KISS returns to Kiama this weekend with a massive schedule of family fun. Photo: The KISS Arts Fest.
From KISS in Kiama to FearFest in Port Kembla, this week has no shortage of big events in which to immerse the whole family.
For those looking for more relaxed vibes, there’s a country fair in Helensburgh and a bunch of events for the “Jamberoo Big Weekend”, but Nan Tien is staging its wellness day to rejuvenate you, body, mind and spirit.
In between is the Berry Writers Festival, a mini Spiegeltent and more.
Lace up and get ready to go – a big week lies ahead.
All Weekend
The Kiss Arts Festival
When: Friday 25 to Sunday 27 October, various times
Where: Black Beach, Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
The fringes of Kiama’s Black Beach are transformed for one wondrous weekend into a vibrant village celebrating the spectacular, the silly and the sublime. Picture a jam-packed playground of international acts, local talent, unique experiences and food galore. Expect eclectic entertainment from lanterns to circus troupes and hula-hoops.
A celebration of the written word (and more) hits Berry this weekend. Image: Berry Writers Festival Facebook.
Berry Writers Festival
When: Friday 25 to Sunday 27 October, various times
Where: Various Berry locations
Cost: Various | Book via Berry Writers Festival.
Events of this bi-annual festival of writing and literature held among four historic Berry venues are already selling out. Join a marvellous line-up of presenters in exploring writing and ideas across fiction and non-fiction alongside innovative interactions between words and other art forms, including music and visual art. This year’s festival presents more than 60 major emerging authors and noted thinkers including novelists Michael Robotham, Madeline Gray, John Morrissey and Sally Hepworth, musician and writer Nardi Simpson, journalist and author Chris Masters, novelist and poet Julie Janson and Lenore Taylor, editor of The Guardian.
Saturday
Don’t miss this free community event packed with Halloween magic. Image: Port Kembla Fearfest Facebook.
Port Kembla FearFest 2024
When: Saturday 26 October, 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: Free entry.
Experience a day filled with spooky surprises, market stalls, face painting, live music, a haunted house, and much more as the heart of Port Kembla is transformed into a Halloween wonderland. Hosted by local businesses, FearFest offers something for everyone — whether you’re looking for family fun, creative competitions, or thrilling entertainment after dark.
This full-blown community event supports a great cause. Image: Helensburgh Lions Club.
Helensburgh Country Fair
When: Saturday 26 October, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Charles Harper Park, Parkes Street, Helensburgh
Cost: Free entry.
This annual fundraising event by the Helensburgh Lions is packed with fun for all ages. Enjoy live music, a petting zoo, face painting, market stalls, delicious food and more. Don’t miss the raffles, amusements and performances including Irish dancing. This is a day to bring the community together in support of a great cause.
This workshop will be of interest to aspiring film composers as well as directors, editors and anyone interested in filmmaking as a whole. Image: Screen Illawarra.
Composing for Film and Television Workshop
When: Saturday 26 October, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: The Music Lounge, Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Members $15 | Book via Humanitix | Screen Illawarra professional membership $40 | Screen Illawarra student/concession membership | $25 | Book via Screen Illawarra.
Screen Illawarra has gathered inspiring guest speakers to explore the process of writing music for the screen and the different ways scores can function in narrative and factual storytelling. There will be a multimedia event featuring clips from the presenters’ work, along with other examples from cinema. Featuring multi award-winning composer Damien Lane and composer, musician and sound artist Brent Williams. Doors open 30 minutes before the event so event-goers can mingle.
Sunday
This car show and family day is a key part of what has been called the Jamberoo Big Weekend. Photo: Jamberoo Car Show & Family Day Facebook.
Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day
When: Sunday 27 October, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Kevin Walsh Oval, Churchill Street, Jamberoo
Cost: Adult $5 | Family $10 | Payable upon entry.
With about 500 classic cars, modern and vintage fire trucks and stationary engines on display, Kevin Walsh Oval is about to be transformed for the Jamberoo Car Show. Kids will love this day out, which includes a jumping castle, face painting, animal nursery, pony rides, Navy flight simulators and more. There will also be a range of food and drink vendors on-site catering to every taste.
As part of the Jamberoo Big Weekend, the Jamberoo Village Markets will be held in conjunction with the car show for those looking for retail therapy. Illawarra and Shoalhaven Festival of Roses and St Matthew’s Church Annual Book Fair will also run across the entire weekend, and local businesses will be gearing up to welcome visitors.
Don’t forget to bring cash to help support the Jamberoo RFS – collection buckets at each entrance for your convenience.
Dress in blue or don a favourite blue accessory and join in this journey of mind, spirit and body. Image: Nan Tien Temple.
Nan Tien Wellness Day 2024
When: Sunday 27 October, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley
Cost: $0 to $20 | Book via Humanitix.
A holistic journey for mind, body, and spirit, this immersive event for adults and kids is designed to rejuvenate your energy through music, movement and meditation. Celebrate Medicine Buddha Day with a full day of free and ticketed workshops and spiritual activities to engage your senses. These include sitting meditation, incense making, healing chants, tea meditation, mindful floral arrangement and tai chi.
The theme of the Illawarra Cancer Carers’ major fundraising event this year is “Come fly with us”. Image: Illawarra Cancer Carers.
Illawarra Cancer Carers Banquet at the Beach
When: Sunday 27 October, 11:30 am to 4 pm
Where: City Beach Function Centre, 1 Marine Drive, Wollongong
Cost: General $160.50 | Corporate $200.50 | Book via TryBooking.
This is a fun way to gather with family and friends to enjoy a delicious Sunday lunch, all while showing support for the Illawarra Cancer Carers. Guests will enjoy light entertainment, hear about the research being carried out at the University of Wollongong and bid on great prizes. The money raised helps fund the Illawarra Cancer Carers’ work who care for Illawarra cancer patients on their journey with cancer. Tickets include a three-course meal, drinks package and entertainment, plus additional benefits for corporate ticket holders.
A variety of incredible shows is headed seaside this month. Image: The Kazador.
The Kazador (Mini Spiegeltent Season)
When: Thursday 31 October to Sunday 24 November, various times
Where: Black Beach, Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
Cost: Various | Book via The Kazador.
A jam-packed month of “capital city worthy” entertainment is headed to the Illawarra. Kiama’s very own Mini Spiegeltent Season brings shows you would normally have to travel to Sydney to see, right to your doorstep. The line-up includes live music, dance, circus acts, theatre, retail therapy and just about everything in between.
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