Art Garfunkel himself praised The Simon & Garfunkel Story as “A great show” when he surprised the cast on stage after attending a New York performance in 2024. Photo: Supplied.
From kids’ gigs and interactive art workshops to big-name tours and thought-provoking film screenings, the region is buzzing with energy — and your calendar’s about to fill up fast.
The Australian Darts Masters hits the WIN Entertainment Centre with all the tension and theatrics you’d expect from the pros, while The F.O.C.K. — Festival of Canoe and Kayak makes a splash in Kangaroo Valley for lovers of paddling, nature, and a good acronym. For the little ones, Teeny Tiny Stevies bring their “Brain Fart” album tour to town, delivering catchy tunes and cheeky laughs in equal measure.
You can also dive into creative expression through art and sewing workshops, explore career pathways at the 2025 Illawarra Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo, or catch a special Q&A screening with Damon Gameau in Shellharbour as part of his Future Council National Tour.
Scroll on to find out what else is happening across the Illawarra this week.
Multiple Days
Promising excitement, action and an atmosphere that’s unmatched in sport, few tickets are left for “sport’s biggest party” at WIN. Image: WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres.
Australian Darts Masters
When: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August, 6 pm
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Crown Street, Wollongong
Cost: From $104.16 | Book via TicketMaster.
Eight of the world’s top Professional Darts Corporation players will compete against eight Oceanic talents when the sport’s biggest party arrives Down Under. Among the stellar line-up, rising star Luke Littler will make his Australian return, while Michael van Gerwen and reigning World Champion Luke Humphries are set to go head-to-head. Get ready for over-the-top celebrations, wild 180s, loud walk-ons and an atmosphere that’s unmatched in sport.
The F.O.C.K.: Festival of Canoe and Kayak
When: Friday 8 to Monday 10 August
Where: Bendeela Recreation Area (in The Gangagruwan), off Lower Bendella Road, Kangaroo Valley
Cost: Free entry.
Don’t let the risque title fool you; this family-friendly celebration of recreational paddling in Australia has something for paddlers of all ages. Regarded as the number one recreational paddling festival in Australia, the annual event showcasing paddling culture and community offers three days of paddling events and activities. Connect with like-minded paddling enthusiasts in the “canoeing capital of Australia” — The Gangagruwan in Kangaroo Valley. All unpowered watercraft are welcome, including canoes, kayaks, SUPs, pack rafts, dragon boats, sea boats, river boats, play boats, outriggers, nawis and more.
Note: while entry to the F.O.C.K is free and there’s lots to do without a cost, some parts of the event require registration and a small number are ticketed.
Saturday
With a great selection of materials at your disposal, and like-minded artists around, you’ll be inspired to finish your works (or start something new!). Image: Expressive Art Studio.
Open Studio – Finish UNfinished Art
When: Saturday 9 August, 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Expressive Art Experience, 13 Newing Circuit, Kiama Downs
Cost: 3.5-hour session $25 | All day $40 | Book via Expressive Art Experience.
Have you got unfinished artworks lying around waiting to be finished? Bring them along and enjoy the morning, afternoon or both with other creatives all on the same mission — to finish these languishing masterpieces. All materials are supplied, but you’re also welcome to bring your own. Canvases are available for purchase for those who wish to start something new. The sessions are:
- Morning, 10 am to 1:30 pm — morning tea provided
- Afternoon, 2 to 5:30 pm — afternoon tea provided
- All day — BYO lunch
Sunday
Bring the whole family because this is the most wholesome live gig there is. Image: Teeny Tiny Stevies.
Teeny Tiny Stevies – Brain Fart Album Tour
When: Sunday 10 August, 1:30 pm
Where: The Music Lounge, Wollongong Town Hall
Cost: $35 | Book via TicketSearch.
This is the gig where the old feel young, the young feel like grown-ups and everyone meets in the middle for a rocking good time. Hailed as “every parent’s favourite kids band”, the Teeny Tiny Stevies will absolutely delight the littlies — while delivering the LOLs for their parents. Expect all their biggest hits, along with new tunes from their brand new album “Brain Fart”, get ready for dancing, sing-alongs and a ridiculous level of collective joy.
