Things to do in the Illawarra this week (31 January - 6 February)

The kids are heading back to school so it might be time for the grown-ups to treat themselves. This week you can choose from great concerts and markets, from Wollongong to Kiama.

Here are a few things to keep you entertained.

Friday

Mark Seymour and The Undertow

When: Friday 31 January
Where: The Pavilion Kiama, Bong Bong Street
Cost: Over 18s only; $60.95. Book via Moshtix.

Mark Seymour formed Hunters and Collectors in 1980, with a bunch of university friends. The band became famous for its rhythmic power and very quickly became touted as the “next big thing”. As well as 13 Hunters & Collectors albums, Mark has released seven solo albums and three with his current band, The Undertow.

Saturday and Sunday

Kiama Record Fair – Vinyl & Vintage!

When: Saturday 1, Sunday 2 February, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Masonic Hall, 46 Collins Street, Kiama
Cost: Free.

Find a sweet vinyl or vintage gem at the first Kiama Record Fair for 2025. From rock to funk, hip-hop and more, all genres are covered among more than 20,000 vinyl records. Discover vintage gems from flares to flowers, plus art glass, badges, collectable figurines (such as Smurfs) and random other stuff. Local sellers bring their favourite collections and specialist knowledge to this relaxed coastal event. Entry is free and the event is family and pet friendly.

Saturday

The Villains’ 20th anniversary show

When: Saturday 1 February, 7 pm
Where: Waves at Towradgi Beach Hotel
Cost: $35.68. Tickets through Moshtix.

One of the Illawarra’s favourite cover bands, The Villains are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a great show, featuring all of the band’s well-known characters. Opening the night is the Elton Joel show, performing songs from Elton John and Billy Joel.

Sunday

Albion Park Community Hub Market

When: Sunday 2 February, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Centenary Hall, Albion Park
Cost: Free.

Albion Park Community Hub Market is a vibrant and fun event for the whole family that runs on the first Sunday of every month. More than 40 local stallholders offering a large variety of goodies for sale, such as tasty treats, plants, handmade crafts, unique gifts, and much more.

Monday

Refocus Summer Switch

When: Monday 3 February, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden Education Centre, 29 Madoline Street, Keiraville
Cost: Free | Book via Humanitix.

Return to school with new nature skills in mindfulness, bushcraft, nature connection and creativity with this series of free workshops hosted by Wollongong Youth Services. Covering everything from survival shelter building to bush tucker identification, you can opt to attend one or all four of these practical, engaging and educational sessions. Activities are suitable for children aged 12 to 18 years, accompanied by an adult. All sessions are free, but must be booked:

• 10 – 11 am: Survival Shelter Building session
• 11 am – noon: Navigation and Map Making session
• Noon – 1 pm: Lunch (BYO)
• 1 – 2 pm: Eco Art session
• 2 – 3 pm: Bush Tucker Trail session

Thursday

Music and Tea at Wollongong Art Gallery – Ocean Whispering

When: Thursday 6 February, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free, bookings essential via Humanitix.

Mezzo-soprano Olive Cullen, pianist Ronan Apcar, and soprano Sarah Collins present songs that capture the ocean’s timeless influence from Greek antiquity to modern Australia. Olive and Sarah are from the Illawarra, and Ronan is from Sydney; the sea is a shared love. From Melbourne to Sydney, Olive and Ronan are establishing themselves as some of Australia’s leading young artists, fusing classical traditions with youth and innovation.