Featured Events in Penrith in May, 2025 (May Updated)

Join local author Tegan Bennett Daylight in conversation discussing her latest novel How to Survive 1985. How to Survive 1985 is the follow up to Tegan’s acclaimed YA novel Royals which was shortlisted for the Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and named a ‘Best Book of the Year’ in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian. Royals received glowing praise from Alice Pung, who described it as ‘A real page-turner of a book, full of vivid characters, intrigue and genuine warmth. The setting is so realistically unsettling, and the teenagers so likeable, that I was hooked from the beginning.’ How to Survive 1985 is a warm, life-affirming story that follows four friends who find themselves thrown back in time to 1985. This sure-fire family conversation-started looks at how the teens of today would survive in their parents’ era – how do they manage the harsh attitudes and language, the lack of internet, and most importantly, their teenaged parents. Optimistic and heartwarming, this is Up-lit for today’s teens. In the face of a lot of pessimism about Gen Z and the world they’re inheriting, Tegan explores the positive aspects of Gen Z: their care for each other, their moral fibre, their resilience, and resourcefulness. Gen Z is surrounded by so many dystopian visions of their world and future (in the news as well as books), How to Survive 1985 is a wonderful demonstration of the ways many things have improved. Most notably, sexism, racism and ableism. Tegan Bennett Daylight is a writer, teacher and critic. Her books include the Stella Award shortlisted Six Bedrooms and the novels Safety and Bombora. She lives in the Blue Mountains with her husband and two children. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Booking essential. Purchase a book from our Harry Hartog pop-up on the night to have it personally signed by Tegan. Please advise us on 4732 7891 if you have accessibility requirements for this program. Information Source: Penrith City Library | eventbrite

Bring the whole family to Brougham Hall this May and immerse yourselves in this amazing setting. See the young ones enjoy the kids activitiesGet to know Cumbria's brass bandsHave a go yourself with our taster sessionsFind out how bands nurture music-making for all agesFind out how to get involvedBrougham Hall is the perfect setting with artisan craft shops and a lovely cafe on site. For more information about Brass at the Castle, visit www.drumandbrass.co.uk. Brass at the Castle is supported by Arts Council England and it represents a partnership between Drum and Brass, Brougham Hall and Cumbria's Brass Bands Information Source: Drum and Brass | eventbrite

Event:Love Trail Running Weekend 2025 Type:LTR's are social, guided group trail runs - we're not racing! Location: Pooley Bridge - Lake District Fitness Requirement: Our guided Trail Running Weekend is aimed at experienced trail runners. As a rough guide, if you can comfortably complete an off-road parkrun of 5km under 30mins AND enjoy running up hills - you'll likely be in your element. Please note: unfortunately the weekend is not open to all abilities. Routes: We have 3 fantastic routes planned Saturday: A glorious 21km route including a pre-run steam boat journey to GlenriddingSunday: An undulating 15km route venturing through the amazing Aira-Force Falls.Monday: A lovely 10km route around Dunmallard Hill and Heughscar Hill (Bank Holiday)Is it for me? Though highly social, our routes are quite technical in parts, quite hilly and somewhat challenging, but they're extremely rewarding with tons of fantastic scenery.If you're keen for the weekend but haven't run with us before, we advise booking onto one of our monthly events. What’s included: A 3 night stay in our wonderful, private accommodation in the heart of Pooley Bridge. It's a fantastic base with large, luxurious en-suite bedrooms and a beautiful garden to relax in after our adventures.Three awesome, fully guided trail runsBreakfast on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday morning3 course evening meal on SaturdayLTR goodie bagWhat’s not-included: Evening meal out on Friday & SundayLunch on each daySteam Boat journeyOur accommodation options: Bedroom 1: (£355) single in a kingsize bed and en-suite. (AVAILABLE)Bedroom 2:(£355)single in a kingsize bed and en-suite. (BOOKED)Bedroom 3:(£355) single in a kingsize bed and en-suite. (BOOKED)Bedroom 4: (£325) single in double bed and en-suite. (BOOKED)Bedroom 5: (£275) single bed in a twin room with en-suite. (BOOKED)We are offering the chance for a very small number of people to get involved in the weekend by opting to camp locally. This will allow them to join the guided runs and evening meals out, at a cost of £125pp (not including the cost of the meals out). How to Book:If you feel the weekend's right for you, please REGISTER. We will then email you with details of availability and ways to secure your place. If you would like more information or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Rodger on: 07946 568844 Information Source: Love Trail Running | eventbrite

