It’s time for a second date: Council’s Valentine’s Day event is back by popular demand

Date Night is back by popular demand after its wildly successful 2018 debut.

Love will be in the air throughout the Civic Precinct, with pop-up bars and live entertainment at Wagga Wagga City Council’s cultural facilities followed by a romantic sunset movie screening by the Wollundry Lagoon.

The free Valentine’s Day event proved to be a hit in 2018, with couples cuddling up and singles mingling throughout the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Museum of the Riverina and Wagga Wagga City Library.

“As you explore the latest exhibitions, you’ll be entranced by live music and performances, pop-up bars, food vendors and a live DJ – which will all ensure it’s a romantic night out that you won’t easily forget,” Council’s Cultural Officer Tim Kurylowicz said.

“You can stroll through exhibitions from ground-breaking contemporary artists at the gallery, enjoy two locally curated exhibitions in the museum, or trade glances with beautiful strangers through the shelves of the library.

“Then, at sundown, bring a picnic down to the Wollundry Lagoon for a romantic outdoor screening of the cinema classic When Harry Met Sally, presented by the Civic Theatre.”

In the Civic Centre Arcade, make a request from DJ Engelbert (Scott Howie), in Love Song Requests, a live ‘radio’ show with surprise guests and your stories of love and heartbreak. In his quest to create Wagga Wagga’s greatest playlist, DJ Engelbert is taking requests now – follow the link at visitwagga.com/datenight to book a shout out to your sweetheart.

As the sun goes down, Date Night attendees will also be able to enjoy a new projection on the lagoon side of the Civic Centre - re/app. The youth of Wagga Wagga were asked to meme their city as part of the public art project, which provides creative training and opportunities for local young people.

You can also take a stroll across Tarcutta Street to the Visitor Information Centre to see the free outdoor exhibition Container – The box that changed the world.

Date Night is proudly presented with love by Wagga Wagga City Council.

To see everything that’s in store for our second date, head to visitwagga.com/datenight.

DATE NIGHT

When: Thursday 14 February
Where: Civic Precinct
Culture, live music, food and pop-up bars: 5.30pm to 9pm
Lagoon-side movie screening and food: 8pm for 8.30pm start
visitwagga.com/datenight

Wagga Wagga Art Gallery: Browse the Art Gallery Shop then head downstairs for an eclectic mix of lazy beats as you browse the latest exhibitions hand-in-hand. Works by Ruth Cummins and Sarah McEwan are on display, as well as the National Contemporary Jewellery Award. Don’t forget to stop and see the installation in The Point by Wiradjuri artist Lorraine Tye, or pop in to the National Art Glass Gallery.

Wagga Wagga City Library: Gaze at alluring strangers in the library and join Dr. Fun and Mrs Cole to play some Love Puzzles of a bygone era, reimagined for the modern world as they celebrate EW Cole – the Australian inventor of the lonely hearts ad.

Museum of the Riverina: Help our two star-crossed robot lovers to navigate the many twists and turns of romance and reunite in the maze of love. Bowl a maiden over on our cricket pitch, part of Wazza: A Local Legend, or impress your lover with quirky facts about our region’s history while you browse STEAM the Museum.

Sunset movie screening: Bring a rug, a picnic, and someone to snuggle with to the Wollundry Lagoon for a balmy outdoor screening of cinema classic When Harry Met Sally (rated M), presented by the Civic Theatre. Head down to the lagoon from 8pm to grab the best spot before the movie starts at 8.30pm. Food, hot drinks and popcorn available for purchase, BYO alcohol.

Food and drinks: Throughout the evening, locally sourced wines and Thirsty Crow beers will be available for purchase at bars located in the Civic Centre Arcade and museum. Alongside the lagoon, grab a bite from the Smoking Butcher, fresh coffee and delectable treats from Lucid - The Kombi Cafe, or perhaps cool down with a gourmet ice pop from What The Pop. Bars are open 5.30pm to 8.30pm, and food vendors from 5.30pm to late.