The University of Wollongong is turning 50 and everyone’s invited to the party. Photo: UOW.
From skies full of vintage planes to stories that light up the night, the region’s bursting with ways to make the most of November.
Fly high at HARS Aviation Museum’s Tarmac Days, dive into big ideas at the True Story Festival, or discover the glow of nature’s nightlife with David Finlay’s talk on fireflies and glow worms. There’s also festive cheer as Santa rolls into Dapto Mall by fire truck and a milestone celebration as UOW turns 50 with live music, food and fun across the campus.
From fairy tales to fitness, comedy to community, wonder, wisdom or a good laugh, there’s adventure waiting for everyone in the Illawarra this week.
Multiple Days
Step onto the tarmac and into aviation history at HARS Aviation Museum’s Tarmac Days, where the sky’s the limit for aircraft lovers. Photo: Howard Mitchell.
HARS Aviation Museum Tarmac Days
When: Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November, 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.
Held monthly outside the museum hangars, these special weekends bring historic planes to life, from the Lockheed Super Constellation and Catalina flying boat to the Neptune submarine hunter. Climb into real cockpits, join a guided aircraft tour, and explore the museum’s extraordinary restoration projects, including the replica of Kingsford-Smith’s Southern Cross.
Don’t miss the iconic Boeing 747-438 “City of Canberra”, holder of the world record for the longest non-stop commercial flight. You can even add a wing walk, cockpit tour, or premium experience (bookings required) for a truly unforgettable view.
Real stories. Raw truths. Big ideas. Discover them all at the True Story Festival in Coledale. Image: True Story Festival.
True Story Festival
When: Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 November, various times
Where: Coledale Community Hall, 745 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale
Cost: Various | Book via Humanitix.
Step into a weekend of ideas, insight and storytelling in this celebration of the best creative non-fiction and thought-provoking writing in Australia today. Curated by Caroline Baum, Sarah Nicholson, and Genevieve Swart, this year’s program invites trusted voices to help make sense of an ever-changing world.
Hear Professor Clare Wright OAM deliver the keynote on First Nations justice and the story behind the Yolngu people’s näku dhäruk (bark petitions). Join Sita Sargeant and Dr Yves Rees as they uncover Australia’s trailblazing women and hear candid stories from Dr Rebecca Huntley and Josh Piterman about the truth behind public confidence. Jan Fran leads a timely conversation on media trust with Ariel Bogle, Cam Wilson and Tracey Kirkland — plus much more across two inspiring days.
Friday
Once upon a time … the Brothers Grimm came to life. Join Kate Forsyth for an evening of fairy tales, folklore and fascinating history. Image: Shellharbour Civic Centre.
Fairytales & Folklore: The Story of the Brothers Grimm
When: Friday 14 November, 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: $25 | Book via Shellharbour Civic Centre.
Step into a world of enchanted forests, forgotten gods and timeless tales with award-winning author and storyteller Kate Forsyth. With her you’ll explore the lives and legacy of Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm, the German folklorists behind Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin. Discover how their love of language and myth shaped the stories we still cherish today.
Enjoy tea and light refreshments, a beautifully themed venue and the chance to purchase books by the Brothers Grimm and Kate Forsyth.
Get ready, Wollongong, Mamma’s (still) not happy. Image: James Liotta.
James Liotta in Mamma’s Still Not Happy
When: Friday 14 November, 8 to 10 pm
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: $39 | Book via The Fraternity Club.
After a sold-out national tour in 2024, comedian James Liotta is back with his hit solo stand-up show, bringing big laughs and Italian family chaos to the Illawarra for the first time. Known for his roles in Thank God You’re Here, Utopia, Fat Pizza and Housos, plus his viral sketches about growing up Italian, James delivers a night of fast-paced, character-filled comedy that’s equal parts relatable and ridiculous.
Expect high-energy humour, sharp cultural observations, and a surprise appearance by “Mamma” herself, all in The Fraternity Club’s newly renovated Sunken Lounge, the perfect spot for an intimate night of top-tier comedy.
Saturday
Walk the talk: wear blue and make every step count this World Diabetes Day at Warilla Beach. Image: TDC.
World Diabetes Day Awareness Walk – Shellharbour
When: Saturday 15 November, 7 to 10 am
Where: Warilla Beach, Warilla
Cost: Participants $10 | Spectators free | Book via TDC Australia.
Step up and make every step count this World Diabetes Day. Join The Diabetes Centre (TDC) Australia for an inspiring morning walk along Warilla Beach, raising awareness about diabetes prevention, workplace wellbeing, and healthy living. Open to everyone, this family-friendly event includes community outreach and educational activities tied to the 2025 global theme, “Diabetes and the Workplace”.
Wear blue to show your support and help turn the beach into a sea of awareness and hope.
He’s making a list … Don’t miss Santa’s big arrival and parade at Dapto Mall. Image: Dapto Mall.
Santa’s Arrival & Parade
When: Saturday 15 November, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Where: Dapto Mall, Corner Princes Highway and Moombara Street, Dapto
Cost: Free.
Santa’s on his way to the Illawarra, and he’s arriving by fire truck. Join Dapto Mall for a morning of festive fun as Santa and Mrs Claus parade through the centre with Rudolph, Olaf and Elsa, Spidey, a Minion, a Christmas Elf, the Nutcracker brass band and local dancers. Enjoy free face painting, balloon sculptures and photo ops throughout the morning. The Nutcracker brass band will perform live at 9:30 am and 10:45 am, and Santa photos start from 10:20 am (bookings required).
University of Wollongong’s 50th Birthday Party
When: Saturday 15 November, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Free | Book via UOW.
Celebrate five decades of discovery, innovation and community spirit with a fun-filled day of live music, great food, market stalls, and family activities across the campus. Kids will love the IMB Bank Play Zone, featuring inflatable slides, laser tag, face painting, a reptile zoo, and hands-on fun with Science Space and Early Start Discovery Space. Sports fans can get active in the Sports Zone with putt putt golf, a giant slide and games hosted by UniActive and UOW Sports Clubs.
Relax in the Beats and Eats area with live tunes, food truck and a pop-up bar, or browse local market stalls for handmade treasures and exclusive UOW 50th anniversary merchandise. Register your interest for a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card and join the celebrations for one of Wollongong’s most iconic institutions.
Tuesday
Hot topics and cool advice: join Rachel Macedo for an empowering conversation on menopause and beyond. Photo: ivanmorenosl.
Menopause & Perimenopause: Support and Empowerment with Rachel Macedo
When: Tuesday 18 November, 10 to 11 am
Where: City Library, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Join business owner, mother and women’s health advocate Rachel Macedo for an engaging and supportive session on navigating menopause and perimenopause with confidence. Learn practical strategies to manage symptoms, embrace this life stage and connect with others sharing similar experiences. The session also welcomes partners, friends and anyone wanting to better understand and support loved ones going through menopause.
Thursday
Dive into the glowing world of fireflies and glow worms at Shellharbour City Library. Photos: David Finlay.
Nature Talk: Fireflies & Glow Worms in the Illawarra
When: Thursday 20 November, 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour City Library, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free | Book via Shellharbour Libraries.
Discover the hidden magic of the Illawarra’s nightlife with local bioluminescence enthusiast and photographer David Finlay, as he shares the glowing secrets of fireflies and glow worms. This illuminating talk is perfect for adults, and curious kids aged 10+ accompanied by an adult, who love nature, photography or the quiet wonders of the local environment.
