FRIDAY 8 AUGUST: Get out your diaries, there’s so much happening around Jervis Bay as we start to anticipate Spring. While there’s some more wet weather on the way, check out these ideas for art shows, film festivals, live music and Science Week.
What’s On This Weekend 8-11 August
Friday 8 August, Birds of a Feather is a new art exhibition by Shoalhaven artists at The Common South Coast in Culburra. Inspired by the bird life in the area, 17 artists present new works for sale. Come along to opening night and meet the artists at 6pm tonight, Friday 8 August.
Friday 8 August, local artist Liz Skewes has a new exhibition of Australian landscapes at Cambewarra Estate in Bangalee, “A Quiet Reflection”. Liz’s works offer gentle reflections on place, memory, and environmental fragility. These reverent works remind us that while nature is bountiful and magical, it is not limitless. Until 31 August.
Saturday 9 August, SAHSSI Fundraiser, take part in a walk to raise funds and awareness for the Nowra Women’s Refuge. Register online and find out about the walking route around the Jervis Bay coastline.
Saturday 9 August, Indigenous Peoples Films. Celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Saturday 9 August at Husky Pictures with a special screening of films curated by Canadian First Nations filmmakers with direct links to the Shoalhaven’s First Nations Communities. Yuin elder Uncle Gerry Moore OAM will offer a very special welcome to country and the films will screen from 2pm, followed by afternoon tea around 4pm. Tickets are $15/$40 for a family of four. This event is produced by the Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival.
Saturday 9 August & Sunday 10 August, Bonsai Workshop. Book in for this two-day hands-on workshop to learn the art of tiny tress from bonsai master, Mason Keene at Bonsai on the Bay in Woollamia. If you have ever wanted to discover the magic behind these artfully twisted living sculptures, then a weekend with Mason is the best way to do it. The $500 fee (or $450 ea if you bring a friend) includes everything you need for your bonsai as well as lunch, refreshments and drinks around the fire to wind down in the evening. More dates available on the website.
Saturday 9 August & Sunday 10 August, Carnival Concerts. Two very special concerts with “carnival” themes are coming up at Ulladulla Civic Centre. A special kids’ concert on Saturday 9 August will feature music of the circus, free entry and starting at 11am. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite carnival character – think, clowns, acrobats and circus animals – as the Milton Ulladulla String Orchestra (MUSO) explores the instruments of an orchestra. This concert promises to be fun for kids of all ages.
Then on Sunday 10 August, the MUSO will present Carnevale, a concert of orchestral music that evokes carnivals of the world – think, Venice, Cirque du Soliel, Send in the Clowns. Entry is by donation at the door or prior donation online, with all funds helping to support this vibrant community orchestra.
Saturday 9 August, support sustainable fashion and browse the pre-loved clothing market in Sussex Inlet, outside Coves Boutique on Jacobs Drive from 11am. The organisers say there will be affordable options for everyone plus a swap stall where you can give something to take something.
Sunday 10 August, our picks of the Sunday Session live music at spectacular venues around the South Coast: The wonderful Ness Quinn is live in the beer garden at Jervis Bay Brewing Co from 3pm. At Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla this Sunday, enjoy well-crafted songs and cool grooves with The Stayers from 12.30pm, livening up the lunch crowd. For a sunset vibe, head to Bannisters Rooftop Pavilion for happy hour at 4.30pm and live music by Lux Trevis from 5pm.
Things to Do Next Week
Monday 11 August to Saturday 16 August, Science Week at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. “Tiny Worlds, Big Fun” is the theme for this year’s Science Week events at the JBMM, with a great program of activities and events. One of the highlights is TikTok Science phenomenon, Dr Walt Carrol (@oneminmicro) delving into our micro world – analysing everything from toothbrushes to toilet water, making tiny details and creatures of the world a big deal! From 12pm Saturday 16 August. Tickets $8 Per adult, kids under-16 free.
