Grafton Arts and Culture
Come see, enjoy and experience Grafton's vibrant array of local arts and culture! Submit ListingLearn MoreThere is a wonderfully vibrant arts and culture scene in Grafton, New South Wales. Listed here you will find helpful information about: local Museums and Art Galleries; Festivals; Markets; Community Radio; Theatre and Music; as well as Arts Groups, Classes and Activities you can join and take part in.
Whether you’re a local Grafton resident or a visitor to our beautiful region, there is an exciting array of local arts and culture for you to see, enjoy, experience and become involved in, all year round!
Museums and Art Galleries in Grafton NSW
Schaeffer House, Grafton
Schaeffer House is a beautifully furnished federation style home in Grafton which was built around 1900. Inside the museum you will find historical artefacts dating from the 19th Century.
You can enjoy viewing a large collection of glassware, wedgwood, silverware and china, as well as valuable colonial artworks and war memorabilia.
The museum is lovingly run by the Clarence River Historical Society and it also houses a massive collection of digitised photographs of historic interest and family history files.
Opening Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 1pm – 4pm. Research facilities are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9am – 3pm.
Street Address: Schaeffer House, 190 Fitzroy Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6642 5212
Email: [email protected]
Grafton Regional Gallery
The Grafton Regional Gallery is a stunning federation style residence, which was designed and built in 1880 by the well known Grafton builder Alexander Fairweather. The Gallery, also known as Prentice House, is one of Grafton’s most beautiful and prestigious structures.
The Gallery holds the largest collection of artworks on the North Coast of New South Wales and continues to develop its vibrant collections. Presenting over 40 exhibitions and 70 programs and events each year, it is an outstanding public gallery which reflects the passion for the visual arts held by the community of the Clarence Valley.
Gallery Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm daily
Public Holiday Hours: Subject to change. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Street Address: 158 Fitzroy Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6642 3177
Email: [email protected]
Remember When Cottage Museum, Grafton
Fancy evoking memories of earlier days? Or wandering around delightful collections of vintage memorabilia? As soon as you open the doors at the Remember When Cottage, you will be taken on a charming walk down memory lane.
If you would like to visit the Museum please contact Mike and Lindy on 0413 684 424. Opening hours are by advance appointment only.
Light refreshments are available for purchase during your visit and there is wheelchair friendly access.
Opening Hours: By appointment only
Street Address: 28 Eatonsville Road, Waterview Heights, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: 0413 684 424
Email: [email protected]
Lawrence Museum
The historic Lawrence Museum is our link to the past, preserved for the future. The Lawrence Museum, situated in the former 2NR Broadcasting Station building, sits above the Bluff Point Ferry on the mighty Clarence River. It was opened in 2004 and is operated by the Lawrence Historical Society Inc.
Highlights of the Museum’s collection include: an old “dunny” and a very old tractor near the front gate; the original settlers cottage; a replica blacksmith’s shop with tools and equipment; a sulky shed complete with sulky; and a hand-drawn ambulance. Also contained in the Museum is a wedding dress circa 1864, the court bench books from the Lawrence Court House and a very large collection of telephones, radios, photographs and publications.
Group bookings may be arranged outside the Museum’s opening hours for a minimum of 10 people.
Opening Hours: 9am – 1pm Tuesday | 1pm – 4pm Saturday – Sunday | Other times by appointment
Entry: Adults = $5 | Children (Under 12) = 50c
Street Address: 2 Merton Street, Lawrence NSW
Phone: (02) 6647 7588
Email: [email protected]
Alumny Creek School Museum
This heritage award winning School Museum is a tribute to the bygone era of one-teacher schools of the 1930s. Retaining much of its original character and charm, the schoolhouse experience comes complete with blackboard and easel, desks with inkwells, Metters Fuel Stove, teacher’s desk and aids, including the much feared cane!
A visit to the Alumny Creek School Museum is an enjoyable experience for the whole family. Reminisce or be enlightened by the school experience of yesteryear and enjoy country style hospitality in the beautifully landscaped grounds and oval.
Opening Hours: Monday, 9am – 12noon | Other times by appointment
Street Address: 465 Lawrence Road, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: 0427 679 389
Email: [email protected]
Festivals and Major Events in the Grafton Region
Grafton Jacaranda Festival
The famous Jacaranda Festival is held each year in Grafton, New South Wales, from the last weekend in October to the first weekend in November.
Dating back to 1934, it was the first of Australia’s folk festivals and celebrates the magnificent spectacle of the thousands of lilac-blossomed trees that line Grafton’s beautiful streets.
The Festival is organised by the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Committee.
Office Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8am – 4pm
Street Address: Level 1, Dougherty House, 48 Prince Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6642 3959 | 0422 858 183
Email: [email protected]
Clarence Valley Camp Oven Cooking Festival
The Clarence Valley Camp Oven Cooking Festival is an annual weekend festival that celebrates our wonderful Aussie outdoor lifestyle.
