FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER: The best of Jervis Bay this November, curated just for you. Discover live music, coastal markets, gallery exhibitions, and unique local gems like Wombat Working Bees and Honey Sommelier tastings on the South Coast.
Friday 31 October, Get Your Spook On: There’s magic (and a little mischief) in the air this Halloween weekend, with our favourite local spots turning up the fright factor by the Bay. R&B meets RIP as the Huskisson Hotel transforms for a Halloween Dance & Dress-up party from 8.30pm till late, free entry. Expect live music, DJ beats and a “best dressed” competition for singles, couples and groups.
Head to Club Jervis Bay for a wicked Halloween night with the trimmings, from 5pm. There’ll be spooky Bayview dinner specials, a “best dressed” competition, and plenty of eerie fun with friends. Costumes encouraged; haunting smiles required.
For a spooky cocktail, Peter & Eva Italian Restaurant on Owen Street Huskisson, try the Morticia, a citrusy, vodka based cocktail dyed appropriately black for the occasion, $22.
Friday 31 October, Vincentia Golf Club Update: Find out the latest news in the journey of de-amalgamation for the precinct formerly known as Vincentia Golf Club, with the new organisation, Jervis Bay Community & Sports Club forming an agreement with a Shoalhaven-based building and construction company called BY Group, to be a strategic partner in the future. Read the full announcement on the JBCSC website.
Friday 31 October till 15 November, Creative Moments Exhibition: Artisanal, hand-made and traditional crafts at their best are featured in “Celebrations”, the annual exhibition and sale by the Shoalhaven Potters, the Shoalhaven Woodcraft Society and the Nowra Spinners and Weavers. Members from these organisations represent many decades of patient perfecting of their skills, sculpting, carving, weaving and more. This is always a rich showcase of handmade items and it’s tempting to take home too many of these items – they are for sale. On at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra to 15 November, demonstrations on Saturday 8 November. Entry is free.
Saturday 1 November, Free Art Workshop: Pop into the Hub for a free afternoon making artists’ books, hosted by Arts Muster promoting their competition, to make a mini book on the theme of “The Place Where I Live”. All materials and instruction will be provided from 2pm-4pm, shop 14 Vincentia Village on Burton Street. Find out more about the mini book competition on the Arts Muster website.
Saturday 1 November, Ziggy McNeill Live: The electrifying Ziggy McNeill hits the stage at Flamin Galah brew-pub at Huskisson industrial zone. Known for his high-energy acoustic sets, loop pedal wizardry, and genre-blending style, Ziggy delivers a performance that’s as captivating as it is unforgettable. The folks at the Galah say, “Whether you’re into flamenco flair, rock rhythms, or raw vocals, this is one gig you won’t want to miss.” Ziggy performs from 5.30pm.
Saturday Markets, 1 November: Start your evening on the right note at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Twilight Markets featuring a fundraising bar and live music to set the vibe, 3pm-7pm around the pond in Dent Street Huskisson.
If you prefer a morning market, head to the Milton Village Showground Markets 9am-2pm, where there’s always a huge variety of stallholders offering great produce, fashion and homewares, plants and pet products.
Saturday 1 November, Currarong Art Trail: Walk around the seaside village of Currarong this Saturday between 10am and 3pm to visit a range of artists’ open studios. Marvel at their artistry and be tempted to buy a new artwork to take home, directly supporting creatives. See who is open and how to find them on the Trail website.
Saturday 1 November, Which Witch at El Horses: Celebrate one of the longest-running all-female bands, Which Witch at El Horses in Nowra this Saturday night, and dance along to great rock covers with this four-piece band aged from 40s to 70s. There have been more than 20 female musicians who have played in the band since its inception and the talented musos rocking out prove that anyone at any age can play in a band. Tickets are $10 from El Horses, doors open at 7pm.
Sunday Markets, 2 November: Two lovely local markets are on this Sunday for you to start your morning with a coffee and a browse. The Culburra Beach Markets are on 8am till 1pm in Fred Evans Lane, and the Berry Markets at the showground are on 8am-2pm.
Sunday Sessions, 2 November: Start your musical Sunday the right way with Dave Newman at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla. It’s lounge music with Dave’s unique twist as he performs classic acoustic hits. Timed perfectly to go with lunch, from 12.30pm.
Then head to the Jervis Bay Brewing Co Taproom at 4pm for another chance to immerse yourself in the sounds of Ziggy McNeill live. A master of the loop pedal, Ziggy mixes his own virtuosic guitar playing with percussive sounds and vocals to create a captivating vibe. Sunsets are sensational at this time of year from the rooftop bar at Bannisters in Mollymook. Sit back with a cocktail and the sounds of the incredibly talented Ness Quinn from 5pm. Support the venues that support independent live music across the South Coast.
