Brighten the cooler days with an outing that inspires, entertains and surprises. Lose yourself in powerful live performances, discover thought-provoking local arts, enjoy a delicious meal with friends and uncover the little moments that make a visit to Queanbeyan so memorable.
Whether you’re seeking a family adventure, an unforgettable date night or simply an excuse to try somewhere new, Queanbeyan’s thriving creative scene offers the perfect winter escape. From the moment the lights dim at The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre to your final stop for dessert or a warm drink, you’ll discover why Queanbeyan’s creative scene continues to surprise and delight.
Start with a little local flavour
A visit to The Q is the perfect reason to discover more of Queanbeyan. Arrive a little earlier and turn your evening into something special. Wander the boutique shops along Monaro Street, enjoy a leisurely dinner before the curtain rises, or finish the night with dessert and coffee while you relive your favourite moments from the performance.
If authentic Italian is calling your name, discover one of Queanbeyan’s newest dining experiences at Eleven on Monaro. From beautifully crafted house-made pasta to wood-fired pizzas, and with a focus on quality ingredients, it’s sure to become a favourite long after your first visit.
Prefer a classic pub meal? You can’t go wrong with The Royal Hotel, where generous portions and traditional pub favourites have made it a Queanbeyan institution. If you’re looking to settle in somewhere cosy and close by before the show, Walsh’s Hotel and Tourist Hotel are equally welcoming options, offering hearty meals and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for catching up with friends.
For something packed with rich flavours, Turquoise Turkish Restaurant serves chargilled kebabs, hand-stretched pides, warm breads and delicious dips that are made for sharing. Or, if a comforting curry is needed on a crisp winter’s night, the Royal Turban Indian Restaurant offers fragrant curries and warming spices in a traditional menu.
Short on time? Grab a quick bite from local favourites AJ’s Takeaway or Monaro Bites. Warm up with a coffee from Thirty 4 Cafe & Restaurant before heading to your next stop.
However you choose to spend your visit, you’ll soon discover that some of Queanbeyan’s best experiences aren’t just found on stage. They’re tucked into welcoming cafes, family-run restaurants and local businesses throughout the town centre – waiting to become your next favourite find.
A MONTH OF UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCES AT THE Q
Are you looking for a girls’ night out? An entertaining family adventure? A thought-provoking performance? The Q’s August program offers something for every audience.
Kicking off the month is Diamond, the premiere season of an award-winning new work by internationally acclaimed artist Liz Lea. This luminous, joy-filled exploration of womanhood blends contemporary dance, cabaret, music and storytelling into a celebration of resilience, humour and transformation. Experience Diamond at The Q from 6-8 August.
Treat the family to The Bugalugs Bum Thief, a laugh-out-loud theatrical adventure that’s guaranteed to delight kids (and the young at heart). Join Skeeta, Mick and Billy on a bum-tastic quest to solve the mystery of the missing bums of Bugalugs in a fun-filled production packed with imagination, laughter and plenty of cheeky moments. Catch The Bugalugs Bum Thief at The Q on 17-18 August.
Saplings is theatre at its most powerful, honest, thought-provoking and deeply human. Drawing on stories developed through workshops with young people who have experienced Australia’s youth justice system, this award-winning production explores the hopes, challenges and resilience of young people navigating a world where one decision can change everything. This poignant, compassionate and ultimately hopeful story is showing at The Q on the 22nd August.
There is joy, heartbreak, laughter and chaos in every life – Bombshells celebrates it all. Told through five wonderfully relatable women, this acclaimed production blends music, comedy and heartfelt storytelling to explore the moments that shape us, challenge us and remind us we’re never alone. Honest, uplifting and filled with warmth, this show celebrating resilience is showing at The Q from 27-29 August.
The month also features the opening of the Young at Heart exhibition, showcasing inspiring artistic talent, along with a screening of The Thing, ensuring there’s even more to discover during your visit.
Top left: Bombshells, bottom left: Diamond, Right: Saplings
KEEPING THE CREATIVITY GOING
Before or after your show, continue your cultural adventure at Rusten House Art Centre, where changing exhibitions showcase the incredible work of local and regional artists.
Combined with performances at The Q, it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Queanbeyan’s thriving creative scene and discover the talented artists helping shape the region’s cultural identity.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT
This winter, every visit makes a difference. While the Monaro Street Refresh continues to transform the heart of Queanbeyan, local cafes and restaurants, retailers and cultural venues remain open and ready to welcome visitors.
So why not make an evening of it? Wander the streets, enjoy dinner with friends, discover inspiring local arts, support local Queanbeyan businesses. Whether you’re looking for a unique night out, catching up with friends or introducing the kids to the magic of live theatre, it’s easy to create an outing that goes beyond the show itself.