Midwinter proves our neighbours in the Southern Highlands know how to rock cold weather. Photo: Brian Rapsey.
Whether you’re looking to unwind, connect, learn something new or simply enjoy the region’s creative and cultural buzz, there’s no shortage of things to do across the Illawarra and surrounds this week.
If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and family-friendly, Warrawong Library is hosting a Family Games & Pyjama Night — a cosy, laughter-filled evening that’s perfect for little ones (and big kids at heart). Over at Shell Cove, art lovers can unwind and connect at the Monthly Art Social along the waterfront, where creativity meets community in a relaxed setting.
In Kiama, there’s a touch of glamour with the Orry-Kelly Gala + Exhibition, a celebration of the hometown hero and Hollywood costume legend. For those more inclined toward bargains and a good cause, the Book & Bric-a-Brac Fair at Kiama Anglican Church promises plenty of treasures, with proceeds supporting community initiatives.
Elsewhere, conversations and connections take centre stage — from a talk on the peace movement with Alexander Brown, to FOODTALKS Illawarra, an event exploring the rich culture of home kitchens and shared meals. Singles can mix things up at Georgia Rose, and dog lovers can get inside their pup’s mind with a practical workshop on how dogs learn.
And if you’re up for a wintry escape, don’t miss Midwinter 2025 in the Southern Highlands — a seasonal celebration of fire, food and frosty charm.
Friday
Skip the screen time and reconnect with the family at your local library. Photo: MarishkaTR.
Family Games & Pyjama Night
When: Friday 25 July, 5 to 6:30 pm
Where: Warrawong Library, 1/67-71 King Street, Warrawong
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Family Friendly Fridays at Warrawong Library are about the joy of exploring your local library’s welcoming spaces and diverse collections, and a way for families in the community to connect, have a great time and discover all the wonderful free things on offer. From building a LEGO masterpiece to decorating delicious cupcakes, each month brings a new adventure. This month, you’re invited to trade in screen time for a good old-fashioned family games and pyjamas night.
Unleash your creativity in these beginner-friendly sessions. Photo: solerfotostock
Monthly Art Social Launch
When: Friday 25 July, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: The Waterfront Sales Centre, 100 Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove
Cost: Six sessions $120 | Single session $25 | Book via TryBooking.
Discover your creative side, connect with your community and enjoy a relaxing guided watercolour session each month. Every class explores a new theme to help you build skills, grow your confidence and enjoy the process. No experience is needed. The semester two dates and themes are:
- Friday 25 July – Simple botanicals
- Friday 29 August – Beautiful bugs
- Friday 26 September – Landscape skylines
- Friday 7 November – Ocean scenes
- Friday 21 November – Negative space botanicals
- Friday 5 December – Christmas motifs
Saturday
Build better communication, improve your training and understand your bestie’s behaviour in this grounded, practical workshop. Image: K9 Bellator PTY LTD.
Workshop: How Dogs Learn
When: Saturday 26 July, 8 am to noon
Where: 4/19 Sunset Avenue, Barrack Heights
Cost: $120 | Book via eventbrite.
This interactive workshop blends behavioural science with practical application, offering a clear and thoughtful introduction to how dogs learn and how you can become a better teacher. Using the principles of classical and operant conditioning, you’ll explore how dogs make associations, how behaviours are built and reinforced and how you can use modern, humane training methods to create clarity, confidence and real engagement. This workshop includes both theory and practical work, with opportunities to observe, ask questions and try new skills in a supportive environment. You’re welcome to attend with or without a dog — the learning is applicable either way.
Calling all collectors and treasure seekers — Kiama Anglican Church will become the ideal hunting ground this Saturday. Image: Kiama Anglican Church.
Book & Bric-a-Brac Fair
When: Saturday 26 July, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Kiama Anglican Church, 2 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
At the Book & Bric-a-Brac Fair you’ll find a wide variety of items, including a big bounty of books, household goods, fashion jewellery, collectibles and curios, all available from just $5. Expect vintage vibes and retro relics, terrific treasures and trinkets galore. Bring a bag and enjoy the sausage sizzle onsite, knowing that all proceeds will support Avril’s medical clinic in Toliara, Madagascar.
Whether you’re a film buff, fashion lover or art enthusiast, this is your chance to walk through a piece of cinematic history. Image: Destination Kiama.
