Whats On Northern Rivers Entertainment

Lismore Lantern Parade – Saturday, June 21

📍 Lismore CBD & Riverside Precinct
🕕 Parade from 5:30 PM; festival all afternoon
Details:
The Lismore Lantern Parade is one of the Northern Rivers’ most iconic events, celebrating community, light, and creativity around the winter solstice. Expect a full-day festival atmosphere with live music, street food, workshops, and art installations. The magical parade features hundreds of handmade lanterns, giant puppets, and performers weaving through the streets to the riverside finale and fireworks display.

Byron Farmers Market – Thursday, June 20

📍 Butler Street Reserve, Byron Bay
🕖 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Details:
A vibrant market showcasing Northern Rivers produce—organic fruits and vegetables, gourmet bread, artisan cheese, eggs, local honey, and handmade goods. The relaxed setting and live acoustic music make it a perfect Thursday morning outing.

Nicki Parrott & Her Northern Rivers Band – Sunday, June 22

📍 New England Conservatorium of Music, Armidale
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Details:
International jazz bassist and vocalist Nicki Parrott joins local jazz artists for a performance titled Feelin’ Groovy, featuring reinterpretations of pop and jazz classics from the 60s and 70s. The event promises top-tier musicianship and a nostalgic musical journey.

World Dachshund Day March – Sunday, June 22

📍 Ballina RSL Memorial Park
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Details:
Celebrate World Dachshund Day with a fun community walk and social gathering for sausage dog lovers. Dress up your dachshund, enjoy a pet-friendly morning walk, meet fellow owners, and take part in “cutest costume” contests.

Murwillumbah Makers & Finders Market – Saturday, June 22

📍 Knox Park, Murwillumbah
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Details:
A creative community event featuring artisan stalls, live local music, food trucks, and family activities. It showcases sustainable fashion, ceramics, skincare, jewellery, and handmade art. A perfect way to support local makers and artists.

Elder Beats Seniors Drumming Circle – Tuesday, June 24

📍 Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
🕥 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Details:
A free, rhythm-based workshop for seniors aged 55 and over. No musical experience required. Drums and percussion instruments are provided. Designed to support wellbeing, creativity, and community connection through rhythm and group music-making.

“I Will Not Regret Hope” by Belinda Smith – from Thursday, June 26

📍 Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina
🕘 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Tue–Sun)
Details:
This solo exhibition presents sculptural work exploring emotional resilience and optimism in adversity. Smith uses industrial materials like concrete and recycled plastic to create poetic, text-based forms.

“Wagtail at the Picture Palace” by Robin Saunders – from Thursday, June 26

📍 Northern Rivers Community Gallery, Ballina
Details:
An exhibition of relief monoprints exploring themes of cinema, memory, and nostalgia using traditional Japanese Kozo paper and abstract visual storytelling.

Roo and Colin Acoustic Duo – Saturday, June 28

📍 Ballina RSL Boardwalk
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Details:
Popular local duo Roo and Colin return with a mix of acoustic covers and original songs. Expect smooth harmonies, bluesy riffs, and sunset river views.

Northern Rivers Cutting Horse Club – Kyogle Show – June 27–29

📍 Kyogle Showgrounds
Details:
This multi-day equestrian event showcases skilled horse and rider teams performing cutting horse manoeuvres—where a horse separates a cow from the herd and prevents it from returning. It’s a thrilling and fast-paced sport rooted in working farm traditions.