FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER: Find out what’s on, from free workshops and community markets to live music, art exhibitions, and a special fundraiser for a great cause. Plan your perfect spring weekend with our insider’s guide.
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Friday 10 October, Local Artists on Show: It’s the Shoalhaven Art Society‘s 58th annual exhibition at Berry School of Arts, featuring stunning artworks from their members including landscapes, stil life, abstract and portrait artworks, all for sale. The exhibition will be open until 25 October, 10am-4pm. This is a perfect opportunity to see a wonderful range of works on the theme, Imagination and Reality. The official opening is on tomorrow, Saturday 11October at midday.
Saturday 11 October, Art at The Common: A new exhibition will open at The Common South Coast by five artists from the Callala Gallery group. The works for sale will include local landscapes and beach scenes, animals and a variety of other paintings. Come along at 1pm for a Meet the Artists event. The exhibition will be available until 30 November.
Saturday 11 October, Doctors Without Borders: Come along to a special fundraiser for Médecins Sans Frontières and their life-saving work in Gaza, at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co. On the day, incredible guest speakers who have lived and worked on the front lines will share powerful, first hand stories about the crisis and the impact of MSF’s work, starting at 3.30pm, opened by the Hon Liza Butler MP. The goal is to raise $10,000, so go online to donate and show up on the day to lend your support.
Saturday 11 October, Wellbeing Day: Limited places are still available forVincentia Connections free event focused on improving our general wellbeing with some small changes that can have a positive impact on our mental and physical resilience. Reserve your spot to talk about simple eating, moving and thinking techniques for daily life. This is a great chance to connect with other people in your community, enjoy healthy snacks and interesting presentations, 10am-3pm. Read our story about the day, and email to register your attendance to bookingsvcch@gmail.com.
Saturday 11 October, Tomerong Food Hall: It’s Tomerong markets, but not as you know it! A new team is reinvigorating the Tomerong Food Hall concept with an array of locally grown produce, hand-made preserves and baked goods, in the Tomerong Hall from 8am. Any growers, producers or makers are encouraged to get in touch with the new organisers via tomerongfoodhall@gmail.com.
Two other fantastic local markets are on this Saturday, the Callala Markets from 8am-1pm at the community centre and Sussex Inlet Market, perfect for a browse around with your morning coffee.
Sunday 12 October, Husky Markets: There will be around 100 stalls across the sports fields as the monthly Huskisson Markets turns on the spring charm from 8am-2pm this Sunday, a perfect way to wrap up the school holidays. If you are in need of fresh produce and artisanal food products, then head to the Kangaroo Valley Farmers Market 9am-1pm behind the Friendly Inn, where you can make more sustainable food choices direct from the growers including meat, fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, jams, pickles, and baked goods. Further south, the Ulladulla Wharf Market is a picturesque stroll around this working harbour from 8am-1pm.
Sunday 12 October, Skate Jam at Sussex: A free skateboard workshop and jam plus bbq is on free, this Sunday at Sussex Inlet skate park, presented by Firefly with Totem Skateboarding. Learn to Skate beginner classes and mentoring sessions, loads of prizes up for grabs and all equipment supplied, from 10am till 2pm. Workshops are for ages 6 years and up. This event is free but you need to register, limited places are still available – see the whole program and book in your spot online.
Sunday Sessions, 12 October, Live Music: On the outdoor stage at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla this weekend is Jason Norris, from 12.30pm. Known for his soulful vocals and heartfelt performances, Jason will accompany your lunch, till 3.30pm. In the beer garden at Jervis Bay Brewing Co in Huskisson, it’s South Coast quiet sensation, Paul Greene, who is a pioneer of the indie movement with a gift for writing songs that stick in your head. Paul’s talents from the guitar to harmonica to lyrics always leave a lasting impression. For sunset cocktails, head to the rooftop bar at Bannisters Pavilion in Mollymook. This Sunday from 5pm enjoy the sweet sounds of Alex Clark.
