Mushroom magic is on the menu — from forest floor to the “Feastival” table, local fungi experts, growers and enthusiasts are serving up some serious autumnal charm. Photo: Steven Axford.
Clear your calendars and charge your crystals — the Illawarra’s social circuit is lighting up with everything from mushie munching to coastal sprints, electric dreams and psychic streams. Whether you’re chasing personal bests, puppy kisses, power-saving tips or power from beyond, there’s a local event with your name on it.
This week, celebrate 50 years of resilience and culture, feel the rhythm on Make Music Day, lace up for a life-saving cause, or say “yes” to the dress at the region’s biggest wedding expo.
Into fungi, fur babies or futuristic living? You’re in luck — the Illawarra’s got a certain popular “feastival”, a Woofstock and the answer to all your household electrification questions.
Whatever your vibe, this guide’s got your weekend sorted.
Multiple Days
There’s not mushroom for debate – this series of sell-out events is not to be missed. Photo: Steven Axford.
Fungi Feastival
When: Friday 20 June to Sunday 20 July, various times
Where: Various venues from Batemans Bay to Eden
Cost: Various | Book via Fungi Feastival.
Embark on a month-long journey into the fascinating realm of fungi at the 2025 Fungi Feastival. Stretching from Batemans Bay to Eden, these sell-out events aren’t just a celebration of food — they’re a deep dive into nature, science, art and community, where the intricacies and culinary virtues of diverse fungi are laid bare for all to discover. From art exhibitions to book launches, panel discussions to creative workshops, movie screenings to gastronomic experiences, truffle hunts, children’s activities, fungi forays and identification walks with local experts and more, it aims to attract diverse audiences.
Friday
Head along to the launch of this very special exhibition, marking half a century of Vietnamese refugee settlement in Wollongong. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
50th Anniversary of Vietnamese Refugee Settlement in the Illawarra Exhibition Launch
When: Friday 20 June, 3 to 5 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Join us to celebrate the launch of an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnamese Refugee Settlement in the Illawarra. There will be a lion dance performance, and the launch of the exhibition including a guest talk by Teresa Tran, a Vietnamese refugee. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is presented by the Vietnamese Community in Wollongong, Migration Heritage Project and Wollongong City Council.
Saturday
This event is part of a movement where every stride counts towards breaking the stigma around mental health. Photo: kellyvandellen.
The Race Against Suicide
When: Saturday 21 June, 11 am
Where: Kembla Grange Racecourse, Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
Cost: Various | Book via Moshtix.
This is a social event with a powerful purpose: breaking the stigma around mental ill health. Enjoy thrilling live thoroughbred racing and live entertainment, while raising awareness and vital funds for mental health initiatives.
General admission is just $10, with different experiences available at the Ken Brown Dining Room, Grandstand Bistro and Lawn Marquee. Proceeds from the day will be directed to providing local support and reducing the impact of suicide in The Illawarra.
Held annually on 21 June, Make Music Day will come to life again across Australia and the rest of the world — including the Gong. Photo: Wirestock.
Make Music Day 2025
When: Saturday 21 June, 11 am
Where: Lux Bistro Bar, 110-114 Crown Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
To mark this day celebrated across the world, Wollongong Conservatorium of Music is offering a day of free outdoor performances in the mall supported by the Wollongong City Council. There will be performances from The Wollcon Jazz Band, The Make Music Day Scratch Band (combined schools and Wollcon bands), WollCon Symphony Orchestra and a host of community ensembles including Curious Rendition Orchestra (Crow), Con Artists and Minor Swing Band.
Sunday
Whether you’re racing to win or a back-of the-pack kind of runner, this event has something for your pace, all set across the stunning coastline of Kiama. Photo: Kiama Coastal Classic.
Kiama Coastal Classic
When: Sunday 22 June, 6:30 am
Where: Coronation Park, Manning Street, Kiama
Cost: Various | Book via Raceroster.
The Kiama Coastal Classic returns for its eighth year, offering a mix of fitness and coastal beauty. Choose from 2 km, 12 km or 21 km race options — all featuring sweeping views from Werri Beach to Kiama’s rugged shoreline. Whether you’re walking, jogging or racing to the finish, this event is a favourite for all ages and abilities. All courses finish at the Kiama Surf Club, with an onsite expo and great giveaways waiting at the finish line.
Ready to electrify everything and cut your living costs? Image: Electrify2515.
Go Electric – Home Energy and EV Open Day
When: Sunday 22 June, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Club Thirroul, Station Street, Thirroul
Cost: Free | Book via Humanitix.
With energy bills soaring and a growing appetite to shrink our carbon footprints, more people than ever are exploring solar, EVs, home batteries and electric appliances. Whether you’re just curious or already committed, lock in this Sunday for a fun, informative event showing households across the Illawarra how to do it.
Experts, locals and hands-on experiences will converge to help make electrifying your home and lifestyle easier — and more exciting — than ever. You’ll hear from Dr Saul Griffith, live in conversation with Sarah Aubrey (Electrify This), as they dive into his new book Plug In: The Electrification Handbook. Explore a range of EVs and chat directly with local EV owners to get honest advice (not a sales pitch). There will be talks and info sessions on solar, batteries and EVs, a live cooking demo with induction appliances, a chance to connect with local tradies and industry, door prizes, exclusive offers and more.
Don’t miss the ulti-mutt outing for Shellharbour pups and their two-legged companions. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Woofstock
When: Sunday 22 June, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: The Waterfront Precinct, 100 Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove
Cost: Free.
Shellharbour City Council is inviting the community to a pawsome day out to celebrate all things dog. Council will have a stall offering free microchipping for Shellharbour City residents, and will also help check that your pet’s microchip and registration details are up to date. These quick checks make it easier to return lost pets home and can help avoid the cost of a stay at the pound. There will also be some friendly dogs available for adoption and looking for their furever homes. Council staff will be on hand to answer questions, share tips and chat about what responsible pet ownership means in our local area.
Getting married in the Illawarra? Look no further for local inspiration. Photo: Wirestock/Envato.
Wollongong’s Annual Wedding Expo 2025
When: Sunday 22 June, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Novotel Northbeach, 2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong
Cost: Free entry | Wedding Expos Australia.
This is the premiere event to find wedding inspo with local, coastal vibes in our beautiful region. Expect colour, fun and great live entertainment, with more than 70 handpicked vendors from the greater Wollongong region putting on a show of florist, bridal gowns, photography, invitations, wedding cars, hens parties, makeup, fitness, men’s suits, shoes, videography, reception venues, honeymoon, bridal favours, candy buffets, wedding cakes and bridal jewellery, as well as wedding planning, marriage celebrant and wedding stylist services.
Living Wellness Events is widely recognised for hosting exceptional events, featuring leading professionals from the spiritual and wellness sectors across NSW. Photo: Photology75.
Living Wellness & Psychic Expo
When: Sunday 22 June, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club, 63 Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights
Cost: General $10 | Concession $8 | Payable upon entry.
Catering to the curious, sensitive or seasoned soul, the upcoming Living Wellness & Psychic Expo at Warilla has something for everyone. Expect private psychic, mediumship and card readings to offer insightful messages for the seekers. You can also experience personalised healing sessions with holistic practitioners and browse many products across spirituality, fair trade, eco-friendly, bespoke, handcrafted and living wellness. Free stage presentations run for most of the day and are an event highlight, featuring numerous guest speakers and a wide range of topics across wellness and spirituality.
