FRIDAY 15 AUGUST: Take a steam train to Berry, join an Irish Session or a wildlife art class – both free – or try your hand at bonsai. Plus art shows, more live music and some unique dining events. Find out what’s on in Jervis Bay and the South Coast.
Firstly, we are happy to report some great news for community groups: The Hub at Vincentia Shopping Village will continue to be available as a venue for meetings, workshops and social gatherings thanks to a generous arrangement between Vincentia Matters and the village property managers, Mintus. Thank you to both organisations for providing this valuable community resource. For inquiries and bookings, email bookingsvcch@gmail.com for availability and (very affordable) prices.
THIS WEEKEND
Friday 15 August till Sunday 17 August, Art in Vincentia: A group of local Jervis Bay artists is displaying and selling their work at The Hub in Vincentia shopping village this weekend, with a range of original artworks, textile works and greeting cards. Pop in and meet the makers and enjoy the variety of talent among our community.
Friday 15 August till 31 August, Art in Bangalee: local artist Liz Skewes has a new exhibition of Australian landscapes at Cambewarra Estate in Bangalee, “A Quiet Reflection”. Liz’s works offer gentle reflections on place, memory, and environmental fragility. These reverent works remind us that while nature is bountiful and magical, it is not limitless.
Friday 15 August through September, Art in Culburra: Birds of a Feather is an 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, through till September. Visit in the evening Thursday through Sunday for a cocktail, Penguin Head beer and a casual bite to eat.
Friday 15 August, Double Bass at El Horses: 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 August and Sunday 17 August, Nostalgic Travel: Steam trains are running from Bomaderry to Berry this weekend in a rare opportunity to experience the romance of travel from the days of yore. Reserve a compartment for 6 for $192 in a beautifully restored former NSW Government Railway carriage, or travel solo $39 behind the 108-year-old former express locomotive 3526 along the South Coast line. There are four departure times on Saturday and Sunday for the 50-minute round trip, between 9.05am and 3pm. Dress up, BYO snacks and soft drinks (no alcohol permitted) and enjoy the scenery.
Sunday 17 August, Irish Slow Sessions: Enjoy traditional Irish music at Slow Sessions Jervis Bay, from 3-5pm at Sandbar Restaurant in Huskisson. This is a casual gathering of musicians, all are welcome including beginners, and sheet music and lyrics are available on the day. Play along with mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, fiddles, bodhráns, harmonicas, harps and more. Why not stay for dinner, Chef Jason Wilkinson is offering a main meal and a Kilkenny for $35.
Sunday 17 August, More Sunday Sessions: If you love live music, our picks for winding down your weekend with a chill vibe start at Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla, where our favourite lounge music performer, Dave Newman will be strumming along with your lunch from 12.30pm. If your vibe is more roots and blues, head to Jervis Bay Brewing Co from 3pm to see Cameron Little, a local singer/songwriter who is known for his work in The Vanns band. For a sunset vibe, head to Bannisters Pavilion Rooftop bar in Mollymook, where Three Hours South will be serenading you as you sip on a cocktail from 5pm.
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, Bonsai Workshop: Spend a 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. Check their website for more workshops dates.
Saturday 16 August, Dining at Bundanon: indulge in an intimate dining event at Bundanon Art Museum as Old Salt Distillery teams up with Ramox Café & Restaurant for a Twilight Feast, from 5.30pm. Start with cocktails around the fire pits and progress through to dessert. Limited places are available for $120 for a three-course meal and add $60 for drinks pairing, or buy drinks at the bar.
THIS WEEK
Tuesday 19 August, Wildlife Art Workshops: Free workshops are happening at The Hub in Vincentia shopping village every Tuesday till October, with local artists sharing their skills and anyone can come along and make some art. This coming Tuesday it’s Eucalyptus Leaf painting. Create a colourful leaf painting in acrylics on paper. All materials are provided at the session, 3-4.30pm. Register your interest in attending via laomedia@gmail.com, drop-ins are welcome.
PLAN AHEAD
Thursday 21 August, Conscious Dance: Dance Tribe South Coast is hosting a night of conscious dance and sound healing, from 7pm in Tomerong Hall. Move your body to an eclectic mix of world music, then find a comfy spot on the floor to bathe in vibrations from singing bowls, rain sticks and chimes. This is an alcohol free safe space for ages 16+, tickets are $25 online or $30 at the door.