The weekend is fun for the whole family and is jampacked with entertainment including: Camp Fire Cooking Competitions and Demonstrations; a Bush Dance; Bush Poetry; Poets Breakfast; terific bands; beautiful markets, and so much more. Workshops cater for different age groups and the Bush Dance sees all ages joining hands and dancing together.
Street Address: 3520 Armidale Road, Nymboida NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6649 4155
Email: [email protected]
Plunge Arts & Culture Festival, Grafton
The Plunge Arts & Culture Festival is held each year in April.
Events held throughout the festival include: Cultural Experiences; Music, Dance and Theatre Performances; Exhibition Launches; Grafton Regional Gallery Exhibitions and Events; the CRAVE Artist Trail; Workshops and Educational Events; Kids and Teens Activities and Workshops; as well as Art, Craft and Food Markets.
Postal Address: Clarence Valley Council, Locked Bag 23, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6642 0956
Email: [email protected]
July Racing Carnival, Grafton
The Clarence River Jockey Club is known as the country racing capital of Australia.
The Jockey Club’s annual July Racing Carnival is a highlight of the year and celebrates the running of the Ramornie Handicap and Grafton Cup.
Street Address: Corner of Turf Street and Powell Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6642 2566
Email: [email protected]
Grafton Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Carnival
Grafton is home of the annual Grafton Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Carnival, considered one of the toughest events of its type on both man and machine.
Hosted by the Big River Ski Club, the long straights of the Clarence River prove to be the ultimate test on even the fittest water skier.
Held over the first weekend in October, the new format sees 2 whole days full of the best ski racing in the country. With the inclusion of the Parents & Partners Challenge and the return of the Shootout, Saturday is jam packed full of racing.
Come down to the Clarence River in Grafton and get a vantage point to watch Australia’s best Water Ski Racers do battle in one of the premier races of Australia’s water ski racing calendar.
Street Address: Corcoran Park Foreshore, Kirchner Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: 0412 282 280
Email: [email protected]
Grafton Markets
Grafton Showground Markets
The Grafton Showground Markets are held on the 3rd Saturday each month from 8am to 1pm.
In addition, the heritage listed Barn, which is located inside the showground is an historic and unique venue available for hire to the community. It is ideal for weddings or large events. The venue has a capacity for 1000 people (or 400 seated). Daily or weekly hires are available.
Street Address: Grafton Showground, 208 Prince Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6642 2240
Email: [email protected]
Valley Made Boutique Market, Grafton
The Valley Made Boutique Market has been running since 2013 and is held twice a year in Grafton. It features over 45 local artists and indie designers. At the Market you will find a variety of beautiful, quality, unique goods all handmade with love and care.
The Valley Made Boutique Market is lots of fun for the whole family and features face painting and plaster fun to keep the kids entertained. At each market there is also a charity table on the day, where you can help support a local individual in need or a not-for-profit organisation.
To apply for a stall please email: [email protected] or send a message via their Facebook page. Prospective stallholders must have their own public liability insurance to be considered for a site.
For information on upcoming Valley Made Boutique Market dates and times, visit their Facebook page below.
Street Address: Grafton District Services Club, 105-107 Mary Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Email: [email protected]
Music Events, Groups and Activities in the Grafton Region
Clarence Valley Country Muster
Held annually during the last week of October, the Clarence Valley Country Muster offers a selection of great music and a fantastic atmosphere. The Muster is a popular event on the Australian country music calendar.
For more information on featured entertainment, where to buy tickets and camping enquiries, visit the Muster website below.
Street Address: 11 Coulters Lane, Ulmarra NSW 2462
Phone: 0432 741 947
Email: [email protected]
Clarence Valley Orchestra and Chorus
The Clarence Valley Orchestra and Chorus is made up of music students, semi-professional and professional musicians, along with prominent music teachers from around the Clarence Valley.
The Orchestra holds a variety of significant community events and concerts throughout the region.
Street Address for Rehearsals: Grafton Uniting Church Hall, 126 Prince Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: 0409 046 390 | (02) 6643 4033
Email: [email protected]
Clarence Valley Conservatorium
The Clarence Valley Conservatorium has led performing arts in the region since its historical beginnings in the 1930s. It continues to provide high quality Music and Drama Education and Performance.
The Conservatorium is a place where students of all ages are able to expand and enrich their lives through creative artistic expression.
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 5:30pm
Street Address: 8 Villiers Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6643 3555
Email: [email protected]
StringSong Music (Leeann Flynn), Grafton
Local Singer Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist, Leeann Flynn runs StringSong Music. Leeann specialises in instrumental music workshop experiences and tuition for people of all ages in Composition and Songwriting, Recording and Music Production, and Arranging and Scoring of original works.
Leeann offers instrumental tuition in Banjo, Bass, Celtic Harp and Autoharp, Flute, Guitar, Keyboard, Mandolin, Ukulele and Singing.
Workshops are held by prior arrangement Monday to Friday between 10am and 7pm.
Phone: 0418 973 212
Email: [email protected]
Arts Groups, Classes and Activities in Grafton NSW
Clarence Valley Woodworkers’ Association
Providing fellowship and opportunities for skills development for both men and women with an interest in woodcrafts.
