What’s on
30 October, 2026
WEEKEND WIRE: Highlands, Tablelands, Wollondilly and Yass – October 30 to November 1
A spooky themed Weekend Wire this time, with lots of Halloween events on across the regions this Saturday, October 31.
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
SATURDAY OCTOBER 31
Mittagong Markets
Held on the 3rd and 5th Saturday at the Mittagong Senior Citizens and Community Centre from 8am to 2pm, the Mittagong Markets are on again this Saturday, October 31.
There will be a good variety of stalls, selling unique gifts, local produce and food.
The Mittagong Senior Citizens and Community Centre is located at 10 Albert Lane, Mittagong. For more information call 0424 095 195 or email s.colyer@bigpond.com.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1
'CHESS IN THE PARK' — Leighton Gardens, Moss Vale
The Moss Vale Community Association Inc. (MVCA) is holding their inaugural event, Chess In The Park at Leighton Gardens this Sunday from 11am to 1pm.
They are describing it as 'a little Central Park energy, right here in the Highlands - chess in the gardens; good company; a few moves and plenty of conversation.'
"We’re creating a relaxed, informal gathering with a New York park vibe — a place to meet people, share a game and enjoy the heart of Moss Vale," a spokesperson from the MVCA said.
The wet weather venue will be Moss Vale Services Club.
Whether anyone is beginner, a regular player or just curious, everyone is welcome, and the MVCA are happy to help you learn.
Bring a chessboard (if you have one), plus camping chairs and a table if possible, in case the park benches fill up.
For more information visit the Moss Vale Community Association Inc. Facebook page.
WOLLONDILLY
FRIDAY OCTOBER 30
Picton Paranormal Investigation
A special 'Halloween Eve' Picton Paranormal Investigations will be held at the Wollondilly Shire Hall tonight from 8pm to 10pm.
Join Most Haunted Ghost Tours & Paranormal Investigations for an unforgettable paranormal investigation experience.
Famously claimed to be Australia’s 'most haunted town', Picton has a number of different locations to 'scare the heebie-jeebies' out of horror fans.
Parts of the shire hall served as a school as far back as 1869, and you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the resident spirits.
The mysterious "Ted," a bearded man in a hat who lingers at the back of the hall, and the heartbreaking sounds of a young girl crying from beneath the stage.
While the town is famous for the faceless apparition of Emily Bollard at the Mushroom Tunnel and the spectral children who play in St. Mark’s Anglican Church cemetery, the Shire Hall offers its own chilling encounters, from unexplained vibrations beneath your feet to doors that open of their own accord. Please note that this is strictly an 18 years + event. (A note on atmosphere: Our investigations involve themes related to death and navigating dark, unfamiliar spaces. If you are easily spooked or uncomfortable with these topics, this event may not be the right fit for you.)
The Wollondilly Shire Hall is located at 52 Menangle St, Picton.
Tickets are $85, and can be booked via the Humanitix link at https://events.humanitix.com/wollondilly-shire-hall.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 31
Spooky Afternoon Tea & Halloween Hunt
Picton's The Celebration Society will be hosting a Halloween themed afternoon tea and 'halloween hunt' for the kids this Saturday from 3pm to 5pm.
The kids can have fun decorating cupcakes & cookies (drinks supplied), followed by a Halloween Scavenger Hunt on foot throughout Picton! They will have a spook-tacular time decorating ‘ghoul-worthy goodies’, cracking clues, snapping selfies and racing to the finish line.
There will also be Creepy Crafts & Games – keep little hands busy with Halloween-inspired crafts and puzzles.
Costumes are also encouraged – come dressed in your best Halloween outfit for some 'fang-tastic' photos!
Spots are limited – book now and treat the kids to a hauntingly good afternoon filled with laughs, sweets, and spooky fun!
The Celebration Society is located at 36 Menangle St, Picton.
General admission is $10 and can be booked through the Humanitix link at https://events.humanitix.com/spooky-afternoon-tea/tickets.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1
Menangle Run Club
From 7am on the first Sunday morning of every month, the Menangle Run Club meets at the Menangle Old School Site in Station St.
This free, community-based group is perfect for locals who enjoy getting outdoors, staying active, and meeting new people.
Whether you prefer walking, jogging or running, everyone is welcome, regardless of age or fitness level.
The focus is on community, consistency and encouragement, with no pressure or competition – just a supportive environment to move at your own pace.
After each session, participants are invited to enjoy a coffee and social catch-up, making it the perfect opportunity to connect with others and celebrate your efforts.
Hosted by Tessa Elise, Personal Trainer.
