All across the Illawarra, venues are springing into action to welcome the season and Glenbernie Orchard is among them, with its hotly anticipated Apple Pie Day. Photo: Region.
With Father’s Day this Sunday, just about every restaurant, cafe and club will have something on for Dad. At the same time, Spring has sprung and it’s a glorious (and busy) time in our beautiful region for everyone.
Kick off the weekend at the Bloomfield Festival with riverside music, art and camping under the stars, or celebrate culture and dance at the Illawarra Women’s Day of Dance and Culture.
Explore the vibrant blooms at Illawarra Grevillea Park, join a Family Fun Day at the official launch of Fraternity Sports, or catch an interactive Sleeping Beauty show with the kids.
Nature lovers can shake things up at Wollongong Botanic Garden, while foodies will delight in Apple Pie Day at Glenbernie Orchard.
From music and theatre to gardens and gourmet treats, this weekend is all about getting outside, connecting and celebrating the season together.
Multiple Days
This event is almost sold out so don’t miss out on the last of the final release tickets. Image: Holy Pavlova.
Bloomfield Festival
When: 5 to 7 September, noon
Where: 1100 Grassy Gully Road, Buangla (Shoalhaven River, near Nowra)
Cost: Final release $249 (Includes 2-day festival + 2 nights camping) | 18+ only | Book via Humanitix.
The first festival of spring returns to the Shoalhaven River for three days of music, art, workshops and food, all set against the backdrop of pristine bushland and wide-open skies.
Expect an intimate, immersive celebration with live Australian artists, interactive experiences and global flavours, all shared under the stars. Bring your tent, swag, van, or hammock and make the most of the riverside camping grounds, where there’s plenty of space to dance barefoot, dip in the water and reconnect with friends old and new.
Friday
Celebrate women, culture, and community at the Illawarra Women’s Day of Dance and Culture. Image: Empress Eventz.
Illawarra Women’s Day of Dance and Culture (IWDDC)
When: 5 September, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Main auditorium, Wollongong Town Hall, corner Crown and Kembla streets, Wollongong
Cost: Adult/student/concession $30 | Under 6s free | Book via TicketSearch.
Now in its fourth year, IWDDC is a joyful, women-only celebration of dance, food and connection. This year’s theme “Take Me to the Islands” embraces the bold spirit and rich traditions of the Pasifika Islands. Expect live cultural performances, island rhythms, delicious Pasifika-inspired cuisine, raffle prizes and free women’s health checks.
Created by women, for women, the event offers a safe, inclusive space to share stories, build friendships and connect with local services. Children are welcome under parent/carer supervision. Funds raised support future women’s and children’s programs run by Healthy Cities Australia and community partners.
Ignite is a quick-fire night of big ideas. Photo: James Gulliver Hancock.
Ignite Berry
When: 5 September, 6 pm
Where: Berry School of Arts, 19 Alexandra St Berry
Cost: $25 (Over 18s only) |Book via Humanitix.
Ignite events are held in cities around the world — now it’s Berry’s turn. Expect a night of fast, fun and thought-provoking talks.
Speakers have just five minutes and 20 auto-advancing slides to share their passion, ideas and insights making for an energetic evening that’s equal parts entertaining and enlightening. This year’s line-up of Berry locals covers everything from innovation and algorithms to dad jokes, history, education and community causes.
Doors open at 6 pm for a 7 pm start. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the bar courtesy of Pickled Ink Kitchen and Social Life Berry.
Saturday
Bring family, friends and even well-behaved dogs (on leashes) to experience this unique garden in full spring splendour. Photo: Envato/SundryPhotography.
Spring Open Days @ Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden
When: 6 and 7 September, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Illawarra Grevillea Park, Grevillea Park Road, Bulli
Cost: $7 | Payable upon entry.
Spring is the perfect time to explore the Illawarra Grevillea Park Botanic Garden, with its spectacular display gardens at their seasonal peak.
Wander through vibrant grevilleas and native blooms from across Australia, take the rainforest and vine forest walks and marvel at the centuries-old giant blackbutt tree. Enjoy the interactive sensory trail, relax in spacious picnic areas and browse a wide range of native plants for sale, including the largest collection of grafted plants in NSW. Gardening books will also be available to inspire your next project.
