Portrait Exhibition
Last Chance
This year's Blue Mountains Portraits exhibition in Katoomba features the youngest ever artist in its history, as well as a stunning collaboration between artist and subject. The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre exhibition closes on March 7 so you've got limited time to see the works.
Beats and Bites
Nearby
Every Wednesday from noon-2pm grab a bite to eat and some music to turn your lunchtime or visit to Blacktown into something special. It will be at two locations - Village Green, Flushcombe Rd and a Patrick Street pop up. Whether it's grass or shops you're drawn to you can tap into this lunchtime program. Free event, weekly until October 27.
Fishfest
At home
For the 37th year the Penrith Panthers Fishing Club will run Fishfest on the Neapean and Hawkesbury rivers. It's a strictly catch, photograph and release event covering both fresh and saltwater varieties including mullet, herring, carp, bream, flounder and whiting. Fishfest, from 5pm Feb 26 until 2pm Feb 28, $25 adults, $15 juniors (under 14), register at www.panthersfishfest.com.au
Markets
Various
Pack your bag or Esky and head out this weekend to pick up some fresh produce at markets around the area. In Richmond you can head to the good food market each weekend, held beside the central Richmond Park from 8am to 1pm. The Windsor Mall Sunday markets, one of the oldest in the Hawkesbury region, is on every week from 9am-3pm at its George St location. There is a list as long as your arm of things to pick up (and a few suprises thrown in). Along the way you can support local producers.
Night animals
Free
Keep your ears open and eyes (aided by a torch) alert on this nature tour that could see you come face-to-face with Yellow-bellied gliders or Feather-tailed Glider. This walk with ecologist Tom Covell will unearth some of the wonders of our bush at night. Redbank Creek, North Richmond, March 4, 7.20pm to 9.30pm, bookings essential via eventbrite.
New Quilt 2021
Art
"Think big, think bold - be adventurous!" was the criteria for this exhibition that calls on quilters to explore their craft in new ways. The New Quilt's 40 pieces was curated from more than 100 entries to the QuiltNSW callout. It includes multi-dimensional works that look at the challenges and joys of 2020. Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre (Top Floor), 300 George St, Windsor. Until Apr 11. Gallery closed on Tuesday and public holiday.
Pick your own
Nearby
Looking for a Valentine's idea? Then perhaps head to the Bilpin Fruit Bowl this weekend to pick an apple or two with, or for, your loved ones. The pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farm will be open on February 13 and 14 from 10am to 4pm. Bring your own bags and pack some sensible shoes ... it's muddy out there. Enquiries to Margaret on 0404 061262. You can also pick-your-own fresh goodies at the TNT produce, 153 Kurts Road, Bilpin between 10am and 4pm. Fees apply for both sites.
Chamber festival
Save the date
If you're looking for a weekend of fine classical music, then head to Blackheath for this event. The festival from April 23-25 will feature community hall concerts and recitals in the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens. Pack up a something to sit on and head out to enjoy music in the gardens. Featured artists include the Goldner String Quartet, Arcadia Winds, Harker Ensemble and Nexas Quartet. Tickets are limited for COVID reasons. Details at blackheathchambermusicfestival.org.au.
Film extra
Regional
Fancy a stint in a Katoomba-based TV horror series? Then here's your chance. The production crew are recruiting extras for a number of sites around the region for filming until June. They are looking for background extras "the every day person you see down in Coles". Do you think you have the chops for a bit part? Then make a video on your smart phone and send it in, along with the application found at is requested as part of the application at https://oncuetalent.com.au/.
Do you have an event you want the community to know about? Send us your details on the form here.