Lazenby Hall, UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, NSW, 2351, Australia
NECOM is proud to present Opera Australia’s newest touring production of Don Giovanni for a once-only performance. It is the last day of Don Giovanni’s life, but he doesn’t know that. For opera’s own Casanova, it’s just another day of pleasure seeking. Seducing a bride on her wedding day. Breaking into a woman’s bedroom in the dead of night. Killing her furious father. Even before the curtain rises, Mozart reveals Don Giovanni’s fate. An earth-shattering chord from the orchestra signals the gates of hell clanging open. The scoundrel’s debauched days are at an end. ***Please note: Don Giovanni will be performed in Italian*** Patron Advice: Suitable for 16+ years; strong/coarse language; mature/adult themes; sexual references

Armidale Birdwatchers
2026-08-02 07:55 - 12:00 | Gwydir Park Road TSR, Gwydir Park Road, ARMIDALE, NSW, 2350, Australia
7.55am for 8.00am departure from Visitor Information Centre, 82 Marsh Street. Regent Honeyeater survey week. Bring food (morning tea/lunch), water, binoculars, sunscreen and hat, and wear stout shoes, bring a picnic chair as many bush spots do not have facilities. The scheduled visit may be changed or cancelled if conditions on the day are likely to affect the excursion. For more information and to register to join the group, phone Shirley on 0458 260 937 or email shrlycook@gmail.com. Newcomers are always welcome, but please notify our leader, Dr Stephen Debus (sdebus@une.edu.au) preferably a day or two prior to the excursion to let him know you are coming.

Sapphire City Markets
2026-08-02 07:30 - 13:00 | Campbell Park, 1 Campbell St, Inverell, NSW, 2360, Australia
Inverell Sapphire City

The Wizard of Oz - Red Gala & Closing Night
2026-08-01 17:30 - 21:00 | Lazenby Hall, University of New England, ARMIDALE, NSW, 2350, Australia
Begin the evening with a special gala event at the Bistro featuring pre-show snacks and the opportunity to meet and mingle with the cast and crew. A bar will be open throughout the gala, with beverages available for purchase. Following the gala, guests will make their way to Lazenby Hall for the closing night performance of The Wizard of Oz. Join Dorothy, Toto, and their friends for one final journey down the Yellow Brick Road in a production filled with music, adventure, and unforgettable performances.

Artist Talk: Angus Nivison
2026-08-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Hinton Gallery, New England Regional Art Museum, 106-114 JKentucky Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, 2350, Australia
Unfamiliar Territory is a major survey exhibition celebrating five decades of practice by one of Australia’s most respected contemporary painters. Bringing together significant works from public and private collections alongside the artist’s own holdings, the exhibition traces the evolution of Nivison’s deeply atmospheric and abstract engagement with the land. Based in Walcha in the New England region of New South Wales, Nivison’s practice is grounded in place yet resists literal representation. His paintings operate within an abstract and affective register, where landscape persists as an emotional and conceptual presence rather than a fixed image. Through layered surfaces, subtle shifts of colour and immersive fields of mark-making, the works invite viewers into experiences of ambiguity, beauty and contemplation. Marking the largest solo exhibition of his work to date, Unfamiliar Territory reveals an artist continually pushing the possibilities of abstraction while creating space for reflection, memory and wonder to emerge through the act of looking.

Tingha Community Markets
2026-08-01 08:00 - 12:00 | Ruby Street, Tingha, Ruby Street, Tingha, NSW, 2369, Australia
Tingha Community Markets are held on the first Saturday of the month, next door to the Tingha Town Hall in Ruby Street. Please note: If it is raining, the markets will be held in the Tingha Town Hall. Live Music is featured each month. For more information, please contact Cate on 0450 588 627.

Bliss Bomb @ the Bowlo
2026-07-31 20:00 - 22:00 | Armidale City Bowling Club, 92-96 Dumaresq Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, 2350, Australia
Come along for a great night of good company and foot tapping music.

Karaoke @ Boobooks
2026-07-31 18:45 - 21:00 | Boobooks Books and Coffee Shop, 176 Beardy Street Mall, ARMIDALE, NSW, 2350, Australia

Artist Talk: Julie Edgar
2026-07-31 17:30 - 18:00 | New England Regional Art Museum, 106-114 Kentucky Street, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
An insightful conversation with Mornington Peninsula–based artist Julie Edgar on the opening night of her solo exhibition Fins, Fetlocks & Feathers. Best known for her bronze portrait sculptures, Edgar is also a passionate printmaker, and this exhibition highlights her work across prints of sea creatures, horses, and birds. The show reflects both her artistic practice and her personal connection to the natural world. Birds feature prominently, inspired by species that visit her studio, marine subjects draw on childhood memories of rock pools and an ongoing concern for ocean ecosystems, while her horse imagery reflects a lifelong appreciation of their strength, intelligence, and companionship. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the artist and gain deeper insight into her process, experiences, and inspirations.

The Wizard of Oz
2026-07-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Lazenby Hall, University of New England, ARMIDALE, NSW, 2350, Australia
The Austin Page Musical Society proudly presents The Wizard of Oz. Follow Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion on a magical journey down the Yellow Brick Road in a production filled with memorable music, adventure and heart. Suitable for all ages, this is the perfect outing for families, friends, students, staff and the wider community.

Christmas in July @ Rydges
2026-07-01 08:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00 | Ottoman Restaurant, Rydges Armidale, 31 Marsh Street, ARMIDALE, NSW, 2350, Australia
Celebrate the festive season early with our Christmas in July packages, perfect for work functions, group celebrations and mid-year gatherings. Cocktail Style Christmas Celebration – from $60 per person (minimum 20 guests) Includes: 1.5 hours of canapé service; two-hour beverage package; Christmas-themed cocktail on arrival; tea and coffee station; festive decorations and music Deck the Halls Christmas Dinner – from $90 per person (minimum 20 guests) Includes: – Christmas-themed three-course dinner; two-hour beverage package; tea and coffee station; festive decorations and music Valid: 1 to 31 July 2026Booking period: 1 May to 14 July 2026

Boardgames @Boobooks with BHG
2026-03-19 17:30 - 2026-12-17 21:30 | Boobooks 176 Beardy Street Armidale, NSW 2350 AU
Join us for our twice-monthly board games night hosted by Boobooks and Blackheart Games!
2nd & 4th Thursday of every month From 5:30pm til late
Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just keen for a casual game and a chat, everyone’s welcome. BYO your favourite game along or find something new to try from our board game library – there’s something for every play style and experience level.
Coffee, drinks and refreshments (delicious cakes, slices etc) available from the Boobooks bar to keep you fuelled while you play.
Come along for a relaxed night of tabletop fun. See you there!
