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COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT AND CHURCH SERVICE
Sunday, 5 April
Come on down for the annual Parkes Community Easter Egg Hunt and Church Service, and enjoy a morning of family fun. All the fun starts at 9am Easter Sunday, 5 April at Cooke Park.
IANDRA OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, 5 and 26 April
Step back in time (just 30 minutes from Grenfell) and wander through one of regional NSW’s most impressive historic homes. Iandra Castle Open House returns and yes, it’s every bit as grand as it sounds. Bookings are now required (online only). $20 adults, $10 school-aged children and under 5 free. Parking is available onsite. It’s history, architecture, wide open spaces and a little bit of wow-factor - all in one afternoon. For bookings and more information https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1548770.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
8-16 April
Load up on fun these school holidays with a packed program of activities at the Parkes Library. Highlights include Rock Band Vibes and Jam Night (on Friday, 17 April, see below), a youth lock-in and hands-on robotics. There's something for every kind of creative, curious or high energy young person. Bookings for these activities and other workshops can be found at https://collections.humanitix.com/school-holiday-activities-april-2026 (please check age restrictions).
HENRY PARKES CENTRE OPEN DAY
Saturday, 11 April
Get ready for a great day out in Parkes as the Henry Parkes Centre on the Peak Hill Road throws open its doors for a community celebration packed with fun, flavour and entertainment. Bring your family, bring your friends, and make a day of it. What’s on: Free entry to all museums, free community barbecue, live music throughout the day, face painting for the kids, local produce tastings and giveaways. Whether you’re a local or visiting the region, this is the perfect chance to discover the Henry Parkes Centre.
CROP SWAP
Saturday, 11 April
The next Parkes crop swap will take place on Saturday, 11 April at the Parkes Arts and Sustainability Hub at 33A Albert Street, Parkes.
EUGOWRA BOOTS AND BOWTIES BALL
Saturday, 11 April
Put it in your diary, book the babysitter, Eugowra's Boots and Bowties Ball is on again! This fundraising ball at Eugowra Showground is not to be missed. Roving canapes by Smoking Brothers. Music by Noah Dorin and Foxxy Cleopatra.
MEXICAN NIGHT
Saturday, 11 April
The Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club is having a Mexican fiesta and they're inviting the community to join them for a night in their clubhouse at Spicer Oval at 6pm. Yes there will be tacos! In fact a taco bar, and cold drinks will be available. Wear your best Mexican outfit. Head to the Parkes Boars Facebook page to see the event page.
WASTE 2 ART INFORMATION SESSION
Tuesday, 14 April
A Waste 2 Art information session is taking place on 14 April at 6pm in the Marramarra Makerspace to help inspire people for this year’s theme Shrink Your Footprint. Learn how to turn everyday waste into creative artworks, explore how you can reduce your footprint and discover tips to help you craft a standout shoebox-sized piece for 2026. Book your free ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/waste-to-art-2026-information-session.
ROCK BAND VIBES
Friday, 17 April
As part of Youth Week Rock Band Vibes is coming to the Parkes Library. It’s a beginner friendly crash course in what it’s like to play in a real band. Across each 2.5 hour workshop, participants rotate through guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and keys to get a taste of every role. Then they pick their favourite instrument, team up, and get to work creating a group sound together. No experience needed - just bring your enthusiasm and rock star energy! There are two groups - group 1 will start at 10am, group 2 at 1.30pm. Rehearsals are at 5pm, all culminating in a jam night that night from 6pm-8.30pm. Bookings are essential, at https://collections.humanitix.com/rock-band-vibes.
BEST OF THE BALD ARCHY PRIZE EXHIBITION
Until 18 April
The Parkes Library and Cultural Centre is hosting The Best of the Bald Archy Prize, Australia's most popular and internationally recognised satirical portrait award. It showcases winning portraits of icons such as Kerry Packer, Shane Warne, John Howard, Pauline Hanson and Julia Gillard. These works will make you think, talk and most of all, laugh. The exhibition runs until Saturday, 18 April.
LIGHT UP PARKES
Saturday, 18 April
Save the date! Parkes Shire Council is bringing something special to Cooke Park. The heart of Parkes will be lighting up with a vibrant evening of live performances, local food vendors and a glowing community atmosphere. Mark it in your calendar and stay tuned - more details coming soon. Make sure to follow Parkes Shire Council on Facebook to be the first to know of new details.
TOMINGLEY PICNIC RACES
Saturday, 18 April
The Tomingley Picnic Races are back for another year where beautiful shoes meet dusty hooves. Gates open from 11am at the Tomingley Race Course. Entry is $20 per person with 16 years and under free. There will be bar facilities and canteen with various food options. There is strictly no BYO. There will be free kids entertainment including a jumping castle and free unpowered camping available.
