Get set for the Berry Show. Photo: Andy Hutchinson and Katie Rivers for Photography.
And that’s a wrap on school holidays, but the Illawarra is keeping you busy anyway. This week kicks off in a big way with the Berry Show bringing two massive days of ag-meets-carnival fun to our southern neighbourhood.
Merrigong seems determined to extract some laughs with not one but two hilarious offerings and over at Warilla Bowls, a master comedy hypnotist will have audiences in stitches, too.
In between is everything from seed swaps to writing workshops and free music programs for kids. Here are our top nine picks for the week.
Multiple Days
Berry Show
When: Friday 2 and Saturday 3 February 2024, various times
Where: Berry Showground, 35 Alexandra Street, Berry
Cost: Adult single day $15, adult two-day $25, child single day $5, child two-day $10, book here.
The Berry Show is steeped in tradition, dating back to the late 1800s, when an unofficial agricultural exhibition was held at nearby Broughton Creek. Today the show blends old and new over two massive days, providing a window into agricultural history and practices still alive today, with major carnival vibes. Expect the livestock, horse shows and demonstrations like wood chopping as you would from a good old-fashioned country show, along with entertainment, rides and food galore.
The Wharf Revue is back with a hilarious new show. Photo: Ashley de Prazer.
The Wharf Revue: Pride in Prejudice
When: Friday 2 February, 7:30 pm and Saturday 3 February, 1:30 and 7:30 pm
Where: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $97, adult $77, under 30, pensioner and group $67, book here.
Last chance to see The Wharf Revue’s hilarious new show! These guys have decades of experience in political satire. Pride in Prejudice caters to audiences of 2024 with “no jokes written by ChatGPT and no sketches outsourced to PWC”. Reputations may be questioned, political careers damaged and be assured, any similarity to public figures living or dead is entirely intentional. Due to public demand, full-frontal nudity will not be included.
Friday
Prada Clutch and Conchita Grande take centre stage in this epic drag bingo. Photo: Sydney Drag Queen.
Kath & Kim Drag Bingo
When: Friday 2 February, 8 pm
Where: Main Auditorium, Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Adult $57.60, student or concession $55.60, group 10+ $54, book here.
Hosted by our favourite “foxy morons”, Prada Clutch and Conchita Grande bring you bingo like never before. Play to win $1000 cash and prizes at this Kath & Kim themed drag bingo – noice! You’ll enjoy five games of bingo plus a live Kath & Kim show. Audiences are encouraged to dress as their favourite Kath & Kim character for a chance to win the best dressed prize.
Comedy hypnotist Rob Young will keep you in stitches for two hours straight. Image: Warilla Bowls.
Rob Young: Master Hypnotist
When: Friday 2 February, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Warilla Bowling Club, Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights
Cost: $30, book here.
Renowned comedy hypnotist Rob Young is coming to Warilla Bowl. Together with his co-stars (audience volunteers), he promises to keep you in a fit of laughter for the entire show. While there, why not grab a bite to eat at one of the many food options – The Burger Box or Pizza Dal Verde at Lagoon Street, Red Sands Bar & Grill or Cowries Cafe. Please note: this is a strictly over 18s show.
Saturday
Meet with fellow gardening enthusiasts to swap seeds, tips and tricks on growing a thriving garden. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Seed and Sapling Swap
When: Saturday 3 February, 10 to 11 am
Where: Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Cost: Free.
Calling all experienced gardeners, budding green thumbs and proponents of the circular economy – this event is the perfect way to build up your home garden and horticultural knowledge on a budget. Visit the library with some of your seeds or saplings, and swap with other members of the community to propagate your gardens. Chat with other enthusiastic gardeners for tips and tricks on growing a thriving garden.
Sunday
Everyone is welcome to this event, which is helping to spread the word on climate action. Image: Yes2Renewables.
Family Fun Day
When: Sunday 4 February, 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Osborne Park, 82 Cliff Road, Wollongong
Cost: Free, book here.
“Keep our kids cool while we fight to cool our planet!” is the catchphrase for this family-friendly event. Not only will there be free ice cream for kids but also, information on the energy transition, different renewable options for both your home and the wider energy grid and industry transition. There will also be free face painting, kids craft events and a renewables-themed art installation. Ask questions, learn from local experts in the Living Library and hear from local legends about why they are committing to climate action.
This event will be held by Friends of the Earth’s Yes2Renewables campaign, in alliance with the Australian Conservation Foundation, Electrify 2515, Hi Neighbour, Sail 4 Sanity, Good for the Gong, Rewiring Australia and other local organisations and businesses.
Tuesday
This program is for writers and people interested in writing. Photo: Envato/kurinchukolha.
Ink & Pages – Writers’ Club
When: Tuesday 6 February, from 6 pm
Where: Shellharbour City Library
Cost: Free.
This ongoing monthly club invites you to connect with a community of writers and unleash your creativity. Bringing together local writers to discuss, share, and workshop their writing, this hybrid program offers in-person group meetings in the library meeting room or an option to attend on Zoom.
Football fans won’t want to miss this event. Photo: iStock/RichVintage.
A Night with Noddy and Tony Henderson
When: Tuesday 6 February, 6 to 10 pm
Where: Jamberoo Pub, 12 Allowrie Street, Jamberoo
Cost: $27.78, book here.
Calling all football fans for a brilliant night of panel discussions between 1974 Socceroo legend Adrian (Noddy) Alston, 27-time capped Socceroo Tony Henderson, respected football journalist and author Philip Micallef and former Arsenal goalkeeper Ron Tilsed. Celebrate Noddy’s 76th birthday (as well as his recently released book) with the man himself. Your ticket price includes a complimentary beverage on arrival and a delicious buffet style meal.
Wednesday
To ignite a life-long love for music, start early with free lessons by WollCon. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
ChiME Music Lessons for Kids
When: Every Wednesday from 7 February to 3 April, 9:45 to 10:30 am and 10:20 to 11:15 am
Where: Dapto Library, 93-109 Princes Highway, Dapto
Cost: Free, book here (for all eight weekly sessions).
One of the most successful WollCon music programs is returning to Dapto Library. The Early Childhood Music Education (ChiME) aims to ignite a lifelong passion for music in children aged one to five years old. Lessons involve the exploration of music through singing, playing, moving, listening, and creating. The program involves selecting one of two sessions held every Wednesday for eight weeks. Best of all – it’s completely free.
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