FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER 2026 | WHAT’S ON IN JERVIS BAY: From folk tunes echoing through Kangaroo Valley to First Nations art launches in Worrowing and a 100-year milestone in Tomerong, the Bay & Basin is brimming with culture and community celebrations this weekend. Sample local preserves in Sanctuary Point, enjoy traditional Irish jam sessions in Huskisson or join crucial conversations shaping local community resources.
Things to Do Right Now
Catch Folk Tunes, Saunas and Sea Shanties in Kangaroo Valley all weekend: The Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival is in full swing from today till Sunday 18 October. Alongside troubadours, minstrels and sea shanties, this year’s festival features pop-up saunas, haircuts, a youth market hosted by Headspace Nowra and a sensory regulation tent courtesy of Uniting. Explore the full program and book day or weekend passes online.
Celebrate 100 Years of Community at Tomerong Hall on Saturday: Tomerong School of Arts Hall celebrates its centenary milestone this Saturday 17 October. Local residents and visitors are invited to gather and mark 100 years of community history, gatherings and heritage at this cherished local venue. Read our story about the event or find out more about the hall on the Tomerong Hall Centenary page.
Immerse Yourself in First Nations Art at Worrowing on Saturday: Dharawal and Yuin artist Tracey van Oploo presents her compelling new exhibition, A Tapestry of Country” opening tomorrow, Saturday 17 October, at Melaleuca Gallery within Worrowing Estate. Tracey’s layered abstract paintings capture the blue waters, sandy shores and native bushland of the Shoalhaven. Stop in between 9am and 12pm on Saturday for barista-made coffee and pastries from the on-site café while browsing the works. Entry is free and the show runs through 5 December. Reserve your spot to the opening or find out more about opening hours.
Sample Preserves and Garden Goodies in Sanctuary Point on Saturday: Clifton Community Food Garden at 15 Clifton Street is hosting its monthly fundraiser this Saturday 17 October from 10am to 12pm. Rain or shine, drop in for tea, coffee and homemade cakes while sampling monthly preserve creations, including mixed marmalade, rich pumpkin chutney and authentic brinjal eggplant pickle. Jars of lemon butter, passionfruit butter, fresh garden vegetables and herbs will also be available to buy.
What Else is Happening Around the Bay & Basin
Friday 16 October, Dark Skies and Astronomy Talk in West Nowra: Marnie Ogg presents “The Night is Not Lost” at 7pm at the UOW Shoalhaven Campus, exploring light pollution with Shoalhaven Astronomers. Entry is free.
Friday 16 October–March 2027, Start Your Entry for Shoalhaven International Women’s Day: Shoalhaven women artists are invited to begin creating entries for the 2027 International Women’s Day Art Competition and Exhibition under the theme “All About Women”. Entry is free with a $1,000 top prize, and the show will launch on Friday 5 March 2027. For entry details and enquiries, contact organiser Marg McHugh at moq69@hotmail.com.
Saturday 17 October, Enjoy Oompah Brass and Fresh Steins in North Nowra: Bring your lederhosen or dirndl to South Yeast Brewing this Saturday as the Nowra Town Band brings traditional German oompah music to the brewery floor from 4pm to 6.30pm. Entry is by gold coin donation to support the community band.
Sunday 18 October, Have Your Say on Vincentia Sports Facilities: St Georges Basin Country Club holds its Annual General Meeting this Sunday at 10am. The meeting marks a key milestone following ongoing community work by the Jervis Bay Community & Sports Club (JBCSC) advocating to de-amalgamate Vincentia Golf Club into an independent community facility. Read the background and community updates.
Sunday 18 October, Traditional Irish Sessions in Huskisson: Sandbar Huskisson hosts an authentic Irish Session from 3pm to 5pm. All instruments, voices and music lovers are welcome to join in playing traditional tunes, enjoy a drink or stay on for dinner.
Sunday 18 October, Sunday Sessions Across the Coast: Cap off the weekend with live acoustic tunes, craft brews and vineyard views across the region:
- Cupitt’s Estate: Catch Wollongong duo The Stayers from 12.30pm for cool, bluesy grooves and relaxed vineyard vibes alongside estate wines and local produce, in Ulladulla.
- Jervis Bay Brewing Co: Mike Hammond and Jeremy Butterworth (Mike & Jez) from the Bong Bong Allstars bring acoustic, electric guitar and trumpet tunes to the beer garden from 4pm to 7pm in Woollamia industrial zone just outside of Huskisson.
- Flamin Galah Brewing Co: Mark Dabin kicks off the return of Sunday live music from 3pm to 6pm, paired with Happy Hour from 3pm to 4pm, in the Woollamia industrial zone.
Monday 19 October–Sunday 25 October, Count Local Birds in Your Backyard: Join the nationwide Aussie Bird Count by spending 20 minutes observing and recording feathered visitors in your garden or local park using the identification app. This is a great way to stretch your bird knowledge beyond the maggies and the kookas.
Monday 19 October, Free Bird Walk at Huskisson: Start your Bird Count Week with the local experts on this free walk with leader and extraordinary holder of bird knowledge, Robyn Hill. Meet at 9am on the corner of Murdoch and Burrill Streets Huskisson with your hat, water, sunscreen and sandfly-proof attire. Keep your eye on the Birdlife Shoalhaven Facebook page for more free bird walks this week.
Thursday 22 October, Live Breakfast Radio Broadcast in Vincentia: Power FM’s Stolzy and Issy breakfast crew are broadcasting live from Vincentia Public School. Families and community members can watch the show live, grab a $3 P&C bacon and egg roll or coffee van drink, see a Navy helicopter, enjoy games and prizes, and hear students on air.
Friday 23 October & Saturday 24 October, Flame-Cooked Dining Returns to South Nowra: Following a short break to welcome a baby boy, the chef couple behind Old Salt Distillery are reopening their kitchen and restaurant. Enjoy flame-cooked dishes alongside house-made spirits, liqueurs, beers and tonics on Friday (2.30pm–10pm, kitchen open till 8.30pm) and Saturday (12pm–4pm, kitchen open till 3pm). Reserve a table via email at info@oldsaltdistillery.com or check current trading hours.
Saturday 24 October, Move and Unwind with Movement & Sound in Tomerong: Unwind at the Tomerong School of Arts with an evening of Conscious Dance and Sound Bathing. Reconnect with movement and soothing acoustic soundscapes in a supportive environment. Tickets are $25+bf online or cash at the door (no change).
Saturday 24 October, Family Fun at Spring into Sanctuary Point: Francis Ryan Reserve hosts the 14th annual Spring into Sanctuary Point Fair from 9am to 1pm, featuring live entertainment, stallholders, food trucks and children’s activities with lucky gate prizes. Entry is free.
Saturday 24 October, Silent Cinema with Live Piano in Kangaroo Valley: Pianist Robert Constable accompanies two 1920s Buster Keaton silent comedy films live at Kangaroo Valley Hall from 5pm. Tickets are $30 for adults and free for kids under 12.
Saturday 14 November, Get in the Spirits in Huskisson: The Huskisson Hotel hosts Spirits of Jervis Bay 2026 at White Sands Park, showcasing regional craft distillers, food pop-ups and live music from 12pm. Tickets are $22.49.
Saturday 5 December, Rock Out for a Cause in Tomerong: All-female rock band Which Witch plays their Friendsmas Party at Tomerong School of Arts from 6.30pm to 10pm in memory of late singer Deb, raising funds for breast cancer research. Tickets are $10.
