Got anything planned for the weekend? If the answer is a vague “we’ll see”, here are a few ideas around Ballina for Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026.

There’s a surfing morning at Lennox where volunteers are welcome, a musical afternoon in town, and the usual chance to turn buying vegetables into a leisurely Sunday outing.

Saturday: a surfing morning with a purpose

Disabled Surfers Association Far North Coast is holding its Lennox Head event on Saturday 7 November at the Lennox Head-Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club.

The free morning gives people with disability a supported opportunity to get into the surf, with volunteers helping make it happen.

Volunteer sign-on is at 9am, followed by participant sign-on at 10am.

You don’t need previous volunteer experience, as training is provided on the day.

Participant places are limited to 50, so arrange registration beforehand rather than simply arriving and hoping for a spot.

Lennox Lions Club is providing a free barbecue lunch, too.

If you’ve been looking for something practical to lend a hand with, this could be a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning.

Saturday afternoon: Music of the Night

For those who would rather stay dry, Music of the Night is on at Ballina RSL, 1 Grant Street, at 2pm on Saturday.

The show celebrates Andrew Lloyd Webber and West End musicals, making it one to consider if a big theatre tune is your sort of thing.

Doors open at 1.30pm, with reserved theatre seating and tickets listed at $57.50.

It’s advertised as an all-ages show, so you could make it an afternoon out with family or a friend.

Check ticket availability before heading in.

Sunday morning: coffee, produce and a browse

Ballina Farmers and Producers Market is listed for Sunday 8 November, from 7am to 11am at Commemoration Park, 1 Bentinck Street, beside Missingham Bridge.

Take the shopping bags and have a look through the seasonal produce and locally made foods.

The market listing includes fruit and vegetables, flowers, bread, cheese and other artisan foods, along with coffee and breakfast options.

What’s available will depend on the stallholders, of course, which is part of the pleasure of having a browse.

You might only need a few things for dinner, but there’s no reason to rush straight home.

Either morning: a quieter stop at the gallery

Northern Rivers Community Gallery, at 44 Cherry Street, has its November and December exhibitions available to visit this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday opening hours are 9.30am to 1pm.

The programme features Rachel Dun, Kirsty Marshall, Antoinette O’Brien, and a collaborative exhibition by Isobel Knowles and Van Sowerwine.

It’s an easy option if you fancy something a little quieter, or want to add another stop after Sunday’s market.

A little further afield: Mullumbimby Show

If you’re happy to head out of town, Mullumbimby Show runs from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November at the showground, 62 Main Arm Road.

The advertised attractions include woodchopping, horses, pavilion arts and crafts, circus performances, a children’s petting zoo and sideshow rides.

You don’t have to plan every minute: sometimes a wander around a country show is enough of a plan.

Check the programme and current ticket options before leaving, especially if there’s a particular attraction you want to catch.

Before you head out

Details were checked on 3 November, but outdoor events can change with the conditions.

Check the organiser’s latest update, confirm bookings where needed, and leave yourself enough time for that coffee.