This week, Wollongong comes alive with an extraordinary mix of culture, creativity and community spirit. Photo: Dennis Ross/MSP Photography.
A broad spectrum of experiences lies ahead this week in the Illawarra, offering something for everyone.
From the soaring vocals of Grammy-nominated Tibetan-Australian artist Tenzin Choegyal in Whispering Sky, to the hotly anticipated two-week run of Julia starring Justine Clarke, there’s no shortage of world-class performances.
Families can get hands-on at the polymer clay workshop at Corrimal Library or hunt for fashion treasures at the Fashion Thrift Society market, while racing fans can enjoy a day trackside at Kembla Grange for the Pink Fight Race Day in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
With something for every taste, from dazzling school performances to thrilling community spectacles, now is the perfect time to get out, explore and celebrate all the events the region has to offer.
Multiple Days
This milestone production of Southern Stars promises powerful storytelling, emotional performances and an unforgettable celebration of the boundless potential of young performers. Photo: Dennis Ross/MSP Photography.
Southern Stars: The Arena Spectacular — UNLIMITED
When: Friday 29 August, 7 pm, Saturday 30 August, 1 pm and 7 pm
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, 46 Harbour Street, Wollongong
Cost: From $46 | Book via TicketMaster.
Southern Stars returns in 2025 with UNLIMITED – a powerful new production celebrating 25 years of this iconic showcase of public-school talent from across NSW.
More than 3000 students from the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Southern Highlands and beyond will take to the stage in a dazzling display of creativity and resilience.
Audiences can expect 2000 dancers, a 500-voice choir, an 80-member orchestra and show-stopping vocalists, along with the return of crowd favourites including the Millennial Marching Band, Circus and Rising Stars. Backed by a dedicated team of teachers, staff and volunteers, UNLIMITED reflects on standout moments from the past 25 years while unveiling a bold new vision for the future.
Julia
When: Wednesday 3 to Saturday 13 September, various times
Where: IMB Theatre, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $119 | Adult $99 | Pension $89 | Student $89 | Under 30s $84 | Groups 8+ $84 | Book via TicketSearch.
Sold out in its premiere season in 2023 and showered with critical acclaim, Julia now comes to Wollongong for a hotly anticipated two-week run. Written by Joanna Murray-Smith, directed by Sarah Goodes and starring Justine Clarke, the play re-examines one of the most unforgettable moments in modern Australian politics: Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s 2012 misogyny speech.
More than a restaging of history, Julia is a moving portrait of the woman behind the public mask, blending history, fiction and theatre to explore the experiences of women in contemporary politics. At its heart is Clarke’s extraordinary performance, guiding audiences through pivotal moments in Gillard’s life before culminating in an electrifying verbatim rendition of the speech that echoed across the world.
Part history, part art and wholly unmissable, Julia offers a stirring reflection on power, gender and resilience in Australian public life.
Friday
Shape new memories one pinch at a time. Photo: EvgeniiaFreeman.
Family Polymer Clay Workshop
When: Friday 29 August, 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Cost: Free | Book via Eventbrite.
As part of Family Friendly Fridays, Corrimal Library invites families to join a hands-on polymer clay workshop. These monthly events are all about connection, creativity and fun – from LEGO building to cupcake decorating, each session offers something new to enjoy together.
This month’s activity gives families the chance to learn, play and create with polymer clay in a relaxed, welcoming environment. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon together while exploring all that the library has to offer.
Sarah Blasko – The Double Feature Tour
When: Friday 5 September, 7 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $79.90 | Book via TicketSearch.
Celebrate 21 years of music with one of Australia’s most revered singer-songwriters, Sarah Blasko, as she takes the stage for The Double Feature Tour. This special national tour sees Blasko performing her first two seminal albums – The Overture & The Underscore (2004) and What the Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have (2005) – in their entirety, alongside her long-standing live band featuring David Hunt, David Symes, Laurence Pike and Neal Sutherland.
With seven solo albums, collaborative work as part of Seeker Lover Keeper, compositions for Bell Shakespeare productions, and fans including Sir Elton John, Blasko’s artistry is as expansive as it is acclaimed. A three-time ARIA Award winner with 18 nominations and three Platinum-selling albums, she delivers songs that resonate with immediacy, clarity and emotional depth.
Don’t miss this rare career-spanning performance, a celebration of one of Australia’s most singular contemporary voices, and one of her final headline shows of the year.
With a sound as expansive as the Himalayas and a message that uplifts and inspires, Whispering Sky is a transcendent musical journey not to be missed. Photo: Rod Pilbeam.
Tenzin Choegyal — Whispering Sky
When: Friday 29 August, 7:30 pm
Where: The Music Lounge, Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Premium $45 | Standard $40 | Standing $30 | Book via TicketSearch.