Saturday 23 August, Chemical Cleanout: Gather your household chemicals for safe disposal, thanks to the NSW Environment Protection Authority. Items such as paint stripper, pesticides, car batteries and gas bottles can be disposed of via your car boot. Drive in to the Husky Tip at 3 Erina Road and staff in protective gear will handle the rest. More information on what can be disposed, where to go and how it works can be found on the event page.
Sunday 24 August, Artisans Markets: Huskisson Artisans Market has expanded to include food and beverage artisans as well as artists and handcrafters. At this mostly-indoor event, you will find an exciting array of 40+ stalls in the Huskisson Community Centre – head down the ramp through the fenced gardens to find the new providores section – which will be open to the public from 10am till 3pm.
Sunday 24 August, Winemakers Dinner: 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.
Wednesday 27 August, Dying to Know: As part of the Dying to Know program of events around death literacy, join a session that uses contemplative stitching hosted by Shoalhaven Health & Arts, death doula Annette Tesoriero and Dr Natalie McDonagh, you will be guided through meditation and the act of silent stitching, approaching your relationship with needle and thread as if this thread was the last thing that held you to life itself, $15 with all materials provided. Breath.Life.Thread will be held at the Nowra Country Women’s Association rooms from 9.45am till midday.
Thursday 28 August, Parents’ Movie: a special screening of Seen, billed as “a groundbreaking feature-length documentary that not only explores the transformative power of personal healing for parents but also delves into the scientifically supported effects of such healing on parenting and its impact on child brain development” will be on from 5.30pm at Husky Pictures. Book your $20 ticket online.
Thursday 28 August, Small Biz Drinks: local small business owners and operators will gather at The Greenhouse Huskisson for the monthly Bubbles & Beers, a casual networking occasion to get to know your fellow business people in the Bay & Basin area. This month, meet some of the artists on the Jervis Bay Arts Trail, see their work and find out how your business can promote the Trail to your customers. Starts at 5.30pm.
Friday 29 August to Sunday 31 August, Travelling Film Fest: 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, Art Class: 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.
Saturday 30 August, Arts Trail: the Jervis Bay Arts Trail is on the last Saturday of the month with up to 20 artists opening their studios to visitors across the Bay & Basin. For locations of open studios and a map, make sure you check out the Trail’s website.
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.
Saturday 30 August, Live Music: see the April Maze comeback show at Huskisson Community Centre, the husband/wife musical duo who will serenade you while you snuggle up on cushions and rugs. Then fuel up with some supper (curries/rice) before a boogie with Casuarina Light Phenomenon (CLP). Doors open 5.30pm, $30.
Saturday 6 September and Sunday 7 September, Regatta: Vincentia Sailing Club is hosting the NSW Hobie Wave state championships, from their base at Plantation Point. Enjoy the sight of colourful sails streaming across the Bay at this unique regatta event.
Friday 12 September 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.
Saturday 13 September, First Nations Films: It’s the 2nd annual Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival at Husky Pictures, and the program is out now. SFNFF celebrates the creativity and diversity of First Nations filmmakers from across Australia and within our own community. See the program – including short films made by up-and-coming filmmakers of the South Coast – and buy your tickets for $15 on the SFNFF website.
Saturday 13 September, Comedy Night: Laugh out loud as Wollongong Comedy brings the show to Jervis Bay Brewing Co headlined by superstars Tommy Dean and Al Del Bene with Stu MacPherson filling the bill. Tickets are limited so book soon, $25.
Saturday 13 September and Sunday 14 September, Coastal Forage: Partake in a unique dining experience along the shores of Jervis Bay as the Coastal Forage spreads its refreshment stations from Moona Moona Creek to Plantation Point. Wander along from station to station and enjoy curated delights from some of the South Coast’s most exciting chefs, distillers, aquaculturists and more. Tickets are $225 on sale now.
Sunday 14 September, Bush Foods: join First Nations cultural tour operators Gadhungal Marring for a Native Bush Foods Planting Day, 10.30am till 2pm at Wildwood in Kangaroo Valley. This is a hands-on workshop that is perfect for anyone wanting to grow edible native plants, including herbs, vegetables and fruits. Your $120 ticket includes a picnic lunch.
Friday 17 October to Sunday 19 October, Folk Fest: 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. 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.
Saturday 15 November, Sunday 16 November and 22-23 November, Sculpture in the Valley has rescheduled its event to two weekends in November, to enjoy a selection of indoor and outdoor sculptures. Buy a day pass for $15 (kids under 16 free) for 6/7 September or 13/14 September, and you might even walk away with a new masterpiece for your home or garden.
