LEARN TO PLAY SPEED LEAGUE

Friday, 10 October

Join the Parkes PCYC for a fun-filled and free event led by their Nations of Origin players, who competed in the special youth tournament in July. If you're aged between 14 and 17 years, you can learn to play speed league this Friday at Cheney Oval. It all begins at 11.30am with learning and understanding the rules, then a practice match at 12.30pm, barbecue lunch at 1pm, 1.30pm a re-run through the rules and 2pm will be a round robin. Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and have a great time on the field. Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/UywHQ39V5g?origin=lprLink or find the link on the Parkes PCYC Facebook page.

HOMEGROWN PARKES

Saturday, 11 October

Homegrown Parkes is an opportunity for local and regional businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products with the community. Markets, music, performances and demonstrations in Cooke Park - it's all homegrown in Parkes and it's a great family day out.

FORBES SPRING RACES

Saturday, 11 October

Racing returns to the Forbes track this weekend for the Forbes Spring Races. With a six-race program, there will be free jumping castles and face painting for the kids, and the return of the ever popular Fashions on the Field. Gates open at 12pm and kids under 16 free. A bar, canteen and coffee van will be in operation on the day.

FASCINATING SCIENCE

Now until 31 October

Don’t forget the ‘Fascinating Science’ exhibition from Questacon is still on at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre, but only until the end of the month. This is a fantastic opportunity for the community and surrounding towns to engage in scientific principles relevant to everyday life.

WASTE 2 ART REGIONAL SHOWCASE

Now until 2 November

Congratulations to all our Waste 2 Art winners. Their work is now in Dubbo for the Waste 2 Art Regional Showcase, which runs until 2 November at the Western Plains Cultural Centre. Entry is free. The annual community art exhibition and competition features winning artworks from local Waste 2 Art competitions held by participating councils across the NetWaste region, including Parkes, and this year's theme is Toys.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

17 October-2 November

Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society’s next horrifyingly exciting production is the Little Shop of Horrors and opening night is Friday, 17 October. Running over three weekends at the Little Theatre, tickets are available now at www.parkesmandd.com.au. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination! This is going to be a show you won't want to miss.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO TRUNDLE

17-19 October

With the Trundle ABBA Festival not going ahead this year, Trundle locals and businesses have banded together to bring a new event in its place. Save the date for the inaugural All Roads Lead to Trundle, a weekend full of fun. It includes the famous Pink Ribbon Night on the Friday (see details below), as well as a fundraising golf afternoon, markets and music all day and night over the weekend. For more information, check out its Facebook page.

TRUNDLE PINK NIGHT

Friday, 17 October

Trundle will be turning pink for their tenth year this October. To celebrate their tenth anniversary Trundle Pink Night will be holding their biggest and boldest Pink Night yet! Join them for a night of fun, flair and fundraising as they celebrate a decade of coming together to support a cancer-free future. There will be prizes, raffles and auction on the night that you will not want to miss. Entry is free from 5pm at the Trundle Golf Club and make sure to dress in pink to celebrate community and making an impact. If you can't make it on the night you can still support the worthy cause by heading to www.doitforcancer.com.au/fundraisers/trundlepinknight

SHOW 'N' SHINE

Saturday, 18 October

Central West Car Club will be holding their annual Show 'n' Shine on 18 October from 9am to 3pm at Pioneer Oval. Entry is a gold coin donation with all proceeds going to charity. This year's feature vehicle is coupes. New this year is matchbox/hot wheels racing. Enter on the day and receive a free car to race.

LIGHT UP PARKES: SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS

20 October-30 October

Over two weeks this October Parkes Shire Council is bringing free, expert-led workshops to the business community. Designed to give you practical skills, fresh ideas and inspiration to help your business thrive. From digital marketing and visual merchandising to budgeting and business growth to AI and emerging technologies, there's something for every business owner. Spots are limited so register now to secure your place. See the full program and book via council's website: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events-and-Festivals.

OPEN GARDENS 'N MARKETS

Sunday, 26 October

The Parkes Que Club is once again holding their biggest fundraising event the Parkes Open Gardens with markets returning to the Parkes Racecourse. There will be four gardens to explore this year. More details to come soon.

Want to add to this list? Email mblackstock@midwestmedia.com.au