Immerse yourself in three glorious days of food, wine, music and conversation set among the picturesque vineyards of Bowral at the Horizontal Festival. Photo: Horizontal Festival.
Week two of school holiday fun brings outdoor markets and a bumper line-up of live performances to the Illawarra.
Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids with captivating puppet theatre, tap into local creativity at an artisan market, or sip world-class drops amid picturesque vineyards, the region’s got your week sorted.
Foodies can get ready for an epic culinary festival, while music lovers and theatregoers are spoiled for choice.
From bustling regional hubs to quiet coastal spots, here are nine fantastic one-off events happening across the Illawarra and beyond this week.
Multiple Days
Head to the Southern Highlands for a sensational three-day extravaganza celebrating the very best of NSW food, wine, music and conversation. Photo: Supplied.
Horizontal Festival
When: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October, Various times
Where: Centennial Vineyards, 252 Centennial Road, Bowral
Cost: Various prices | Book via Horizontal Festival.
Set amid the picturesque vineyards of Bowral, this unique festival features more than 80 boutique producers, interactive culinary stages, live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs and shared table workshops. With live music carrying you through from afternoon grooves to sunset beats, it’s the ultimate long weekend escape for keen foodies and casual tasters alike.
Bring your mates, soak up the spring sunshine and dance the weekend away right by the water. Image: Yours and Owls.
Yours and Owls Festival
When: Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 October, various times
Where: Flagstaff Hill (Saturday) and Wollongong CBD (Sunday)
Cost: Various prices | Book via Moshtix.
The ultimate Wollongong music gathering is back with a massive weekend of sound on the stunning oceanfront. Day one kicks off at Flagstaff Hill along the foreshore before spreading its wings across the city for day two. Expect a massive, eclectic mix of Australia’s best live acts, rising stars and high-energy sets.
The Listies: This Show is a Joke!
When: Tuesday 6 to Wednesday 7 October, 10 am and 1 pm
Where: Bruce Gordon Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: General $35 | Vacation Care Groups 8+ $19 | Mob Tix $15 | Book via TicketSearch.
Australia’s favourite kids’ comedy duo, Rich Higgins and Matt Kelly, return with their most ridiculously silly show yet! Packed with slapstick, brilliant songs, questionable costumes, cardboard props and endless belly laughs, this turbocharged performance guarantees zero educational value and 100 per cent pure fun. Hot off sold-out festival runs, it’s the ultimate school holiday treat for kids and parents brave enough to join the madness.
Friday
Something has gone missing, and Mrs Hooley is on the case! Photo: Little Wing Puppets.
A Little Bit of Blue Puppet Show
When: Friday 2 October, 10 am
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: $10 | Book via eventbrite.
Little Wing Puppets presents an interactive environmental detective story that dives into the quirky habits of Australia’s fascinating bowerbird and its total obsession with the colour blue. Perfect for young detectives aged three and up, this clever production blends mystery and nature education into an engaging morning out. Want to stick around afterwards? You can also jump into a Bunraku-style paper puppetry workshop to construct your own creation and learn how to bring it to life on stage!
Saturday
Celebrate the beauty of original craftsmanship. Photo: Bundanon.
Bundanon Artists and Makers Market
When: Saturday 3 October, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Bundanon, 170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Cost: Free.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Shoalhaven River, this vibrant market brings together more than 50 contemporary makers, small-batch creators and First Nations artists. Spend a leisurely Saturday exploring handmade ceramics, original textiles, unique jewellery, homewares and sustainable designs. Visitors can join in a free creative workshop, catch live musical sets, treat themselves to delicious bites from local food vans, and take in the latest exhibition at the on-site Art Museum.
Wednesday
The Gruffalo’s Child
When: Wednesday 7 October, 11 am and 1 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: Various prices | Book via Ticketmaster.
One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood in search of the Big Bad Mouse … Adapted from the world-famous picture book, this enchanting West End musical adaptation arrives in Thirroul for two special school holiday performances. Combining physical theatre, puppet magic, foot-tapping singalong tunes and vibrant new costumes, it’s a magical adventure that will captivate theatregoers aged three and up.
Thursday
Celebrate the brilliant creativity of artists with disability at the grand opening of the Outsider Art Exhibition. Image: Greenacres.
Outsider Art Exhibition Grand Opening
When: Thursday 8 October, 10 to 11:45 am
Where: Greenacres, 255 Keira Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
This inspiring showcase features expressive, original works inspired by native Australian flora and fauna as well as local Wollongong sporting legends. Enjoy live entertainment, hear from guest speakers, and browse unique artworks available for purchase, with all proceeds directly supporting the talented artists and social enterprise programs.
Unleash your young writer’s imagination in this hands-on workshop. Photo: Olesiabilkei.
Monsters and Myths: Children’s Writing Workshop
When: Thursday 8 October, 10 am to noon
Where: Boyd Education Centre, Bundanon Art Museum, 170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Cost: $25 | Book via Bundanon.
Young storytellers aged 10 and up can unleash their imagination in this creative writing workshop guided by award-winning author Sue Whiting. Inspired by myths, monsters and legendary tales, participants will learn how to build compelling characters, craft tension and take their reader on an exciting journey. Ticket price includes Art Museum entry for accompanying parents, making it a wonderful creative outing in a gorgeous setting.
Former Radio Birdman guitarist Chris Masuak and his band Dog Soldier are returning to Australia for “The Shiny Side Tour”. Image: Supplied.
Chris Masuak’s Dog Soldier Tour
When: Thursday 8 October, 7 pm
Where: La La La’s, 3 Globe Lane, Wollongong
Cost: $22.43 | Book via Moshtix.
Rock legend Chris “Klondike” Masuak (formerly of Radio Birdman, The Hitmen and Screaming Tribesmen) is hitting the coast for an electrifying night of live music. Joined by his powerful band Dog Soldier, Masuak will unleash a hard-hitting setlist spanning his iconic career and brand-new release. Supported by local favourites The Sugar Beats and Buzz Wagon, it’s set to be an unmissable night of pure high-energy Aussie rock.
