If you’re looking for something to do this long weekend then head out to Bogan Gate on Saturday 3 October and support their annual Market Day.

Held at the Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall, the markets are entirely volunteer run, and will be held from 8am until 1pm, with the popular Devonshire Teas available from 9am until 12.30pm.

There will be a great variety of stalls ranging from plants, cordials, salami, home baking, preserves, craft, laser art, mirrors, jewellery, collectables and bric a brac, books and more.

Monies raised from the Devonshire Teas and the raffle will be divided between the Bogan Gate Hall and the Bogan Gate Community Workshops.

This year’s amazing raffle contains items donated by Powertools Plus, Kell Thomas, Jo Bartyn, Ros & Steve Edwards and Shelley & Colin Nutley. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Hall on Saturday morning, and will be drawn at 12.30pm.

So grab your friends and family and head to Bogan Gate for a drive to enjoy one of the fantastic Devonshire Teas and visit with many stallholders such as Bogan Gate Public School, Lauren Crocheted Toys, Tumbling Downs, Outback Rustic, Charlie’s Collectables, Vivid Heart, Rose’s Tablecloths, Teddy Goose and Co, By Danica Rose, Jo’s Bows and Things, Creative Chaos by Bec and more.

The Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall which was built in 1953 as a public function space and community memorial hub and is now a volunteer run function and social venue. The Community Hall holds events regularly for Anzac Day, Australia Day, markets (once or twice a year), community and seniors workshops and many more.

In addition to being used for community events, the hall is also available for hire for private functions such as weddings and funerals. If anyone would like to book the hall please contact Shelley on 0428 738 172.

Join the Forbes Library these School Holidays for magic, laughs and plenty of surprises! Pooka the Clown is ready to entertain with hilarious tricks, balloons, and lots of smiles.

The fun won’t end when the show does, with every child receiving their very own friendship turtle balloon to take home. Pooka may also have a few extra tricks up his sleeve, with some close-up magic following the performance.

The show is suitable for families and is a great opportunity to enjoy some free school holiday entertainment at the library. This is a free family event for all ages, but please note that children under the age of 10, require adult supervision at all times.

Bring the kids along this school holidays to Forbes Library on Thursday 1 October from 10am – 10.45am. Pooka is looking forward to seeing you all there. So make sure you stop and say hello, get a free balloon and he might even do a magic trick for you. He is ready to wow audiences young and old Please book your spot online via Eventbrite or call the Forbes Library on 6852 1463

The highly anticipated Street Dreams Festival returns to Forbes on Friday 25 September from 5pm to 9pm with a brand-new live music stage, interactive light installations and an expanded program of underwater-inspired creative experiences.

Taking place across Harold St, Court St and Victoria Park, the free event will once again bring thousands of people into the town centre to experience a vibrant evening of immersive art, entertainment, light and creativity.

A major new addition for 2026 is the Street Dreams Stage, which will showcase local musical talent throughout the evening.

Performances begin with students from the Forbes Guitar Academy from 6pm to 8pm. From 8pm to 9pm, local country artist Gracey Denham-Jones will headline the stage, delivering a special live performance for festival-goers.

The precinct will be illuminated with stunning visual displays and creative installations designed to inspire wonder and exploration. This year, Court St will come alive with expanded activations, including interactive light installations and a dedicated art exhibition space.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Last year’s Street Dreams Festival exceeded all expectations, attracting more than 2,000 people into the Forbes CBD.

And this year we’re elevating the experience even further”.

“Street Dreams is not only great for the local economy and community connection, it also allows us to activate and reimagine spaces that we don’t traditionally use for events.”

Forbes Shire Council received a $108,550 grant through the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program 2025-28, led by Transport for NSW.

For more information, visit https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Book week is one massive celebration of books, stories and characters, and Book Week 2026 is scheduled to come to life from 22 to 28 August.

The theme for 2026 is “Symphony of Stories”, celebrating the diversity of stories and the creativity of Australian authors and illustrators, with artwork by Briony Stewart, known for her vibrant and imaginative illustrations.

Celebrate the Book Week theme “A Symphony of Stories” at Forbes Library. Join in for a Special Storytime to share one of the CBCA shortlisted books for 2026 and have fun making animal sounds with percussion instruments. Everyone will also make a special “froggy” craft to take home.

Children of all ages are welcome to attend this Storytime – but it is designed to best suit children ages 3-5 years.

Join in the Book Week “Symphony” Musical Storytime at Forbes Library on Tuesday 25 August from 10.30am.

