20 incredible events to check out in the Illawarra (and beyond) this weekend

Here’s your guide to what’s on in the Illawarra (and surrounds) from Friday to Sunday, August 30 to September 1.

Described as “challenging, joyful and deeply affecting”, this dance, sound and installation work confronts Australia’s prison problem.

Exceptionally talented dancers blend searing truths with “dark humour, fear, sadness and courage to shine a light on new ways to resist and abolish”.

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

Where: IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong. Details here.

Glenbernie Orchard, home of Darkes Cider, comes alive with live music by Ren Steele, food by Let’s Do Yum Cha and and cider and beer from the Darkes bar.

Bring your own blanket and enjoy the view of the orchard from the paddock and enjoy a free walk if weather permits. (There’s also an area for the kids to kick a ball around.)

When: Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 3pm.

Where: Glenbernie Orchard, 259 Darkes Forest Road. Details here (click on ‘book an experience’).

Thousands of public students from 125 schools across the Illawarra, South Coast, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands will perform together in the arena spectacular Magnifica.

There’s a staggering 2000 dancers, a choir of 500, the 200-strong Aboriginal dance ensemble Yanggaa Garaba and an orchestra of 80 musicians, alongside featured vocalists, a marching band and circus performers.

When: Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 1pm. (7pm show sold out.)

Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, corner of Crown and Harbour streets, Wollongong. Details here.

Watch the best teams in the league battle it out for the championship in a thrilling atmosphere at one of the region’s premier venues.

This day of top-tier football will culminate in a showdown between first-grade finalists Woonona and Shellharbour.

When: Gates open at 10.30am on Sunday, with youth grade at 11.15am, second grade at 1.30pm and first grade at 4pm.

Where: WIN Stadium, 46 Harbour Street, Wollongong. Details here.

Kiama residents sell, trade, swap or giveaway their unwanted, pre-loved items in this giant community car boot sale.

The entire region’s welcome to come and look for a second-hand bargain.

When: Saturday from 8am to noon.

Where: Black Beach, 4 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama. Details here.

Wollongong’s first Fancy Women’s Bike Ride is a four-kilometre ride for cyclists of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Afterwards, there’s a live jazz band, drinks, a picnic (drop your basket off before the ride begins) and prizes in categories like fanciest rider and best-dressed bike. Everyone welcome.

When: Sunday from 11am to 12.30pm

Where: From UOW at Northfields Avenue, Keiraville, to Wilson Street, Wollongong. Details here.

The first cabs off the rank of the new Land of Milk & Honey music events is hometown heroes The Terrys, plus fellow local artists Dirty Merchants, Fripps & Fripps and Sereia (all ages).

On day two, the legendary Ross Wilson and his all-star band, The Peaceniks, will journey through over 50 years of hits-from Eagle Rock to the latest bluesy bangers.

When: Friday at 6pm to 11pm, and Saturday at 5pm.

Where: The Pavilion, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama. Details here and here.

Direct from the Island of Sodor, Thomas and friends return to the NSW Rail Museum for bubbly family fun.

Meet Thomas (climb into the driver’s cab and toot his whistle), take a short ride with Toby the Railmotor, enjoy live entertainment, an exclusive gift shop, photo ops, scavenger hunts and more.

When: Saturday and Sunday from 9am.

Where: NSW Rail Museum, 10 Barbour Road, Thirlmere. Read more.

Browse an array of stalls selling candles, honey, jewellery, flowers, ceramics, arts, crafts and live music.

Enjoy some live tunes and shopping in a welcoming and dog-friendly atmosphere.

When: Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Where: The Wentworth, 96-106 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla. Details.

Sell, shop and swap at Port Kembla’s popular second-hand markets.

There’s bric-a-brac, vintage clothing and vinyl records up for grabs, as well as local art and craft stalls, food trucks and live music.

When: Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

Where: Servo Food Truck Bar, Wentworth Street, Port Kembla. Details here.

The Exhibitionists is a showcase of local artistic talent from the Shellharbour City Art Society.

Enjoy drinks, nibbles and beautiful artwork from 20 local artists at the official opening hosted by Louise Croker.

When: Saturday at 2pm. Exhibition runs until September 4.

Where: Old Fire Station, corner Shoalhaven and Terralong streets, Kiama. Details here.

Join Diana Wood Conroy for a final walkthrough of her hit exhibition, which brought together woven tapestries, drawings and paintings from her past six decades as an artist.

With guest speakers Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery and Anne Brennan.

When: Sunday from 2pm to 3.30pm.

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

Wollongong once again plays host to the International Axe Throwing Federation majors, ahead of the championship event in February.

Watch the Women and Non-Binary Major Tournament, alongside a packed schedule of diverse and exciting supporting events.

When: Friday to Sunday from noon to 2.30pm.

Where: Battle Axe Throwing, 284-286 Crown Street, Wollongong. Details here.

Community group Good for the Gong will host a double screening of films Great Ocean Love and Walanbaa Ngiiyani | Stronger Together, followed by a panel discussion with local climate champions and light refreshments.

The panel will discuss “why offshore wind – if held to high community and environmental standards – can be good for our local economy and environment”.

When: Saturday from 3pm to 6pm.

Where: Thirroul Community Centre, 352 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul. Details here.

Following on from the success of their monster 20th-anniversary tour, the 21-piece behemoth returns with the Outlaws and Offbeats tour.

The show features more of the band’s signature “International Ska” sound and energy-packed performances, with special guests Chutney.

When: Friday at 7pm.

Where: Waves, 170 Pioneer Road, Towradgi. Details here.

Set in Shoalhaven bushland, this new music festival offers a “two-day immersive experience in nature, soundtracked by the best in Australian live music”.

There’s camping, art, workshops and food, and a line-up including Harvey Sutherland, Mildlife, The Lazy Eyes and Body Type.

When: Friday to Sunday.

Where: Grassy Gully Road, Buangla. Details here.

It’s been 20 years since the release of Spiderbait’s hit 2004 album Tonight Alright.

To celebrate, the iconic Aussie rockers are bringing their anniversary tour to Wollongong, supported by Polish Club and Grinding Eyes.

When: Saturday at 6.30pm.

Where: Waves, 170 Pioneer Road, Towradgi. Details here.

To kick off spring racing, INVADES returns to Kembla Grange for a race day party.

The event includes an exclusive party enclosure, DJs and seven races on the track.

When: Saturday from noon to 7pm.

Where: Kembla Grange Racecourse, Princes Highway, Kembla Grange. Details here.

It’s an event that could see you leave with your new best friend.

Meet the adorable greyhounds looking for loving homes, learn about pet adoption, and find out which dog will best suit your lifestyle and personality.

When: Saturday from 9am to noon. Details here.

Where: Club Windang, 2-6 Judbooley Parade, Windang.

For a fun day out with family and furry friends, head to this dog festival at Dapto.

Watch skilled trainers showcase tricks, agility, and obedience, enter your dog in the challenges and costume contests, and enjoy the wheels and woofs car and bike show.

When: Sunday from 10 am to 3pm

Where: Dapto Showground, 89-99 Princes Hwy, Dapto. Details here.