Spring has a way of waking us up — longer days, brighter skies and plenty of reasons to get out and about. Photo: YuriArcursPeopleimages.
This week, the Illawarra is in full bloom with events that will have you tapping your toes, stretching your legs and maybe even planting new memories.
Music lovers can follow the sound of fiddles and folk songs drifting over Kiama’s Surf Beach, while aviation buffs will find themselves on cloud nine at Albion Park, with rare planes rolling out for Tarmac Days. Green thumbs won’t want to miss a chance to stop and smell the orchids (and bromeliads, and ferns) at the ANOS Illawarra Spring Show, or wander through the dazzling colours of the Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens.
On stage, the Korimul Gang Show marks a golden milestone, celebrating 50 years of community theatre, while on the green, the Sam Matters Cup swings into action for a cause that truly matters. There are also race-day fundraisers, family history fairs, forums and more — proof that the season of renewal brings not just blossoms, but a bounty of ways to connect, celebrate and give back.
So dust off the picnic rug, polish the dancing shoes, or simply bring your curiosity — spring has sprung, and the Illawarra is ready to share it.
Multiple Days
Folk by the Sea brings world-class folk, roots, Celtic and bluegrass to Kiama’s stunning Surf Beach. Image: Folk by the Sea.
Folk by the Sea – Kiama
When: Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September, various times
Where: Various Kiama venues
Cost: Free to $140 | Book via Folk By the Sea.
Escape to the stunning Surf Beach in Kiama for an intimate folk festival celebrating the best in folk, world, roots, Celtic, bluegrass and gypsy music. Folk by the Sea brings together around 35 talented artists from across Australia for a weekend of concerts at Kiama Showground and surrounding venues.
Relax by the sea with friends, join in the dancing, or enjoy a poet’s breakfast while soaking up world-class music in a picturesque coastal setting. Accommodation options abound, from boutique B&Bs and hotels to caravan parks with tents and cabins, making it easy to turn the festival into a full weekend getaway.
Its short take-off and landing capability makes watching the Caribou a delight for visitors at HARS Aviation Museum. Photo: Howard Mitchell.
Tarmac Days
When: Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: HARS Aviation Museum, Shellharbour Airport, 54 Airport Road, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Adult $30 | Child $15 | Concession $25 | Family $70 | Book via HARS.
Get up close to legacy aircraft at HARS Aviation Museum’s monthly Tarmac Days. Watch engine runs, flights and special presentations, including the planned flying of the Grumman Tracker 844 (Friday) and De Havilland Caribou A4-210 (Saturday). Saturday also features a special talk on aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave, with a guided tour by Prof Michael Hough (10:30 am, bookings essential).
Explore restored classics from the Southern Cross Replica to a RAAF Dakota, and walk among icons such as the Fokker Friendship, Canberra bomber, and a Berlin Airlift DC-4. Cafe Connie is open for food and coffee.
Discover the beauty of native orchids and more at the ANOS Illawarra Spring Show – plants, prizes and expert tips all in one blooming weekend. Photo: jakub_rutkiewicz.
ANOS Illawarra Spring Show
When: Saturday 13 September, 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday 14 September, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: The Old Wollongong Courthouse, Corner Harbour Street and Cliff Road, North Wollongong
Cost: Free.
Step into a world of colour and fragrance at the ANOS Illawarra annual Spring Show, a celebration of Australia’s stunning native orchids and more. Visitors can admire beautiful orchid displays and browse a wide variety of plants for sale, including orchids, ferns, bromeliads, carnivorous plants and other rare finds.
Get involved by casting your vote in the Popular Choice Prize for a chance to win, or pick up a starter kit or gardening book to inspire your own green thumb. Friendly society members will be on hand to share expert advice and free fact sheets, making it the perfect outing for plant lovers of all experience levels.
Spring has sprung in vivid fashion at the Illawarra Rhododendron & Rainforest Gardens — see for yourself. Image: Illawarra Rhododendron and Rainforest Gardens.
Illawarra Rhododendron & Rainforest Gardens Spring Showcase
When: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays throughout September, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Illawarra Rhododendron & Rainforest Gardens, Parrish Avenue, Mount Pleasant
Cost: Adult $5 | Children Free | Payable upon entry.
This spectacular and vibrant showcase features self-guided walks through the lower gardens, guided rainforest tours at 11 am on weekends (book via eventbrite), and picnic areas with a coffee van for a relaxing day out. Take home a Vireya Rhododendron, explore wedding displays, enter the raffle of a camellia painting by Helen Moon and meet the volunteers who care for the gardens. There will be a coffee van and picnic areas on-site for those who wish to make a relaxing day out of it.