What’s On This Week in Jervis Bay and the region
Monday 13 October, Free Small Biz Talk: Thanks to the Greenhouse co-working space in Huskisson, small businesses operating in the Bay & Basin area can come along to four free seminars this week, starting with a live demonstration about how to turn your small business into big news, starting at 5.30pm. Be inspired to kick-start your media relations activity before the peak season. Register for your free ticket online, and check out the rest of the program.
Tuesday 14 October, Free Art Workshop: This is the second-last free wildlife art workhop in a series which was generously provided by local artists at the Hub. In this workshop, you will design and paint your choice of local wildlife on canvas using a variety of paint media guided by an experienced local artist and educator. Sign up for your free spot via laomedia@gmail.com and see the Vincentia Matters Facebook page for more information. Come to The Hub for a 3pm start, Shop 14, Vincentia Shopping Village on Burton Street.
Tuesday 14 October, Clogging Classes: This is dancing with a difference! Don your clogs (or tap shoes) and make some rhythmic noise on the old timbers at the Tomerong community hall with Amethyst Park Stompers. Clogging is taking the South Coast by storm, and this beginners class – on every Tuesday – is a fantastic way to find out about this artform while meeting new people and building new neural pathways. Class starts at 6pm for $15.
Thursday 16 October, Conscious Dance and Sound Bath: Dance Tribe South Coast presents an evening of moving your body with the elements then relaxing in a comfy position for an ethereal sound bath. These monthly gatherings for ages 16+ provide a safe space to dance freely to an eclectic mix of world music, from 7pm. Bring $30 to pay at the door or pre-book for $25 online.
Thursday 16 October, Author Talk: Thanks to Boobook on Owen and Darling House café, author Josie McSkimming will be talking about her new novel, Gutsy Girls, a behind-the-scenes story of love, family and the iconic Australian poet Dorothy Porter (who happens to be her sister). Doors open at 5.30 so you can mingle and settle before the talk begins at 6pm. Tickets are $15, includes 15% off the book.
Thursday 16 October, Free Marketing Talk: The second free seminar for small businesses, hosted by the Greenhouse co-working space in Huskisson, will cover some practical ways to amplify your marketing ahead of the peak season in Jervis Bay, at 5.30pm. These talks, part of Small Business Month, are open to all businesses operating in the Bay & Basin area. Sign up for your free spot, and check out the rest of the program.
Friday 17 October, Art Café with Jen: Expand your creative confidence at one of Jenny McIntosh’s popular Art Café sessions, where she will guide you to make a small original artwork with pen and watercolour. Jen will supply you with materials ($50) or BYO ($45) with your ticket including morning tea. This session at Peckish on the Park in Nowra starts at 9.30am.
Friday 17 October, AI Explained: Sanctuary Point Library is presenting a simple explanation of Artificial Intelligence, including some examples about how to use it, at this 2pm free talk. The presenter will show you how to install a free AI app on your phone. Places are filling up fast so book your seat now.
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.
Saturday 18 October, Backyard Chicken Talk: Hear from members of the Nowra Poultry Club about how to raise your own flock of backyard chickens at this free talk, 11am Nowra Library. Hear about hens’ temperaments, egg-laying capacity, and care tips tailored to specific breeds. Hens are perfect pets for families and with a little preparation, can live healthy, comfortable lives in most backyards. Register for this free event online.
Saturday 18 October, Classical Mozart at the Museum: This is a rare and exciting opportunity to hear a world-class performance of “Mozart’s clarinet”, played by ARCO on period instruments that create an authentic sound of the late 18th century. Read our story about the tour.
Performing at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum while they are on tour with Music in the Regions, ARCO is the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra led by co-artistic directors Rachel Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen.
While touring the regions, the performers will also be sharing their expertise with amateur orchestras in the regions, including MUSO (Milton Ulladulla String Orchestra) who will benefit from their generosity and advice in special workshops.
