FRIDAY 29 AUGUST: The August winds have whipped the Bay & Basin after weeks of rain, and while the washing dries quickly, it’s no fun walking the dogs on the beach. Here’s a few different ideas for your leisure time this weekend, including film festivals, art shows, live music and some things to plan ahead.
THIS WEEKEND
Friday 29 August to Sunday 31 August, Travelling Film Fest: Huskisson Travelling Film Festival is on again. This is the country’s longest-running film festival that showcases Australian and international features, documentaries, and short films in regional Australia. See the program and plan your viewing, here. Tickets are $15 per film, $117 for a 9-film subscription or $70 for a flexipass that lets you choose any 5 films.
Saturday 30 August, Art Class: Berry-based artist Penny Craig is offering a workshop in how to use materials and equipment commonly found in the kitchen to make interesting art prints. Spend the afternoon from 1pm using materials such as tinfoil and candles to unleash your creativity, $55+bf.
Saturday 30 August, Arts Trail: The Jervis Bay Arts Trail is on the last Saturday of the month with up to 20 artists opening their studios to visitors across the Bay & Basin. Start at The Hub in Vincentia for some artist highlights and advice on how it works. For locations of open studios and a map, make sure you check out the Trail’s website.
Saturday 30 August, Live Music: see the April Maze comeback show at Huskisson Community Centre, the husband/wife musical duo who will serenade you while you snuggle up on cushions and rugs. Then fuel up with some supper (curries/rice) before a boogie with Casuarina Light Phenomenon (CLP). Doors open 5.30pm, $30.
Sunday 31 August, Tree Art Show: Head to Farmgate Restaurant in Nowra from 3pm for the opening of a new group exhibition, Tree, featuring four talented and diverse artists from the South Coast. The show includes textiles, weaving and paintings from Linda Balding, Lissa de Sailles, Anne Fry and Marg McHugh. On till 24 September.
Sunday 31 August, Dogs Day Out will be yapping it up in the Nowra Showground, from 10am-3pm with free entry, free parking and loads of things to sniff including stalls with gear and treats for dogs and their hoomans, cutest puppy, best dressed and racing competitons and so much more. Help to support pet rescue organisations too, on the day.
Sunday Sessions: the best live music around the South Coast to smooth out your weekend. Start at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla where live music and lunch go hand-in-hand. This Sunday, enjoy the funk and soul sounds of All the Fuss. Then head to Jervis Bay Brewing Co, where the Sunday Sessions start at 3pm, and this weekend it’s the eclectic selections of Liam Maihi with his loop pedal, drum pad and guitar playing a blend of country, folk, blues and rock. For sunset, Bannisters Pavilion rooftop bar is the place to be with happy hour from 4.30pm and live music by Jason Norris from 5pm.
THIS WEEK
Monday 1 September, Small Biz Survey: Bay and Basin small businesses are invited to contribute to a survey about the trials and tribulations of running a business in our area, conducted by The Greenhouse co-working space in Huskisson. Complete the survey questionnaire before Monday 1 September to be in the running for some great business bonuses, such as a free marketing session or a free PR session, offered by local experts. The results of the survey will be presented at a special seminar as part of Small Business Month in October. All survey entrants will be invited.
Tuesday 2 September, Free Art Workshop: Come to The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Village for a free wildlife art workshop hosted by local artists, from 3pm-4pm with all materials provided. Participants will design and paint wildlife on canvas using Aboriginal decorative designs with an experienced local Aboriginal artist and educator. Drop in or reserve a place by email, laomedia@gmail.com.
Saturday 6 September, ‘Painting’ with Fibres: Discover a new way to make an artwork using coloured silk and wool fibres and ‘wet felting’ to create a textured canvas that can be mounted and framed. Led by fibre artist Samantha Tannous and hosted by the Shoalhaven Art Society, this workshop is $170/$130 members and includes all materials, from 9.30am-1.30pm at The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Shopping Village. Book online.
Saturday 6 September, Long Table Dinner: “Meet the Makers” at this long-table dinner at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla, from 6pm, $120. This joyous springtime gathering brings together the region’s talented producers, chefs, winemakers, brewers, distillers and artisans for an evening of shared food, local drinks, live music and stories from the people who make it all happen. Live music by The Castaways will set the tone for tasting the food and beverage from a dozen local hospitality companies. Book online.
Tuesday 2 September, Free Wildlife Art Workshop: Come along to a free art workshop provided by local artists on Tuesdays through October. Tracey van Oploo will be guiding participants in Koori wildlife at The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Shopping Village, from 3pm-4pm. Find more information, including themes for each session, online.