The Menangle Old School Site is located at 28 Station St, Menangle.
For more information, join the Menangle Run/Walk Club page on Facebook.
SOUTHERN TABLELANDS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31
Open Day at the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre
From 10am to 3pm this Saturday at the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre, come to their Open Day.
An award presentation will also be conducted at the Rail Heritage Centre honouring steam locomotive 1076.
This award will be presented by Mr Steve Lewis on behalf of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London.
The engineering company, Vulcan Foundry England, manufactured this class of engine from a design by Thomas Middleton, Locomotive Overseer at the New South Wales Government Railways.
Built in 1883, Locomotive 1076 had a working life of 86 years, retiring in 1970.
In 1953 the engine was sent to Loco Depot No. 3 South Goulburn (now known as the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre) and worked here until 1963 returning to the Roundhouse on the 7th November 2008 where volunteers painstakingly restored the engine to operational condition.
Come along and see this lovely lady from days gone by.
Admission will be free.
The Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre is located at 12 Braidwood Rd, Goulburn. For more information contact them on 4822 1210, email them at glrps12@optusnet.com.au, or visit the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre page on Facebook.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Riversdale Spring Garden History Tours and Open Day
Goulburn's historic National Trust property Riversdale will be hosting its Spring Garden History tours and Open Day this Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
Discover the delights and history of Riversdale’s gardens while they’re at their sensational spring best.
Inside, witness conservation in action.
Tour includes light refreshments.
Led by longtime Head Gardener, Ros Loftus, and Head House Guide Marie Kennedy, visitors will discover the rich history of Riversdale – it’s house and gardens, its people, and its pivotal place in nineteenth-century Goulburn.
Visitors can also view a giant 200-year-old Gleditsia, a distinguished c.1840 ‘Cupressus’, a luscious 1870’s plum and a very special five-crown apple tree planted in 1918 to commemorate the safe return of two Riversdale children from the First World War.
You’ll also have the rare chance to view Riversdale homestead mid-conservation, witnessing preservation work as it happens, and gaining insight into how this treasured property is being safeguarded for the future.
Relax with light refreshments in the garden, surrounded by resident birdlife, then browse for special gifts or take home a living piece of the historic Riversdale garden as you choose from plants grown onsite by our dedicated nursery volunteers.
Riversdale Historic Homestead is located at 2 Twynam Drive, North Goulburn.
Contact them for more information on 4821 4741, email them at riversdale@nationaltrust.com.au, or the Riversdale Homestead NSW page on Facebook.
YASS
FRIDAY OCTOBER 30
Digging up the Past – Gruesome Graveside Yarns and dinner at Yazzbar
The Yass Valley History Centre (YVHC) will be hosting a guided tour of the Yass Cemetery, digging up memories of terrible history in the town over 150 years or more.
Hear stories of lives lived, tragedy, misfortune, and untimely demise, sharing the macabre side of this history.
After the cemetery, join everyone at local restaurant Yazzbar for dinner and live music in Yass’s premier wine bar showcasing the region’s best wine, food and entertainment.
The ticket price includes a delicious selection of charcuterie boards and pizzas, as well as cocktails, local wines, beer, soft drink and coffee, which are available to purchase, too.
This tour is suitable for adults only. Places for this special event are strictly limited.
Note: The walk is at an easy pace, however the cemetery ground is uneven in places, and not suitable for those with mobility issues. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Yass Cemetery is located on Irvine Drive, Yass, and Yazzbar is located at 81 Comur St, Yass.
Tickets are $65 for adults or $55 for YVHC members. To book, visit the Try Booking link at https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1645746.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 31
Binalong Colonial Bush Dance
Celebrate 150 years of the first arrival of the steam train to Binalong this Saturday evening from 7pm at the Binalong Mechanics Institute Hall on Wellington St.
There will be a night of live music, dancing and good company, and the barbeque will be hot and ready, so bring some drinks and dress in your best period costume for your chance to win a prize for best dressed!
The Binalong Mechanics Institute Hall is located at 15 Wellington St, Binalong.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for a child (under 16), and can be purchased via the Humanitix link at https://events.humanitix.com/colonial-bush-dance/tickets.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1
Cars and Coffee Yass
Good cars, great coffee, good people are all welcome at the Cars and Coffee Yass event at Riverbank Park on Comur St from 9am to 11am.
All cars, trucks, and bikes are welcome, or just bring your passion for everything classic and motorised. For more information contact 0412 644 230, email woobackyass@gmail.com, or visit the Cars & Coffee Yass Facebook page.
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