FRIDAY 1 MAY: Saturday marks a rare chance to step inside the private workspaces of our regional makers during the Currarong Art Trail and Artfulmind Gallery Shop. As the week continues, the focus shifts to Sussex Inlet for a powerful day of First Nations storytelling on the big screen, offering a deeper connection to the stories that shape our coast. Plus hot tickets in the Autumn Celebration of Food.
Things to Do Right Now
May is the month of mothers, especially the Mother’s Day Classic which raises vital funds for women’s cancer research. Led by Justine Bryce at Husky Bakery, the fundraising team were hard working again this morning at a special Morning Tea, selling raffle tickets and enjoying fluffy scones and tea in beautiful cups with around 40 local supporters. Last week’s movie night was a huge success, with more than 120 people gathering at Husky Pictures.
There’s still plenty of time to make a contribution to the effort – the team shared that last year they were just shy of their $40k target and this year, they want to stretch that goal to $50k. You can help them reach that goal by purchasing some raffle tickets (pop into Husky Bakery on Currambene Street), signing up for the fun run (or wander), make a donation online, and local businesses are invited to a casual networking evening, Bubbles Beers & Business at the Greenhouse later this month to really ratchet up the donations. You can register for a free ticket to the Greenhouse event online, then come along to the co-working space upstairs from 5 Little Pigs from 5.30pm on Thursday 28 May. See you there!
For more Mother’s Day ideas, including great gift ideas that personify the Coast, read today’s story by Narrell Tabone.
It’s Festival Season in Full Swing
Friday 1 May-Sunday 3 May, Jazz in Milton: The second annual Milton Folk Jazz and Blues Festival will be a celebration of music, community and culture. The festival weaves through Milton town and its parks, pubs and establishments over three days, including 70 free performances at over 20 venues throughout the town. See the program and make your plans.
Friday 1 May-Sunday 3 May, Oyster Road Trip: It’s the annual Narooma Oyster Festival weekend a bit further down the coast featuring a full weekend of celebrations centred around the rock oyster. Taste creations by talented chefs while enjoying entertainment from musicians, dancers and of course, foodie demonstrations and shucking classes. Many packages are selling our fast so investigate the program and the ticketing options, from $45+bf for general admission on the Saturday, and plan your trip to the oyster celebration of the year.
Friday 1 May-Monday 16 June, Foodie Festivities: The annual Autumn Celebration of Food has launched the major dining events in the 2026 program, with fanfare for the team at Shoalhaven Food Network and its members at a special launch this week. The seven-week foodie extravaganza includes hatted chefs, special locations, street festivals, and more. See our story on the hot tickets on sale now.
What Else is Happening Around the Bay
Friday 1 May, Tai Chi Tonight: Join tai chi and qigong practitioners, Joanne Fabri and Lu Jin for a guided session of connected practices under the illuminating Flower Moon, at the Huskisson Community Centre from 5.30pm. The session will include grounding and healing practices to foster authentic expression and meaningful connection, flowing into a tai chi and qigong practice (including lying down meditation, bring a mat). Tickets are $45+bf.
Saturday 2 May, Learn to Paint Still Life: Manyana-based artist Wilma Southern will teach an art class, Contemporary Flower Painting, hosted by the Shoalhaven Art Society. In this full-day workshop, Wilma will show you how to layer colour with fearless energy to move beyond the traditional still life format. Book online for $90/$80 includes morning tea, at The Hub, shop 14 Vincentia Village on Burton Street.
Saturday 2 May, Support Local Artists: Hit the Currarong Art Trail from 10am and meet the local artists along this walkable section of seaside village. Marvel at their talent and perhaps even take home your new favourite work.
In Erowal Bay, The Artfulmind Gallery/Shop is open from 11am-4pm curated by Dr Natalie McDonagh and representing 23 artists. You will find many works priced under $100 so everyone can afford to acquire a beautiful new hand-made work of art. Natalie has curated textiles, wearables, wall-hung work and ceramics, among this iteration of the gallery shop. Email Natalie to let her know you are coming and she will send you the details of how to get there. Also open on Saturday 9 May and Saturday 16 May.