What’s On This Week
Tuesday 4 November, Tacos are Back: The Local café in Vincentia Shopping Village is serving up Taco Tuesdays again, with a variety of taco flavours including vegetarian options, margaritas and other beverages from 4.30pm till sold out. Pre-orders available.
Tuesday 4 November, Meditate in Huskisson: One Breath Evolution invites you to meditate for an hour with Jaine Alston at the Husky Community Centre from 4.30pm, $15. Jaine is an experienced holistic therapist, Reiki master and meditation teacher. Let her know you are coming, drop-ins also welcome.
Thursday 6 November, Free Ocean Film: Ocean with David Attenborough, a groundbreaking film made after seven decades of filming every aspect of the natural world, will be screening for free thanks to Husky Pictures. Reserve your free seat for the movie followed by a Q&A session, starting at 6pm. See stunning, immersive cinematography on the big screen showcasing the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen.
Friday 7 November – Sunday 9 November: Albatross Musical Theatre Co is turning 50 and to celebrate this milestone, they are going back to where it all started with a Gilbert & Sullivan Caberet show at the Nowra School of Arts, Berry Street Nowra. Tickets for the evening shows are $35, byo snacks and buy drinks (or pre-order when you buy your tickets). The Sunday matinee is $45 including Devonshire tea by the Berry CWA.
Friday 7 November, Bluegrass Duo on Tour: Tomerong Hall will be thrumming with the energetic sounds of Bluegrass from Canadian duo, Moranz & Fremlin. These dynamic multi-instrumentalists evoke a simpler ethos of “string and timber, smoke and dew, joy and sorrow, and the remembrance of all we hold most dear”. These guys are seriously talented on mandolin, banjo and guitar with soothing lyrical songs. They will be supported by Americana/folk duo, Those Folk. This performance is part of the duo’s album launch tour, tickets $30/$25+bf, doors open at 6.30pm.
Saturday 8 November, Honey Tastings: POSTPONED, stay tuned for new date soon. This is honey like you’ve never tasted before, guided by the refined tastebuds of a honey sommelier. Jess Locarnini, Australia’s only certified Honey Sommelier will be at Bay & Bush Cottages Jervis Bay to enhance a tasting of a range of local honeys, accompanied by a gourmet grazing platter and a talk about how bees and native flora shape the unique flavours of Australian honey. Tickets are $95 including a welcome drink and some honey to take home, and the experience starts at 10am in Woollamia.
Saturday 8 November, Craft Demonstrations: Head to the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra to see some captivating demonstrations of traditional crafts, part of the “Celebration” exhibition of Creative Moments, the annual joint exhibition and sale of the Shoalhaven Potters, Shoalhaven Woodcraft Society and Nowra Spinners & Weavers. Gallery opens 10am-2pm on that day and entry is free.
Saturday 8 November, Wombat Working Bee: Lend a hand to the wildlife rescue carers at Mudgeroo Wombat & Wildlife Refuge on Jervis Bay Road, Falls Creek. Assist this very special refuge with much-needed gardening, maintenance and cleaning to ensure they can continue to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife in need. Morning tea and lunch will be provided but you will need to bring garden gloves, hat and water bottle, wear old clothes, joggers or gumboots, and bring your swimmers for a dip if weather permits. Let Mudgeroo know you are coming, for catering purposes.
Plan Ahead – these things are worth waiting for
Friday 14 November, Deadline for Artists Books: Entry in the inaugural Arts Muster Mini Book Competition closes today! Deliver your Mini Book to PO Box 14, Huskisson NSW 2540 to be in the running for some creative prizes, including packs of art papers and gift vouchers from Boobook on Owen. There are categories for under-12 and under-18 entrants, who can submit one book for free. Entries in the open category are $25 each for up to 2 entries. All money raised will provide scholarships to art workshops for local high school students at the 2026 Arts Muster weekend of creativity.
Friday 14 November, Paint at the Park: Take some time for yourself and join the Art Cafe with Jen, a two-hour workshop that blends creativity with a cuppa and cake at Peckish on the Park in Nowra. Beginners and more experienced creatives are all welcome to make a unique artwork with pen and watercolour under the helpful guidance of Jenny McIntosh. Tickets are $45 or $50 with materials provided, and the class starts at 9.30am.
Saturday 15 November, Sunday 16 November and 22-23 November, Sculpture in the Valley is on over two weekends in November, enjoy a selection of indoor and outdoor sculptures. Buy a day pass for $15 (kids under 16 free) and you might even walk away with a new masterpiece for your home or garden.