Grammy-nominated Tibetan-Australian artist Tenzin Choegyal brings his extraordinary voice and traditional instruments to Wollongong for Whispering Sky. A master of the lingbu (bamboo flute) and dranyen (three-stringed lute), Tenzin draws on the wisdom of his nomadic ancestors while exploring new musical horizons in contemporary settings.
Renowned for his soaring vocals, sublime flute solos and joyful stage presence, Tenzin’s performances embrace meditative mantras, folk melodies and spoken word, all infused with the essence of Tibetan culture.
Tenzin will be joined by special guest and highly respected Tibetan monk, Geshe Jampa Nawang, who will open the concert with a brief performance of the distinctive style of harmonic chanting which is unique to Tibetan monasteries.
Saturday
With staggered entry pricing, free admission for kids, seniors and birthday-goers and an open invitation to all ages, FTS is set to be a vibrant celebration of community, creativity and sustainable style. Photo: Fashion Thrift Society.
Fashion Thrift Society
When: Saturday 30 August, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: The Sports Hub, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Gwynneville
Cost: All-Day Student $9 | 10 am Entry $15 | 12 pm Entry $10 | 1 pm Entry $5 | 2 pm Entry Free | Book via Moshtix.
Australia’s largest fashion market is coming to Wollongong as part of its 2025 national tour. Fashion Thrift Society (FTS) is set to take over The Sports Hub with more than 50 curated stalls offering everything from vintage and preloved pieces to designer labels, handmade fashion, footwear, accessories, home décor, art and more.
The day isn’t just about shopping – it’s a festival of fashion, friends and fun. Enjoy food trucks, live DJ sets and the beauty bar featuring tooth gems, piercings, henna tattoos, permanent jewellery and free professional barber cuts. Strike a pose in the free photo booth or even feature on the exclusive FTS TV channel, where TikTok presenters will be chatting with marketgoers about their style.
Spend the day trackside at Kembla Grange Racecourse while supporting a powerful cause. Photo: Supplied.
The Pink Fight Race Day
When: Saturday 30 August, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Kembla Grange Race Course, Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
Cost: Adult $125 | Student 16+ $90 | Table of 10 $1250 | Book via Moshtix.
The Pink Fight Race Day is more than thrilling live racing – it’s a community event raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
General admission includes access to snack bars and bars with limited seating available on the day. For those looking for something special, luncheon packages can be booked in the Bert Lillye Lounge, Grandstand Bistro or Members Dining Room. The Bert Lillye Lounge offers reserved seating, race book, guest speaker, antipasto platters on arrival, main and dessert, afternoon tea and two beverage tickets per guest.
Book early to secure your spot and be part of a day that blends racing excitement with meaningful fundraising.
Turn over a new leaf in your photography at this hands-on Art in Nature workshop. Photo: safakc1.
Art in Nature Workshop – Studio Flash Photography
When: Saturday 30 August, 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: The Imaginarium, Wentworth Street, Shellharbour
Cost: Free | Book via Eventbrite.
Step into the world of creative photography with this interactive workshop led by local photographer Jason. Designed for both beginners and enthusiasts, the Art in Nature workshop focuses on experimenting with studio flash photography using natural subjects as inspiration.
Participants will learn practical lighting techniques that bring texture, depth and drama to their images, while also gaining insight into how flash can transform everyday objects into works of art. Whether you bring along your own camera to try out the techniques hands-on, or simply observe and ask questions, this session offers an engaging way to sharpen your creative eye.
Held in the welcoming creative space of The Imaginarium, the workshop provides a relaxed environment to learn new skills, share ideas and connect with fellow photography lovers.
Sunday
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to honour local veterans and experience the roar of history up close. Image: Corrimal RSL Sub Branch.
Vietnam Veterans Illawarra Final Parade & Helicopter Landing
When: Sunday 31 August, 9 am to 1:15 pm
Where: Corrimal Rangers Football Ground, Wilga Street, Corrimal
Cost: Free.
Two iconic Vietnam-era Iroquois helicopters will land in Corrimal to salute the final parade of the Vietnam Veterans Illawarra branch as a separate entity. Sponsored by the Corrimal RSL sub-branch, this special community event commemorates the branch’s final year of existence and offers locals a rare chance to witness history in motion.
At 10:15 am, ex-RAAF and Army UH-1H 703 and former RAN UH-1B 898, operated by the Historical Aviation Restoration Society (HARS), will land at the Rangers Football Ground in a dramatic simulated “hot” incursion using smoke flares. Once secured, the aircraft will be open for inspection – first by the Vietnam Veterans and then by the general public – until their departure at about 1.15 pm.
Only adverse weather or operational realities of flying vintage aircraft may postpone the landings.
