Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer with Albion Park business owners Tracey Glynn (left) from Curls & Co Hair Studio and Andrea (right) from Delicious Delights watch a parkour display ahead of Eats and Beats Albion Park. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Brace yourselves, Illawarra — the calendar’s bursting, the streets are alive, and the weekend is calling your name. From the crack of dawn paddlers slicing through Lake Illawarra’s glassy waters to spine-tingling screams echoing through Port Kembla’s creepiest haunted maze, there’s a feast of fun, frights, and feats waiting for everyone.
Bring the pooches, grab the kids, or round up your crew — there are markets, pop-up eats, yoga on SUPs, dragon boat races and even canine costume competitions. Feel like slowing it down? Find your zen with wellness workshops, meditative strolls, or creative sessions that will leave your spirit humming. Adventure-seekers can tackle epic cycling rides or dive into competitions that will get their blood pumping and their grin widening.
Basically, if you’re anywhere near Illawarra this weekend, you’ve got no excuse to be bored. Here are nine of the best things to do this week.
Multiple Days
Shellharbour SUP Festival
When: Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November, various times
Where: Reddall Reserve, corner Shellharbour Road and Reddall Parade, Lake Illawarra
Cost: Various | Book via SUP Shellharbour.
Three days of SUP fun kicks off on Friday at Warilla Beach with the hotly anticipated SUP surfing heats, leading into Saturday’s finals where champions across all ages will be crowned before the action ramps up with the heart-thumping BOP race. As the sun sets, competitors and their crews can unwind with dinner, live music, trophy presentations and plenty of giveaways.
Sunday brings the ultimate celebration of SUP at Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra. From a Welcome to Country by Jodi Edwards to SUP Yoga, novelty dress-up races and the competitive nine-kilometre challenge, there’s something for every paddler. Expect SUP dragon boats, “Pups on SUPs”, food trucks, markets and live entertainment — the perfect way to wrap up a weekend on the water.
Smiths Halloween Horror Maze
When: Friday 31 October, 5 to 9 pm and Saturday 1 November, 2:30 to 4 pm (kid-friendly session) and 6 to 9 pm (“Frightmare” session)
Where: The Future Artifact, 22 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: Free
Get ready to scream — Smiths Horror Maze is back, bigger and bloodcurdlingly better for 2025. Now housed in a new, larger venue at The Future Artifact, this homegrown haunted maze brings two nights of frightful fun and fiendish creativity. Created by the Smith family using a mix of recycled materials, handmade props and film-quality scares, the maze is a true community-made spectacle of spooky storytelling and DIY terror. Expect expertly crafted jump scares, creepy scenes and plenty of horror movie throwbacks sure to delight diehard fans.
Friday
Celebrate and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurship at the Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo 2025. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo
When: Friday 31 October, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, 2/14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
With more than 50 Indigenous-owned businesses from industries spanning community services, construction, education, food, culture, IT and more, this one-day event is your chance to discover unique products, connect with passionate entrepreneurs and learn about traditional and modern practices shaping Indigenous business today. Whether you’re looking to network, collaborate, or simply explore, the expo offers a vibrant space to engage with local First Nations talent and celebrate their impact on the Illawarra region.
Saturday
So grab your tickets, dress for the occasion and get ready to squeal with delight as some incredible women take flight. Image: Cirque Du Squeal.
Cirque du Squeal
When: Saturday 1 November, 6:40 pm and Sunday 2 November, 1:40 pm
Where: Circus Monoxide, Unit 3/3 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow
Cost: $25 | Book via Humanitix.
Step right up and prepare to be amazed — Circus WOW’s Cirque du Squeal is back, bringing spine-tingling stunts, laughter and empowerment to the stage this Halloween.
This thrilling community production celebrates ordinary women doing the extraordinary, as the fearless flyers, acrobats and performers of Circus WOW take audiences on a weird and wonderful journey through their spooky, spectacular circus world. Expect heart-stopping aerial acts, cheeky clowning and a whole lot of WOW energy.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, Cirque du Squeal is the perfect mix of fright, fun and fierce female talent — a reminder that courage and creativity come in all forms.
It’s been 30 years since Australian singer-songwriter Rick Price released his beloved album Tamborine Mountain — and he’s marking the milestone with a special national anniversary tour this year. Photo: Supplied.
Rick Price Celebrates “Tamborine Mountain” 30th Anniversary Album Tour
When: Saturday 1 November, 7 to 11:30 pm
Where: The Heritage Hotel, Music Room Bulli
Cost: $40.30 |Book via OzTix.
