KISS returns to Kiama this weekend with a massive schedule of family fun. Image: The KISS Arts Fest.
As we transition to the heart of autumn, the Illawarra buzzes this week with everything from high-flying tributes to underground avant-garde flair.
Whether you are looking to pay your respects with a moving aerial salute over our coastline for ANZAC Day or prefer to lose yourself in the whimsical, glowing trails of a transformed Blackbutt Forest, there is a seat at the table for everyone.
Culture seekers can dive into the “silly and sublime” at Kiama’s beloved waterfront festival or discover artistic and crafting talents at numerous workshops.
From the haunting croon of a Roy Orbison tribute to the provocative fishnets of Japanese dark cabaret, this week is a vibrant tapestry of community spirit and world-class entertainment.
Multiple Days
Kiama’s Black Beach is set to become a seaside playground where the extraordinary is ordinary and the “boring” is strictly forbidden. Image: Kiss Festival.
The Kiss Arts Festival
When: Friday 24 to Sunday 26 April, various times
Where: Black Beach, Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free.
This quirky, high-energy festival brings together international circus acts, local musicians, and a heavy dose of mischief to the water’s edge. From lanterns and lampposts to hula-hoops and hilarity, the weekend is a celebration of community joy designed for all ages. Visitors can expect a vibrant village atmosphere filled with world-class comedy, variety shows, and plenty of opportunities to jump in and take part. It is the ultimate way to embrace the silly and the sublime while soaking up the stunning coastal scenery of Kiama.
Friday
Connect with ancient traditions and modern creativity in this hands-on workshop. Photo: Danil_Rudenko.
Weaving Workshop
When: Friday 24 April, 10 to 11:30 am
Where: Warilla Library, 8 Woolworths Drive, Warilla
Cost: $5 | Book via Shellharbour City Libraries.
Participants are invited to dive into the intricate world of weaving and jewellery making, exploring techniques that are deeply rooted in Indigenous practices. This session offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from expert makers, guiding you through the process of crafting your own unique, wearable art piece. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or a complete novice, the rhythmic nature of weaving provides a meditative and rewarding morning. With very limited spots available at this budget-friendly price, you’ll want to secure your place quickly to ensure you can weave your way into this cultural experience.
Nature and technology collide in a spectacular display of light as Blackbutt Forest Reserve transforms into a luminous wonderland. Image: Laservision.
The Enchanted Forest – In Bloom
When: Friday 24 April, 6 to 10 pm
Where: Blackbutt Forest Reserve, Shellharbour Road, Shellharbour
Cost: Child $12.50 | Adult $17.50 | Family $49 | Book via FareHarbor.
This brand-new “In Bloom” experience invites guests to wander through a glowing trail where the trees themselves seem to wake up. Expect vibrant floral installations, immersive projections, and custom soundscapes that turn a simple walk in the woods into a multisensory adventure. It is a fantastic outing for families and photographers alike, featuring interactive moments hidden among the foliage. With low-sensory sessions available, the organisers have ensured that this magical evening beneath the canopy is accessible and enchanting for every member of the community.
Prepare for a night of the provocative and the poisonous as Japanese chansonnier Amita Hachidori brings his “Tokyo Dark Cabaret” to the industrial heart of Port Kembla. Photo: Supplied.
Amita Hachidori: Tokyo Dark Cabaret
When: Friday 24 April, 6 to 10 pm
Where: The Vault, 72-74 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: $30 | Book via The Vault.
Clad in his signature full-body fishnets, Amita delivers a performance that is equal parts gorgeous and gritty, blending traditional world music with avant-garde Japanese lyrics. Accompanied by the masterful button accordion player Kentaro Tamura, the duo creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that feels like a 19th-century rock ‘n’ roll play. Local audiences are encouraged to don their own fishnets, bowler hats and eyeliner for an evening of dark, theatrical storytelling that is unlike anything else on the Illawarra circuit this year.
Saturday
Look to the skies this Saturday as the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) continues its moving tradition of an aerial salute to those who have served. Photo: Howard Mitchell.
ANZAC Day Flyovers: HARS Aviation Museum
When: Saturday 25 April, Various times
Where: Skies above Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Kiama
Cost: Free.
Residents across the Illawarra, from the northern suburbs of Wollongong down to the Kiama coastline, can expect the thunderous roar of historic aircraft including the Dakota, Caribou, and Huey helicopters. These “flying museums” serve as a powerful tribute, bringing military history to life in a way that resonates across generations. After the flyovers, families can head to the HARS museum in Albion Park for guided tours and a hands-on aviation experience, making it a truly memorable and respectful way to spend ANZAC Day.
Sunday
Treasure hunters and literature lovers should make tracks for Coledale this Sunday for the second annual Vintage, Book and Art Bazaar. Image: SCWC.
Vintage, Book & Art Bazaar
When: Sunday 26 April, 10 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Coledale Community Hall, 745 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale
Cost: Free.
Hosted by the South Coast Writers Centre, this curated market features a stellar line-up of stallholders offering everything from rare vintage finds and handmade goods to books penned by local authors. Held in the historic Coledale Community Hall, this all-weather event is the perfect excuse to browse for unique retro products before heading to a nearby cafe for lunch or taking a stroll along the northern beaches. It is a wonderful community gathering that celebrates the creative spirit and the thrill of the hunt for that perfect one-of-a-kind item.
Dust off those brushes and prepare to see the world in technicolour during this vibrant four-week short course at Number 99. Photo: Number 99.
Paint with Confidence: Botanical Landscape Shortcourse
When: Sunday 26 April, 2 to 5 pm
Where: Number 99, 99 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: $260 (for 4 weeks) | Book via eventbrite.
Whether you haven’t touched a palette since high school or you are a seasoned creative looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop simplifies university-level techniques into a fun, accessible journey. Participants will learn how to wield bold colours to transform a blank canvas into a captivating botanical landscape. Under expert guidance, you’ll master the art of composition and colour theory in a supportive, social environment. It is the perfect opportunity to grow your artistic confidence and walk away with a masterpiece that captures the lush beauty of the natural world.
Thursday
The Shellharbour City Arts Society presents a compelling new exhibition titled “Unveiled,” opening this Thursday at the iconic Old Kiama Fire Station. Image: Shellharbour City Arts Society.
UNVEILED Art Exhibition
When: Thursday 30 April to Wednesday 6 May, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Old Kiama Fire Station, 43 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
Cost: Free.
This showcase celebrates the raw emotion and quiet strength of local artists, featuring a diverse array of original artworks that range from striking sculptures to immersive paintings. The exhibition is a testament to the nurturing environment of the society, highlighting both emerging talents and established voices within our vibrant arts community. Visitors are encouraged to look deeper into each piece and engage with the dynamic perspectives that shape the local creative landscape. It is a fantastic opportunity to support regional artists and perhaps find a new favourite piece of local history.
The Roy Orbison Story
When: Thursday 30 April, 7:30 pm
Where: IMB Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Child / Student / Concession $76.50 | Adult $79.50 | Book via TicketSearch.
Relive the magic of the “Big O” as Mark Shelley takes to the stage for a definitive theatrical portrayal of the legendary Roy Orbison. This isn’t just a concert; it is a journey through the career of a man whose peerless vocals and emotional vulnerability changed popular music forever. From the early hits such as Only the Lonely to the late-career resurgence with The Traveling Wilburys, the show captures the enigmatic charm and extraordinary range of a true creative genius. With Shelley’s uncanny ability to inhabit the persona of Orbison, audiences will feel transported back in time to experience the vulnerability, love, and loss that defined the soundtrack of a generation.
