12 fun ways to fill your weekend in the Illawarra

Here’s your guide to what’s on in the Illawarra from August 2 to August 4, 2024.

Hard Quiz and Taskmaster funnyman Tom Gleeson brings his new live show Gear to Thirroul.

“Stand-up is my specialty,” Gleeson said. “Television is a beautiful distraction but I’m looking forward to getting back to doing what I do best. Poking and provoking a live crowd.”

When: Tickets still available for Saturday’s 8.30pm show.

Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul. Details here.

Reub Goldberg unveils a full dark beer line-up, with some special collab brews, guest taps – and even an espresso martini.

Neighbouring eatery Gringa Taco Bar is getting in on the act with a special menu to pair with dark beer (think roux gumbo with cajun chicken and smoked sausage)..

When: Friday and Saturday from noon to 9pm.

Where: Reub Goldberg Brewing Machine, 81 Meadow Street, Tarrawanna. Details here.

Taking Back Saturday brings their hugely popular emo and pop-punk night to Wollongong.

The DJs have Bring Me The Horizon on high rotation in celebration of the British band’s new release NeX GEn, as well as other favourites of the genre.

When: Friday at 9pm.

Where: Heyday, 270 Crown Street, Wollongong. Details here.

The carnival is back in town, with rides, games, a bubbles show and food stalls.

Entry is $2 per person, and you can buy an unlimited ride wristband for $25 or pay $2 per ride. Pets on leashes welcome.

When: Saturday from noon to 7pm.

Where: Keith Grey Oval, 108A Tongarra Road, Albion Park. Details here.

Yours & Owls presents talented up-and-comer Beckah Amani, who was nominated for emerging songwriter of the year at this year’s APRA Awards.

She’s joined by Del Slackers, Bargain, Claims Make and resident DJs Sultans of Spin. Free entry.

When: Sunday from 4pm.

Where: North Wollongong Hotel, 3 Flinders Street, North Wollongong. Details here.

Josephine Dash, Nikki Bowdler, Diane Zaharis and Kristen Mason Elliott present their latest work.

The four women work across a range of mixed media and established the Illawarra Art Collective in order to support each other and exhibit as a group.

When: Friday from 6pm to 7.30pm. Exhibition runs until August 1.

Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong. Details here.

Compete for gold, glory and free beer at Port Kembla’s inaugural community pub Olympics.

Events include ping pong, darts, speed typing, endurance wall sit and a few surprises.

When: Sunday from 2pm to 6pm.

Where: The Servo Food Truck Bar, 6-8 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla. Details.

There’s only two days left to see So Popera’s version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit.

Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life told entirely through song.

When: Friday at 7.30pm and Saturday at 1.30pm and 7.30pm.

Where: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street Wollongong. Details here.

Fillmore’s comes alive with deep Mississippi vibes for International Blues Day.

Award-winning Kiama bluesman Frank Sultana and Blues Music Victoria hall of famer Geoff Achison perform their own songs – with some surprise guests.

When: Sunday from 3pm to 5pm.

Where: Fillmore’s, Unit 2/38-40 Manning Street, Kiama. Details here.

Minis, mokes, BMW minis and mini variants will be lined up in the car park and surrounds at the Kembla Grange motoring museum.

Enjoy bacon and egg sandwiches and a sausage sizzle or pack a picnic. Free entry.

When: Sunday from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

Where: Australian Motorlife Museum, Integral Energy Park, 94 Darkes Road, Kembla Grange. Details.

Wollongong-based online boutique gallery Circa 64 presents its second annual exhibition.

See works by Lisa Barry, Kera Bruton, Gail Etheredge, Josephine Hill, Renee Kamaretsos, Kate McGrath, Sky Smetanin-Spiers and Julie Watkins, meet the artists and enjoy a glass of champagne and nibbles.

When: Exhibition runs from Friday to Sunday, with the official opening event on Saturday from 1pm to 3pm.

Where: Clifton School of Arts, 338 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Clifton. Details here.

Competitors from the Knights of Albion, Sydney-based Havoc and other teams will face off in this medieval combat sport where sparks literally fly.

When the metal armour takes a hit, it smells like welding fumes and throws off sparks.

When: Friday from 7pm to 10.30pm.

Where: UOW UniBar, Building 12, Northfields Ave, Gwynneville. Details here.