There’s no imagination too wild at the Strange Folds Zine Fair. Photo: Yanni Cvetanovic.
With the school holidays in full swing, the Illawarra is absolutely buzzing with energy this week.
Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids with some high-octane stage magic or seeking a more soulful coastal vibe, the Illawarra is offering something for everyone this week.
From the nostalgic roar of vintage aircraft engines at Albion Park Rail to the neon-lit, high-energy world of K-Pop in Thirroul, our region is putting its best foot forward.
We’ve even got a touch of artistic flair stretching along the Kiama coastline and some deep-diving forensic fun for the budding detectives in the family.
It’s a week to celebrate community, creativity and the great outdoors. So, grab your diary, round up the crew, and get ready to explore the very best of what our spectacular backyard has to offer over the next seven days.
Multiple Days
Part of the broader winter activation of the town centre, Kiama Sculpture Walk is a sophisticated and scenic addition to your weekly itinerary. Photo: Kiama Municipal Council.
Kiama Sculpture Walk
When: Friday 10 April to Friday 17 July, all day
Where: Kiama Harbour to Hindmarsh Park, Kiama
Cost: Free.
If you prefer your exercise with a side of culture, the Kiama Sculpture Walk is the perfect excuse to hit the pavement. This outdoor gallery features a diverse range of unique works from Australian sculptors, stretching from the lush greenery of Hindmarsh Park to the sparkling waters of Kiama Harbour. Created in partnership with ArtPark Australia, the walk showcases contemporary structures in bronze, stainless, and Corten steel. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh sea air while soaking up some high-end art.
Imagine Live
When: Friday 10 and Saturday 11 April, 10 am and 12:30 pm
Where: Wollongong Town Hall, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: General $35 | Vacation Care Groups $19 groups | MobTix $15 | Book via Ticket Search.
Alison Lester’s beloved children’s book leaps off the page and onto the stage in this exquisite production. Imagine Live is a multigenerational treat that blends digital puppetry, animation, and live music to celebrate the natural world. Audiences are invited to dive with dolphins and spot leopards as the performers play their way through the iconic illustrations. It is a playful exploration of friendship and creativity that will have the little ones wide-eyed and the grown-ups feeling wonderfully nostalgic. Don’t miss this chance to see a classic piece of Australian literature transformed into a magical, immersive experience right in the heart of the city.
Friday
Inside the Lockheed Constellation “Connie”. Photo: Howard Mitchell.
Honouring Those Who Serve
When: 10 April, 10 am to 12:30 pm
Where: HARS Aviation Museum, 54 Airport Road, Albion Park Rail
Cost: $35 Adults | $30 Concession | $15 Children | $80 Family | Free for those wearing service medals | Payable upon entry.
Take flight into history at this moving Anzac Day lead-up event. Aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike will be treated to a rare ground parade of iconic RAAF, Army, and Navy aircraft. The star of the show is undoubtedly “Connie”, the world’s only flying Lockheed Super Constellation, which will grace the skies around midday. It is a powerful tribute to our military and civil service heritage, featuring everything from the Dakota to the Neptune. Visitors wearing service medals are welcomed with free entry and a morning tea, making it a truly community-minded morning of remembrance and mechanical marvels.
Saturday
It is the perfect spot for culture vultures to find something truly one-of-a-kind. Image: Strange Folds.
Strange Folds Zine Fair
When: 16 April, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Wollongong Town Hall, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
Enter the ink-stained world of DIY publishing at the Strange Folds Zine Fair, where the spirit of independent creativity is well and truly alive. This event showcases dozens of zine-makers displaying their unique, handcrafted works. It isn’t just a market; it is a full-blown creative hub where you can catch live readings or head to the DIY Zine Station in The Music Lounge to craft your own masterpiece. Armed with typewriters, vintage magazines and tutorials from L.I.M.P. Magazine, you’ll be folding and stapling your way to self-expression in no time.
Pack your sunnies, bring your best dancing shoes and prepare for a day of sun-drenched melodies and good times. Image: Get Together Music Festival.
Get Together Music Festival
When: Saturday 11 April, noon to 11 pm
Where: Wombarra Bowls Club, 578 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Wombarra
Cost: $70 General | $50 Student/Concession | Free for kids under 12 | Book via South Coast Tickets.
Coastal vibes and cracking tunes collide at the Wombarra Bowlo for the Get Together Festival. Local legend Alex Lloyd headlines a stacked line-up that includes The Strides and Elana Stone, ensuring the dance floor stays busy from midday until late.
