Nine things to do in the Illawarra this week (February 21 - 27)

From culture vultures to hobby hoppers, those looking for a laugh to those looking for a touch of spirituality, chocoholics, barbecue lovers and more – there’s something for everyone this week in the Illawarra.

Disabled Surfers Association invites you to help people with disability ride the waves, while Berry’s The Treat Factory is hosting a hands-on workshop for lovers of rocky road.

Explore the mystical at the Living Wellness & Psychic Expo or enjoy great food and company at a certain community barbecue.

Wollongong City Libraries is showing people how to give recycled materials a second life, and at the end of the week, a hotly anticipated theatre event opens at IPAC.

Here are nine things to do in our region this week.

Multiple Days

Sustainable Craft at the Library

When: Various days, 10 am to noon
Where: Wollongong City libraries
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.

In this series of circular-economy workshops, you’ll learn ways to transform recycled materials into beautiful, practical items and give old things a new purpose. As part of this session, you’ll use your own clean, old shirt to craft something unique – a T-shirt bag. You’ll also learn to make Scandinavian stars and paper beads. The sessions are held:

• Friday 21 February at Warrawong Library
• Tuesday 25 February at Helensburgh Library
• Wednesday 26 February at Corrimal Library.

Friday

RAW Comedy 2025

When: Friday 21 February, 8 pm
Where: Main Auditorium, Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: $25 | Book via Merringong Box Office.

Get ready for some belly laughs as emerging comedians gather for a showdown of wits in the nation’s most extensive and esteemed open-mic comedy competition. RAW Comedy alums include Hannah Gadsby, Rhys Nicholson, Tom Ballard and many, many more – so you may just witness the rise of the next wave of comedy legends as they take the stage in the quest to find the ultimate “hidden gem” of the comedy world.

Saturday

She’s Electric The Pop-Up – Shopping, Food & Flash

When: Saturday 22 February, 4 to 8 pm
Where: Zion Fitness, 113 Jardine Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: $22.50 | Book via eventbrite.

Get ready for an afternoon of food, fitness and flash tattoos – She’s Electric founder Shanah has called in all her friends to help make this a magical evening you won’t forget. The event highlight is a one-hour exclusive fitness session where you’ll sweat your face off in the most stylish fashion ever. The VIP Workout ticket gives you automatic access to an afternoon of food, flash tattoos and a giant She’s Electric pop-up store, featuring all your favourite She’s Electric restocked, along with first dibs on some new limited edition pieces.

Locals BBQ Balgownie

When: Saturday 22 February, 4:30 pm
Where: Balgownie Hotel, 141 Balgownie Road, Balgownie
Cost: Free.

Calling all Balgownie residents: whether you’re a multi-generational Balgownie family or a newcomer to the ‘hood, this free “locals BBQ” is the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, meet neighbours and enjoy some great food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Bring your mates and your appetite and make an afternoon of it. Live music will keep the vibes going and there’s a promise of fun for the whole family.

Sunset Marine Test Drive Weekend

When: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Shellharbour Marina, 13 Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.

Fancy yourself a skipper for the day? Over this special weekend Sunset Marine Shellharbour, in partnership with Seafarer, Yamaha and Shellharbour Marina, will be running “on water” test drives of the Seafarer Vagabond and Victory HT boats. See for yourself why these boats are classed as “boating icons”. As well as these awesome boats, there’ll be plenty of other products and brands on display such as Takacat, Jobe, Salty Captain, and a range of Yamaha outboards, as well as great deals on a whole range of boats and watersports gear.

Sunday

Disabled Surfers Association “Hands-on Surf Day” – Gerroa

When: Sunday 23 February, 8:30 am to 1 pm
Where: Seven Mile Beach, Crooked River Road, Gerroa
Cost: Free | Book via Humanitix.

The Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) is still looking for volunteers for their 2025 “Hands-on Surf Day” at Gerroa. This inspiring event offers individuals with a disability the chance to experience the joy and freedom of surfing in a supportive, inclusive environment. Using state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated team of volunteers, participants are assisted from the sand to the sea with dignity and care. All participants and volunteers will be treated to a complimentary sausage sandwich, but the real reward is a day of fun, excitement and community spirit on the beach.

Living Wellness & Psychic Expo

When: Sunday 23 February, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: General $10 | Concession $8 | Under 16s free | Payable upon entry.

Whether you’re a curious, sensitive or seasoned soul, this event has something for you. Private psychic, mediumship and card readings promise insightful messages for seekers. You can also experience personalised healing sessions with holistic practitioners, and browse many spirituality, fair trade, eco-friendly, bespoke, handcrafted and wellness products. Free stage presentations will run for most of the day, featuring numerous guest speakers and a wide range of topics across wellness and spirituality.

Monday

DIY Rocky Road Workshop

When: Monday 24 February, 3 pm
Where: The Treat Factory, 6 Old Creamery Lane, Berry
Cost: $38 | Book via Treat Factory.

The beauty of rocky road is, it’s an entirely versatile sweet that can be catered to any taste – especially at The Treat Factory. Pick your favourite mix-ins like marshmallows, jellies, nuts and fruit then combine them with smooth chocolate to craft your perfect treat. While it sets, discover the magic of chocolate making in this hands-on experience. The admission includes all materials and equipment needed to make your delicious creation, which you’ll then take home in a charming gift box.

Thursday

Trent Dalton’s Love Stories

When: From Thursday 27 February, various times
Where: IMB Theatre, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $119 | Adult $99 | Pension $89 | Groups 8+ $84 | Under 30s $84 | Student $89 | Book via Merrigong Box Office.

After selling out at the 2024 Brisbane Festival, the latest smash-hit stage adaptation of Trent Dalton’s best-selling book Love Stories starts its national tour here in Wollongong for a strictly limited two-week season. Bestselling author Trent Dalton spent two months in 2021 gathering stories on his sky blue 1960s Olivetti typewriter, on a prominent street corner in Brisbane’s CBD. Speaking to Australians from all walks of life, he asked them one simple thing: “Can you please tell me a love story?”. Acclaimed playwright Tim McGarry and the creative team behind the smash-hit page-to-stage adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe have adapted the vignettes into an incredible stage production that will make you fall in love all over again.