Nine things to do in the Illawarra this week (11 – 17 October)

This week offers a fitting conclusion to a busy October school holidays, starting with a special edition of the Tarmac Days at HARS and ending with a live music spectacular at The Music Lounge.

In between, the Scarborough Art Show stages a full-blown community event, Yours & Owls has its 10th birthday bash and Jules from Wollongong food institution Balinese Spice Magic will share some of her most delicious culinary secrets.

Add a smattering of NAIDOC celebrations and a pinch of empowerment for women cyclists and you have our top nine picks for the week.

All Weekend

Special October Tarmac Days

When: Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour Airport, 54 Airport Rd, Albion Park
Cost: Adults $30 | Concession $25 | Child (14 years and under) $15 | Family $70 | Book via HARS.

The skill, determination and dedication of the engineering team shift from its usual back-of-house to front-line focus as the volunteers at HARS Aviation Museum showcase flying, engine runs and vital maintenance in this special Tarmac Days event. Almost 60 historic aircraft will be on show and, subject to operational factors, Saturday will be the peak of flying, featuring the gleaming DC-3 “Hawdon”, a cloth and fabric Auster, and Iroquois helicopter Huey 898 from Nowra. Please note: Tarmac Days get very busy over school holidays, so call ahead to check availability and book tours in advance.

Friday

NextGen STEM Lab – VR Headsets

When: Friday 11 October, various times
Where: Shellharbour City Library, Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free | Book via Shellharbour City Libraries.

This exciting and interactive program is designed for kids and teenagers eager to explore and experiment with cutting-edge STEM technology. Book your 30-minute time slots and get immersed in the world of VR headsets. These sessions are for children aged 13 to 18. No experience is required, but gaming experience is advantageous. Book fast below, as spaces are limited.

• 10:30 am to 11 am
• 11:30 am to 12 pm
• 12 pm to 12:30 pm.

Scarborough Art Show

When: Friday 11 October, 6 pm to 9:30 pm, Saturday 12 October, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 13 October, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Scarborough Public School, 371 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Scarborough
Cost: Opening night $53.29 | Adults $5 | Concession $3 | Kids under 13 Free | Payable upon entry or via Humanitix for Opening Night.

So much more than an art show, the Scarborough Art Show has become a full-blown community event and cultural beacon of the Illawarra, attracting artists and visitors from the local area and beyond. Bringing together talented artists from Sydney, the South Coast and the Southern Highlands, it’s a place where you can discover an inspiring collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more, all while enjoying live music, delicious food, coffee and kids’ entertainment.

For those keen on first picks of the artworks, meeting the artists and enjoying a range of delicious canapes, wine, beer and live music, check out Opening Night.

Saturday

Yours & Owls Festival 10th Birthday Party

When: Saturday 12 October, 1 pm
Where: University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong
Cost: First Release $99.95 | Second Release $109.95 | Book via Moshtix.

Due to headliner availability, the main event is moving into 2025 (details TBC) but with Golden Features, Peking Duk, Alice Ivy, Anna Lunoe, Cxloe, Hellcat Speedracer, Ninajirachi and Running Touch all lined up, Yours & Owls promises double dancing for its double digits. Pulling out all the stops, the festival also this year introduces the House Of JBL stage, featuring a Cosmo’s Midnight DJ set, Dameeeela, Groove Society, Little Fritter, The Gayday Spectacular, Tseba, Willo, Your Shot winners Rubix and Shytype.

Women’s Bicycle Maintenance Day at TREK Bikes Wollongong

When: Saturday 12 October, 8 am to 9:30 am
Where: Trek Bikes Wollongong, 316 Keira Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via Eventbrite.

Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider, this hands-on workshop hosted by Jules Cycling at TREK Bikes Wollongong will help you learn essential bike-care tips from experts, perform quick fixes on the go and build confidence in maintaining your own bike. Enjoy the opportunity to connect with local women cyclists, share stories and savour complimentary coffee and snacks in a welcoming, supportive environment.

NAIDOC Cabaret

When: Saturday 12 October, 6 pm
Where: The Music Lounge, Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Cabaret $41.95 | Cabaret and after party $56.95 | Book via Merrigong Box Office.

In line with the NAIDOC theme “Keep the fire burning! Black Loud and Proud”, expect spectacular acts at this year’s NAIDOC cabaret. The line-up includes local music legend Matty Walker, iconic drag queen Mariah Kenny, soulful singer Jessica Rees and more, with Ivan Morris as your emcee. The event kicks off at 6 pm with a smoking ceremony and the cabaret begins at 7 pm, followed by an epic after-party event in The Music Lounge with DJ Melly Mel.

Sunday

Master Balinese Cooking with Jules: A Hands-On Experience

When: Sunday 13 October, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Balinese Spice Magic, 130 Keira Street, Wollongong
Cost: $110 | Book via South Coast Tickets.

Dive into the vibrant world of Balinese cuisine with Jules as your guide in this immersive cooking class. Learn the art of combining fresh produce and aromatic spices to create authentic dishes like Sambal Udang (Balinese chilli prawn), stuffed calamari steamed in banana leaves, and the delicious Jaja Batun Salak dessert. With a menu that’s gluten-free and adjustable to your spice preference, this hands-on class is perfect for all cooking enthusiasts. Grab your spot and elevate your culinary skills today.

Wednesday

Illawarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Expo

When: Wednesday 16 October, 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Wollongong Town Hall, corner Kembla and Crown streets
Cost: Free entry.

Explore more than 40 stalls by local First Nations businesses across a range of industries including design, photography, education, construction, maintenance, policy, research, arts, crafts and more. You can also buy unique, locally produced gifts, clothing, books and educational resources. All are welcome to this event, including businesses, government and non-government organisations interested in learning about procuring from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

Thursday

Matt Arthur & The Lazybones “Then & Now” Tour

When: Thursday 17 October, 7:30 pm
Where: The Music Lounge, Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $45, standard $40 and standing $30 | Book via Merrigong Box Office.

After their successful Eric Clapton Unplugged & Hits show in March, Matt Arthur & The Lazybones are back with their Then & Now tour. Experience a blend of songs from the band’s latest album, Then & Now, along with some fresh originals and beloved hits from their favourite artists. Matt will again be joined by his Lazybone outfit of Sam McNally on keys, Michael Vidale on bass, Dave Egan on drums, plus the introduction of Chris E Thomas and Priscilla Gauci on vocals.