This may be difficult to believe, but Lismore and the Northern Rivers have a sunny weekend ahead.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a typical cool winter start, with temperatures of 5 and 6 degrees, followed by a spring-like 22 degrees for Saturday and 18 degrees for Sunday.

Make the most of the clear skies because rain will return from late Monday into Tuesday.

Those who cannot get domestic chores done during the week will be mowing lawns, weeding and hedging while the sun is shining this weekend.

For those with some time on their hands and are looking for something to do that doesn't involve sodden, boggy ovals or ground, it is another arts and market weekend.

ART

There are two more weekends to visit the Lismore Regional Gallery in The Quad to see the 2024 Archibald Prize.

Sunday, August 31, is closing day. The gallery is open 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. You are advised to book tickets for one of three sessions, that is 10am to 12pm, 12pm to 2pm and 2pm to 4pm, by clicking here.

There will be a free entry day on Thursday, August 28.

The Lismore Art Club's 60th Annual Exhibition will be on display at Flourish Art Gallery on Casino Street, South Lismore (next door to Chempro) tomorrow (Saturday) between 10am and 2pm.

MARKETS

The Lismore Farmers Markets will be looking forward to a sunny start at 7:30 tomorrow morning at the Lismore Showgrounds, even if the ground may be wet.

The CWA Lismore Evening Branch returns in August, selling their beloved scones and other baked goods, dog coats, and handmade wares. Hot coffee, tea and breakfast are on offer as well as fresh fruit and veg and live music from Phil Bromley until 11:30am.

The Sunday market this weekend is the Bowlo Market at the Lismore City Bowling Club (Molesworth Street) between 9am and 1pm.

It is the official opening with State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, and Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, who have opened everything this week, making the declaration at about 11am.

The Bowlo Market has been steadily growing since it started in June. There will be over 45 stalls selling a range of arts and crafts, both inside the clubhouse and outside on one of the bowling greens.

The new Lismore Skatepark has its Grand Opening tomorrow (Saturday) from 12 noon. I know, it is opening again (insert wry smile). But this one is a fun community event celebrating the success of the design and build of an amazing facility.

Get down to the Lismore Skatepark (corner of Uralba and Dawson Street) and celebrate with demos, clinics, skate jam, giveaways, food and live bands including Soy Division and PEP.

COMING UP

• Darrell Chapman Fun Run - Sunday, August 31, from 7am
• Alstonville Wollongbar Fun Run - Sunday, September 14, from 7:30am
• Nimbin Show - Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 21
• 2025 Lismore Workers Club Lismore Cup - Friday, September 26, from 12 noon

LIVE MUSIC

The Northern Rivers Hotel has a full weekend of live music.

The Hillbilly Skank are on stage tonight (Friday) from 6pm, Hello Ray Duo perform on Saturday night from 7, and Dan Hannaford will get on stage for the Sunday Session from 12:30pm.

The soulful sound of the Everly Brothers - Morning Melodies can be heard at the Lismore Workers Club next Wednesday, August 20.

This is a lunchtime show where you will learn about the beautiful harmonies of Phil and Don Everly and hear their hits, like Bird Dog and Cathy's Clown. Click here to book your tickets for $29.90, which includes lunch.

Coming up at the Workers Club:

Oh What A Night! - A musical tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: September 20 at 8pm

The Flying Forties - Penny Pavlakis, Greg Gould and friends celebrate the music of Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole and more with their 9-piece big band: October 4 at 8pm.

CHEAPEST PETROL PRICES

Ballina is still the cheapest town to fill the tank over the weekend, especially if you are there after 8pm, when prices tend to drop another 10 cents a litre.

Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:

• E10 is 174.9 across Lismore, 172.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 165.5 at the Mobil and The Metro on River Street, Ballina.
• Unleaded 91 is 175.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, 174.3 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 167.5 at the Metro and the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.
• U95 is 184.5 at Brad's Independent on Terania Street, North Lismore, 198.9 at the Independent on Canterbury Street, and 179.5 at The Metro on River Street, Ballina.
• U98 is 192.9 at the Astron and Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore, and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 194.9 at the two Independents on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at The Metro on River Street in Ballina.
• Diesel is 180.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road in Lismore, 181.9 at The United and the Casino Roadhouse on Johnston Street, and the two Liberty's on Hare and Centre Street in Casino, and 187.5 at the Mobil and The Metro in Ballina.

Have a great weekend!

Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....