Great Scott! The DeLorean has landed at BrickCon — time-travel optional, excitement guaranteed. Photo: Supplied.
With spring in full swing and the school holidays wrapping up, the Illawarra is buzzing with events that promise laughter, creativity and adventure for all ages. Kick off your weekend exploring Dapto Anglican’s 20th Annual Quilt, Art and Craft Show, where two decades of stitched stories and handmade treasures await, or catch your breath as Circus Rio flips, flies and thrills with jaw-dropping stunts in Shellharbour.
Little dreamers can step into a world of magic at the Adorable Unicorn Festival, while LEGO enthusiasts can get hands-on with incredible creations at BrickCon Wollongong. Comedy lovers won’t want to miss Haiming Jiang’s mind-bending hypnosis show, and culture fans can soak up the sights, sounds and flavours of Kiama’s Spanish & Latin American Outdoor Fiesta.
This is just a taste of what’s on across the region — from family fun and festivals to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, live music and community events, there’s something to spark everyone’s curiosity.
Multiple Days
Come celebrate 20 years of stitches, stories and shared creativity — and support your local community while you’re at it. Image: Dapto Anglican Church.
Dapto Anglican’s 20th Annual Quilt, Art and Craft Show
When: Friday 10 October and Saturday 11 October, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Dapto Anglican Church, Lot 100 Moombara Street, Dapto
Cost: $6 | Payable upon entry.
Celebrate 20 years of creativity, colour and community at Dapto Anglican’s beloved Annual Quilt, Art and Craft Show, proudly presented by Creative Connection. Across two vibrant days, discover a dazzling display of handmade quilts, artworks and crafts showcasing the skill and imagination of local creators. Browse stalls for one-of-a-kind gifts, admire intricate designs, and soak up the friendly atmosphere that has made this event a Dapto favourite for two decades.
Whether you’re a craft enthusiast, art lover or simply after a charming day out (with a few homemade treats on the side), there’s something here for everyone.
Circus Rio – Shellharbour Spectacular
When: Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 October, various times
Where: Stockland Shellharbour, Benson Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Green General $25 | Gold General $45 | VIP General $55 | Diamond Table $75 | Book via Ticketek.
Don’t miss the magic, music and mayhem of Circus Rio’s brand new show. This high-energy production brings together internationally acclaimed performers for an unforgettable experience packed with thrills, laughs and jaw-dropping stunts. Expect a kaleidoscope of entertainment — from aerialists, jugglers and acrobats to Cyr wheel acts, clowning, illusion and FMX riders performing a breathtaking 15-metre-high somersault finale right above the stage.
With morning, matinee and evening sessions available, there’s a showtime to suit everyone — families, couples, teens and adventure-seekers alike.
This LEGO Spectacular promises a weekend of creativity, community and all-round family fun. Image: BrickCon.
BrickCon Wollongong – A LEGO Fan Event
When: Saturday 11 October, 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 12 October, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Illawarra Hockey Centre, Waples Road, Unanderra
Cost: General $10 | Under 4s Free | Book via TryBooking.
Get ready for a brick-tastic weekend as master builders from across Australia bring their most jaw-dropping LEGO creations to life. From dazzling castles and detailed models to the legendary Back to the Future DeLorean, this showcase will wow builders of every age.
Visitors can dive into hands-on fun with interactive building zones, hunt for new, rare and retired LEGO sets and minifigures and even meet LEGO Masters champion Henry in person. The fun keeps stacking up with Star Wars cosplay from the 501st Legion, colourful face painting by Little Chicks Designs and free-play pinball hosted by the Illawarra Pinball Club. Meet adorable pets up for adoption with Friends For Life Rescue Illawarra, grab a snag from fundraising barbecues by Fifty For A Farmer and First Figtree Scouts and refuel with great coffee from Chloe Eve.
Don’t miss the chance to enter a magical world where dreams really come to life. Image: Adorable Pony Parties.
Adorable Unicorn Festival – Calderwood
When: Saturday 11 October, 9 am to noon and 1 to 4 pm, and Sunday 12 October, 9 am to noon
Where: Adorable Pony Parties, 682 Calderwood Road, Calderwood
Cost: $105 to $250 | Book via Humanitix.
Step into a world of magic and wonder at the Adorable Unicorn Festival, a whimsical spring adventure for little dreamers.
Meet miniature unicorns and delightful fairies, watch captivating magic and unicorn shows, and let creativity soar with unicorn-themed arts and crafts, playful games and enchanting face painting and hair braiding. Each session is limited to 100 children, ensuring a personalised, hands-on experience for every young attendee. Perfect for families with children aged two to eight, this charming festival promises a day of joy, imagination and unforgettable memories.
Hilarious Comedy Hypnosis Show – with Haiming Jiang
When: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong (Saturday) and Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Ave, Shellharbour City Centre (Sunday)
Cost: $58.10 (Wollongong) | Book via TicketSearch | $54.26 (Shellharbour) | Book via eventbrite.
Get ready to laugh, gasp and maybe even take the stage yourself at the Hilarious Comedy Hypnosis Show, starring internationally acclaimed hypnotist Haiming Jiang. After sold-out tours across the globe and viral TikTok fame, Haiming brings his unique mix of comedy, charisma and mind-bending hypnosis to the Illawarra for one unforgettable weekend at two different venues.