The Orry-Kelly Gala + Exhibition
When: Saturday 26 July, Exhibition 11 am to 4 pm, Gala 6 to 11 pm
Where: Exhibition at The Sebel Kiama Assembly Hall, 31 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama and Gala at The Winter Marquee, Sebel Harbourside, Kiama, 2 Minnamurra Street, Kiama
Cost: Exhibition $10 (accompanying under 15s free) | Gala $115 | Book via Trybooking (below).
Don’t miss this rare and dazzling public exhibition of original costumes and paintings by Orry-Kelly — the legendary Kiama-born costume designer who dressed the stars of Hollywood’s golden era including Marilyn Monroe, Errol Flynn, Olivia De Havilland, Betty Davis and Ingrid Bergman. A three-time Academy Award winner for Best Costume Design, Orry-Kelly’s legacy continues to shine as one of the most celebrated figures in cinematic fashion. From the silver screen to the sketchpad, this exclusive showcase features Orry-Kelly’s original costumes worn by some of cinema’s most iconic names, alongside his stunning personal paintings.
Later that night the Hollywood glamour kicks on at the Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala — an epic celebration of Kelly’s extraordinary legacy. It will highlight the remarkable impact he had on 300 Hollywood films and commemorate the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed documentary Women He’s Undressed with appearances by its screenwriter and producer — among other highlights.
The Southern Highlands tempts you out of the Illawarra for the perfect way to break out of your winter hibernation. Photo: Brian Rapsey.
Midwinter 2025
When: Saturday 26 July, 5 to 9 pm
Where: Ngununggula, Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, 1 Art Gallery Lane, Bowral
Cost: Adult $16.90 | Child Free | Book via eventbrite.
Each year, our southern country neighbours grab their winter woollies and join in a wild night celebrating the deep chill of the Highlands through fire, food and music. If you’re looking for a way to fall in love with winter nights, this is pure gold. Expect live music, amazing local food and art-making activities for all, culminating in the “Burning Man” bonfire to keep you warm and light up the night.
Sunday
This event explores food as an expression of culture and, in an increasingly busy and fractured world, as an anchor, bringing us back to our roots and connecting us with people and place. Image: Foodtalks Illawarra.
FOODTALKS Illawarra – Home Kitchens, Community and Culture
When: Sunday 27 July, 4 to 6 pm
Where: Millers’ Local Bakehouse Warehouse, Shop 4/28 Ralph Black Drive, North Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via Humanitix.
Are you interested in local food, community connection and gardening in the Illawarra? Meet other growers, makers, producers, advocates, culture guides, picklers, bakers, retailers, chefs and home cooks who share a passion for delicious, fair food in our region. This panel discussion explores the synergies between home kitchens, communities and cultures in the Illawarra and beyond.
Hear three passionate foodies — Luisa Brimble, Joel Mucci and Lili Zlojutro — talk about what their food culture means to them. The event will be interactive, with opportunities to contribute to the conversation, so bring your questions and ideas.
Monday
May Day anti-war March 1971. Photo: Supplied.
Peace Movement Talk with Alexander Brown
When: Monday 28 July, 5 to 6 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite
Wollongong has a proud history of struggles for peace and a nuclear-free future. Traces of this commitment are visible in the city’s public artworks and peace parks, and in Wollongong City Council’s declaration as a nuclear-free zone, among other things. Eighty years after the bombing of Hiroshima, this talk will explore Wollongong’s place in the history of peace, from early struggles against fascism and war, to the anti-nuclear weapons movement, movements against the Iraq War, and the ongoing quest for peace with justice.
Thursday
Calling all single legends aged 25 to 45 — meet your match. Image: Georgia Rose.
Meet Singles Night
When: Thursday 31 July, 7 to 10 pm
Where: Georgia Rose, 1/9 Marina Drive Shell Cove
Cost: $26.50 | Book via Merge Dating.
Georgia Rose is teaming up with Merge Dating for a night that ditches the cringe and brings the fun. If you’re tired of swiping, ghosting, or forcing small talk across a table with a stranger in five-minute intervals, this night’s for you. Merge Dating leaves the awkward vibes at the door. There’s no speed dating, no name tags and no apps — just chill music, good low-pressure chats and a few drinks in a relaxed, welcoming space. Come solo or bring a wingmate — either way, you’ll walk away with some great banter, new faces and who knows, maybe even a bit of magic.
