FRIDAY 1 AUGUST: As this wet weather event continues across the South Coast, we have some stellar ideas for your diaries, including lunches with live music, movies and record fairs, art shows and workshops, and wellbeing events. Keep scrolling through “this weekend” and “next week” for some ideas to “plan ahead”. If you have news about your business or event, let us know!
Vote NO this Sunday
A quick reminder to make sure all Country Club members have Sunday 3 August 10am in their diaries to vote No to a handful of resolutions at this general meeting, to enable the de-amalgamation of the two clubs to go ahead and a new independent club in Vincentia to be established. Please leave extra time for your drive to Sanctuary Point due to road works on the Wool Road. See you there.
What’s On This Weekend 1-3 August
Apply Now: the Huskisson Artisans Markets are calling for applications from stallholders for their next event on Sunday 24 August. If you are a local artist, craftsperson or artisanal food/beverage producer, you can apply online for a stall at the Huskisson Community Centre, hosted by Arts Muster. Applications close on 8 August, table fees start at $50.
Friday 1 August, Jervis Bay Brewing Co presents “Woollamia Art Troupe”, an exhibition featuring several “very local” artists, Friday 1 August from 6pm. With Artwork by Alfie Campion, Clayton Campion, Kell Hooper, Vee Spice, Margot Curtis, John Brown, Judy Brown, Scott Sheehan, Bob Duff and our resident curator & artist Randall Sinnamon. And special guest Pat Campion. Exhibition to be opened by Marlon Campion. Music by Morrie Dank, Greg Reeves, and others.
Saturday 2 August, the Festival of Vinyl returns to the Jervis Bay Brewing Co from midday till 5pm, flick through crates of records from every genre, enjoy the sweet spinning sounds of real vinyl by DJ Dusty Knuckles and bag some collectibles.
Saturday 2 August, it’s the Currarong Art Trail, a walkable route between artists’ open studios in this charming seaside village, from 10am-2pm. Support local artists, discover their unique processes and materials, and buy your new favourite work of art to take home.
Sunday 3 August, The Great White Whale movie is back by popular demand, returning to Husky Pictures on Sunday 3 August at 2.30pm. This is an amazing tale of Australian heroes being the first to climb Big Ben on Heard island in Antarctica, by award-winning filmmaker Michael Dillon who has worked with Sir Edmund Hillary, among many others. Check out the film’s trailer and buy your tickets at the box office in the foyer.
Sunday 3 August, the Dog’s Day Out at Nowra Showground has been postponed due to the wet weather, with a new date planned on 31 August. We have the details below in the “plan ahead” section of this story.
Sunday 3 August offers up a sensational selection of Sunday Sessions live music at venues across the South Coast. Here’s a few of our top picks:
Mountain Ridge Wines: dine to the sounds of Polly Hazleton at this picturesque estate in Coolangatta, from midday. Singer/songwriter Polly takes you on a poetic musical journey through real-life situations, inspired by her own rollercoaster childhood and teen/adult life. Book a table for lunch or enjoy a wine tasting.
Cupitt’s Estate: start your live music Sunday in Ulladulla with the lounge sounds of Dave Newman, a perfect accompaniment to a casual lunch in the Wine Garden, from 12.30pm. Dave’s warm vocals and familiar songbook with his own twist creates a relaxing vibe for everyone.
Flamin Galah: Blessie Pica is a dynamic Filipino-Australian entertainer, singer-songwriter, blending acoustic R&B, pop, soul, and jazz. Bliss out with Blessie in the beer garden from 3pm, happy hour 3-4pm.
Jervis Bay Brewing Co: Local musician, the critically acclaimed Paul Greene is serenading your Sunday from 3pm with his stomping blues, swirling harmonica and gift for storytelling through song.
Bannisters Pavilion Rooftop: with happy hour from 4pm-6pm and live music from 5pm-8pm, the rooftop is the sundowner location of choice on Sundays. This Sunday, enjoy the sounds of Dylan & Jayme.
What’s On Next Week
Tuedays from 5 August till 21 October: Free wildlife art workshops are on offer to the community at the Vincentia Matters Hub (shop 14, Burton Street Shopping Village), thanks to a group of local artists. Each Tuesday throughout August, September and October from 3pm till 4.30pm, participants will be offered art making materials and guidance from a local artist. You can see the full program of workshops, the participating artists and information on how to sign up for free, on the Vincentia Matters Facebook (events) page. Or email Dr Vanessa Barbay, laomedia@gmail.com to register for a class.
Tuesday 5 August, Meditate in Huskisson. Join a Tuesday evening one-hour guided meditation with Jaine Alston at the Huskisson Community Centre, starting Tuesday 5 August at 6pm. Jaine is an experienced meditation guide, reiki master and holistic therapist. Please reserve your place by contacting jaine@one-breath-evolution.com or 0406 310 660 and pay $15 at the door.
Friday 8 August, Birds of a Feather is a new art exhibition by Shoalhaven artists at The Common South Coast in Culburra. Inspired by the bird life in the area, 17 artists present new works for sale. Come along to opening night and meet the artists at 6pm on Friday 8 August.
Saturday 9 August, SAHSSI Fundraiser, take part in a walk to raise funds and awareness for the Nowra Women’s Refuge. Register online and find out about the walking route around the Jervis Bay coastline.
