FRIDAY 31 JULY: Plan your days around the Bay, from chalk pastel classes on the land at Bundanon to zesty long table dinners at the Kangaroo Valley Citrus Fest and community catch-ups in Huskisson, this weekend brings plenty of local energy to the South Coast.
Things to do Right Now
Win a meat tray tonight, Friday 31 July as you catch up on the latest news from the Jervis Bay Community & Sport Club, aka Vinnie Golf Club at “Banter & Raffle” from 5pm at Mercier’s on Currambene Street, Huskisson. While you sample the tacos and gelato, you can also meet the organisation’s new volunteer coordinator, Kerry who will be very happy to sign you up for one of the many tasks that are contributing to the future of the club.
Chalk up a landscape at Bundanon tomorrow, Saturday 1 August, on the very spot that Arthur Boyd manifested his iconic works, in an art class led by Nathan Hawkes, tickets $60/$50/$48. Nathan will guide you in your own interpretation of the landscape using chalk pastels. The class welcomes all abilities and sturdy shoes/clothing is recommended as this is an outdoor workshop, 10am-12.30pm. Check out the whole series of Artmaking at the Homestead for more events.
Answer, What does your library mean to you? as the State Library of NSW (and our very own Shoalhaven Libraries) launch the biggest-ever library membership drive. The drive is supported by the NSW Government and aims to grow library membership from 3 million NSW residents (about 40% of us) to half of us—that would be around 4.3 million people. You can read more about the membership drive campaign, or sign up to Shoalhaven Libraries to enjoy more than just borrowing books.
What Else is Happening Around the Bay & Basin
Friday 31 July–Sunday 2 August, Citrus Fest Kangaroo Valley: Workshops, dinners, tours and high tea are all on the program at Kangaroo Valley’s inaugural Citrus Fest, a celebration of all things zesty at the peak of the season. Learn how to grow and care for your trees, or how to preserve the fruit in so many delicious ways. Discover zesty cocktail ideas and join a long table dinner in the KV Hall. There are activities designed for kids as well. You can hear Angie talk about the Festival on our recent podcast.
Saturday 1 August – Sunday 2 August, South Coast Fibre Muster: Our very own Wool Road Spinners & Weavers are the hosts of this year’s South Coast Fibre Muster in the Berry School of Arts all weekend. Entry is free and you will enjoy demonstrations of fibre arts, beautiful works on display and items to buy as well including warm wearables for fingers & toes, the theme of this year’s event. Open 10am-3pm both days.
Saturday 1 August, Local Markets: Ignore the forecast of a few drizzles and head to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum’s markets by the pond, from 10am-2pm. There will be live music from the Jazz Penguins at 11am and delicious food from Smoked by Miles, Kalye Filipino and Coastal Swirls ice cream.
Further south it’s the Milton Village Showground Markets from 8.30am-1.30pm, which boasts around 100 stalls offering everything from food to fashion.
Saturday 1 August, Art Trail: Head to the seaside village of Currarong for the monthly Art Trail, a walkable route (see new map on their website) that visits the home studios of an exciting array of local artists. Our pick for this weekend is jewellery designer Sally Musset, and we admit to coveting several of her pieces combining silver and glass.
Sunday 2 August, Local Markets: Two great choices for browsing the markets this Sunday, starting with the Culburra Beach Market in the community centre on Fred Evans Lane, 8am-1pm. There will be loads of hand made and home grown items for sale, including cards and paper craft, tie-dye, crystals and gems, clothing, kids items and toys, plants, soaps and candles, decor and home furnishings, jams and preserves, and woodcraft plus great food and drinks to consume on the spot.
The Berry Markets are on in the showgrounds, 8am-2pm featuring fresh local produce and plants, unique hand crafted items and good food to eat there or take home for later.
Sunday 2 August, Tea & Tones: Steep in the sounds of the local forest and the soundscape created by music artist Scott Gillespie while you sip Oolong tea served in exquisite ceramic ware served in a meditative ceremony by Jax Wechsler at their Falls Creek property (10min drive from Huskisson or 15min from Nowra). Reserve your spot to enjoy some gentle reflection, from 1.15-3pm, $40.
Sunday Sessions, Live Music Across the South Coast: Start your live music trail on a fine Sunday at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla where, at 12.30pm local duo Amy & I, featuring Amy Smith and Simon Kinch, will set the. Vibe for a relaxed lunch. Their acoustic folk sound is perfect for a blend of favourite songs and original material on keys, guitar and vocal harmonies.
