Ten things to do on the Border and North East this weekend, May 17-18

Bringing together the best of the North East's vibrant Italian culture, authentic food and entertainment, La Fiera Italian Festival returns to Myrtleford this weekend. In the past 17 years, La Fiera has grown from a small community celebration to an unmissable weekend where both locals and visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Italian food, wine, culture and sport. La Festa on Saturday, May 17, is a ticketed event, which includes the "circoli" (clubs) presenting authentic food from their regions, Trentino, Vicenza and Trieste, along with wine and live entertainment. The festival ends on Sunday with Il Mercato, an Italian-themed edition of the Myrtleford Farmers' Market, showcasing local producers with seasonal produce and artisan stalls, regional wines, food and Italian entertainment. James Mele (The Meat Room) and Elise Pulbrook will host a cooking masterclass. For the program and bookings, visit La Fiera website.

Join the last Music in the Gardens of the Autumn Series with award-winning folk artist Kerryn Fields. Known for her heartfelt storytelling and soulful melodies, Fields' music is deeply rooted in the human experience, creating a sense of connection and home for her audiences. With a voice rich in warmth and a sound influenced by 1960s and 1970s folk, country, and rock 'n' roll, her performances are both captivating and deeply personal. Born and raised in New Zealand, Fields' journey has shaped her into a powerful storyteller, drawing from life's challenges and triumphs. Whether performing solo or with her band, she brings a raw authenticity to the stage, weaving stories through song in a way that lingers long after the final note. In 2024, she released her acoustic EP The Folk Singer, a collection of stripped-back songs that showcase her signature blend of warmth, humour, and depth. Food and drinks are available to buy or pack a picnic. It will be held in the Rose Garden of Albury Botanic Gardens owing to the redevelopment of Elm Avenue.

Young people across the region will come together to celebrate wellbeing, creativity and connection at WellFest 2025 - a dynamic, youth-led festival organised by the Albury Youth Council. WellFest is a free event and offers a vibrant program of live performances, interactive workshops, creative activities and expert-led discussions, all designed to empower young people to thrive. Highlights of WellFest 2025 include live performances by Laylah Baines, Ella Crathern, Mia and Toby, and Lucia Richardson; youth support services providing information and resources; Young Creators Market; and food trucks. For more information, visit AlburyCity's website.

Albury Wodonga Symphony Orchestra (AWSO) will be in full flight this weekend after a two-decade-long hiatus. after a two-decade-long hiatus. The brainchild of Border musicians Jessie Swan, Tara Chambers and Katie Clarke, the orchestra was re-established last year to fill a void in the cultural landscape. AWSO will present its launch concert, Portraits, under the baton of Swan. Experience the deeply moving orchestral music of Elgar, Brahms and Kats-Chernin. Border musician and composer William Paffen (cello), 15, will also present a world premiere piece titled Waltz of the Bees. AWSO will perform three concerts a year; their second, under the baton of leading Australian maestro Fabian Russell, was scheduled for The Cube Wodonga on Sunday, August 10. Tickets for Portraits can be bought online from Trybooking or at the door if not sold out.

Vintage motorbike riders dressed to the nines will again make their way around the Border in the name of men's health. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is back in the saddle to raise funds and awareness for men's health, mental health and prostate cancer research. Participants are encouraged to dress up in formal attire for the ride, which is open to men and women. Held since 2015, the ride continued to grow each year. A total of 39 riders were registered up until a week ago, but latecomers were expected to join them. The Border community has raised more than $20,000 from seven editions of the ride dating back to 2015, with more than $10,000 coming since 2023. The ride will start from Wodonga's Junction Square at 9.30am and move along High Street before heading to Lake Hume and back to Albury. Bikes will make their way down Dean Street and finish at South Albury's The Thirsty Devil Brewery at noon. To register or donate, visit the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride website and follow the links to the Albury page.

Make a beeline for the SS&A car park for an electrifying showcase of American muscle cars from all eras. Hosted by the Sydney-based American Muscle Car Club of Australia, Melbourne-based 60 American Muscle Car Club and the Griffith Custom Car Club, this event welcomes Border cars and enthusiasts alike. Sponsored by Shannons and MJ Digital, it promises a thrilling Show and Shine exhibition. To enter your car, email hello@mjdigital.com.au. Don't miss this chance to revel in the raw power and timeless beauty of these legendary machines! Free entry for all cars.

The Murray Railway Modellers' annual model train show is back. Many stalls and great model train layouts created by Border and interstate modellers will be on show. Tickets are available on the day at the door. EFTPOS available. More information: murrayrailwaymodellers.com.au

Celebrate a decade of the multi-platinum hit Firestone with Conrad Sewell as he brings his iconic vocals to regional stages nationwide. Experience his biggest hits and new music in an intimate, acoustic setting like never before, hitting all corners of the country. Starting his musical journey at 8, Sewell became a household name with his first official solo endeavour, teaming up with dynamic Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo for the 2014 smash hit Firestone; a track that has generated more than 1 billion streams on Spotify and opened the door for Sewell to open arenas for Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5 and Jess Glynne. The Beer Deluxe Albury show is an 18-plus gig. Tickets: Oztix

The Yackandandah Vintage Engine Club presents the Chiltern Heritage Rally. Highlights include vintage stationary engines, vintage motorcycles and cars, vintage tractors, vintage dairy equipment, historic CFA display, saddler and leather products, vintage bicycles from the 1900s display and working exhibitions of machinery from yesteryear. There will be live music and child-friendly activities. Moos Brew Coffee and Chiltern Girl Guides will be catering. Entry: $10 a person or $25 a family.