NATIONAL PARK WALK
Saturday, 18 April
The Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association NSW conducts regular guided walks in local national parks, nature reserves and forests. This walk will be 6km in Nangar National Park at Puzzleflat Creek, with some off track walking, and at medium level. Meet at 305 Puzzleflat Lane at 9.30am (45 minutes travel time from Parkes, directions on Google Maps or when you ring the night before). Leader is Juliet Hunt and she can be contacted on 0432 470 025. For more information visit the branch's website: https://sites.google.com/view/lachlanvalleynpa/home.
ANZAC DAY
Saturday, 25 April
Residents are invited to attend the Anzac Day commemorative services held across the Parkes Shire, to honour all who served and continue to serve in all conflicts, as well as those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Parkes services: 5.30am dawn service on Memorial Hill; 8.30am commemorative service at Cooke Park Cenotaph.
Peak Hill: 6am dawn service; 10.30am civic ceremony, both at AIF School of Arts Memorial Gates.
Bogan Gate: 5.50am-7.20am dawn service in Hutton Street.
TRUNDLE ABBA FESTIVAL
Saturday, 2 May
SAVE THE DATE! It's back! A community group behind the Trundle ABBA Festival Committee is thrilled to announce they’re taking the reins for the next festival - and it’s shaping up to be something special. Lock it into your calendar now and stay tuned - more details are coming in the new year!
INKREDIBLE EXPERIENCE MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY DAY
Sunday, 3 May
Inkredible Experience Tattoo Gallery will be hosting their 16th Birthday Bash raising money for mental health. The street party from 9am to 4pm will include live music, food vans, market stalls, free kids activities, car and bike show, barbering, piercing and tattoo flash. All the fun will be had while raising awareness and funds for mental health through educational stalls throughout the event, donations and raffles. All proceeds from the street part go to local charity.
ANH DO - THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE LIVE
Thursday, 7 May
Anh Do's bestselling book, The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry, and was described by Russell Crow as "the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years." Anh's stage show takes it a step further, combining stand-up comedy with real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story. When one of Australia's most talented comedians delves deep into his own life's joys and sorrows, the result is an unforgettable night at the theatre that leaves an audience uplifted and quite simply experiencing... happiness. You can catch Anh Do at the Parkes Leagues Club from 7.30pm. Book your tickets via https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1536573
SOUTHERN CROSS VILLAGE FETE
Saturday, 9 May
The Southern Cross Village Fete is back again for another year from 10am to 1pm. There will be fun for all ages including a cake stall, barbeque, lamingtons, plants, craft, produce raffles and more. There will be performances by Parkes Shire Band, Parkes School of Dance and Parkes Community Choir. There will also be a Parkes in past years display.
CROP SWAP
Saturday, 9 May
The next Parkes crop swap will take place on Saturday, 9 May at the Parkes Arts and Sustainability Hub at 33A Albert Street, Parkes.
TRUNDLE CHILDREN'S CENTRE FUNDRAISING BALL
Saturday, 16 May
The Trundle Children's Centre committee and staff have been busy planning something very special. Save the date for the Golden Years, Bright Futures Fundraising Ball at Trundle Memorial Hall! Book the babysitters, pop the date in your diary, and start spreading the word. Get ready for an incredible night of celebration, dancing, and fundraising in support of their centre build. Entertainment will be provided by Jess Holland Band and tickets will be on sale soon. More details and ticket information coming soon. Keep up to date and follow the Trundle Children's Centre Facebook page.
TOOLS, TYRES AND TIARAS
Tuesday, 19 May
Don’t know much about cars? In celebration of Road Safety Week, join Tyrepower Parkes for a fun, relaxed ladies night where they’ll show you: What’s actually under the bonnet (in plain English), how to check your tyres like a pro and what those mystery dashboard lights mean. The night includes no awkward questions and no pressure, drinks and nibbles, professional advice and giveaways. Bring your bestie, your mum, or just yourself.
PARKES EAST SCHOOL FETE
Saturday, 30 May
The annual Parkes East Public School Fete is fast approaching. From 9am to 1pm there will be fun for the whole family. There will be BBQ, cake and garden stalls, home made lamingtons, art, auction from 10.30am, tombolas, trash 'n' treasure, food, performances, gift baskets, face painting, lucky dips, raffle draws and much more. Keep up to date with information via the Parkes East Public School event page.
Want to add to this list? Email mblackstock@midwestmedia.com.au