All things art, all weekend long

Bar SAM is back.

Friday

Bar SAM: Whiteley Art Party

Bar SAM returns for a special midwinter edition in partnership with the Shepparton Arts Festival to celebrate Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio at Shepparton Art Museum, with drinks on arrival, additional food and drinks available, a DJ spinning hits from the ’60s to ’80s, and a chance to enjoy the night in style — strictly 18+.

When: From 6pm

Where: 530 Wyndham St, Shepparton

Cost: Entry $11, tickets available at tinyurl.com/6x3bk5xv

Avenel Home Energy Expo

Visit the Avenel Expo this August to explore practical, science-backed ways to make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable, with keynote Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and guest speakers sharing tips, insights and strategies, alongside a trade show, food and door prizes.

When: 1pm to 7pm

Where: Avenel Memorial Hall, Queen St, Avenel

Cost: General admission $10, tickets available at tinyurl.com/yf87vsmy

GVGS Junior Production — Disney’s Aladdin Jnr

Join us for Aladdin Jr, as talented students bring the Disney classic to life with colourful costumes, lively choreography and all your favourite songs in a fun-filled, family-friendly adventure full of laughter, music and magic.

When: From 7.30pm

Where: Riverlinks Westside, Mooroopna

Cost: $20, tickets available at tinyurl.com/4x967a5w

Saturday

Enjoy fine wine at Tahbilk’s 1860s underground cellar. Photo by Ray Sizer

Tahbilk’s Iconic 1860 Vines Shiraz Vertical Tasting

Experience The Tasting Experience at Tahbilk’s 1860s underground cellar, where a wine ambassador will guide you through six vintages — including a pre-release 2018 — exploring how climate, soil and vines shape each wine, offering a rare opportunity to taste and compare wines that blend youthful energy with mature elegance.

When: Saturday and Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm

Where: Tahbik Winery, 254 O’Neils Rd, Nagambie

Cost: $20 or free for members, tickets available at tinyurl.com/56ym8pfy

Regional Art Fair — Shepparton Arts Festival Winter Weekend

Join us for the inaugural Regional Art Fair at the McIntosh Centre both days, featuring stalls, exhibitions, workshops and interactive experiences that celebrate regional artists, collectives and makers, offering two days of creative discovery, conversation and connection for art lovers and makers alike.

When: Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 2pm

Where: Thompson St, Shepparton

Cost: Free

Repair Café

Don’t bin it, bring it. Come on down to Repair Café at The Workshop and get help fixing toasters, chairs, clothes, or any mystery items for free, while saving money, reducing waste and connecting with your community — plus, enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

When: 10am to 2pm

Where: 32 Kitchen St, Mansfield

Cost: Free

Sunday

Brush up on your painting skills at Cactus Country.

Paint & Sip Desert Blooms

Join Place of Stace for a Paint & Sip at Cactus Country and enjoy a guided cactus-themed painting session with Stacey, margaritas, Mexican-inspired snacks and the option to explore the gardens — perfect for all skill levels.

When: From noon

Where: Cactus Country, 4986 GV Hwy, Strathmerton

Cost: $80 to $100, tickets available at tinyurl.com/3mnddvmw

Bill & Beat’s Kids’ Paint Party

Join us for a fun, all-inclusive kids’ paint party with Alysha, where children aged eight and above will create Harriet or Harry the Giraffe, enjoy a kids’ meal and milkshake, and receive step-by-step painting guidance with all supplies provided, while parents can relax in the café or join in.

When: From 12.30pm

Where: 106 McLennan St, Mooroopna

Cost: $30 adults when accompanying child and $40 for kids