MAY THE THIRD DESTROY YOU A Heavy Metal Event from a Galaxy Far, Far Away…In the dark expanse of the metal galaxy, a storm brews. On the third day of the fifth month, the force of destruction awakens. Prepare for an intergalactic onslaught of brutal riffs, blast beats, and growls that would make a Sith Lord tremble—this is MAY THE THIRD DESTROY YOU! Leading the charge is GOSIKA, the relentless death metal warlords from the Illawarra system, bringing a sonic annihilation worthy of the Death Star's firepower. Their crushing sound is the ultimate weapon in this battle of heaviness. Joining the assault are: T-REX AUTOPSY – A progressive metal juggernaut, twisting time signatures like hyperspace jumps and delivering technical wizardry sharper than a lightsaber duel. DEAD BY DAWN – A hybrid force of metallic chaos, fusing styles like a master of both the light and dark sides of the riff. Expect the unexpected. FALL FROM HEAVEN – Extreme metal emissaries delivering apocalyptic brutality, like a Sith prophecy fulfilled in distortion and destruction. Whether you align with the Empire or the Rebellion, one thing is certain—only the strongest will survive this night of unrelenting heaviness. Choose your side, raise your horns, and may the third… DESTROY YOU. DATE: May 3rd LOCATION: Elton Chong, Penrith The mosh pit awakens. Will you answer the call? Information Source: Elton Chong | eventbrite

Join award-winning Australian author Amanda Hampson to talk about her latest Tea Ladies mystery, The Deadly Dispute. This delightfully intriguing series has captured readers around Australia and we are thrilled Amanda is joining us at Penrith Library. About The Deadly Dispute 1967: Hazel’s new job at the docks quickly turns perilous when she stumbles into the criminal underworld that lurks beneath the surface. A million in gold coins has vanished from a cargo ship and a dead body washed up. Suddenly, she’s in over her head. Disillusioned with her life, Betty is led astray by a charismatic new friend and finds herself exposed in more ways than one – until a crisis drags her back to reality. Living in a high-class brothel, Irene gets wind of a threat that could destroy her livelihood. She takes on the Maltese mafia and becomes involved in a dangerously sticky situation. When one of the tea ladies disappears, they face their greatest challenge yet, pushing their detective skills to the limit. It will take more than a glass of Hazel’s homemade wine to solve this one. About Amanda Hampson Amanda Hampson has been writing professionally for more than thirty years and is the bestselling author of nine novels. A runaway bestseller, The Tea Ladies won the 2024 Danger Awards for Best Crime Fiction and was Shortlisted for the 2024 Davitt Awards - Best Adult Crime and the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards – Best Fiction. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Booking essential. Purchase a book from our QBD Books pop-up on the night to have it personally signed by Amanda. Please advise us on 4732 7891 if you have accessibility requirements for this program. Information Source: Penrith City Library | eventbrite