A true Illawarra institution, the Korimul Gang Show is where friendship, family legacy and creativity meet the stage. Photo: Korimul Gang Show.
27th Korimul Gang Show
When: Friday 12 September, 7 pm and Saturday 13 September, 2 and 7 pm
Where: IPAC, Bruce Gordon Theatre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: $30 | Book via TicketSearch.
The Korimul Gang Show celebrates 50 years of local theatre magic with a special season featuring a selection of the show’s greatest hits. Produced by Scouts and Girl Guides from the Illawarra, the show offers a dazzling mix of song, dance, comedy sketches, and variety performances drawn from five decades of memorable productions.
This milestone season showcases both new performers and multigenerational casts, with families sharing a long tradition of involvement on stage and behind the scenes. From first-timers experiencing the thrill of performing to alumni returning to relive classic numbers, the show highlights community, creativity and the joy of theatre. Expect laughter, music, and spectacular choreography, along with treasured routines and costumes preserved from the show’s history — a celebration of talent, teamwork and the enduring magic of live performance.
Friday
Mark Burns and Dean Matters stand with an e-bike up for raffle at the Sammy Matters Cup, where every swing helps fund programs that guide boys into adulthood with resilience, connection, and responsibility. Photo: Lynne Strong.
2025 Sam Matters Cup
When: Friday 12 September, from 7:30 am
Where: Gerringong Golf Club, 14 Crooked River Road, Gerroa
Cost: $75 | Donations welcome | Book via the Gerringong Golf Club Pro Shop on 4234 3333.
When 18-year-old Sammy Matters died, his family and community were left shattered. He was sharp, loyal and driven. A hard-running footballer with a gift for golf, he earned selection to the Institute of Sport before he was out of school. His strengths were clear. His struggles were not. The shock of his death rippled wide and deep.
The annual Sam Matters Cup returns this Friday to honour Sammy’s life and raise vital funds for Building Young Men, a grassroots program supporting teenage boys through mentorship, camps and community. Players of all levels are welcome – whether you’re out to win or just enjoy a round with mates.
Curious about family history? Don’t miss this event. Photo: Illawarra Family History Group.
NSW & ACT Association of Family History Societies Inc Family History Fair
When: Friday 12 September, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Free.
There are more than 60 family/local history societies belonging to the association from all over NSW and ACT, one of which hosts the annual conference each year. In 2025 the Illawarra Family History Group will be hosting. A highlight for the public will be the Family History Fair.
The event centres around a trade fair where visitors can connect with family history groups, service providers, publishers, historians and more. There will also be fascinating talks covering everything from genealogy to delving through records, a raffle and more.
Saturday
Join the Rotary clubs of the Illawarra for their annual race day. Photo: Supplied.
Combined Illawarra Rotary Clubs Race Day
When: Saturday 13 September, from noon
Where: Kembla Grange Racecourse, Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
Cost: From $10 | Book via Moshtix.
Experience the thrill of the races while supporting a great cause at the Combined Illawarra Rotary Clubs Race Day. This annual fundraising event is the highlight of the Rotary calendar, with all proceeds going to local charities. This year, funds raised will benefit two exceptional services dedicated to supporting the well-being and development of young people across the Illawarra.
Guests can enjoy a full day of entertainment with a variety of venues and dining options to suit every taste. Dress to impress and take part in the Fashions in the Field competition, or browse the silent auction for a chance to snap up unique items and experiences. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, a social butterfly, or simply looking for a memorable day out, this event promises a perfect mix of excitement, style, and community spirit.
Wednesday
The Annual Illawarra Shoalhaven Dementia Forum is free and open to all. Photo: westend61.
The 14th Annual Illawarra Shoalhaven Dementia Forum
When: Wednesday 17 September, 9:30 am to 3 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Free (donations welcome) | Book via eventbrite.
Join experts and carers for this annual forum, featuring talks from Dementia Australia, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Childhood Dementia Initiative and allied health professionals. In addition there will be personal stories from carers of people living with dementia and an interview with a person with dementia. During lunch, browse the art expo featuring works by people with dementia and research and service displays.
Free transport is provided from Nowra for Shoalhaven and Gerringong residents — to book, call Val on 0488 114 555 or Lynda on 0417 468 977.
