Comic Gong fun kicks off this week, ahead of next week’s main event. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
This week in the Illawarra, a 40-piece orchestra will bring iconic cinema soundtracks to life, a local thespian will crack open her teenage diaries for all the world and the Illawarra’s greatest celebration of geek culture will kick off.
Expect numerous satellite events in anticipation of Comic Gong, a trickle of Mother’s Day excitement ahead of the avalanche next week, live music, theatre, dance, retail and more.
Whether you want to discover a new passion at The Illawarra Lapidary Club open day, try your hand at the world’s most famous tabletop game, or just about anything in between, there’s always plenty to do in this region. Here are our top nine picks for the week.
Friday
Dance like nobody is watching at CSPACE. Image: CSPACE Facebook.
Ecstatic Dance
When: Friday 3 May, 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: CSPACE, Unit 5/177B Princes Highway, Bulli
Cost: $19, book here.
Ecstatic Dance is a form of movement in meditation that speaks as much to the soul and spirit as the body. People of all walks of life, shapes and sizes are invited to lose themselves in this practice and dance however they please, as the exceptional live DJ Pat Maloney guides them through rhythms and beats in a soundwave of frequency and vibration. This event is perhaps best described as a “gathering of kindred spirits seeking liberation and joy”, in Bulli’s new inclusive sanctuary – CSPACE.
Please note, visitors must refrain from speaking on the dance floor, honour the no drugs/substances/alcohol policy, and cannot take pictures or video of the dance floor or other participants.
Dress up as a character from one of your favourite films, books or video games and get ready to ring in Comic Gong. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Comic Gong Presents Cosplay Catchup
When: Friday 3 May, 4 to 8 pm
Where: Wollongong Youth Centre, 85 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
The Youth Centre is throwing a Comic Gong pre-party! Young people aged 12 to 24 are invited to dress in cosplay and compete in the cosplay competition. Grab your mates and come listen to live music, play games and hang out with other cosplay fans. No booking is required – just dress up and show up!
Saturday
Calling all rebels and Jedi and Sith masters. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Comic Gong Presents May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Trivia
When: Saturday 4 May, 6 to 8 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free, book here.
Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, a trivia lover, or a combination looking to rip a hole in the nerd space-time continuum, it’s time to converge on May the 4th for Star Wars Trivia. Test your knowledge and show off your cosplay in a team of up to six people. There are great prizes to be won, and snacks and drinks to be enjoyed. This event is best suited to adults aged 18 years and above.
Sunday
Learn about lapidary, pick up some great gifts and support a great cause, all in one event. Photo: Illawarra Lapidary Club.
The Illawarra Lapidary Club House Open Day and Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea
When: Sunday 5 May, 9 am to 2 pm
Where: The Illawarra Lapidary Club House, 51 Meadows Street, Tarrawanna
Cost: Free entry.
This retail event rocks. Members of The Illawarra Lapidary Club Inc. will be selling gemstones, fossils, rough, minerals, handcrafted jewellery, books and more. Members will also be happy to discuss the fascinating ins and outs of the practice of lapidary – the engraving, cutting, or polishing of stones and gems. There will also be homemade cakes, goodies, coffee and tea for sale, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea, and a sausage sizzle lunch available. Discover a new hobby or nab yourself some great Mother’s Day gifts.
Get set for an epic celebration of classical music and magical movie scores. Photo: Wirestock.
From Book to Baton 4
When: Sunday 5 May, 2:30 to 4:30 pm
Where: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Adult $55, concession (pensioner/senior) $50, student $25, children $10, book here.
Recognising that libraries are “more than books”, The Friends of Wollongong City Libraries bring us this epic celebration of classical music and magical movie scores. Under the skilled baton of Dr Steve Watson, a 40-piece orchestra is set to bring a selection of beautiful music to the stage, with a program that traverses film soundtracks including Superman, Schindler’s List, Forrest Gump and The Empire Strikes Back, musical theatre and opera including West Side Story, Tosca and more.
Tuesday
Always wanted to try DnD? Time to roll for initiative. Photo: Esther Derksen.
Dungeons and Dragons Adventurer Club
When: Tuesday 7 May, 3:30 to 5 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: Free, book here.
Looking to try your hand at DnD for a short campaign? Over five sessions, build and level up your character, battle foes and take on epic quests in a fun, collaborative environment. This campaign is free and suited for players aged eight to 12. This session is the first of five sessions running every second Tuesday of the school term from 3:30 to 5 pm.
Wednesday
Get ready to revisit the hilarious, cringy and sometimes downright painful rollercoaster of being a teenager. Photo: Tracey Leigh.
Dear Diary
When: Wednesday 8 May and Saturday 11 May
Where: Bruce Gordon Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Adult $49, pensioner, group 8+, under 30 and student $39, book here.
After winning the hearts of Wollongong audiences with her Merrigong X debut in 2022, Kay Proudlove’s endearing comedy about the agony of growing up, Dear Diary, returns to Wollongong as part of a national tour. The phenomenal singer-songwriter brings her formidable talent and infectious personality to the stage as she cracks open the vault of teenage angst, sharing a collection of intimate and vulnerable stories and songs with audiences. From first kisses to frayed friendships, get ready to revisit the hilarious, cringy and sometimes downright painful rollercoaster of being a teenager.
Thursday
Mother’s Day at the home of the sausage sanga – what could be better? Image: Bunnings.
Bunnings Mother’s Day Family Night
When: Thursday 9 May, 5 to 7 pm (Bunnings Bellambi), 6 to 8 pm (Bunnings Shellharbour), 5 to 7 pm (Bunnings Kembla Grange)
Where: Bunnings Bellambi, corner Bellambi and Watts lanes, Bellambi; Bunnings Shellharbour, 15 Shandan Circuit, Shellharbour; Bunnings Kembla Grange, 640 Northcliffe Drive Kembla Grange, Kembla Grange
Cost: Free. Book here for Bellambi; book here for Shellharbour; book here for Kembla Grange.
It’s that time of year again when the home to everyone’s favourite snag sanga – Bunnings – helps you celebrate that special mum in your life. Each Bunnings is doing something a little different, but across them there will be something for everyone, including face painting, kids workshops, DIY demonstrations, magic shows, milk crate circuses, classic car displays, RFS fire trucks, community groups, discos, games and giveaways.
Martha Wainwright
When: Thursday 9 May, 8 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $90.68, book here.
Beguiling performer and songwriter Martha Wainwright is set to return to Australian stages with her band – pianist Edwin de Goeij, bass player Morgan Moore, drummer Tommy Crane and saxophonist Nicolas Deslis. They’ll present new songs from her sixth studio album Love Will Be Reborn, the expanded Love Will Be Reborn and the songs from her storied back catalogue that still mean so much to her and her fans. Don’t miss out when she brings this special show to Anita’s Theatre.
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