Curious about hypnosis? This is your chance to experience it live. Haiming doesn’t pick participants — he simply asks, “Who would like to?”, inviting volunteers to join the fun as he showcases the power (and hilarity) of the human mind through spontaneous, laugh-out-loud audience participation. Blending sharp comedy with genuine insight, Haiming’s show bridges cultures and imaginations, offering a feel-good night where you or your friends could become the stars.
Saturday
A feast for the senses and a party for all ages, the Spanish & Latin American Outdoor Fiesta is where Kiama comes alive with colour, culture and contagious energy. Image: Salco.
Spanish & Latin American Outdoor Fiesta – Kiama
When: Saturday 11 October, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Hindmarsh Park, Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free.
This vibrant, family-friendly event brings together the sights, sounds and tastes of Spain and Latin America with live Latin music, dance, cultural performances and interactive activities that will keep the energy high all day long. Feast on authentic flavours from local food trucks, browse market stalls bursting with handmade crafts and treats and soak up the joyful atmosphere that celebrates the passion and diversity of Spanish and Latin cultures.
Grab your mates, settle in with a drink and get set for a Saturday night of smart laughs and top-shelf entertainment you won’t want to miss. Image: Supplied.
Chris Ryan & Friends – Live Comedy
When: Saturday 11 October, 7:30 pm
Where: The Builders Club, 61 Church Street, Wollongong
Cost: $30 | Book via TryBooking.
Get ready for a night of razor-sharp wit and belly laughs as Chris Ryan headlines an all-star line-up of Australian comedy talent. A journalist, mum, and award-winning stand-up, Chris has been lighting up stages across the country with her brilliantly dry humour and refreshingly honest take on everyday life. She’s the winner of Best Newcomer at Sydney Comedy Festival and a Melbourne International Comedy Festival nominee — and she’s bringing her trademark understatement and insight to Wollongong for one night only.
Hosting the show is the ever-hilarious David Smiedt, one of Australia’s best MCs, joined by crowd favourites Jen Carnovale and Andy High for a night packed with clever, relatable and side-splitting comedy.
Sunday
Join the community, walk with purpose, and help fund life-saving brain cancer research — every step counts. Photo: Cure Brain Cancer.
Wollongong Walk4BrainCancer – 10th Anniversary Event
When: Sunday 12 October, 9 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Beaton Park Athletics Track, 37 Foley Street, Gwynneville
Cost: Adult $35 | Children $20 | Book via Walk4BrainCancer.
Step out in purple and be part of this powerful event, supporting the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation — Australia’s leading organisation for brain cancer research, advocacy and awareness. This uplifting community walk invites participants of all ages and abilities to complete two to 5 km (about four laps per 2 km) in honour of loved ones lost, to celebrate survivors, and to give strength and hope to those still fighting. The track is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers and you can take as many laps as you like.
The day kicks off with registration from 9 am, followed by official proceedings and the walk from 10 am — but the fun doesn’t stop there. Enjoy live entertainment including vocalist performances by Nella Magnante Vocal Academy and dancers from VPA Studios, DJ music, plus family-friendly activities like face painting and a jumping castle. Refuel with a sausage sizzle, coffee truck, food stalls and an ice cream van and don’t miss the raffle prizes, merchandise and a special address by Cure Brain Cancer Foundation CEO Andrew Giles.
Wednesday
Join the conversation, share your purpose and connect over coffee and cake — because great things happen when inspiring women come together. Image: Cakes by Rach.
A Litt Breakfast @ Cakes By Rach
When: Wednesday 15 October, 7 to 8:30 am
Where: Cakes By Rach, 190 Military Road, Port Kembla
Tickets: Full Breakfast $30 | Light Breakfast $16 | Tea and Toast $12 | Seat $5 | Book via Humanitix.
Start your morning with inspiration, connection and a touch of sweetness at A Litt Breakfast, a special Humanitix event hosted by Cakes By Rach and designed exclusively for Litt Ladies.
Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere as the sun shines over Port Kembla, with drinks served from 7:15 am and breakfast from 7:30 am (pre-ordered at booking). It’s more than just a meal — it’s a morning of shared stories, fresh ideas and meaningful networking among women who are passionate about growth, mentorship and making a difference. Whether you’re building a business, seeking new opportunities or looking to elevate your community impact, this uplifting event is the perfect way to start your day feeling appreciated and empowered.
Litt Ladies, an initiative by Litt Inc, fosters a supportive network for aspiring women entrepreneurs and leaders — sharing real-world insights “from the trenches” to empower the next wave of female professionals.
Adventure Reels Film Tour
When: Wednesday 15 October, 7 to 10 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264–270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $35 | Book via Ticketmaster.
Hold onto your seat — the Adventure Reels Film Tour is back, bringing the world’s most breathtaking action sport films to the big screen for one night only.
This adrenaline-fuelled showcase features two-and-a-half hours of jaw-dropping short films hand-picked from around the globe, celebrating the grit, guts and glory of the world’s most daring adventurers. From icy ski descents and vertigo-inducing climbs to wild river runs, BASE jumps and high-speed mountain biking, every frame is designed to make your pulse race and your palms sweat.
With radically fresh perspectives and stunning cinematography, the Adventure Reels line-up dives deep into the camaraderie, courage and conviction behind every epic journey. Expect heart-stopping moments, inspiring feats and pure, unfiltered adventure.
