This week finishes off with Disney’s landmark musical The Little Mermaid by Woods-Ray Theatricals Inc. Photo: Adele Masters-Searle.
Even in that strange “in-between” haze between the Easter long weekend and ANZAC Day, the Illawarra is pumping out entertainment with theatre, film, Easter celebrations, workshops, comedy and more on offer this week.
From the inaugural Enlighten Film Festival at Nan Tien Temple to the annual Easter Show at Towradgi Beach Hotel, events new and old provide plenty of amusement for the whole family.
Kembla Grange Racecourse offers a special Easter edition race day and Woods-Ray Theatricals will stage its 10th Anniversary Production – a Disney classic not to be missed.
Here are nine things to do in the Illawarra this week.
All Weekend
Come From Away
When: Friday 18 April, 7:30 pm and Saturday 19 April, 1:30 and 7:30 pm
Where: IMB Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: $69 | Book via TicketSearch.
Winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, this smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these “come from aways” into their lives with open hearts. This is the tail end of this theatre run – get in while you still can.
This exciting new event celebrates the art of storytelling through film, showcasing a diverse range of films that inspire, educate, and entertain. Image: Nan Tien Temple.
Enlighten Film Festival
When: Saturday 19 April, various times
Where: Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley
Cost: Various | Book via Humanitix.
Embark on a cinematic journey at the inaugural Enlighten Film Festival, offering a diverse selection of 12 national and international films that explore Buddhist themes from Asian and Western perspectives. Enjoy a blend of cultural activities including guided temple tours, early morning meditation, and tai chi with resident monastics. Join panel discussions, vote for the People’s Film Choice Award, and immerse yourself in a weekend of profound insights and cultural enrichment in the serene environment of Nan Tien Temple.
Saturday
Towradgi Beach Hotel will be transformed with a full-blown carnival atmosphere for this one-day event. Image: Towragi Beach Hotel.
Towradgi Beach Hotel Annual Easter Show
When: Saturday 19 April, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Towradgi Beach Hotel, 170 Pioneer Road, Towradgi
Cost: Free entry.
This huge day of family fun is presented by i98fm and Foster’s Carnival Amusements. Expect market stalls to explore, free entertainment all-day and of course, unlimited carnival rides (with a wristband). Think dodgem cars, a Ferris wheel, a giant slide, round up the storm, sideshow games and all your favourite carnival treats – fairy floss, snow cones and all the best bites to keep you fuelled for the fun!
Saturday
From yummy food to Easter egg hunts, games, activities and more, there’s plenty of fun to be had at this community event. Image: Kiama Anglican Church.
Easter Fun Day
When: Saturday 19 April, 1 to 4 pm
Where: Kiama Anglican Church, 2 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free.
Join Kiama Anglican Church for this free Family Easter Fun Day. There will be a variety of free activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a giant Easter egg hunt, Zorb balls, a craft corner to keep creative little hands busy, face painting, “Carnival Food Alley” and much more. Bundle the family (or some friends or neighbours) into the car and head on down to what is sure to be a lovely community event.
For Easter with an equine tilt, head to Kembla Grange. Image: Kembla Grange Racecourse.
Easter Race Day
When: Saturday 19 April, 11 am
Where: Kembla Grange Racecourse, Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
Cost: Various | Book via Moshtix.
Kembla Grange provides the opportunity to watch the horses thunder down the home straight from the running rail or soak up the sun on the public lawn this Easter. General admission tickets include racecourse admission and access to the public lawn, betting ring, grandstand, tie-up stalls viewing lane, bars, cafes, food stalls and bookmaking facilities. Once you’re in, you can choose your own vibe ranging from the premium race day experience in the Ken Brown Dining Room to immersion in the heart of the action – the Lawn Marquee.
Wednesday
How might Indigenous and Buddhist knowledge systems inform a new story of education? Image: Nan Tien Institute.
Country as Teacher in the Reimagining of Australian Education
When: Wednesday 23 April, noon to 1:30 pm
Where: Via Zoom.
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
This insightful event is presented by Wadi Wadi elder Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson, Awabakal/Gumaroi/Yuin cultural man Dr Anthony McKnight and Blue Mountains author and senior Buddhist practitioner Barbara Lepani. Each of these speakers, in their own unique way, is deeply familiar with cultural wisdom found in ancient and modern systems of knowledge. Together they will lead viewers to explore how the deep ecological consciousness of Indigenous and Buddhist knowledge systems can inform a new story of education — one that is holistic, ethical and responsive to our shared future.
Rhys Darby – The Legend Returns
When: Wednesday 23 April, 7 to 10:15 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $71.22 | Book via TicketMaster.
The Kiwi icon returns to the stage with a new stand-up show for 2025. In a world full of AI and robot tech, can a simple dad with slightly tight jeans stay relevant? Ancient astronaut theorists say ‘Yes’ – and Rhys hopes to prove that right. Could his unique human skills – once thought absurd – be useful after all? You’re invited to find out and have a few good belly laughs along the way.
Thursday
Magic, balloon animals, music, games and party bags might be the ultimate combination for fun these school holidays. Image: Kiama leagues Club.
Easter Magic Show
When: Thursday 24 April, 2:30 pm
Where: Kiama Leagues Club, 109 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: $10 | Payable upon entry.
Looking for a way to occupy the kids in a place where you can grab a bite and a drink beforehand? Kick back while the kids enjoy this special magic show at your local Leagues Club. The festivities include the ever-popular balloon animals, music and games. There is free entry for adults and children under two, and party bags available for purchase. Please note: children must be under adult supervision at all times.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid is Woods-Ray Theatricals Inc’s 10th anniversary production. Image: Woods-Ray Theatricals.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
When: Thursday 24 April, 7:30 pm, Friday 25 April, 7:30 pm, Saturday 26 April, 1 and 7 pm and Sunday 27 April, 1 pm
Where: Wollongong High School Performing Arts Centre, 1 Lysaght Street, North Wollongong
Cost: Adult $49 | Concession/Student/Child/Companion $44 | Book via TryBooking.
Dive deep into the enchanting world of Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian and all the colourful creatures who make The Little Mermaid Disney’s landmark musical. This production features 21 local performers, a dazzling live orchestra and pit singers and is set to be a perfectly charming evening at the theatre for patrons of all ages. Woods-Ray Theatricals’ 10th anniversary production is bound to be a special one, so don’t miss out.