“Between the familiar and the magical comes a novel of romantic vision ... Rarely is historical fiction this fraught and alive.” – The Sydney Morning Herald What connects an impulsive Scottish industrialist in 1916 Edinburgh and a frustrated lawyer dropping into the pub for a bottle of wine in 1993 Melbourne? From multi-award-winning author Jock Serong comes Cherrywood, an imaginative, darkly playful and deeply meaningful delight; a novel about legacy, community, wonder, love and reinvention. Join Jock Serong in conversation with Amy Sambrooke. About Jock Serong Jock Serong is the author of seven novels. He is also the founding editor of Great Ocean Quarterly and his non-fiction work appears in publications from The Guardian and The Monthly to Surfing World and Patagonia's Roaring Journals. Jock writes for the screen and teaches writing to rooms that are sometimes filled with judges and sometimes prisoners. He is a board member of Melbourne's Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas. His latest novel is the urban fairytale Cherrywood. About Amy Sambrooke Amy Sambrooke is a creative producer and facilitator and manages the professional development masterclass program at Varuna, the National Writers' House. Formerly the Creative Director of Varuna and the Blue Mountains Writers' Festival (2017–2023), Amy has held senior roles in program leadership, education and communications in the arts and in public policy. Amy started her career as a producer at ABC Sydney and is a graduate of Macquarie University and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. QBD the Booksellers will be there. Purchase one of Jock's books to have it personally signed. Please advise us on 4732 7891 if you have accessibility requirements for this session. Information Source: Penrith City Library | eventbrite

ABOUT THE COMEDY Each show, we invite five hilarious and popular comedians to come and share their funniest material with you, making this the perfect, laugh-filled way to enjoy a great range of stand-up comedy. With a great mix of comedians, this makes an ideal night out for dates or mates. There’s a different line-up of comedians each show, so you can get a unique comedy experience every time! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED These shows have more than four thousand recommendations from previous audiences. 😂 “★★★★★ Great show, wide variety of styles” – Bella 😆 “★★★★★ Very funny great night out.” – Mike 🤣 “★★★★★ Real good laugh.” – Jen These are just three audience recommendations from previous shows. If you’d like to see more than 4,000 recommendations from audiences at previous shows, you can read more than FOUR THOUSAND audience comedy reviews so far. PENRITH COMEDY VENUE - SQUINTERS Squinters Brewing Co has become a super cool local hangout where you can grab awesome drinks and have a great time! Beefy's Burgers are on site because you shouldn't laugh yourself silly on an empty stomach. 😉 Come and enjoy drinks, dinner and comedy all in one welcoming venue for one legendary start to your weekend! THESE SHOWS SELL OUT EARLY! BOOK NOW These comedy shows keep selling out year after year, all around NSW, so please book early to avoid missing out! Our first show at Squinters sold more than 6 weeks in advance, and we are expecting tickets for this show ion May will go even quicker than usual! While our comedians love telling jokes, they are not joking when they say these comedy shows sell out early. So get your tickets ASAP! 😂 SECRET COMEDY CLUB – Live Comedy Show in Penrith 📅 Friday, 23rd May 2025 🕗 Comedy show starts: 7.30 pm. Doors open 6.30 pm. 🍻 Bar is open throughout the show. 🍔 Beefy's Burgers on site: open for dinner before and during the show. 🎟️ Comedy Tickets: Only $30 + booking fee 🇷 18+: This show is for audiences aged 18 and over. Colourful language and adult themes are almost guaranteed. We hope you can join us for this fun night at Squinters Brewing Co! Information Source: A Laugh And A Half | eventbrite

A limited number of tickets are available now at: https://www.AdventureSolos.com/skills-events/wild-camping-for-beginners Perhaps you're interested in wild camping but aren't sure where to start. It can be tricky to know what equipment you need, which gear is best, where you can camp, how to stay safe, what food and water to take, how to go the toilet in the wild, and most of all, maybe you'd like to meet some people to go camping with. ​ We can help with all that! By the end of this weekend you’ll be all kitted out with brand new gear for you to keep. You'll be confident using it and you’ll have made some new camping-keen friends to plan your own adventures with. The world will be your camping-oyster; you just need to decide where you want to go next! There also an option to learn and practice map reading and navigation skills. I look forward to helping you build confidence and friendships through the outdoors. Chris P.S. If you're in your 30s, 40s and 50s, looking for a solo-friendly event, we can help - join the mailing list for free here: https://www.AdventureSolos.com/mailing-list Information Source: Chris (Adventure Solos) | eventbrite