Street Address: Shed D, off Hoof Street, Corner Prince and Hoof Streets, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6645 4304
Email: [email protected]
The Gallery Foundation, Grafton
Conducts a number of events throughout the Clarence Valley each year as part of its fundraising activities for the Grafton Regional Gallery.
Street Address: Grafton Regional Gallery, 158 Fitzroy Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: 0407 011 387
Email: [email protected]
Friends of Grafton Regional Gallery
An enthusastic group of Friends that assist at functions and events, present engaging programs and sponsor the major award of the Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award.
Street Address: Grafton Regional Gallery, 158 Fitzroy Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6642 3177
Email: [email protected]
Northern NSW Photography
A friendly, diverse and passionate group of local photographers based throughout the North Coast, with the majority of members based in the Clarence Valley. They hold regular photo walks and workshops and welcome all new members.
Contact: Jeremy Billett (Group Admin)
Phone: 0487 240 288
Jacaranda Embroidery Group, Grafton
A group of friendly and enthusiastic embroiderers who regularly meet for stitching and friendship. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from approximately 9:30am to 2:30pm. Every second year they hold an Embroidery Exhibition during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival.
Street Address: Joan Muir Community Centre, 194 Turf Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Contact: Cindy Smythe (Convenor) | Val Hayward (Events Coordinator)
Grafton Art Club Inc.
A local Art Club for all ages. Daily classes and workshops are held in various mediums. Suitable for all levels from beginner to professional.
Their popular classes are not only a great place to learn and practice your art, but a wonderful way to meet local artists in a very friendly and welcoming place. Come along, meet new people and have a lot of fun!
Various workshops and exhibitions are also held throughout the year.
Street Address: 365 Dobie Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: 0411 081 967
Email: [email protected]
Grafton Community Theatre
The Pelican Playhouse Inc., South Grafton
The Pelican Playhouse produces numerous theatrical shows each year. It also hosts musical performances, visual arts, touring shows, films, weddings, meetings, functions and various classes.
The Pelican Playhouse Inc. aims to be an inclusive community based group, which extends to everyone the excitement of the theatre, whether on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience.
Street Address: 81 Through Street, South Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: 0404 559 791
Email: [email protected]
Criterion Theatre Grafton
A not-for-profit community organisation that strives to produce quality theatre, whilst always having fun.
Venue for Hire:
The Criterion Theatre hall can seat 80 people, and is available for hire.
Street Address: 149 Oliver Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: 0418 737 812
Email: [email protected]
Grafton Community Radio
Loving Life FM 103.1, Grafton
Operating since 1999, Loving Life FM 103.1 is Grafton’s community radio station, broadcasting throughout the Clarence Valley 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Run by a passionate group of volunteers, the station provides great music and encouraging messages to the community.
Office Hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Street Address: 91 Fitzroy Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6642 5097
Email: [email protected]
Funding and Support Services for Arts and Cultural Activities
The Gallery Foundation, Grafton
The Gallery Foundation undertakes fundraising activities each year for the Grafton Regional Gallery.
The Foundation aims to stimulate debate and appreciation of the visual arts and to create opportunities for members of the community to contribute to the sustainability and development of the Grafton Regional Gallery.
Street Address: Grafton Regional Gallery, 158 Fitzroy Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: 0407 011 387
Email: [email protected]
Grafton Regional Gallery
The Grafton Regional Gallery is the main visual arts service of the Clarence Valley Council. The Gallery’s aim is to stimulate, develop and enhance the diverse visual culture of the region through viable, dynamic and relevant exhibition, education and collection programs.
Professional development of local and regional artists is offered through the Gallery’s exhibition and education program. Applications are welcome for curators, artists and groups of artists to submit proposals for exhibitions and public programs.
Opening Hours: 10am – 4pm Tuesday – Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday)
Street Address: 158 Fitzroy Street, Grafton NSW 2460
Phone: (02) 6641 3177 | (02) 6643 2663
Email: [email protected]
Arts Northern Rivers Inc.
Arts Northern Rivers is the peak arts organisation for the region, delivering services and projects that foster artistic innovation and excellence and work to ensure access and engagement with arts and cultural activities.
They are an independent not-for-profit organisation, supported by Create NSW and six local governments – Ballina, Byron Shire, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley.
Street Address: 11 Rural Street, Lismore NSW 2480
Phone: (02) 6621 4433
Email: [email protected]
Arts Mid North Coast Inc.
Arts Mid North Coast is the peak body for arts and cultural development across the Mid North Coast region.
They are a regional non-profit, incorporated organisation, and part of a New South Wales network of 13 Regional Arts Boards that provide the framework for arts and cultural development across regional and rural areas of the state.
Their aim is to engage with all relevant sectors of the regional community to promote, facilitate and advocate for excellence in arts and cultural development across the Mid North Coast region.
Postal Address: PO Box 4007, Moorland NSW 2443
Phone: (02) 6658 9400
Email: [email protected]