Saturday 6 September and Sunday 7 September, Regatta: Vincentia Sailing Club is hosting the NSW Hobie Wave state championships, from their base at Plantation Point. Enjoy the sight of colourful sails streaming across the Bay at this unique regatta event.
PLAN AHEAD
Saturday 13 September, First Nations Films: It’s the 2nd annual Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival at Husky Pictures, and the program is out now. SFNFF celebrates the creativity and diversity of First Nations filmmakers from across Australia and within our own community. See the program – including short films made by up-and-coming filmmakers of the South Coast – and buy your tickets for $15 on the SFNFF website.
Saturday 13 September, Painting Demonstration: For $40/$20 members, enjoy a demonstration of a still life painting by Wilma Southan, at The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Shopping Village. Hosted by the Shoalhaven Art Society and part of their new program of workshops. Consider joining the Society to receive great prices on workshops and invitations to show your work at exhibitions and sales events.
Saturday 13 September, Comedy Night: Laugh out loud as Wollongong Comedy brings the show to Jervis Bay Brewing Co headlined by superstars Tommy Dean and Al Del Bene with Stu MacPherson filling the bill. Tickets are limited so book soon, $25.
Saturday 13 September and Sunday 14 September, Coastal Forage: Partake in a unique dining experience along the shores of Jervis Bay as the Coastal Forage spreads its refreshment stations from Moona Moona Creek to Plantation Point. Wander along from station to station and enjoy curated delights from some of the South Coast’s most exciting chefs, distillers, aquaculturists and more. Tickets are $225 on sale now.
Sunday 14 September, Bush Foods: join First Nations cultural tour operators Gadhungal Marring for a Native Bush Foods Planting Day, 10.30am till 2pm at Wildwood in Kangaroo Valley. This is a hands-on workshop that is perfect for anyone wanting to grow edible native plants, including herbs, vegetables and fruits. Your $120 ticket includes a picnic lunch.
Wednesday 17 September and Wednesday 1 October, Women’s Health Talks: Menopause and perimenopause are on the agenda at a free talk at The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Village by Jervis Bay Health Choices, 7pm. Nurse practitioner Jo Marjoram will present information that will help women to navigate this time of change. Reserve your seat, jbhc_reception@outlook.com or call 0493 262 892
Thursday 18 September to Sunday 22 September, Blues & Brews Festival: Sussex Inlet’s stompin’ Blues & Brews Festival is on again, featuring music from internationally acclaimed artists Shaun Wessel and Jesse Redwing, one of the most soulful and authentic blues players in Australia, plus exceptional food and drinks. Here’s the full program, including ticketed and free events, and how to book.
Saturday 20 September, Creative Watercolour: Learn a variety of watercolour techniques, with artist Anne Fry at this workshop hosted by Shoalhaven Art Society, $120/$80 members. This all-day workshop, from 9.30am-4pm will be held at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
Saturday 4 October, Makers Market: Bundanon Art Museum is hosting another Makers Market featuring hand made, original works of art, objects, ceramics, textiles and more along the banks of the Shoalhaven River at Illaroo. Starting at 9am, browse among the stalls and enjoy the view, meet the makers and support them by buying direct.
Friday 17 October to Sunday 19 October, Folk Fest: The annual Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, on 17-19 October, promises a weekend of music, poetry and dance, plus kids activities and plenty of festive atmosphere on the streets with buskers and chalkboard performances. The fantastic lineup this year includes foot-stomping folk-string trio Apolline, who were AFMA Youth Artists of the Year in 2024, local favourites Benji & the Saltwater Sound Sytsem who fuse jazz, reggae and African beats into hypnotic soundscapes, a Morris dancing troupe Black Joak Morris plus Bavarian and Irish dancing, sessions hosted by the Butter Trackers that welcome anyone to join in, and so much more.
Sunday 19 October, Still Life Workshop: Learn to paint a still life in oils with Dr Vanessa Barbay at this workshop hosted by the Shoalhaven Art Society. For $170/$130 members, from 9am-4pm at The Hub, Shop 14 Vincentia Shopping Village, participants will gather around a central arrangement to paint. Book online.
Saturday 15 November, Sunday 16 November and 22-23 November, Sculpture in the Valley has rescheduled its event to two weekends in November, to enjoy a selection of indoor and outdoor sculptures. Buy a day pass for $15 (kids under 16 free) for 6/7 September or 13/14 September, and you might even walk away with a new masterpiece for your home or garden.
Saturday 22 November, Acrylic Painting Workshop: Join Wilma Southan to paint in acrylics in this workshop hosted by the Shoalhaven Art Society, $120/$80 members. Learn how to paint a vibrant still life with flowers, from 9.30am-4pm at Vincentia. Book online.