Support these very special performances by purchasing your tickets to the 5pm performance for $35.
Saturday 18 October, Degustation at Old Salt: Prepare your tastebuds for a degustation night at Old Salt Distillery where eight sensational courses prepared by chefs Terry and Michelle Robinson – mostly over an open fire – will pair up with eight equally sensational cocktails, at the South Nowra venue’s Degustation Night. More details are yet to be released so save the date and keep an eye on their Events page for updates.
Saturday 18 October, Oktoberfest Oompah: The festivities of the stein continue at Swordfish Brewing in Sussex Inlet for their Oktoberfest extravaganza. The highlight is definitely the performance of foot-stomping traditional German music and pop classics by the Oompah Loompah band, who always look the part in their lederhosen and whip up a great atmosphere. Enjoy German style beers alongside food crafted by the talented chefs including sausages and pretzels, of course. The celebrations kick off from midday and run into the evening.
Saturday 18 October, Spring Fair: It’s the 13th annual Spring into Sanctuary Point Fair, a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and connection. There will be live entertainment, local stalls, kids’ activities, youth engagement, raffles and prizes. Come along at the Francis Ryan Reserve from 9am till 1pm and enjoy this community event created by Sanctuary Point Community Pride.
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.
Plan Ahead – these things are worth the wait
Monday 20 October to Sunday 26 October, Bird Count: Join Australia’s biggest citizen-science event, the great Aussie Bird Count, and help us keep tabs on our feathered friends. The Shoalhaven is home to a vast number of bird species – there is a ‘working list’ of 401 birds on the Birdlife Shoalhaven website, including full-time residents and migratory birds. Register to participate, download the app and get ready to start counting.
Tuesday 21 October, Cash Flow Seminar: Thanks to the Greenhouse co-working space in Huskisson, Bay & Basin business operators can come along to a free seminar that offers a Tax & Cash Flow Health Check, from 5.30pm. A local expert will share some tips to help you take control of your financial future. Register for your free ticket, or check out the other seminars on the program.
Wednesday 22 October, Author Talk: Mother/daughter duo, Sue and Gina Chick will treat guests to a conversation, thanks to Boobook on Owen and Darling House café. Both women have lived extraordinary creative and adventurous lives, so this is sure to be a fascinating evening. Doors open at 5.30pm and the talk begins at 6pm, tickets are $15.
Thursday 23 October, Cyber Security: The last in a series of free business seminars, courtesy of the Greenhouse co-working space in Huskisson, will cover the hot topic of Cyber Security – even small businesses need to protect their online data and systems from unscrupulous hackers, from 5.30pm. Register for your free ticket now.
Saturday 25 October and Sunday 26 October, FOMA at Vincentia: Save the date for a great weekend of art, music and community at the Vincentia Shopping Village, hosted by Vincentia Connections (a sub-committee of Vincentia Matters).
Saturday 25 October, Reading Country: If you’ve yet to take a walk on Country with local First Nations custodians, here is a perfect springtime opportunity at Bundanon Art Museum. Walk with Joel Deaves and Jordan Thomas for Burrawong Dhunna Gam Waglpa, a guided Burrawang track bush walk and introduction to reading Country. They will share knowledge, language and stories, along the track. Starting at the Boyd Education Forecourt around 9.15am, the walk has steep sections and a couple of creek crossings, so please dress accordingly. Book online for $15-$35 pp.
Sunday 26 October, Surfing Champ Fundraiser: Help send para surf champ Grace Kennedy to the 2025 ISA Para World Surfing Championships in California via a mega raffle to be drawn at Jervis Bay Brewing Co between 2pm and 5pm. There’s a stack of amazing prizes worth more than $3,000 including custom surfboards and ultimate Jervis Bay experiences. Buy tickets online for $10 each or buy a bundle for a discount, and make sure you join the festivities in the beer garden to give Grace a great send-off on her first overseas trip.
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) 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.