Future Council National Tour Q&A Screening with Damon Gameau & Special Guests
When: Sunday 10 August, 10:15 am, 2 and 4 pm
Where: Event Cinema, 4 Memorial Drive, Shellharbour
Cost: Double Daybed $57 | Adult Recliner $29 | Concession/Student Recliner $24.60 | Child/Senior Recliner $23 | Book via Madman.
Ready for tears, goosebumps, and to have a fire lit under your behind? Future Council is the inspiring new feature documentary from director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film). It follows eight young people on the ultimate excursion: an epic road trip across Europe to challenge and collaborate with powerful leaders and find solutions to the greatest ecological challenges. Following their journey, see their passion to build a better future – and learn from their youthful wisdom and powerful authenticity. This film is refreshingly honest, pure and a fun film for the whole family to see. It’s a coming-of-age journey that dares to imagine a brighter future.
Tuesday
Get creative and make your very own Japanese knot bag. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Get Creative: Japanese Knot Bag
When: Tuesday 12 August, 1 to 3 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free (Ages 18+) | Book via eventbrite.
Only basic sewing skills are required for this sociable sewing session where you’ll learn to make cute Japanese knot bags. You will need to bring 0.5 m of two contrasting fabrics — crisp cotton, preferably.
Make sure to book a sewing induction at Wollongong Library first, and a trained staff member will guide you through the process of sewing machine set-up, operation and pack-up. You will also learn how to safely use the library iron. This course is essential for beginners and experienced sewers looking to book and use the sewing machines available at Wollongong Library.
Get advice and inspiration for your career direction from experts across all industries. Image: Workplace Learning.
2025 Illawarra Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo
When: Tuesday 12 August, 2 to 7 pm
Where: Illawarra Hockey Centre, Waples Road, Unanderra
Cost: Free.
This year, more than 30 exhibitors will gather in Unanderra to offer advice and inspiration for your career direction. With a focus on apprenticeships, traineeships and jobs, you will have the opportunity to speak with industry experts, find out what jobs are available in the Illawarra and NSW and discover career pathways you previously may not have known about. Whether you know what you want to do or are still figuring it out, this event is all about helping you take the next step.
This event is open to the general public — students, parents, school leavers, school finishers and young adults are encouraged to attend. No registrations are required — just drop in when you can.
Wednesday
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
When: Wednesday 13 August, 7 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: From $99 | Book via Ticketmaster.
After a series of acclaimed performances in London’s West End and an extensive international tour spanning more than 50 countries, this acclaimed concert production tracing the legacy of one of music’s most successful partnerships returns to Australia in 2025. It tells the fascinating tale of how two young boys from Queens, New York went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time.
The show takes you through all the songs and stories that shaped them, the dramatic split and their solo careers, and ends with a stunning recreation of the legendary 1981 Central Park reunion concert. Huge projection images, including 1960s photographs and film footage, set the scene. Accompanied by a full band the cast perform all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound, Scarborough Fair, The Boxer, and The Sound Of Silence.
Thursday
Join Wollongong City Council and Wollongong City Libraries for a vibrant day of fun, music and stories as Paint the Gong REaD returns to Warrawong Plaza. Image: Wollongong City Council.
Paint the Gong REaD
When: Thursday 14 August, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Where: Warrawong Plaza, Cowper Street, Warrawong
Cost: Free.
This annual early literacy event brings families together to celebrate the joy of reading and the importance of early language development. Enjoy a free program of activities including a Welcome to Country, a storytime session with the Lord Mayor, musical instruments, singing, craft and of course, plenty of reading with children. Children can collect stamps or stickers on their activity lanyard card as they participate in the day’s events. Once completed, the card can be taken to the information desk to receive a free bag filled with a book, writing pad, tip sheets and other surprises. Check out this social story to help you navigate the event.
Wollongong City Council’s reading mascot, Bright Spark, will be there along with Billy Backpack, ready to meet families and spark conversations about the magic of books. The St George Illawarra Dragons will also be making a special appearance.