Saturday 9 August, Indigenous Peoples Films. Celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Saturday 9 August at Husky Pictures with a special screening of films curated by Canadian First Nations filmmakers with direct links to the Shoalhaven’s First Nations Communities. Yuin elder Uncle Gerry Moore OAM will offer a very special welcome to country and the films will screen from 2pm, followed by afternoon tea around 4pm. Tickets are $15/$40 for a family of four. This event is produced by the Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival.
Saturday 9 August & Sunday 10 August, Bonsai Workshop. Book in for this two-day hands-on workshop to learn the art of tiny tress from bonsai master, Mason Keene at Bonsai on the Bay in Woollamia. If you have ever wanted to discover the magic behind these artfully twisted living sculptures, then a weekend with Mason is the best way to do it. The $500 fee (or $450 ea if you bring a friend) includes everything you need for your bonsai as well as lunch, refreshments and drinks around the fire to wind down in the evening.
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August, Carnival Concerts. Two very special concerts with “carnival” themes are coming up at Ulladulla Civic Centre. A special kids’ concert on Saturday 9 August will feature music of the circus, free entry and starting at 11am. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite carnival character – think, clowns, acrobats and circus animals – as the Milton Ulladulla String Orchestra (MUSO) explores the instruments of an orchestra. This concert promises to be fun for kids of all ages.
Then on Sunday 10 August, the MUSO will present Carnevale, a concert of orchestral music that evokes carnivals of the world – think, Venice, Cirque du Soliel, Send in the Clowns. Entry is by donation at the door or prior donation online, with all funds helping to support this vibrant community orchestra.
Saturday 9 August, support sustainable fashion and browse the pre-loved clothing market in Sussex Inlet, outside Coves Boutique on Jacobs Drive from 11am. The organisers say there will be affordable options for everyone plus a swap stall where you can give something to take something.
PLAN AHEAD – GREAT IDEAS TO BOOK NOW
Monday 11 to Saturday 16 August, Science Week at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. “Tiny Worlds, Big Fun” is the theme for this year’s Science Week events at the JBMM, with a great program of activities and events. One of the highlights is TikTok Science phenomenon, Dr Walt Carrol (@oneminmicro) delving into our micro world – analysing everything from toothbrushes to toilet water, making tiny details and creatures of the world a big deal! From 12pm Saturday 16 August. Tickets $8 Per adult, kids under-16 free. Make sure to check out the full program!
Friday 15 August, get your tickets to a very special performance at El Horses in Nowra. Sydney based double bassist and composer Max Alduca presents his debut album Monastery drawing inspiration from a personal journey through music and spirituality, reflecting themes of interconnectedness, trust, and hope, while also paying homage to his teachers and collaborators. Tickets are $30+bf and the music starts at 7pm.
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, another Bonsai Workshop weekend with Mason Keene at Bonsai on the Bay in Woollamia, $500 fee (or $450 ea if you bring a friend) includes everything you need for your bonsai as well as lunch, refreshments and drinks around the fire to wind down in the evening.
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August, Arts Muster Weekend Workshops in Huskisson: There are 10 wonderful arts and crafts workshops in Huskisson over the weekend of 23-24 August, including fabric brooch wearable art, coastal macrame wallhangings, indigo dyeing, pastel drawing and felt sculptures. Some classes are filling up fast so check out the full program on their website and sign up soon. Prices range from $80-$290.
Sunday 24 August, Swordfish Brewing in Sussex Inlet is hosting its third annual Winemakers Dinner with Corang Estate, starting with wine tastings from 2pm inside the brewery and dinner from 5pm. Book in for your choice of a $48 two-course or $60 three-course dinner paired with Corang Wines.
Friday 29 to Sunday 31 August, Huskisson Travelling Film Festival is on again. This is the country’s longest-running film festival that showcases Australian and international features, documentaries, and short films in regional Australia. See the program and plan your viewing, here. Tickets are $15 per film, $117 for a 9-film subscription or $70 for a flexipass that lets you choose any 5 films.
Saturday 30 August, Berry-based artist Penny Craig is offering a workshop in how to use materials and equipment commonly found in the kitchen to make interesting art prints. Spend the afternoon from 1pm using materials such as tinfoil and candles to unleash your creativity, $55+bf.
Sunday 31 August, Dogs Day Out will be yapping it up in the Nowra Showground, from 10am-3pm with free entry, free parking and loads of things to sniff including stalls with gear and treats for dogs and their hoomans, cutest puppy, best dressed and racing competitons and so much more. Help to support pet rescue organisations too, on the day.
Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September, Yoga Retreat. With two weekend retreats sold out and more inquiries coming in, yoga nidra practitioner Tash Pinter has secured another weekend, 12-14 September at Paperbark Camp for a retreat that focuses on “deep rest”. Tash and her collaborators, including body work expert, Tahlia Seinor, will guide their guests through a series of sessions that will take advantage of the body’s natural tendencies to rest and hibernate during the cooler months to emerge refreshed with the spring. Express interest in attending and find more information at Tash’s website. Read our interview with Tash for more insight into what’s on offer.
Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October, 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. Super early bird tickets are available till the end of July for $150 (12-17s are $50), which is a whopping $40 off the gate price. 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.
