Things to see and do around the Northern Rivers this month
Treat your tastebuds
With a stellar line-up of restaurants offering $5 and $10 sample plates including Harvest Newrybar, Raes on Wategos, Bang Bang Byron Bay, Shelter, Barrio, Scratch Patisserie and Federal Doma, the hardest part of the ninth annual Sample Food Festival will be choosing which plates to try. When you can’t eat any more, explore the workshops, cooking stage and vegan market full of plant-based delights, or take the foraging and fermentation masterclass with wild food expert Peter Hardwick (bookings required). This year’s guest chefs include Matt Moran, Federico Zanellato (Lumi Dining) and Luca Ciano.
Sample Food Festival, Saturday, September 7, Bangalow Showground, entry $5, kids free. samplefoodevents.com Frock up for race day
Immerse yourself in the excitement, fashion and glamour of the biggest event on the local horse racing and social calendar, the Lismore Cup. With plenty of action trackside including live music, food trucks, bars, and the ever-popular Fashions on the Field, it’s an occasion not to be missed. Adult admission is $25, members free.
Lismore Cup, September 19, Lismore Turf Club, 9 Woodlawn Rd, North Lismore. www. lismoreturfclub.com.au Shop local designs
The region’s creative talents will come together at the Bangalow Designers Market on Saturday, September 21, showcasing local fashion, arts and crafts. Held in the grounds of Bangalow Public School, the market includes live music curated by Adam Harpal, gourmet food and local coffee brewed by The Little Hopper.
Bangalow Designers Market, Saturday, September 21, Bangalow Public School grounds, 8am-3pm. www.facebook.com/ bangalowdesignersmarket Fun run
Enjoy a run or walk around the picturesque Ballina foreshore in the 14th annual Ballina Lions Fun Run and Walk. Categories include open, 17 years and under, 12 years and under and 50 years and over, plus a 5km non-competitive walk. Proceeds support local organisations and charities. Registration details at ballinalions.com.
Ballina Lions Fun Run and Walk, Sunday, September 22, from 8am. Missingham Bridge, Ballina Much Ado About Nothing
Presented by internationally acclaimed company Bell Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing is guaranteed to be a great night of theatre in Lismore. Starring Zindzi Okenyo, this version of Shakespeare’s favourite contemporary comedy, is a powerful exploration of the struggle for identity and self-knowledge in a male-dominated world.
Much Ado About Nothing, Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25, 7.30pm, NORPA at Lismore City Hall, tickets $20-$59. www.norpa.org.au