Tori Darke headlines at the Kembla Grange Country Race Day. Photo: Supplied.
From the glitz of a dual-tribute musical extravaganza at Anita’s Theatre to the dusty charm of country racing at Kembla Grange, we’ve rounded up nine of the best ways to spend your week.
Look up at the stars with a world-renowned physicist, or watch the skies roar to life over Shellharbour. Find room for some side-splitting laughter courtesy of the nation’s biggest comedy roadshow, and a peaceful morning in the botanic gardens to keep your zen levels in check.
Here is what’s happening in our backyard.
Multiple Days
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
When: Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May, 7:30 pm
Where: Main Auditorium, Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Adult $49 | Concession / Student / Groups 8+ $44 | Mobtix $18 | Book via Ticket Search.
The funniest caravan in the country is pulling into Wollongong, bringing a hand-picked crew of comedy heavyweights and rising stars right to our doorstep. For nearly 30 years, this roadshow has been the ultimate tasting plate of the massive Melbourne festival, offering a bit of everything from stand-up to sketch. This year’s curated line-up is the perfect excuse to grab your mates and head into the city for a night of guaranteed guffaws.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a whole lot of legendary warbirds and aerobatic aces. Image: Wings Over Shellharbour.
Wings Over Shellharbour
When: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, 9 am
Where: Shellharbour Airport, Airport Road, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Various | Book via Wings Over Shellharbour.
Wings Over Shellharbour is the region’s premier aviation event, transforming the airport into a high-energy hub of adrenaline and history where the roar of the engines is matched only by the excitement of the crowd. Visitors can get up close to vintage military aircraft on the ground or crane their necks to witness gravity-defying stunts in the air. Food stalls, amusement rides and the fascination of the HARS Aviation Museum set a festival backdrop to the fun.
Reconnect with Mother Nature during Botanic Gardens Week. Photo: Wollongong Botanic Garden.
Botanic Garden Week
When: Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May, various times
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden, 40 Murphy’s Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Free | Book via Wollongong Botanic Garden.
This year’s Botanic Garden Week theme focuses on how green spaces act as a tonic for our mental and physical health and our local garden is putting on a spread of activities to prove it. Monday features guided tours and the chance to explore the ‘Find Your Inner Botanist’ displays. Throughout the week, visitors can stumble upon everything from Tai Chi classes to a unique Bonsai exhibition. If the fresh air works up an appetite, the on-site cafe and visiting doughnut stalls ensure you won’t go hungry while you soak up the serenity of Gleniffer Brae.
Friday
Shake, rattle and roll your way to Thirroul for a purpose-led performance that promises to be truly sparkling. Photo: Supplied.
From a Diamond to a King
When: Friday 15 May, 7 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 282-290 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $99 | Book via Ticketmaster.
Prepare for a night of royal proportions as the music of Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley collides in this symphonic spectacular. Starring acclaimed performers Peter Byrne and Damian Mullin, the show is backed by the full power of the Australian Symphony Orchestra. But beyond the flares and Sweet Caroline sing-alongs, the tour serves a noble cause, with $10 from every ticket donated to the Shake It Up Australia Foundation to fund Parkinson’s research.
Saturday
Trade your fascinator for a Stetson — the races are going country. Photo: Supplied.
Country Music Raceday
When: Saturday 16 May, 11 am
Where: Kembla Grange Racecourse, 411 Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
Cost: General $10 | Lawn Marquee $20 | Grand Stand Bistro $20 to $75 | Ken Brown Dining Room $20 to $180 | Book via Moshtix.
Kembla Grange combines the thrill of the turf with the soul of Nashville for this autumn raceday highlight. Between eight local races, racegoers can enjoy live performances from Tori Darke and Nathan Lamont, or even try their luck on a bucking bull. If you’re feeling hungry, food trucks will be slinging American-style smoked meats and loaded fries to keep your energy up for the sunset concert. With prizes for best-dressed country attire and a mobile clothing truck on-site to fix any wardrobe malfunctions, it’s a sure bet for a rowdy, dust-kicking good time.
Quietly Adrift by Isobel Rayson is now on display as part of the What Holds exhibition. Photo: Photo Dorian Photographics.
What Holds – Opening Reception
When: Saturday 16 May, 5 to 7 pm
Where: SEVENMARKS Gallery, 7 Marks Street, Kiama
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Art lovers can’t miss the official opening of Isobel Rayson’s latest exhibition, What Holds, a multidisciplinary showcase exploring the delicate balance between tension and space through monochromatic drawings, carved wood and intricate bronze sculptures. Rayson’s work is deeply inspired by the natural world, turning the tiny structures of cocoons and grids into monumental artistic statements. The opening reception offers a chance to wander through the gallery and contemplate the patterns that sustain us.
Thursday
Community spirit is the order of the day at the Koonawarra Reconciliation Walk. Image: Reconciliation Australia.
CareWays Koonawarra Reconciliation Walk
When: Thursday 21 May, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Lakeside Drive Reserve, Lakeside Drive, Kanahooka
Cost: Free.
This meaningful event invites everyone to gather by the banks of Lake Illawarra to support the ongoing journey of reconciliation. The morning begins with formal proceedings and reflections led by local elders and community figures, providing a space for education and connection. Following the formalities, participants will take a gentle, scenic stroll back to the Koonawarra Community Centre. To wrap things up, there is a traditional community sausage sizzle waiting at the finish line. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the lakeside views while standing in solidarity with our First Nations community members.
It is a must-attend for nature enthusiasts and curious minds aged 10 and up. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Nature Talks: Sugar Gliders
When: Thursday 21 May, 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour City Library, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free | Book via Shellharbour City Council.
If you’ve ever wondered about the tiny, furry acrobats leaping through our local treetops, this talk is for you. UOW graduate Ruby McPhillips visits the City Library to share her fascinating research into the sugar gliders of Shellharbour and Wollongong. These pint-sized marsupials play a critical role in pollinating the endangered Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodlands, and Ruby has the inside scoop on how they do it. Come along to learn how we can better protect these nocturnal neighbours and the unique ecosystems they call home.
Brian Cox: Emergence
When: Thursday 21 May, 6:30 pm
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, corner Crown and Harbour streets, Wollongong
Cost: $99 | $130 | $175 | $210 | Book via Ticketmaster.
Professor Brian Cox is bringing the entire universe to Wollongong for his most ambitious live show to date. Emergence is a cinematic odyssey that blends cosmology, philosophy and history using some of the most advanced LED screen technology in the world. Cox explores the deep questions of our existence — how a universe of stars and dust gave rise to sentient life — all set to a hauntingly beautiful musical score. Whether you are a science nerd or just someone who likes looking at pretty pictures of galaxies, the professor’s poetic delivery makes complex physics feel accessible and awe-inspiring. Prepare to leave the WIN Entertainment Centre feeling very small, but very inspired.