For more exciting Science Week activities, including loads of free events, check out our story.
Tuesday 12 August is the deadline for the BirdLife Australia Photography Awards – we have some talented and dedicated bird and wildlife photographers here in Jervis Bay and we wish them good luck in this year’s competition. Entrytition is open to all skill levels with a range of categories to suit everyone – including a youth category for budding young photographers. By entering, you’re supporting crucial bird conservation work. Plus, there are over $25,000 in prizes to be won. Here’s last year’s winners if you need some inspiration.
Tuesday 12 August, and every Tuesday till 21 October, sign up for a free wildlife art workshop at The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Shopping Village. Hosted by local artists, these afternoon workshops from 3pm-4.30pm include materials and instruction. Let them know which session you would like to attend by email, laomedia@gmail.com, and walk-ins are welcome. The Vincentia Matters Facebook page has the full program.
Friday 15 August, get your tickets to a very special performance at El Horses in Nowra. Sydney based double bassist and composer Max Alduca presents his debut album Monastery drawing inspiration from a personal journey through music and spirituality, reflecting themes of interconnectedness, trust, and hope, while also paying homage to his teachers and collaborators. Tickets are $30+bf and the music starts at 7pm.
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, another Bonsai Workshop weekend with Mason Keene at Bonsai on the Bay in Woollamia, $500 fee (or $450 ea if you bring a friend) includes everything you need for your bonsai as well as lunch, refreshments and drinks around the fire to wind down in the evening.
Saturday 16 August, indulge in an intimate dining event at Bundanon Art Museum as Old Salt Distillery teams up with Ramox Café & Restaurant for a Twilight Feast, from 5.30pm. Start with cocktails around the fire pits and progress through to dessert. Limited places are available for $120 for a three-course meal and add $60 for drinks pairing, or buy drinks at the bar.
PLAN AHEAD
Sunday 24 August, Huskisson Artisans Market has expanded to include food and beverage artisans as well as artists and handcrafters. At this mostly-indoor event, you will find an exciting array of 40+ stalls in the Huskisson Community Centre – head down the ramp through the fenced gardens to find the new providores section – which will be open to the public from 10am till 3pm.
Sunday 24 August, Swordfish Brewing in Sussex Inlet is hosting its third annual Winemakers Dinner with Corang Estate, starting with wine tastings from 2pm inside the brewery and dinner from 5pm. Book in for your choice of a $48 two-course or $60 three-course dinner paired with Corang Wines.
Wednesday 27 August, as part of the Dyeing to Know program of events around death literacy, join a session that uses contemplative stitching hosted by Shoalhaven Health & Arts and Dr Natalie McDonagh, $15 with all materials provided. Breath.Life.Thread will be held at the Nowra Country Women’s Association rooms from 9.45am till midday.
Friday 29 August to Sunday 31 August, 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, 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, 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. For locations of open studios and a map, make sure you check out the Trail’s website.
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.
Saturday 30 August, 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.
Saturday 6 September, Sculpture in the Valley is returning to Kangaroo Valley this Spring with two weekends 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 6 September and Sunday 7 September, 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.
Friday 12 September to Sunday 14 September, Yoga Retreat. With two weekend retreats sold out and more inquiries coming in, yoga nidra practitioner Tash Pinter has secured another weekend, 12-14 September at Paperbark Camp for a retreat that focuses on “deep rest”. Tash and her collaborators, including body work expert, Tahlia Seinor, will guide their guests through a series of sessions that will take advantage of the body’s natural tendencies to rest and hibernate during the cooler months to emerge refreshed with the spring. Express interest in attending and find more information at Tash’s website. Read our interview with Tash for more insight into what’s on offer.
Saturday 13 September, 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, 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, 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.
Friday 17 October to Sunday 19 October, 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. Super early bird tickets are available till the end of July for $150 (12-17s are $50), which is a whopping $40 off the gate price. 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.
