Among the many flat events at the SUP Festival this weekend is the 2-km Novelty Race, in which participants are encouraged to dress up. Photo: Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour.
This week kicks off with a range of epic weekend-long events including the Shellharbour SUP Festival, the Northern Illawarra Art Trail and an exhibition at Bundanon that launches as a community affair. Learn more about the art of lapidary (or pick yourself up a unique gift), and don’t miss your chance for a thorough stickybeak at the Timbermill Studios open day.
The MS Gong Ride takes place on Sunday and of course, over in Kiama there’s a vintage fair fit for the fastidious treasure hunter and aficionados of whimsy.
All week long, Arcadians Theatre Group will stage its production of an Oscar Wilde masterpiece and on Tuesday, the race that stops the nation takes over Kembla Grange Racecourse.
Here are our top nine picks for the week.
All week
Don’t miss the Arcadians Theatre Group’s production of this cherished Oscar Wilde play. Photo: Michael Bond Photography.
The Importance of Being Earnest
When: Friday 1 to Saturday 9 November, various times
Where: The Arcadians Theatre Group, The Miner’s Lamp Theatre, 141 Princes Highway, Corrimal
Cost: Adult $40 | Group/Member/Concession $30 | Under 17s $25 | Book via TryBooking.
Celebrated for its razor-sharp wit and repartee, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest parodies contemporary dramatic norms and gently satirises late Victorian manners. This long-beloved farcical comedy depicts the tangled affairs of two young men about town who lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations. Both assume the name Ernest while wooing the two young women of their affections.
Former producer of the TV show Susie, Cilla Aslanidis, has taken over as director of Arcadians Theatre Group’s production of the show after revered director Malcolm White became unwell and was unable to continue.
All weekend
Whether you’re a pro or a first-timer, there’s something for all stand-up paddle boarding skill levels at this festival. Photo: Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour.
Shellharbour SUP Festival
When: Friday 1 to Sunday 3 November, 6:45 am to 2 pm
Where: Warilla Surf Club, 7 Osborne Parade, Warilla and Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra
Cost: Free entry (some events ticketed) | Women’s surfing registration | Men’s surfing registration | Flat water events registration.
Stand Up Paddleboarding Shellharbour has organised a SUP festival to welcome one and all to try the sport in a fun and festive environment. Friday and Saturday consist of surf events of multiple divisions at Warilla, meeting near the Surf Club. Sunday is a full-blown community event with live entertainment, a Bass Point Brewing beach bar, local market stalls, food trucks, loads of incredible giveaways and of course, a variety of fun flat water events including:
- SUP Yoga from 6:45 am
- 2-km Novelty Race from 8:30 am
- Dragon boating from 9:15 am
- 9-km Race from 10 am
Detail of Blue Vase, oil on canvas – one of the many artworks in numerous mediums that’ll be on display for the Northern Illawarra Art Trail. Image: Northern Illawarra Art Trail Facebook.
Northern Illawarra Art Trail 2024
When: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Various northern Illawarra locations
Cost: Free.
Download your map and get ready to explore the vibrant art scene of the Northern Illawarra in this treasured annual tradition. Journey through a stunning coastal route from Thirroul to Helensburgh, visiting open studios showcasing works from local artists inspired by the natural beauty of the Royal and Dharawal national parks and the Illawarra escarpment. From abstract to realism, discover diverse artworks including oils, acrylics, watercolours, ceramics and photography. Enjoy fine cafes and scenic views as you immerse yourself in the region’s artistic talent.
Opening Weekend – bagan bariwariganyan: echoes of country
When: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Art Museum & Boyd Education Centre, Bundanon, 170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Cost: Free | Book via Bundanon.
Not many art exhibition openings come with a weekend-long all-community event attached. bagan bariwariganyan: echoes of country is a body of works by renowned Gweagal/Wandiwandian storyteller and artist Aunty Julie Freeman, leading Walbunja/Ngarigo artist Aunty Cheryl Davison and Wiradyuri/Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones. Aside from this inspiring exhibition, there will be live performances, art-making, workshops including weaving and singing, artists in conversation and more, all celebrating First Nations culture and people.
Enjoy the ambience, shop for unique pieces and connect with the local creative community. Image: Timbermill Studios.
Timbermill Open Day Weekend
When: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Timbermill Studios, 2/6 Molloy Street, Bulli
Cost: Free entry.
On this weekend filled with creativity, inspiration and unique finds, you’ll meet the talented artists of Timbermill Studios and explore their studios, with the chance to purchase works directly. Indulge in delicious treats at the Timbermill Cafe, shop for vintage treasures at Dreams and Memories and find the perfect cactus from Callum the Cactus Man.
Find yourself a unique something at this annual event. Photo: Illawarra Lapidary Club.
Jewellery and Gems Mineral Festival
When: Saturday 2 November, 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday 3 November, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, 93/109 Princes Highway, Dapto
Cost: Adult $5 | Under 12s free | Payable upon entry.
For gem enthusiasts, crystals lovers and appreciators of pretty things, this annual event is not to be missed. There will be sales of minerals, jewellery, fossils, beads, opals, lapidary supplies and more. For those interested in learning about the world of lapidary, there will be fossicking information, gemstone faceting demonstrations, club information and mineral displays. There will also be a raffle, lucky door prizes, guessing competitions, kids’ games and refreshments available for purchase.
Sunday
A shopping experience for lovers of whimsy. Image: Kiama Vintage Fair.
Kiama Vintage Fair
When: Sunday 3 November, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Masonic Hall, 46 Collins Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Fancy yourself a bit of a treasure hunter or collector or simply an admirer of beautiful curiosities? Browse all things vintage, retro, mid-century, antique, reloved and preloved at this exciting one-day market-style fair. Listen to live music as you feast your eyes on everything from crystals to cameras, haberdashery to vinyls, jewellery to art, books to bric-a-brac, ornaments, games, glass and so much more.
Since 1981, the MS Gong Ride has seen tens of thousands of cyclists hit the tarmac in this legendary ride to support people living with multiple sclerosis. Image: MS Gong Ride.
MS Gong Ride
When: Sunday 3 November, from 6 am
Where: Various locations from Sydney to Wollongong
Cost: Adult $110 | Junior $60 | Person living with MS free | Book via MS Gong Ride.
Challenge yourself in either the 82-km or 54-km course of Australia’s most epic cycling event from Sydney to Wollongong – all for a good cause. Cyclists will experience the ride of a lifetime, cycling through the stunning Royal National Park, enjoying the incredible ocean views from Stanwell Tops and experiencing the ride across breathtaking Sea Cliff Bridge before crossing the finish line surrounded by surf, sun and sand in stunning Wollongong. Fundraising dollars will support more than 33,300 Australians on their journey to fight MS.
Tuesday
Looking especially fly? Throw your hat (or headpiece or fascinator) into the ring for Fashions on the Field at Kembla Grange. Photo: Supplied.
Melbourne Cup
When: Tuesday 5 November, 11 am
Where: Kembla Grange Racecourse, Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
Cost: Various | Book via Moshtix.
Is there a more premium spot to catch the race that stops the nation than the Illawarra’s own home of racing? Here, you’ll experience all the action of live racing plus catch the Melbourne Cup on an XXL screen. VIP experiences are already booked solid, but general admission starts from $10, Rose Garden Precinct and members’ bar admission costs $55, or you can catch all the action from a lawn marquee (shade guaranteed) from $75. There will also be food trucks, bars, gourmet picnic hampers, entertainment, Fashions on the Field and more.
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