Saturday 2 May, Local Markets: Mornings by the pond are made even better with the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Markets on from 10am. Enjoy live acoustic music from The Freewheelers duo Janeta & Tony from 11am-1pm, sample delicious Filipino BBQ from Kalye Filipino, and coffee from Four Feet Espresso will keep you going as you browse among the stalls.
Further south it’s the Milton Village Showground Markets from 8.30am-1.30pm featuring over 100 stalls with everything from fresh produce to fashion. While you’re there, pop in to the Millhouse Gallery where the Autumn show is now on display, with wall hung art as well as cards and gifts, childrens’ books, woven baskets and hand-painted journals.
Saturday 2 May-Sunday 3 May, Women’s & Children’s Wear Sale: Popping up in Huskisson for two mornings only, locally designed Frank Rae and Len & Co clothing will be hosting a warehouse sale at Merciers Gelato on Currambene Street, 8am-12pm each day.
Sunday 3 May, Culburra Local Market: Head beach-side for the monthly Culburra community markets, from 8am-1pm on Fred Evans Lane, featuring hand-made and home-grown stalls from local makers.
Also on Sunday the Berry Markets from 8am-2pm in the Showgrounds, a great location to wander and shop for goodies, including more than 50 food, produce and beverage stallholders.
Thursday 7 May, First Nations Films in Sussex: The Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival is coming to Sussex Inlet Cinema, with a great day of films screening across three sessions. There’s a morning session for primary school students starting with a screening of Like My Brother and including lunch and a cultural experience by Gadhungal Marring, which is put on free thanks to the Sussex Inlet Chamber of Commerce and Neighbourhood Centre. The afternoon screening, from 1.30pm and costing $25 includes two films, afternoon tea and a cultural experience. The evening screening is from 4.30pm, $25 including a drink and cheese platter. Find out more from the SFNFF social page. Read our story about a free smartphone filmmaking workshop.
Thursday 7 May-Thursday 3 September, Winter in Sussex: Check out the program of events specially designed to pep up your winter days in the seaside town of Sussex Inlet, starting with the Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival (see below) and including comedy nights, live music, and the highly anticipated annual Viking Festival on the long weekend Saturday 6 June. The full winter program is available to download.
Thursday 7 May, Writers Group: Shoalhaven Libraries is hosting a new Writers’ Group on the first and third Thursdays, from today. If you are working on a story, poem, novel, memoir, or anything in between, register your interest in joining a relaxed, casual group of local writers who want to connect, share ideas, and support each other on their writing journeys. Seasoned writers and beginners are welcome at Nowra Library, 3pm-5pm. Register your interest in this free group to LibraryMedia@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.
Thursday 7 May, Student Takeover at Sandbar: Show your support for the next generation of hospo talent, buy a ticket to the Gaining Through Training special dinner at Huskisson’s Sandbar Restaurant, from 6pm, with eight local students running the show for the night, $85. Read more about this jewel in the Autumn Celebration of Food program in our story.
Saturday 9 May, Post-punk in Sussex: Jervis Bay’s own post-punk band, Living With Ghosts will be the support act for high-energy rock-n-roll band C.O.F.F.I.N (which stands for Children of Finland Fighting in Norway) at the Sussex Inlet Tavern, kicking off at 8pm. Tickets for this event, which promises to send you into a joyful, hip-shaking groove, are $35.
Sunday 10 May, Mother’s Day Classic: One for your diary: the annual Mother’s Day Classic, the nationwide event that raises funds for breast and ovarian cancer research, is turning 10 in Huskisson this year. There will be 3km, 5km or 10km walks/ runs as well as family-friendly events in and around White Sands Park. Get in early, register your participation and start hitting up your family and friends for support.
Sunday 10 May, Street Festival in Kangaroo Valley: It’s an all-day affair for the Kangaroo Valley Street Beats and Eats,part of this year’s Autumn Celebration of Food across the Shoalhaven. From 9am till 4pm, local food vendors will offer specially created delights such as Mexican fare from The Valley Table, canapes and sparkly from Caterina, and authentic hand-made Nepalese momo (dumplings) from the team at Valley Bliss café. Plus music and entertainment, a bake sale at the preschool, and more.