Saturday 15 November, Bird Watching at Bundanon: Spend an hour on the walking tracks around the Bundanon Art Museum site with the feathery friends from BirdLife Shoalhaven. Look into the canopy and listen to the sounds of the forest as you identify some of the 400+ species of birds that call our south coast home. Bring binoculars if you have them and book online for $25/$22/$20.
Sunday 16 November, Clothes Swap: Head to Tomerong Hall at 10.30am for a community clothes swap. For $5 entry, share space on trestle tables and clean out your wardrobes. Please bring clean items in good condition. All leftover items will be donated to charity.
Sunday 16 November, Irish Music at the Brewery: The Jervis Bay Slow Sessions is on again at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co taproom, from midday till 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join in playing traditional Irish and Celtic music (sheet music is available on the day) or sit back with a drink and enjoy the jigs, reels and airs. Stay for lunch from the 5 Little Pigs food truck. These monthly gatherings are hosted by The O’Carolan Trio, who select the music and lead the group in tune learning to help beginners and more experienced players alike enjoy an afternoon of music-making in the community.
Thursday 20 November, Ecology Guest Speaker: The eradication of rodents from the iconic Lord Howe Island will be the subject of a keynote speech by Nicholas Carlile at the Shoalhaven Landcare AGM. Save the date for this fascinating talk at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum at 4pm, details of how to register will be coming soon. Nicholas has dedicated the past 30 years to ecological research in NSW and currently lives with his family on a remote forest property at Bugong, just south of Kangaroo Valley, where he indulges his love of the bush through weed management, has a passion for wine making and vintage motorcycle restoration.
Thursday 20 November, “The Hendrix of the Kora”: The South Coast is experiencing a wave of international music luminaries and Seckou Keita is one of these, bringing his exceptional mastery of the traditional kora to Berry for an unmissable performance. Dubbed “the Hendrix of the kora”, this solo show promises to be a mix of “captivating melodies, joyous rhythms, uplifting vocals and contemplative instrumentals”. This virtuosic musician from Southern Senegal has performed at WOMAD, Glastonbury, Tokyo, Chicago and now at the Berry Uniting Church Hall. Tickets are $50/$45/$25 for under-25s with ID. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Saturday 22 November, Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle: Continue your world music adventure with an intriguing performance of the Norwegian hardanger fiddle by composer-performer Benedicte Maurseth at the Bundanon Art Museum from 3pm. For this entrancing performance, she will be joined by three other musicians celebrating her new album inspired by her childhood in the northern mountains of Norway. Tickets are $75-$55 and you can add optional food and beverage.
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.
Saturday 22 November, Author Talk: Join Boobook on Owen and Darling House Café in Huskisson for a conversation with author Kate Mildenhall. Kate will speak about her gripping new novel The Hiding Place, a tale of friendship and the secrets we keep. For $15, you also get a discount on the book. Doors open 5.30pm for a 6pm start.
Thursday 27 November, Bubbles, Beers & Business: The Greenhouse co-working Space, upstairs from 5 Little Pigs café on Owen Street, Huskisson is hosting a casual networking evening for small businesses of the Bay & Basin, from 5.30pm. Meet and mingle with your peers over a charcuterie plate and a drink, create new connections and be part of a dynamic business community. Entry is free, please indicate your intention to attend via this link, and feel free to bring a plate or beverage to share.
Saturday 29 November, We Mavericks in Concert: After rave reviews of their UK and European tour, regional NSW is next on the agenda for We Mavericks, the multi-instrumentalist, songwriting sensational duo Victoria Vigenser and Lindsay Martin and their band-mates, Rachel Johnston and Trent Arkleysmith. Tickets are now on sale for an all-ages show at the Tomerong community hall on Saturday night, 29 November, doors open 6.30pm, $30/$10. If you love folk, alt-country, great storytelling lyrics and insanely talented musicians, book now. We freely admit to being groupies of these guys, so look out for our exclusive interview with We Mavericks next week, including a sneak peek at their new album.
Sunday 30 November, Artisans & Providores Market: The Huskisson Artisans Markets is bigger and better for their pre-Christmas event that will be bursting with gift ideas for your loved ones. There will be a curated pop-up art gallery called Artful Mind, plus over 40 stalls offering hand-crafted ceramics, jewellery, textiles, accessories, original framed art, providores offering fine food and wine, a special children’s gift section featuring books by local authors and delightful handmade toys. The markets occupy the entire building of the Huskisson Community Centre including the garden room and lawns accessed via the carpark. Explore the many offerings and support local artists and makers.
