It’s so close to silly summer season, school holidays and of course, Santa day itself. We have a full calendar for you this week, and a few choice events in the future that you will need to book now. Read on! Click the links in the text for more details. And don’t forget to enter our “Sample Summer” competition.
Win with Jervis Bay Weekend magazine
Enter here, to win over $1000 in gift vouchers from Jervis Bay businesses. Entries close Monday 15 January. Oh, did we mention the prize also includes a pair of luxe beach towels featuring our cheeky tagline, “Get Away With Everything”!
More Santa Stuff
Basin View Santa Run and Community BBQ, with the NSW Rural Fire Service Basin View Brigade, tours around the neighbourhood on Saturday 16 December spreading cheer and encouraging you to join their sausage sizzle and entertainment from 4.30pm at the Basin View boat ramp.
A late-night Christmas Market in Milton is worth a visit this Thursday 14 December from 5-7pm, with Bar Yuki from 7pm and live music through the street.
Nature’s Fireworks
Limited places are left to see the spectacular meteor shower, The Geminids, with our very own local astronomer, Jervis Bay Stargazing, this weekend. See their Facebook page for updates on the after-dark sky action, and book online.
If you can’t make it this time, read more about the stargazing experience in our latest story.
Christmas Citizen Science
Did you count the birds back in October? Now it’s time to count the beetles – Christmas beetles to be exact, and contribute your data to the Christmas Beetle Count. Check out the link to find the app for recording your beetle sightings, and to find out why we need to count them.
Family entertainment with a difference
Enjoy a whip-cracking good time for the whole family with a display by Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs – he’s a Guinness world record holder. Free entry and pass the hat for a gold coin contribution, from 7.30pm on 20 December, at JB Holiday Park.
Summer Art to buy and paint
Learn to paint a beautiful angel fish with expert guidance from watercolour artist Hilary Haynes. At the Friday Studio in Ulladulla, Thursday afternoon 21 December. Buy your ticket.
Browse and buy art and craft from local artists and artisans at the Callala Bay Community Centre from Wednesday to Thursday 20-23 December, 9-3 daily. Support local artists and buy a unique gift for a loved one this Christmas.
Live Music
The Voice favourite Liam Maihi is performing at Wild Ginger from 1pm on Saturday 16 December. Cocktails are recommended while bookings are essential.
Kick back on the deck with a summer cocktail at Serotonin on Currambene this Friday 15 December for singer songwriter Dan Challis from 5pm.
Flamin Galah’s summer live music program is delivering local artists with upbeat tunes this weekend, with Gaby Bonelo from 5.30pm Friday 15 December and Blake Cateris from 4.30pm Saturday 16 December. Book your table online.
Sunday Sessions at Jervis Bay Brewing Co this weekend 16 December features local fave muso Will Chittick in the Taproom. Try one of the ‘new summer’ cocktail range, developed with the south coast’s own Tara Gin Distillery, while sampling the ‘new summer’ menu from the 5 Little Pigs food truck.
Mid week treat
Book now for Taco & Tequila Tuesday at Culburra Beach’s Mexican cantina, Loco Lane open from 5pm.
Monday nights are more fun – especially for hospo workers – now that Flamin Galah is now open for drinks and food from midday till 8pm. Don’t forget to book a perch to avoid disappointment.
Vote for Beer
It’s time to choose your favourite child – well, up to 5 craft beers – to nominate in the annual GABS Hottest 100 Craft Beer Poll. We are spoiled for choice here on the South Coast – if you need help creating a tasting journey, the South Coast Ale Trail has you covered. Vote before midnight on Sunday 14 January. That gives you approximately a month to complete the task. Get on it.
Community
Find out how to help older members of our communities stay connected at a special pop-up session hosted by the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra at Vincentia shopping village on Burton Street, 10.30am Wednesday 20 December. This free event will cover a friendship program and social groups along with care finder and help at home.
Plan ahead
Tickets to popular Milton Theatre shows sell out quickly, check out these great shows now on sale, coming up in February 2024, The Dreggs on Thursday 8 Feb and Dan Sultan on Thurday 29 Feb, see their website for more details and bookings.