Clever and crafty – find out what cardboard has to do with STEM at Shellharbour Civic Centre this week. Photo: halfpoint.
The holiday season is waiting for nobody, as the Illawarra welcomes the return of Wollongong’s popular Sunset Cinema and some big names in music for the Changing Tides Festival in Kiama.
Just in case 31 Christmas markets, parades and carolling events weren’t enough, there’s another to add to the list this week, as well as some sugary ways to tap into your festive spirit.
Shellharbour Youth Services has released its school holidays program – check it out for ways to keep the young’uns busy over the break.
Here are nine things to do in the Illawarra this week.
Multiple days
Sunset Cinema is back with new releases, family faves and classics. Image: Sunset Cinema Wollongong.
Sunset Cinema Wollongong
When: Various dates until Saturday 22 March, various times
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden, Murphys Avenue, Wollongong
Cost: Adult $24 | Concession/Student $19 | Child $13 | Under 3s free | Book via Sunset Cinema.
Sunset Cinema Wollongong presents its signature mix of new releases, family faves and all-time classics under the stars. Back by popular demand for the holiday season will be two weeks of festive flicks including brand new comedy Red One and Christmas classics Love Actually, Home Alone and Elf. Catch new summer blockbusters like Gladiator 2 and the latest superhero action, Venom: The Last Dance. Don’t miss the highly anticipated remake of the hit Broadway musical Wicked, starring pop diva Arianna Grande. Or make it a family movie night with Disney’s latest sequel Moana 2, the new live-action origin story of the Lion King’s Mufasa or an advanced screening of Paddington in Peru.
Treat yourself to a VIP experience in the Sunset Lounge. Get front-row seats with premium bean loungers and bottomless popcorn. There’s also a fully licensed bar, Bulla Family Dairy choc tops and food from local favourites His Boy Elroy.Whether it’s date night, family night or catching up with friends, make it a movie night to remember at Sunset Cinema.
Hilltop Hoods comes to the South Coast to headline this incredible line-up. Image: Harlow Events.
Changing Tides Music Festival 2024
When: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December, various times
Where: Kiama Showground, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: From $69 to $595.20 | Book via Changing Tides.
Changing Tides combines the very best the NSW’s South Coast has to offer – picturesque seascapes, local produce, wines and beers – with a killer line-up of world-class artists to play alongside some of our very best home-grown talents. Saturday headlines with Hilltop Hoods and features Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale, Old Mervs, The Terrys, Blu DeTiger, South Summit, Annie Hamilton and Lola Scott, Tones and I and Ruel headline Sunday, which also features Return Act, Peach PRC, mallrat, Pacific Avenue, Chloe Dadd and The Blssm.
This is an 18-plus event only.
This program is a great way to meet new people, connect and have fun. Photo: monkeybusiness.
Shellharbour Youth Services Summer School Holiday Activities
When: Various dates from Thursday 19 December to Tuesday 28 January
Where: Various Shellharbour venues
Cost: Various | Book via Shellharbour City Council.
Looking for fun and exciting ways to spend your school holidays? The Shellharbour Youth Services School Holiday Program has you covered. From sports to movies and crafts, there are activities, workshops and adventures for everyone, designed to make your summer memorable. Highlights include open pool days, a pamper party and family trivia. Most events are free, but some require bookings, so check out the full program and plan.
Friday
All are welcome to this special night at Wollongong Library celebrating our LGBTQI+ community. Photo: yanishevskaanna.
Pride Night – Wollongong Library (Ages 18+)
When: Friday 13 December, 6 to 8 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Pride Night welcomes all LGBTQI+ community members and allies to a fun after-hours social event at Wollongong Library. Enjoy exciting games, tasty nibbles, creative hands-on crafts and a special adult storytime that’s sure to entertain. Bring your friends or come solo and make new ones – everyone is welcome. This event is free, but bookings are required. Please note the event is strictly for ages 18 and over.
Sunday
Shellharbour Community Church hopes to bring the community together for this memorable evening. Image: Shellharbour Community Church.
A Thrill of Hope
When: Sunday 15 December, 5 to 9 pm
Where: Shellharbour Community Church, 500 Shellharbour Road, Shellharbour
Cost: Free.
Shellharbour can add yet another carols event to the list. This one comes courtesy of the Shellharbour Community Church. The evening will be an eventful night with family activities such as a jumping castle and face painting and pre-show fun with games and giveaways. Carols kick off at 7:30 pm. Grab your people and get ready to sing all your favourite hymns and carols, igniting the joyful spark of the festive season.
Rally your family, friends and colleagues together, grab your tickets and walk together, knowing you’re supporting vital research into the blight of cancer. Image: Vanessa Cathcart.
Walk For Sheree
When: Sunday 15 December, 9 am to noon
Where: Towradgi Park, 2 Towradgi Road, Towradgi
Cost: Adult $25 | Youth 8-16 years $15 | Under 8s free | Book via Cancer Council.
This event is organised by David and Margot Naylor in memory of their daughter Sheree, a wife and mother of three young children, who passed away from cancer seven years ago. Join the family for a 3-km, 5-km or 10-km walk in memory of Sheree, or anyone dear to you that may have had their own battle with cancer. On the day there will be a raffle, entertainment and a special guest appearance from Santa.
Monday
Kids will learn STEM principles through creativity in this workshop. Photo: FoToArtist_1.
NextGen STEM Lab – Cardboard Construction
When: Monday 16 December, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Where: City Library, Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free | Book via Shellharbour City Libraries.
In this NextGen STEM Lab designed for kids and teenagers eager to explore and experiment with cutting-edge STEM technology, participants will use special construction tools from Makedo to construct anything they want out of cardboard. Whether it’s a fort, something to wear, flower garden, racing car or anything else, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination – and maybe the laws of physics. This workshop is suitable for ages four to 12; no experience is required and all materials are supplied.
Tuesday
Gingerbread houses are the perfect way to tap into the festive spirit. Image: Shellharbour City Libraries.
Gingerbread House Workshop
When: Tuesday 17 December, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: $25 | Book via Shellharbour City Libraries.
In this creative (and delicious) Christmas workshop, you’ll construct the foundation of your gingerbread house before letting your creativity take over as you decorate it with icing, lollies and festive treats. Whether you’re designing a classic candy cottage or a vibrant, one-of-a-kind creation, this is the perfect way to share sweet moments and holiday fun with family and friends. Note: With limited spaces, please only book one ticket per family. Attendees are welcome to bring extra lollies to decorate their gingerbread houses.
Missed out? A second session takes place on Wednesday 18 December, same time, same place.
Thursday
A sweet little Christmas awaits. Photo: Shaiith.
Festive Frosting Fun
When: Thursday 19 December, 10 to 10:45 am, 11:45 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 2:15 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: $25 | Book via eventbrite (below).
Your facilitator for this cupcake frosting workshop is Sarah, a baker who specialises in celebration cakes, cupcakes and sugar cookies. Participants receive six cupcakes, and Sarah will teach you six Christmas-themed cupcake designs, using buttercream and fondant icing. With a guide to the designs, kids will have the creative freedom to place their ideas. At the end of the class, you will have a beautiful array of fun and delicious cupcakes to take home and share.
All materials are provided including cupcakes, icing, sprinkles, decorations, boxes to take your creations home in and all the tools you will require. This kids workshop is suited for children six and over and is perfect for beginners. There are three sessions:
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