FRIDAY 5 SEPTEMBER: We’ve got great ideas for your leisure time from community events, markets, art workshops and shows, film festivals and more in our seaside villages of Jervis Bay and around the South Coast.
Funds for Community Club: Firstly, for people keen to see the former Vincentia Golf Club reinvigorated as a truly community-focused club, there is now a chance to donate to a fundraiser to help get the de-amalgamation and re-launch over the line. The Jervis Bay Community & Sports Club says: “Our goal is to create a multi-sports facility; a gathering place with hospitality services for functions and community celebrations; work training programs for young people, and a beautiful green space providing haven for Shoalhaven flora and fauna.” Every dollar will help to realise this vision.
THIS WEEKEND
Friday 5 September till 23 November, A Presence: See this short film, offering a unique insight into the unacknowledged grace and reverence of young people as they explore nature, creativity, and culture within their communities. Produced by Beyond Empathy and screening in the theatrette at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, entry $12.50.
Saturday 6 September, Japan Art Fest: Head to Ulladulla this Saturday for the South Coast Japan Art Festival, from 9am-4pm at the Ulladulla Civic Centre. See demonstrations of traditional Japanese arts such as ikebana, kintsugi and basket weaving, performances such as the taiko drum, and browse around many beautiful displays and stalls. Free entry, or book into a workshop experience, from $10-$60. See the program online or book into a workshop.
Saturday 6 September, Currarong Art Trail: The walkable trail of open studios around the seaside village of Currarong is on from 10am till 2pm this Saturday. Meet the artists, discover their materials and processes, marvel at their talents, and buy your next favourite artwork directly from the creator. Details of open studios are on the Trail website.
Saturday 6 September, Maritime Markets, Milton Markets: From 10am-3pm, the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum markets sprawls around the grounds and the pond down by the creek in Huskisson. Browse the stalls, take a peek at a historic lighthouse, and wander through the mangroves along the boardwalk.
Further south, the Milton Showground markets are also on this Saturday morning, from 9.30am-2.30pm. Dozens of stalls to browse, and decent weather for the first time in a few months.
Saturday 6 September, Music at Cambewarra Estate: Let Dan Challis serenade you over lunch in the vineyard at Cambewarra Estate in Bangalee, from 12.30pm. Book a table online to enjoy singer/songwriter, perfomer and guitar teacher Dan, who is a South Coast local fave.
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.
Sunday 7 September, Culburra Beach Markets, Berry Markets: This lovely community market will be on from 8am till 2pm in Fred Evans Lane, organised by the Nowra Makers Markets.
Or head to the Berry Showgrounds for fresh local produce and plants, unique hand crafted items, good food and a buzzing atmosphere, from 8am-2pm.
Sunday Sessions, 7 September: Support the venues supporting live music this Sunday. Start at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla for lunch time music by beloved South Coast locals, Richard & The Lionhearts who play crowd-pleasing tunes with infectious energy and feel-good vibes. Then head to the Jervis Bay Brewing Co beer garden in Woollamia for raucous stomping blues and swirling harmonica from Paul Greene at 3pm. For sunset sounds, head to the rooftop at Bannisters in Mollymook for a cocktail sundowner and the sounds of Lux Trevis.
THIS WEEK
Monday 8 September, Threatened Species Talk: Join Shoalhaven Landcare at the Nowra Library for some talks on two of our iconic Threatened Species to celebrate Threatened Species Day on Monday 8 September from 5.30pm. Local herpetologist and fan of the Broad-headed Snake -Jack Hinde, will be coming to talk about the elusive and beautiful Broad-headed snakes in the Shoalhaven. Jack will be joined by Greg Thompson who will be talking to us about the initiatives happening in Kangaroo Valley supporting the locally native threatened Glossy Black Cockatoos. Book a seat to this free event online.
Tuesday 9 September, Free Wildlife Art Workshop: Come along to a free art workshop provided by local artists on Tuesdays through till October. Samantha Tannous will show you how to make a Spider Book 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.
Read our interview with filmmaker/poet/musician Richard Frankland, whose short film “No Way to Forget” will be screened at the festival.
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, Papua New Guinea Celebration: Anyone who has spent time in PNG or is interested in PNG is welcome to attend an evening of celebration to mark 50 years of independence for the nation. Organiser Rosalie Wood says, “Since moving to JB 12 years ago, lots of people I’ve encountered have spent time in PNG, whether in banks, schools, missions, public service, businesses, mines, trades, recreation etc. I’m really looking forward to hearing about the times and places and memories that people have. And finding out who was actually in the same place & time, but didn’t realise it!”
From 5pm at the Huskisson Community Centre, come along to meet others with connections to PNG, share stories and learn of others’ experiences. Bring along some photos and memorabilia, BYO food and drinks (tea & coffee provided), and make a gold coin donation at the door to contribute to the hall hire. Enquiries to Rosalie Wood on 0412 297 435.
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, Mini Book Art Workshop: Arts Muster is running a competition for the best mini artists books on the theme, “The Place Where I Live” and is hosting a workshop to encourage people of all ages to make an artist’s book. Come along at 12pm to The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia shopping village, $5 at the door, all materials provided. To register, email hello@artsmuster.com.au. Drop ins are welcome.
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.
Sunday 21 September, Irish Slow Sessions: Gather at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co beer garden for an afternoon playing Irish music such as jigs, airs and reels. Bring your instrument, your voice or your ears and enjoy the vibe of this casual gathering of people who love Irish music. There will be harps, fiddles, bodhrans, banjos, whistles, harmonicas, mandolins, flutes and more! From midday till 2.30pm, all welcome.
Thursday 25 September, Biz Networking: Come along to the Greenhouse co-working space in Huskisson for a casual evening with Bay & Basin business owners and operators. Enjoy an after-work drink, a nibble and great conversation with your peers from 5.30pm. Register for this free event online.
Friday 26 September, Oyster Time: Jim Wild’s Oysters will be the host for a “More Than Lunch” lunch, organised with the Shoalhaven Food Network. This event will include demonstrations and talks, tastings and a sensational long-table lunch, a cash bar and lucky door prizes. Book your seat for $120 now.
Friday 26 September to Sunday 28 September, Culburra beach Festival: Save the date for this popular community-run local festival of live music, food stalls, cafe trails, art exhibits, kids’ activities, surf competitions and more. Tickets are $40/$80 and available now online.
Saturday 27 September, Sculptures Sips & Sounds: Willinga Park in Bawley Point is hosting a free monthly event series, Sculptures, Sips & Sounds from September till December. Enjoy live performances, curated art, and great food from the Bunker Café, catered by Killara Catering, with a bar open throughout the day. Bring a picnic rug, bring your friends, or come solo, but please book a free ticket to help with planning and catering. Choose your dates and book online now.
Friday 3 October, Snugglepot School Holiday Fun: The gumnut babies, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie will be making a special appearance at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum in time for the school holidays. This theatrical experience is a ticketed event, book your places online for $27/$17 to see the gumnut babies and friends.
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.
