Nine things to do in the Illawarra this week (26 July - 1 August)

From belly laughs to retail therapy and everything in between, the Illawarra has all you need to banish the winter blues this week.

Bulli’s cSpace has a women-only comedy night and disco headlining Susie Fagan and City Diggers will help two dynamic bands celebrate their 20-year anniversaries with a concert.

For NAIDOC week, a local Aboriginal Wayapa Wuurrk practitioner will offer the chance to reconnect to Country, and National Tree Day brings the opportunity to help with coastal regeneration.

Don’t miss the kick-off of the highly-anticipated Goblin Queen’s art market and eclectic workshops or Family Race Day at Kembla Grange.

Here are our nine picks for the week.

Friday

Comedy Soiree

When: Friday 26 July, 6 to 10 pm
Where: cSpace, Unit 5/177B Princes Highway, Bulli
Cost: $65, book here.

Only 20 tickets are available for this special comedy evening curated especially for women. Get ready for a night of belly laughs thanks to an excellent line-up of women comedians including Church of the Clitori and Diana McLaren, and headlined by hilarious Irish comedian Susie Fagan. There will also be a retro disco with a live DJ and delicious canapes – BYO drinks.

Handsome Young Strangers & The Go Set in Concert

When: Friday 26 July, 7 to 10:30 pm
Where: City Diggers Club, 82 Church Street, Wollongong
Cost: Member $30, non-member $35, book here.

It’s fitting that Handsome Young Strangers and The Go Set should join together in concert as their 20th anniversaries come up – the two have gigged together a lot over the past two decades. The Illawarra Folk Club presents these two dynamic bands for a “cracking good night of Celtic/folk/bush/punk” that’s not to be missed by fans of the genres.

Wayapa Wuurrk® Workshop: Connecting Through Earth Mindfulness

When: Friday 26 July, 10 to 11:30 am
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free, book here.

Celebrate NAIDOC Week with Shane, a local Aboriginal Wayapa Wuurrk practitioner, as he guides you through an immersive experience rooted in ancient Indigenous wisdom. Wayapa Wuurrk is a practice that honours our connection to the Earth, drawing on storytelling, movement meditation and mindful action to foster holistic wellbeing.

In a workshop suitable for all ages and abilities, you will learn to re-establish a profound connection with the environment (inspired by the traditions of Australia’s Aboriginal people), engage in Earth mindfulness practices that promote inner peace and harmony, hear stories that weave together cultural heritage and environmental stewardship and practice “movement meditation” in ways that align with the rhythms of nature, promoting physical and spiritual balance.

Christmas in July Trivia Night for Rotary

When: Friday 26 July, 6 to 10:30 pm
Where: The Pavilion Kiama, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: $25, book here.

Gather your friends and family – July comes to a close with a fun night out and the chance to support Kiama Rotary. Doors open at 6 pm for table decorating and eating and at 7 pm, the trivia commences. There will be a fully licensed bar, but you’re invited to BYO dinner and non-alcoholic drinks and make it a picnic. Food delivery can be arranged. Dress-ups are encouraged as are elaborate table decorations to usher in the festive spirit.

Saturday

Family Race Day

When: Saturday 27 July, 11 am
Where: Kembla Grange Racecourse, Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
Cost: Various, book here.

Kembla Grange Racecourse is pulling out all the stops for families at this event. Along with all the usual race day fun and food, there are all sorts of activities geared towards the kiddos. Visit the dessert bar and design your own cupcake and ice cream, or enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, lawn games, disco and more. There is a range of tickets and dining experiences on offer, with more general tickets coming to less than $35 per person for a family of four.

Sunday

National Tree Day in Shellharbour

When: Sunday 28 July, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: North Shellharbour Beach, 115 Junction Road, Shellharbour
Cost: Free, book here.

Looking for child-friendly ways to mark National Tree Day? Join Shellharbour City Council in its efforts to help stabilise the dunes protecting us from inundation, by re-establishing the natural ecosystems. All necessary equipment will be provided, and holes even pre-dug, so you can get stuck in planting locally sourced and grown natives at North Shellharbour Beach. Stick around afterwards for a sausage sizzle and to mingle with like-minded members of the community and Shellharbour City Council’s helpful staff.

Brushes at the Brewery – Palette Scenes

When: Sunday 28 July, 1 to 3:30 pm
Where: Stoic Brewing, 6/45 Rowlins Road, Gerringong
Cost: $75, book here.

Spend Sunday painting in a laid-back atmosphere, where you will uncover the secrets of creating a masterpiece using palette knives. Bring along your tribe and turn it into an afternoon of memories. The theme is palette knife scenes.

The ticket includes all the art materials you need, expert guidance from facilitators Expressive Art Experience, and a little extra fun with your choice of drink and a delicious burger of your choice for lunch.

Tuesday

I Hate Networking: Workshops with MerringongX

When: Tuesday 30 July, 2 to 4 pm
Where: Wollongong Town Hall, The Music Lounge, corner of Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Free, book here.

Whether or not meeting new people and developing relationships is your thing, it’s a necessary skill for creatives. This entertaining hybrid between a traditional workshop and a social event is designed to encourage creative people to get to know each other while acknowledging the horrors of networking and sharing a few tips at the same time.

The first half is dedicated to learning the most effective strategy for effective networking, including preparation and follow-up. The second half is a practical opportunity to rehearse some of these tips in a safe and friendly environment, while embracing the discomfort of the whole process and having a laugh.

Wednesday

The Goblin Queen’s Art Market and Workshops

When: Wednesday 31 July to Sunday 4 August, various times
Where: The Imaginarium, corner of Addison and Wentworth streets, Shellharbour
Cost: Workshops $45, book here.

For five whole days the Imaginarium will be transformed into a magical realm of unique arts, crafts and creative workshops. The market and exhibition take place daily from 9 am to 3 pm, featuring unique works from artists of the Firetail Artists Collective and Against the Tide Alternative Artists South Coast for sale. Specialty workshops also run for the duration of the event, with all materials supplied.

• Thursday 1 August, 2 to 3:30 pm – Beaded Bugs with Sacha
• Thursday 1 August, 4:30 to 6 pm – Patchwork Winterscapes with Sacha
• Friday 2 August, noon to 2 pm – Creative Corsages with Mandylynne
• Friday 2 August, 4:30 to 6:30 pm – Painting Music with Kylie
• Saturday 3 August, 9 to 10:30 am – Creating Motion Illusions: Zoetrope Animation with Carol
• Saturday 3 August, 11 am to 12:30 pm – Divine Skirt Chaos with Valerie (skirt dancing)
• Saturday 3 August, 1 to 2:30 pm – Echoes from the Fairy Stories with Jessyka
• Sunday 4 August, 9 am to 2 pm – Tarot Readings with the Mermaid Medium