What’s On // Your Guide To Living Your Best Life In The Illawarra In April
Must Do’s, Don’t Miss Outs + You’re Nuts If You Don’t Go…
Another jam-packed month coming up in the Illawarra and our Event Directory is BURSTING at its digital seams!
School holidays, public holidays and over 300 events for you to choose from to keep you entertained, eating good, getting out and about and just having a downright fun time.
Let’s get this party started with some of our cool picks for things to do in April.
MUSO THURSDAYS // Sons of the East Australian Tour
This Sydney band has been taking the world by storm with sold-out shows in London, LA, New York, Paris and Barcelona. They are out on their biggest Aussie tour to date so catch them at UOW UniBar on the 11th.
SAYING GOODBYE // Sugar Butter Eggs Closing Down Market Sale
We’re gutted to say goodbye to this gorgeous Woonona tea room, darn we’ll miss that incredible raspberry jam [IYKYK]. On the 1st and 2nd, they’ll be holding a market day/ closing down sale so pop in and wish the lovely staff here the best on their next adventure.
WOMEN BELONG // RBG: Of Many, One
This smash hit production about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to be appointed to the US Supreme Court will be playing at the IPAC from the 3rd to the 6th. The performance on the 4th will also include a post-show Q&A… cool!
KING OF POP // The Michael Jackson History Show
A tribute to the king of pop Michael Jackson at Anita’s Theatre on the 4th. Bop out to all your faves including Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Bad and Beat It. If you’re a fan of the music then this is not one to miss.
GIRLS ALOUD // Brits vs Babes At The Servo
Catch this Sydney-based all-female alternative grunge band, Dolls Parts as they rock out all your fave 90’s, noughties and beyond grunge hits! Tix are just $12 so mark your calendars for the 5th.
ART AND EXPLORE // Inspire & Flourish Weekend Retreat
This two-day art retreat will take place over the 6th and 7th in Jamberoo. Take time to spark your creativity, fuel your passions and meet like-minded creatives. A perfect refresh before the colder months set in.
OLD SKOOL // Throwback Hits At K.Malu Kitchen & Bar
Usually known for their absolutely delish eats K.Malu Kitchen & Bar are trying their hand at some live music as well on the 6th. DJing all the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s hits, spots are limited so book in quick. Fun!
YUM, YUM AND YUM // Three Course Balinese Vegan Cooking Class
The team at the incredible Balinese Spice Magic Restaurant are running a super fun [and super tasty] cooking class in April. Learn to make 3 courses of Balinese vegan goodness and then sit down with the crew and enjoy it all. Nom, nom, nom!
ARE YOU IN? // Live And Incubus At The WIN Entertainment Centre
Two iconic early noughties rock bands will be taking the stage at the WIN Entertainment Centre for one night only in April. Tickets are likely to sell out so grab yours ASAP.
TEMPLE TIME // Nan Tien Temple’s Buddha’s Birthday Celebration
Come to the Nan Tien Temple on the 8th to celebrate “Buddha’s Day”. Alongside the traditional bathing of the statue of Prince Siddhartha, there’ll be lovely art and craft workshops for all.
WONDERFUL WINE // Bubbles know No Borders At Balthazar Champagne Bar
Wine aficionados make sure to grab a ticket for this vino-riffic event. Meet Jane Ferrari who’s an Australian Wine Communicator of the Year and Barossa Legend of the Vine. Jane will take you around the world as you taste and compare wines from both Australia and abroad, all paired with a yummy tasting plate of course!
GLORIOUS GIN // Strawberry Gum and Raspberry Pink Gin Launch At South Coast Distillery
If you’re more a fan of the juniper drink than wine, then you’ll most definitely be keen for this one. South Coast Distillery are launching their newest gin and are throwing a party to celebrate. All the food served will be inspired by native botanicals and you can choose between three courses of cocktails and canapes or the 5-course long table degustation session in the evening. Decisions, decisions!
SUPPORT LOCAL MAKERS // Wollongong Makers Market
These awesome markets usually only happen twice a year and are a great opportunity to grab some beautiful pieces made by our talented local artists and artisans. At the market, there’ll also be plenty of food stalls, coffee, vinos and cool jazz from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music.
MORE MARKET GOODNESS // Shellharbour Civic Centre Market
Another wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible makers in our community, especially the younger ones. The stalls at this market will be selling wares from local 12-24-year-olds and is an awesome way to celebrate ‘Youth Week 2024’ in the Illawarra.
FUN RUN // Fitness 5 & Kerryn McCann 10
In its 32nd edition [woah!] this fun run is happening on the 20th of April in Wollongong. With distance choices of 2kms, 5kms and 10kms there’s something for everyone. Plus, it’s a great reason to get moving before the chilly cold of winter sets in.
PARTY IN PORT // Port Kembla Festival ’24
Wentworth Street will come alive on the 20th for the annual Port Kembla Festival. Markets, workshops, light installations and live music are expected to fill the streets. The event is free but RSVP-ing is encouraged.
FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE // Battle Of The Businesses: Fight Night
Local businesses Tiny Tins, Grechy’s Boxing and Fitness & Wollongong Crane Trucks have all nominated a member of their team to step into the ring for a one-of-a-kind fight night. 100% of the proceeds for this event will go towards the i98FM Illawarra Convoy.
WILD AT WESTS // The Oils Tribute Show
Midnight Oil are rock icons and ‘The Oils Tribute Show’ at Wests Illawarra on the 20th is set to do them justice. Bop along as they cover all the classic hits. Tickets are only $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
RUN, BIKE, SWIM // triTheGong Triathlon Festival
Celebrate all things fitness with this annual triathlon event in Wollongong Harbour. With events for all ages and all abilities, sign up now and start training ASAP!
LEST WE FORGET // Anzac Day 2024
Each year, communities across the Illawarra hold dawn services, memorial services and wreath layings where we can pay our respects. Afterwards head along to a local venue like North Gong or Mount Kembla Village Hotel which both get super popular on the day for things like food specials, live music and of course a game or three of two-up!
DO RUN RUN RUN // Run Shellharbour 2024
Whooo April is shaping up to be a month of fitness with all these running events. This one’s happening in Shellharbour on the 21st with a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km + Kids 1km run.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES // School Holiday Fun
Basically, half of April is school holiday time so you’ll prob need plenty of options to keep the kiddos entertained. Here’s a link to our directory for all the fun events happening around town.
PUPPY POWER // Dogs Day Out
Time for some tail-wagging fun at The Wentworth. A Whole celebration dedicated to our four-legged friends whilst raising funds for Best Friends Forever Rescue. Woof!
FREE FILMS // Cinema in the Square- Dapto
This free screening of Maleficent is part of the Safer Cities Program and is happening at Dapto Square on the 19th. Bring along your chair or comfy cushion and settle in for an evening of Angelina and free popcorn, yay!
BAG A BARGAIN // Vintage Kilo Sale
Score some tremendous vintage bargains at this epic kilo sale at UOW on the 27th and 28th. Get fitted with some new [old] threads and some sustainability points in the process.
April is set to be A.MAY.ZING!
For more event inspiration, dive into our Events Directory. And hey, while you’re out enjoying the fun, remember to show some love to our local shops, as well as food and beverage outlets!
Oh yeah.