It isn’t just about the music, though; the Doonooch Dancers will provide a unique cultural highlight to the afternoon. With kids under 12 getting in for free, it’s a family-friendly celebration of community and great sounds by the sea.
This is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning being productive, sustainable, and social all at once. Image: Shellharbour City Council.
The Joy of Renewal: Recycled Paper Creation
When: Saturday 11 April, 10 am
Where: Gadhu Meeting Room, Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: $35 | Book via eventbrite.
Get your craft on and give new life to old glossy mags in this eco-conscious workshop. Guided by artist Michelle Springett, participants will learn the delicate arts of weaving, folding and sculpting to create unique bowls, jewellery or textural art pieces. It’s a small, intimate class designed to spark creativity and provide a sense of “upcycled euphoria”. Perfect for those aged 16 and over, the session includes all materials and even a cheeky tea or coffee to keep the creative juices flowing.
Sunday
Get ready to scream, dance and shine at this high-octane tribute to the world of K-Pop. Image: K-Pop Icons.
K-Pop Icons
When: Sunday 12 April, 2 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $69 Standard | $90 Premium | Book via Ticketmaster.
Blending live performances with cutting-edge AI technology, this show brings the hits of BLACKPINK, BTS and TWICE to life in spectacular fashion. Based on the K-Pop Demon Hunters film, the production features fan-favourite tracks and iconic choreography that will have the whole theatre moving. With dance challenges, fan cams and plenty of audience participation, it’s an immersive experience that captures the infectious energy of the global phenomenon. Whether you’re a hardcore “Stan” or a K-Pop newcomer, this show promises non-stop entertainment and plenty of glitter.
Tuesday
Looking for a fantastic, low-cost way to enjoy the school holidays while learning a little more about our local environment and native wildlife? Photo: Guardians of the Grassy Woodlands.
Stream Hill Community Day 2026
When: Tuesday 14 April, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Integral Energy Park, 88 Darkes Road, Stream Hill
Cost: Free.
Celebrate the great outdoors at the Stream Hill Community Day, a free event designed to reconnect families with nature. Kids can get their hands dirty with the Junkyard Rascals, make seed bombs or try their hand at boomerang art. For the adults, there are guided nature walks and weaving workshops with Gumaara, plus a native plant sale for those looking to green up their own backyards. The morning culminates in a classic community sausage sizzle at midday.
Grab your eye patches and get ready to discover some serious holiday treasure. Image: Shellharbour City Council.
Create and Play: Treasure Pirates
When: 14 April, 1 to 3 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free.
Ahoy there, little landlubbers! It is time to find your sea legs and navigate a course toward the Shellharbour Civic Centre for an afternoon of swashbuckling fun. This pirate-themed extravaganza is designed to spark the imagination of young explorers through a variety of free craft activities and professional face painting. The centrepiece of the day is an exciting scavenger hunt, where children can hunt for hidden surprises tucked away throughout the centre. Whether they are decorating their own treasure maps or searching for “X” to mark the spot, it is a fantastic way for families to enjoy some high-seas adventure without ever leaving dry land.
Thursday
Step into a world where gravity is just a suggestion. Image: The Enchanted Adventure Show.
The Enchanted Adventure Show
When: Thursday 16 April, 11 am to 12:10 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: $35 | Book via The Fraternity Club.
This is a 50-minute whirlwind of aerial displays, acrobatics and rhythmic gymnastics. Designed specifically for the school holiday crowd, this live stage performance is packed with colour, energy and team stunts that will keep the kids on the edge of their seats. Once the final bow is taken, the fun continues with a special meet and greet, giving little fans the chance to grab a photo with the talented performers. It’s a high-energy, feel-good spectacle that brings a touch of circus magic right to the heart of Fairy Meadow.
Do you have a budding Sherlock Holmes at home? This hands-on forensic science activity is the perfect way to test their detective skills. Photo: hwilson8.
Junior Forensic Detective
When: Thursday 16 April, 10:30 am
Where: The Shellharbour Club, 1 Liddell Street, Shellharbour
Cost: Member $20 | Non-member $23 | Book via Jot Forms.
Kids aged eight to 13 will step into a simulated crime scene to examine clues, dust for fingerprints and perform pH testing to track down a culprit. It’s a brilliant mix of education and entertainment, encouraging critical thinking and scientific inquiry in a fun, interactive environment. Parents can relax nearby while the junior investigators work the case. Just remember to book early, as these investigative slots tend to disappear faster than a jewel thief in the night.
