Experience is Shakespeare turned up to 11, under the open sky. Image: Merrigong.
Love is in the air … love for our beautiful, busy region. From rockets to rib-tickling comedy, glittering burlesque to hands-on craft workshops, February in the Illawarra is packed with experiences that inspire, entertain and delight.
Chase your inner astronaut at Tarmac Days, laugh until your cheeks hurt at not one, but two comedy shows, enjoy romantic sparks at Velvet Cabaret, discover Shakespeare under the stars, or get crafty with the Creative Threads workshops. Dive into exhibitions, learn about local marine life, or savour the flavours of a lively Filipino barbecue night — the month’s line-up is bursting with curiosity, creativity and excitement.
Here’s our pick of nine awesome things to do this week.
Multiple Days
Take an inspiring look at astronauts, human spaceflight and real pathways into the space industry as STEM takes off at Tarmac Days. Photo: Howard Mitchell.
HARS Tarmac Weekend STEM Spotlight
When: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: HARS Aviation Museum, 54 Airport Road, Shellharbour Airport, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Adult $35 | Child $15 | Concession $30 | Family $80 | Payable upon entry.
STEM takes centre stage at HARS this month, with special guest speaker Thomas Mueller from Austronaut presenting at 10 am on Saturday 14 February in the museum meeting area. Included with standard museum entry, the session will explore astronauts, human spaceflight and the real-world pathways into the space industry, alongside interactive activities focused on astronaut skills.
The event comes as Australia expands its role in global space developments, from lunar rover research to orbital rocket programs and future moon missions. Austronaut supports young Australians pursuing careers in astronautics, and this inspiring session offers a rare chance to connect with the country’s growing space and aerospace sector. Numbers are limited – first in on the day.
Theatre Under The Stars – Merrigong Theatre Co
When: Various dates from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 February, 7 pm
Where: Kooloobong Oval, University of Wollongong, 59 Northfields Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Adult Grass Picnic Area $59 | Concession Grass Picnic Area $55 | Under 30s and Groups 8+ Grass Picnic Area $50 | Family Grass Picnic Area $200 | Adult Premium Raised Seating Bank $69 | Concession Premium Raised Seating Bank $65 | Under 30s and Groups 8+ Premium Raised Seating Bank $60 | Family Premium Raised Seating Bank $240 | Book via TicketSearch.
Grab your picnic and head to Theatre Under the Stars at UOW’s Kooloobong Oval this summer. The Comedy of Errors comes alive in a fast, funny and ferociously modern take from Sport for Jove. Expect mistaken identities, wild mix-ups and a family torn apart by luck (and reunited by magic). Chaos is the catalyst and every error is a reason to laugh. Don’t miss the summer’s most raucous, heartfelt theatre experience.
Detail of Nothing Said: Say Nothing, 2025 by Alexander Boynes. Image: SevenMarks.
Rising Tide — Alexander Boynes Exhibition
When: Saturday 14 February to Saturday 14 March, gallery hours
Where: SevenMarks Gallery, 7 Marks Street, Kiama
Cost: Free.
Rising Tide is a striking new body of work by Kamberri/Canberra artist Alexander Boynes. Set in the industrial heart of Port Kembla and the Illawarra, Boynes’ paintings, drawings and moving-image work paired with an original score by cellist Tristen Parr, explore a landscape shaped by labour, environment and deep time, always on Dharawal Country. Poetic, atmospheric and deeply personal, Rising Tide honours generations of workers while reflecting on transformation, resilience and the weight of history. This is a powerful exhibition where art bears witness to both beauty and consequence.
Friday
Barbecue and karaoke — a match made in heaven. Image: Diamond Dogs Dapto.
Filipino Barbecue and Karaoke Night
When: Friday 13 February, 5:30 pm
Where: Diamond Dogs Music Lounge & Bar, Shop 2/6/10 Princes Highway, Dapto
Cost: Various | Book via Jotform.
