15 January 2025

Nine things to do in the Illawarra this week (17 - 23 January)

| Dione David
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Mosaic of images from the Albion Park Show

The Albion Park Show is a fantastic family day out. Image: Albion Park Show Facebook.

Our region’s social calendar starts strong this week, with the Illawarra Folk Festival featuring a killer line-up of performers over three days.

The 2025 show season kicks off in Albion Park, where the “Biggest Little Show on the Coast” brings agriculture to the public.

Cool off at Oak Flats Pool, swap toys in Corrimal, hit up an outdoor roller rink in the Gong or pick up a paintbrush in Albion Park – all for free.

In between are makeup masterclasses, book sales and more – here are nine things to do in the Illawarra this week.

All Weekend

Banner for Illawarra Folk Festival

The Illawarra Folk Festival is the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories of your 2025 summer school holidays. Image: Illawarra Folk Festival.

Illawarra Folk Festival

When: Friday 17 to Sunday 19 January, various times
Where: Bulli Showground, Grevillea Park Road, Bulli
Cost: Free to $260 | Book via Illawarra Folk Festival.

Against the intimate, vibrant, community and family-friendly atmosphere the Illawarra Folk Festival has become renowned for, over 100 performers will descend on Bulli Showground this weekend for three days of fun and folk. Alongside performances from some of the best national and international folk acts, the program features intensive folk school workshops, sessions, dancing, the Youth Folk Traditions awards, instrument makers, poet’s breakfasts and an array of beautiful international cuisines and craft stalls. Kids under 12 are free and camping options available, making this the perfect backdrop for lasting memories of your 2025 summer school holidays.

All Week

A pile of books superimposed in front of Wollongong beach

The Wollongong City Libraries Summer Book Sale is back. Image: Wollongong City Council.

Wollongong City Libraries Summer Book Sale at Wollongong Library

When: Until Saturday 25 January
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free entry | Books $0.50 | Payable at the venue.

Calling all Illawarra bookworms – grab a bargain with a range of adult, young adult and junior books, magazines and more at this annual book sale. All books are $0.50 and purchases can be made with cash or card at the library customer service counter. Items will be restocked throughout the sale period, so make sure to hit it up more than once for a good refresh of the old bookshelf. All proceeds will go to the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries, helping to support vital literacy programs in our community.

Friday

Banner for Oak Flats Pool open day

Dive into an afternoon of festive fun at Oak Flats Pool. Image: Shellharbour City Council.

Oak Flats Pool Open Day

When: Friday 17 January, 1 to 3 pm
Where: Oak Flats Pool, corner Kingston and Hope streets, Oak Flats
Cost: Free.

Make a splash these summer school holidays when Oak Flats Pool waives the entry fee and cranks up the fun. Enjoy the inflatable pool toy, a free sausage sizzle, music and more. No bookings are required, but free entry only applies between 1 and 3 pm. Please note children 10 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 16, and the free sausage sizzle is for the first 500 people through the gate. All children using the inflatable will be required to complete an unaided 25-metre competent swim check, and the maximum age for the inflatable is 14 years.

Saturday

People in silhouette watch fireworks

The Albion Park Show’s main day concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. Photo: Igor_Tichonow.

Albion Park Show – Main Day

When: Saturday 18 January, 8:30 am to 10 pm
Where: Albion Park Showgrounds, 108A Tongarra Road, Albion Park
Cost: Family $50 | Adult $18 | Aged pensioner $10 | Children 5 to 14 years $10 | Under 5s free | Book via Localtix.

“Biggest Little Show on the Coast” has been connecting the agricultural prowess of the Illawarra region to the local community since 1888. Centring around the main ring, you’ll see events like cattle and horse judging during the day and by night, you can feed your inner child with the demolition derby, fireworks, mower races and tough trucks. While that’s all happening, there are market stalls, an animal nursery, a kids’ corner, the exhibitor’s pavilion, woodchopping and a range of exhibits from local organisations to explore. The fun all culminates in fireworks at 9:30 pm.

Kids skating in an open-air skating rink

Looking for a wheely good time? Wollongong has delivered. Photo: Supplied.

City Skate: The Roller Remix

When: Saturday 18 January, 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Crown Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.

Roll on down to Crown Street Mall for a free roller-skating experience. City Skate: The Roller Remix! invites you to glide, spin and have a blast with family and friends on an open-air roller rink. Skate to the rhythm of 70s tunes and enjoy the awesome summer vibes. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate skater, this rink is designed to offer a fun and safe space for all skill levels. Bring your own roller or inline skates and protective gear or hire them for free on-site for convenience.

Charming elderly woman holds makeup brushes and foundation in her hands

Learn to achieve a flawless natural look using the latest trends in makeup, no matter your age. Photo: Cheschhh.

Over 40s Makeup Master Class

When: Saturday 18 January, 10:30 am to 1 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour
Cost: $50 (plus bring a friend free) | Book via eventbrite.

Looking to revitalise your makeup routine, discover how to apply makeup that lasts throughout the day, achieve a natural, glowing look or enhance your hooded eyes? This intimate session is ideal for anyone eager to master the art of makeup application, no matter what their aesthetic goal may be. Under the guidance of a makeup artist with over 30 years’ experience, you’ll learn which colours will complement your complexion and highlight your true beauty and how to employ the latest trends to your advantage. Better yet – purchase one ticket and you can bring along a friend, sister, mum, or daughter for free.

The class also includes a skin analysis and mini facial before makeup application, a makeup workbook with techniques tailored to you, personalised colour analysis and take-home chart, a goodie bag and more. All makeup is provided and brushes will be available for use, (but feel free to bring your own if you prefer).

Flyer for Miss Zoe's School of Dance 2025 Open Day

Shimmy on over to Miss Zoe’s School of Dance in Wollongong for this fun open day. Image: Miss Zoe’s School of Dance.

Miss Zoe’s School of Dance 2025 Open Day

When: Saturday 18 January, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Miss Zoe’s School of Dance Wollongong Studio, 90 Swan Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.

The doors to award-winning Miss Zoe’s School of Dance Wollongong Studio are set to be flung open with no small amount of fun for this open day for existing and prospective students. The day is jam-packed with information about all three of the school’s locations, giveaways, taster classes and a barbecue. There will be dance demonstrations from solo students and mini groups showcasing all genres from ballet to acrobatics. No bookings are required.

Tuesday

Kids hold toys

Are the kids a bit over their toys? Here’s an environmentally (and hip-pocket) friendly alternative to buying new stuff. Photo: Supplied.

Toy Swap Corrimal

When: Tuesday 21 January, 10 am to noon
Where: Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Cost: Free.

Did you know 27 million toys go to landfills every year in Australia? This vibrant community event invites families to exchange preloved toys, discover new treasures and connect with others. Through fun, hands-on and interactive activities, you’ll experience the joy of reuse and learn how giving toys a second life helps protect the environment. Simply bring no more than one bag full of toys, games and books in good, working condition (no battery-operated items, please) – and get ready to swap. Register your interest in attending via eventbrite, but drop-ins are welcome.

Art palette with oil paints

Unleash your creativity at this fun and free art session in Shellharbour. Photo: starlight_starlight.

Art @ Albion Park

When: Tuesday 21 January, 10 am to noon
Where: Albion Park Youth Space, Russell Street, Albion Park
Cost: Free.

This series of free art activities is part of the Shellharbour Youth Services Summer School Holiday Activities program. Paper, canvases and art supplies will be available, as an open invitation for youths to express their creativity. No bookings are required – just drop in, pick up a brush and unleash your inner artist while mingling with other like-minded youths.

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