Originally released in 1995, Tamborine Mountain produced hits such as River of Love and Bridge Building Man, sitting alongside Rick’s enduring classics Heaven Knows, Not a Day Goes By, and Walk Away Renée. Produced with New York’s Ben Wisch and featuring collaborations with Tommy Emmanuel and Tina Arena, the album remains one of the defining soundtracks of the 90s. Now, Rick returns to the stage to perform Tamborine Mountain in its entirety, revisiting the songs inspired by his childhood home in the Gold Coast hinterland, and celebrating a career that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Next stop? Bulli, for a night of heartfelt storytelling, soulful vocals and timeless hits.
Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of connection, creativity and local pride in the heart of Albion Park. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Eats and Beats
When: Saturday 1 November, 5 to 9 pm
Where: Tongarra Road, Albion Park
Cost: Free entry.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, lights, food and family fun as Eats and Beats takes over Albion Park’s Tongarra Road. From twilight to evening, the street will come alive with live performances from local talent Kiara Castagna, Daniella Walker, and Charlotte Hooper, plus roving entertainers, interactive games, and dazzling light displays. Kids and families can join in with Glow Face Painting, Lantern Decorating, a Silent Disco, and even laser tag and VR experiences.
Foodies can indulge in a delicious spread of sweet and savoury eats, and head to the Twilight Tasting Zone at Charlie’s Liquor Barn drive-through for live acoustic tunes, ambient lighting, and complimentary tastings from local food and wine stalls.
Following the success of its Oak Flats launch, this is the second event in the six-part Eats and Beats Street Series, proudly supported by the NSW Government’s Open Streets program and Transport for NSW.
It’s back! Get your pups, kids, and costumes ready for Water Walkies’ Howl-o-ween Open Day — a fun-filled morning of community vibes, freebies and furry festivities. Image: Water Walkies Hydrotherapy.
Water Walkies Howl-o-ween Open Day
When: Saturday 1 November, 10 am to noon
Where: Water Walkies Hydrotherapy, 19/35 Five Islands Road, Port Kembla
Cost: Free entry.
Hosted by animal wellness and rehab centre Water Walkies Hydrotherapy, this spooky celebration is one not to miss. Enjoy a jam-packed line-up including a Halloween photo booth, best dressed dog and owner competitions (sponsored by Woonona Petfood and Produce), a dog agility fun park with WK9A and live demos and a guest talk from Neil Barnsley.
Treat your four-legged friends to pupcakes and dog gelato from The Flying Dog Co, grab a bite at the free sausage sizzle, and browse local stalls while the kids enjoy free airbrush tattoos and activities. Dress up, join the fun, and make it a paw-some Halloween to remember.
Sunday
Sign up today to be part of Australia’s most epic charity cycling event — and help make a life-changing difference for more than 33,000 Australians living with MS. Image: MS Gong Ride.
MS Gong Ride 2025
When: Sunday 2 November, from 6 am
Where: Starting at Preston Park Engadine (53 km ride) or Tempe Recreation Reserve (80 km ride)
Cost: Adult $149 | Juniors $60 | Book via MS Gong Ride.
Since 1981, this iconic charity event has seen tens of thousands of riders pedal from Sydney to the Gong, raising millions to support Australians living with multiple sclerosis. The 2025 ride promises another unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes — from the lush Royal National Park and sweeping ocean views at Stanwell Tops, to the thrilling glide across the Sea Cliff Bridge, finishing in our very own sun-soaked Wollongong.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a first-time rider, you can take on the challenge solo or join a team of friends, family or colleagues. With dedicated volunteers, on-route support, and unbeatable camaraderie, the MS Gong Ride is an experience that stays with you long after the finish line.
Find your calm, nourish your spirit and reconnect with community at Nan Tien Wellness Day 2025 — a vibrant celebration of mindfulness, creativity and holistic living. Image: Nan Tien.
Nan Tien Wellness Day 2025
When: Sunday 2 November, 9 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley
Cost: Free to $20 | Book via Humanitix.
Coinciding with Medicine Buddha Day, this all-ages event transforms Nan Tien Temple into a sanctuary of serenity, with free and ticketed experiences designed to revitalise the mind, body and soul. From sunrise tai chi and meditative walks to chanting, tea meditation, creative workshops and vegetarian feasts, every moment invites you to slow down and breathe deeply.
Join local experts, monastics and creatives for a day of discovery — whether you’re learning the art of pickling with gratitude, crafting mala beads, or finding stillness through sitting meditation. Kids and adults alike will love the hands-on workshops, gentle movement, and tranquil surroundings of this spiritual haven.
Dress in blue, join the flow and embrace a day that celebrates balance, wellbeing and the beauty of simply being.
