Nine things to do in the Illawarra this week (18 - 24 October)

There’s more than one headline event on this week’s social calendar in the Illawarra.

Culture Mix is back for the second year, bringing a literal world of taste, sights and sounds to venues across Wollongong CBD. And Lifeline’s Big Book Fair is this year armed with a record number of donated pre-loved books for us to hunt through.

Woodfest returns to Bulli with dozens of hands-on experiences for families against the backdrop of folksy carnival vibes and the NSW Small Business Commission is bringing a must-attend expo for small businesses to the Gong.

There are also exhibitions and events for Illawarra mothers, an open day for a certain cherished community garden, a walk with meaning and more.

Here are our top nine picks for the week.

Multiple Days

Lifeline’s Big Book Fair

When: Thursday 17 October, 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October, 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 20 October, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Illawarra Sports Stadium, Fred Finch Park South West, 22 Hooka Creek Road, Berkeley
Cost: Thursday $10 donation | Friday, Saturday and Sunday gold coin donation | Payable on entry.

Lifeline South Coast is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Lifeline’s Big Book Fair – a must-attend event for book lovers and collectors. During this four-day extravaganza, including a VIP opening night on Thursday, you’ll have the opportunity to browse a record number of pre-loved books (more than 90,000) across 80 categories, including the elusive “Something Special” list.

The fair is a chance to save books from landfill and raise vital funds for Lifeline to help deliver essential crisis support and suicide prevention services within the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast. To register for the VIP opening night, sign up for the book lovers club.

If you know someone who might be having a difficult time, please reach out and encourage them to seek help. By checking in, you are showing them you care and that can make a difference. Please call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14.

Woodfest

When: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Bulli Showground, Grevillea Park Road, Bulli
Cost: Gold coin entry | Various costs for workshops | Book via Humanitix.

This amazing two-day community event offers a way for all ages to explore the world of woodwork. The main attraction is a diverse line-up of workshops teaching carving, sculpturing, mandala artwork, stool making, coopering, wood-turning, Japanese joints, basket weaving, boomerang and traditional spear making as well as woodworking basics for kids and much more.

Expect an array of gourmet food from Mojo Picon, Istanbul Street Kitchen, Tuta – Nita’s Street Food, Cantina de Mex and MiniDonuts4U and barista coffee by The Di Pacci Coffee Company. There will also be live music and children’s entertainment including interactive circus performances, giant balloons, giant bubbles, face painting, tug-o-war, fire acts and more. Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome.

Colours of Motherhood

When: Sunday 20 to Friday 25 October, various times
Where: Thames St Studio, 29B Thames Street, West Wollongong
Cost: Various | Book via Scribbly Gum Photography.

Covering everything from self-care to sibling rivalry, challenging behaviours and much more, this range of events is designed to support, validate and connect like-minded mums. Included in each event is access to a photography exhibition of 14 images representing different challenges shared by real mums.

Events include a breastfeeding support group, working mums wine and cheese, mothers group for under 1s, and a women’s sharing circle, and sessions covering birth trauma, challenging behaviours and neurodiversity in children, sibling rivalry and peer conflict, boundaries, self-care and identity in motherhood, discipline, and pelvic floor health.

Saturday

Culture Mix

When: Saturday 19 October, 11:30 am to 8 pm
Where: Various locations in Wollongong CBD – Crown Street and Mall, The Arts Precinct, Wollongong Library, Wollongong Art Gallery and Wollongong Town Hall
Cost: Free.

This free one-day outdoor event on Dharawal country will celebrate Wollongong’s diverse community with vibrant music, dance, workshops, installations and food from around the world. Taste test a South American Asado, enjoy free creative workshops, support a local Aboriginal artist by purchasing something unique, learn K-Pop dance moves or join a community street parade with a giant Ogoh-Ogoh (monster) and Gamelan Orchestra. All this and more awaits at Wollongong’s Culture Mix.

Culture Mix is made possible thanks to a two-year grant via the Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Major Festivals Grants Program.

Sunday

Walk4BrainCancer Wollongong

When: Sunday 20 October, 9 am
Where: Beaton Park Athletic Track, Foley Street, Gwynneville
Cost: Adult $35 | Child $20 | Book via Walk4BrainCancer.

Put on some purple and join us for an inspirational two to 5km walk on the athletics track at Beaton Park, Gwynneville, in honour of those we’ve lost to brain cancer. We’ll celebrate the survivors and give hope, courage and support to those currently fighting brain cancer. You will also be helping to raise much-needed awareness and vital funds for brain cancer research and advocacy.

The all-weather purpose track caters for walkers of all levels and is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Better yet, the walk is supported with a full-blown community event including a sausage sizzle, food stall, coffee truck and ice cream truck, DJ, jumping castle, face painting, merchandise, professional photography, awesome raffle prizes and entertainment.

Bally’s Patch Open Day

When: Sunday 20 October, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Bally’s Patch, 5A Church Street, Balgownie
Cost: Free.

Be there when the gates fling open to Bally’s Patch, Balgownie’s beloved community garden. Tended by a passionate group of volunteers, this garden is all about fostering connection in the local community. You’re invited to join members as they introduce visitors to the various aspects of the garden against the backdrop of live music, fun activities and a yummy sausage sizzle, as well as the Bally’s Patch cake stand, which is invariably a hit with all.

Annual Art Gallery & Family Fun Day – Early Years Care

When: Sunday 20 October, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, 93/109 Princess Highway, Dapto
Cost: Gold coin donation | Payable upon entry.

Come, play and be inspired by the creativity of Early Years Care’s youngest citizens. At this annual event there will be art on display and activities for all the family. Create your own free artwork with Chloe from Wonderland Paints and indulge in airy floss, popcorn and other treats. There will be surprises, character visits and lots of fun.

Tuesday

The NSW Small Business Month Wollongong Expo

When: Tuesday 22 October, 1 pm to 7 pm
Where: Building 230 (Central Building), Innovation Way, Innovation Campus, North Wollongong
Cost: Free | Register via Eventsair.

For NSW Small Business Month 2024, the NSW Small Business Commission is leading a series of expos across NSW – and the Wollongong event is here. The Small Business Month expos give small business owners and their staff the opportunity to network with government agencies and large organisations, connect with other small businesses, gain knowledge and learn new skills.

Join in for a day of innovation and networking where top industry professionals and emerging talent come together to showcase the latest advancements and trends. Enjoy exclusive access to informative sessions from thought leaders, have your questions answered by expert exhibitors and make the most of ample opportunities to connect with potential partners and clients.