The Fraternity Club is extending the family and celebrating the official opening of its sibling venue, Fraternity Sports and you’re invited to the party. Photo: Prostock-studio.
Opening Celebrations – Family Fun Day at Fraternity Sports
When: 6 September, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Fraternity Sports, 2 Cambridge Avenue, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Free entry.
The Fraternity Club is extending the family and they’re throwing a party. Celebrate the official opening of Fraternity Sports with a fun-filled Family Fun Day designed for all ages.
Soak up the mountain views while the kids enjoy free bowls, lawn games, bubble making and face painting. Live entertainment will keep the atmosphere buzzing throughout the day, with plenty of space on the greens to relax and unwind together. Prior’s Eatery will be serving up family favourites, from tasty kids’ meals to snacks and refreshing drinks, making it easy to settle in and stay a while.
And the celebrations don’t stop there — stick around into the evening for live music with The Finz, the perfect way to round out a day of family fun.
From start to finish, it’s a theatrical experience full of wonder, laughter, and excitement. Image: Warilla Bowls & Recreation Club.
Sleeping Beauty: Interactive Theatre Show
When: 6 September, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club, 63 Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights
Cost: $21.20 | Book via Ticketebo.
Get ready for a magical morning of theatre as The Alpha Show of Sleeping Beauty brings the beloved fairytale to life. This interactive production is designed especially for kids and families, with dazzling special effects, vibrant costumes and catchy musical numbers that will have little ones singing along. The audience becomes part of the adventure, helping the characters overcome challenges and shape the story in this fast-paced, funny and enchanting retelling.
Seating is general admission and unallocated so be sure to arrive together if you’d like to sit together.
Bring friends, gather the family and celebrate the wonders of nature in this vibrant afternoon of adventure. Image: Wollongong Botanic Garden.
Nature Shake
When: 6 September, noon to 4 pm
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden, 40 Murphys Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Free.
Shake things up with an afternoon of nature-powered fun at the Botanic Garden. Explore native plant displays, join wildlife talks, groove at the silent disco and test your skills with eco-games and activities for all ages. Don’t miss the inaugural Garden Gumboot Toss (12:30 pm to 3:30 pm), where flying boots, prizes and bragging rights bring a dose of friendly competition. You’ll also find a beautiful botanical art sale, showcasing works created by the Garden’s talented volunteer artists.
Fuel up with coffee and treats from Pani Café and OMG Decadent Donuts (gluten, dairy, egg and nut free), or pack a picnic and settle in to enjoy the lush surrounds.
Sunday
Pack a blanket and chairs, settle into the paddock and soak up the orchard views while enjoying seasonal food, drinks and community spirit. Photo: Darkes Cider.
Apple Pie Day
When: 7 August, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Darkes Cider / Glenbernie Orchard, 259 Darkes Forest Road, Darkes Forest
Cost: Adults $35 | Children $21.50 | Infants free | Book via Darkes.
Celebrate the humble apple pie and the joys of spring at this family-friendly festival in the heart of Darkes Forest. Wander among the orchard blossoms, meet the animals at the petting zoo and dive into classic games like limbo, apple “egg and spoon” races and the giant bin ball maze.
Enjoy live music from The String Family, guaranteed to get you dancing and don’t miss the Apple Pie and Crumble Baking Competition, with the best creations on display and plenty of pie to taste. With five per cent of ticket sales supporting the Stanwell Park CWA, every slice of fun helps a good cause.
Please note: this is a pet-free event (except assistance animals and the visiting petting zoo).
Explore how Aboriginal knowledge and design shape HOME — join First Nations architects at Bundanon for an insightful panel on culture, connection, and sustainable design. Photo: Peter Bennetts.
Talk – Designing HOME: Ceremonial Spaces & Relationality
When: 7 September, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Bundanon, 170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Cost: Free | Book via Bundanon.
Delve into the design concepts behind HOME, Australia’s presentation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. This panel discussion features leading First Nations built environment practitioners Dr Michael Mossman, Jack Gillmer-Lilley and Professor Emily McDaniel, who explore how Aboriginal knowledge systems and ways of being can foster deeper connections between people and place.
Attendees will gain insight into how these practices inform collaborative, sustainable and culturally rich approaches to design.