Then feel the infectious pulse of crowd favourite George Bishop, playing away the afternoon at Jervis Bay Brewing Co in Woollamia from 3pm. George is a master of one-man instrumentation and a smooth reggae sensibility.
Keep the vibe going with acoustic folk artist Alex Clark at the rooftop bar of Bannisters Pavilion in Mollymook. With her style that blends folk, country, punk, and rock, Alex will play a mix of favourite covers and originals from 5pm.
Thursday 6 August, Mid-week Mexican in Husky: Take the family to Sandbar Restaurant in Huskisson for a mid-week Mexican meal with a menu of authentic flavours to dip, wrap and share. Open 5-9pm, there are dishes suitable for gf and vegetarian.
Friday 7 August, Young Designer Entries Due: If the young designer in your life aged 5-18 is entering the poster competition for the Spring into Sanctuary Point festival, the deadline is today. The youth organisation, Firefly Bay & Basin is hosting the competition for the best poster, which will become the artwork for this year’s event. Find the entry details here.
Saturday 8 August, Walk for Women’s Safety: The 10th annual SASSI 30 fundraising walk along the Jervis Bay coastline is raising funds for domestic violence survivors in the Shoalhaven and women and children at SASSI’s crisis accommodation sites. Gather at 8am in White Sands Park for a photo-worthy mass start, then choose your distance along the route to Hyams Beach. Register now and help make our community a safer place. Keep your eye out for the annual Women’s Art Calendar 2027, for $30 with all proceeds going to the Nowra women’s refuge.
Saturday 8 August, Bangalay + Bundanon Feast: The two renowned restaurants of the South Coast are collaborating for a special evening of dining at the art museum in Illaroo, inspired by Bundanon’s current exhibition, Man on Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar. Tickets are $160 with an optional drinks package $60.
Sunday 9 August, Nowra Town Band in Performance: “Light & Heavy” is the theme for a new show by the Nowra Town Band, from 2pm. Tickets are $20/$10 cash at the door for a foot-tapping afternoon that includes a lucky door prize and refreshments.
Saturday 15 August, Record Fair in Woollamia: Coal Coast Records is teaming up with Jervis Bay Brewing Co to present Festival of Vinyl, an afternoon on crate-digging for turntable gems in every genre. DJ Dusty Knuckles will be on the decks as you flick through thousands of records, from 12-5pm.
Sunday 22 August, Tutus at Park Run: Don your finest tulle and pirouette your way around the Huskisson Park Run in honour of the double-2 date. Assemble at Moona Moona Creek Reserve at 8am for takeoff.
Plan Ahead—Two Festivals in Huskisson to Book Now
Thursday 27–Sunday 30 August, Arts Muster Festival in Huskisson: Now on sale, there are 12 two-day workshops on offer at this year’s annual Arts Muster Festival in Huskisson, $350. Each class is taught by an accomplished and generous artist, in small groups of 10 students. Try your hand at making a cloth doll or discover fleeting beauty in ephemeral art, enjoy the immediacy of pen and wash or the ancient art of shibori. See the full program of events including art-after-dark immersive cultural experiences and a community movie night to raise funds for high school student scholarships to Arts Muster workshops.
Friday 28-Sunday 30 August, Travelling Film Fest: Huskisson Pictures is the home of the Travelling Film Festival, this year showing films from a whistling competition to features with accolades from prestigious film awards such as Cannes and Sundance. An all-film pass costs $126 for all nine films or choose a flexi ticket, five films for $75.
Saturday 29 August, For Music Lovers: Celebrated young Australian soprano Arianne Ricci is performing an intimate house concert in Kangaroo Valley, including music from Handel, Mozart, Poulac and Britten. Listen to her “crystalline vocals” and engaging performance for two hours from 2.30pm, tickets are $65+bf.
Spring Events to Book Now
Sunday 13 September, Fired Up at Milk Haus: Milton’s Milk Haus restaurant and gardens is hosting two long lunches featuring the art of open fire cooking with high profile guest chefs, Colin Fassnidge and James White joining the Haus’s Nat Taylor to smoke up a delectable feast. The Saturday is already sold out, so check out the Sunday event and book soon, $175+bf includes a welcome cocktail.
