A Summer of Festivals in Wagga Wagga  

In the heart of country NSW, Wagga Wagga is upping the anti this summer with a smorgasbord of cultural events featuring everything from gastronomic wonders to chamber music, tango and classic Australian rock.

At an average of five and half hours distance from Melbourne and Sydney, Wagga Wagga may not be at the top of the cards for quick weekend of festivities, but if you’re on the road this summer, why not line up your travels with a visit to one of the following high-calibre festival events.

The Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Over a series of evenings, for one week in January 2009, a number of high profile musicians will be performing the likes of Beethoven, Elgar, Shostakovich and Marinu at the Joyes Hall at Charles Sturt University, mixing it up in between with a Thursday evenings exploration of Astor Piazzolla’s tangos (7:30pm; Sun 11th, Mon 12th, Wed 14th, Thurs 15th). The Grande Finale Concert at 2pm on Saturday 17th will be a free event held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre with performances including Summer School participants and tutors showcasing solo, ensemble and orchestral works prepared during the week.

Admission Prices:

• Adults: $20 per concert; $70 for the series,
• Concession: $15, per concert; $50 for the series.
• Family: $50 per concert; $170 for the series.
• Tickets are on sale now.

Dusty Days Music Festival
This highly successful annual music festival, held at Murrumbidgee Turf Club, was a huge success in February this year with performances from great Aussie acts including Regurgitator, Shihad, Cog, Butterfingers, The Mess Hall, Starky, Spurs For Jesus, Jimmy Barnes, Alex Lloyd and The Whitlams. The festival also featured food and wine stalls, hairstyling demonstrations, and sideshows such as the Undie 500, Perfect Match and hypnotist performances.

The line-up for the March 2009 event is not yet finalised, but expected to be announced sometime this month (www.dustydays.com.au)

• Day 1 Pass costs $65
• Day 2 Pass costs $45
• Two day festival pass $95

2009 Food and Wine Festival
This fantastic afternoon on the last Saturday of March showcases local food and wine with entertainment provided by local bands. Stalls spread out across the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre Gardens with plenty of tasting opportunities and a relaxed social atmosphere in a beautiful garden setting. Entrance is free.