Craving bold Filipino flavours and a lively night out? Head to Diamond Dogs in Dapto for its monthly Filipino barbecue! Enjoy classics such as pork skewers, chicken inasal, liempo, rice, sides and desserts, all grilled to perfection. Sing along with karaoke, share laughs with friends and family and soak up the warm, community vibe — a true taste of the Philippines right in your neighbourhood.
One night, one venue, and a line-up that spans ventriloquism, stand-up, cabaret, and storytelling — this is comedy at full throttle. Image: Port Kembla Comedy Festival.
Port Kembla Comedy Festival III
When: Friday 13 February, 6 pm
Where: The Vault Port Kembla, 72-74 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: $35 | $50 | Book via The Vault.
Hosted by Australia’s top ventriloquist Natalie May, this powerhouse comedy night brings together some of the sharpest, funniest talent on the country’s comedy circuit: roast queen Kirsty Carr, high-energy storyteller Andy Procopis, rising star Mae Da, piano-powered mischief from Tim Handsome and the unstoppable Julia Wilson headlining. Expect razor-sharp jokes, outrageous stories and fearless performances that hit hard, keep it real and leave no funny bone untouched.
Don’t miss your chance at an “I saw them before they were famous” moment. Image: RAW Comedy.
RAW Comedy
When: Friday 13 February, 8 pm
Where: Main Auditorium, Wollongong Town Hall, 93 Crown Street, Wollongong
Cost: $25 | Book via TryBooking.
For almost 30 years, RAW Comedy has been discovering the next generation of Australian comedians and the 2026 heats are happening now. Come for a night of completely original, unpredictable comedy. Expect hidden gems, WTF moments and plenty of laughs. Every line-up is different, every show is a surprise and you could catch the next big name before anyone else. Alumni include Hannah Gadsby, Anne Edmonds, Ronny Chieng, Matt Okine and more.
Saturday
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of love, laughter and luscious performance. Image: The Vault.
Velvet Cabaret … live at The Vault
When: Saturday 14 February, 6 pm
Where: The Vault Port Kembla, 72-74 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: $35 | Book via The Vault.
This Valentine’s, The Vault transforms into a sparkling playground of romance, glitter and seductive spectacle. Enjoy dinner and cocktails as a dazzling cast of burlesque performers lights up the stage with whimsy, rebellion, disco heat, vintage glamour and pure allure. Hosted by the enchanting Vanity Night, the night features scintillating acts from Della DeVinyl, Sly Fox, Smokey Topaz, Scandalabra, Turquoise Delite, Antonio Mantonio, and Julie Escott, each bringing their own mix of tease, charm, sass and irresistible spectacle.
Tuesday
Kids and teens can learn knitting, embroidery and patchwork in hands-on, fun workshops.
Creative Threads @ Kiama Library
When: Tuesday 17 February, 4 to 5:30 pm
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: Free | Book via TryBooking.
This is the first in the Creative Threads series of workshops, an after-school program designed especially for kids and teens to learn hands-on skills in knitting, embroidery, slow stitching and sewing. Guided by local craft enthusiasts, participants will learn hands-on skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Weekly sessions run on Tuesdays in February and March, with three two-week workshops focusing on a distinct craft: knitting (17 and 24 February), embroidery (3 and 10 March) and patchwork – Sashiko & Boro (17 and 24 March). All materials are provided and participants attend both weeks of each session to complete their projects.
Thursday
Dr Trudy Costa leads this fascinating session. Photo: Shellharbour City Library.
Nature Talk – Underwater Wildlife Detectives
When: Thursday 19 February, 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour City Library, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free | Book via Shellharbour Library.
How do you find platypus or other elusive creatures in the Illawarra’s waterways? How do you uncover what fish and marine life thrive along the unique coastline? Join marine scientist and Wollongong City Council’s Coastal Environment Officer Dr Trudy Costa as she reveals fascinating insights from recent environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys in Lake Illawarra and explores the rich aquatic wildlife of the local coastal areas. This talk is designed for adults, but children aged 10 and above are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