If you would like to provide more details about your child’s needs, or would like to ask about inclusive options, please get in touch directly via aalmond@orange.nsw.gov.au. Register to book your spot at: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1996936713466 or call 6852 1463

World renowned live fire Chef Patrick De Leon is returning to the National BBQ Championships for a second year when the event fires up in Forbes on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, at Grinstead Oval.

Barbeque fans who have seen Chef Patrick in action know he’s one of the world’s most dynamic chefs, making him a highlight of another unforgettable weekend in the Central West NSW.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “We’re delighted that Pat is returning to Forbes for this year’s National BBQ Championships.

“Pat was a crowd favourite last year. He brought great energy and enthusiasm to the event. We know attendees will be excited to see him back.”

Chef Patrick’s live fire cooking skills, global BBQ flavours and expertise with wood and coal fired cooking will impress both experienced pitmasters and backyard BBQ fans.

This year’s event will feature a weekend full of barbecue, with live cooking demonstrations, grilling and smoking displays, live music, market stalls and fun activities for the kids.

Start planning your winning recipes and contact events@forbes.nsw.gov.au with any questions or go to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Too many people don’t discover Can Assist until they’re already in crisis. This August, let’s change that.

Join the Parkes Can Assist branch and help raise funds and awareness, so more people know support is available before the financial pressure of cancer becomes overwhelming.

Every dollar you raise stays with your local branch, helping local people with the everyday costs of treatment, fuel, accommodation, travel, parking, medical expenses and more.

You don’t need to be the fastest. You don’t need to walk the furthest. You just need to take the first step to help make Can Assist visible in our community, because every person who hears about Can Assist today is one more person who knows where to turn tomorrow.

Walk for someone you love. Walk for a friend. Walk for a neighbour. Walk because no one in our community should face cancer alone.

On Sunday, 23 August, the neighbouring communities of Parkes and Forbes unite for the annual Can Do the Distance community event supporting Can Assist, walking and raising vital funds for rural cancer patients. Meet up with old friends and make a few new friends. Be part of this event knowing every step counts toward easing the burden for country patients.

Parkes Fun-Walk

Join in a walk, sprint or run around the Northparkes Oval.

Families, local volunteers, friends and survivors are invited for the 10:00 AM start, ready to put in the hard yards for people we love facing the long road of cancer treatment.

Morning tea will be served as an incentive to support Can Assist.

Forbes Lake Walk

Down the road in Forbes, a parallel wave of walkers will set off near the picturesque Lake Forbes, tracing the winding paths alongside the water.

No set start time, come along and enjoy a relaxed stroll, walk one lap or as many as you like. At midday a sausage sizzle will be held at Forbes Sport and Recreation Club All of the funds raised from the day’s strides will go directly to local Can Assist at Forbes and Parkes ensuring that rural families wrestling with cancer diagnosis and travel costs never have to walk alone.

Donations can be made on the day or through our website canassist.org.au

The Book Dispensary, together with Penguin Random House Publishers, is thrilled to host beloved Australian children’s author Jacqueline Harvey in Forbes for an inspiring day of literacy events. Jacqueline will engage students from our local primary schools and host a special evening session for parents.

As well as these events, The Book Dispensary is also delighted to announce donations of $1,000 to each of the libraries at Forbes Public, Forbes North and St Laurence’s Schools and $500 to Forbes Preschool. Debbie Prior from The Book Dispensary is hoping that this crucial funding will help update school and preschool libraries and ensure students have access to engaging, high-quality reading resources.

Debbie from The Book Dispensary said she is “Incredibly proud to welcome one of Australia’s most celebrated storytellers, Jacqueline Harvey, to our local community”.

Jacqueline Harvey—the internationally bestselling author of the Alice-Miranda, Clementine Rose, and Kensy and Max series—has sold over two million copies of her books worldwide. Known for her engaging, adventurous, and relatable stories, Jacqueline has an unparalleled ability to captivate young readers.

During her visit on 11 August, Jacqueline will host dynamic sessions with local primary students. These interactive presentations are designed to ignite a passion for storytelling, showing children that books are gateways to endless imagination.

The Book Dispensary is hosting an exclusive free parent evening with Jacqueline Harvey on Tuesday 11 August from 5.306.30pm at The Book Dispensary. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Go to: www.trybooking.com/DNSTP. For more information please contact Debbie on 1300 002 871, email debbie@thebookdispensary.com.au or call in store.