Sunday 10 May, Mums’ Yoga Special: A special 2-hour yin yoga class is the perfect way to commemorate the mother figures in our lives. Guided by Mary Basler, slow down and work with your heart meridian, which governs love, joy and connection, and the lung meridian which handles grief, letting go and self-protection. Held in the Melaleuca venue at Worrowing Farm, the session starts at 3pm and is $45.
Plan Ahead — Get Out Your Diary
Wednesday 13 May, Author Talk at Boobook: Witness the sparks in conversation between authors Ali Lowe, a former journalist and now bestselling author of domestic thrillers packed with secrets, scandals and twists, and Kate Horan, who writes twisty, suspenseful stories about people with dark secrets. Thanks to indie bookseller, Boobook on Owen, these two acclaimed Australian authors will be joined by moderator and author, Maxine Fawcett. For $15, this promises to be an intriguing evening, at Darling House Deli from 5.30pm, on Owen Street Huskisson.
Thursday 14 May, Let’s Laugh Again: The Melbourne International Comedy Festival on tour is coming to the Country Club at St Georges Basin, bringing epic comedy vibes to the auditorium from 7.30pm. With five comics over two hours, you will surely get the good laugh we all need right now. Tickets are from $49 and there’s individual seating or table bookings available.
Saturday 16 May, Reggae Fest is Back: The annual rasta groove and bonfire is on again at The Friendly Inn in Kangaroo Valley. Gates open at 2pm for the Kangaroo Valley Reggae Festival, with music running through to midnight. Festival-goers can enjoy Jamaican street eats, smoked BBQ, market stalls, workshops and kids’ activitiesm making it a genuine all-ages event. Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for teenagers and free for children under 12. Book online and see the full lineup of musicians including The Strides, Sub-Tribe and Michael St George.
Saturday 23 May, Dust off your Tartans: There’s no better time of year than almost-winter to dress in Highland finery to attend the Berry Celtic Festival. The highlight is undoubtedly the street parade which steps off at 9.30am in the main street, with pipe bands, community groups, entertainers and jousting horses making their way to the showground, followed by a massed band performance of 12 pipe bands and the “Call to Pipers” contingent. Pipers will be gathering from across the district, to add to the spectacle. Tickets are $20+bf for general admission and kids under 15 are free.
Sunday 24 May, Spectacular Native Gardens: One of the best-kept secrets of our region is the Shoalhaven Heads Native Botanic Garden, which is holding its annual Open Day, bbq and plant sale, in conjunction with Botanic Gardens Week. Spend some time meandering through the green space, learn about the plants from the labels and meet some of the volunteers who keep this treasure thriving for our community.
Sunday 24 May, Morning Tea Ceremony in the Forest: Experiencea nourishing Sunday morning of tea, live improvised music, and nature on a beautiful private property just 10 minutes from Huskisson. This intimate experience brings together a Zen style tea ceremony served by Jax Wechsler, alongside live improvised soundscapes by Scott Gillespie, starting at 10.30am. Spend two hours sipping delicious oolong tea, served in exquisite ceramic ware, and steeping in the sounds. Tickets are $40+bf.
Thursday 28 May, Meet Your Peers: Bubbles Beers & Business is on at the Greenhouse co-working space from 5.30pm where you can meet and mingle with your fellow business owner from the Bay & Basin while enjoying the sunset over Huskisson. Reserve your free ticket and come up the stairs (between 5 Little Pigs and Weekend boutique on Owen Street) to enjoy the friendly and inspiring catch-up. This month’s gathering is brought to you by the Mothers’ Day Classic and Husky Bakery, raising vital funds for cancer research.
Saturday 30 May, Make Pasta – Kids and Adults Options: The pasta experts in the heart of Huskisson, Pasta Buoy are inviting you behind the scenes to help make fresh pasta, with a kids’ event starting at 10.30am, $45 and adults’ session at 2pm, $89. Roll up your sleeves and roll out the pasta sheets in this hands-on event that includes some delicious pasta and sauce to take home.
Saturday 30 May, Dolphin Count: Coastal communities along the NSW coast will take part in the first NSW Dolphin Census, a statewide citizen science event to help map where dolphins are found across our coastline, bays and estuaries. Register with Marine Mammal Research Jervis Bay to find out more about getting involved in this vital research for our coastal ecology.
