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 350 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.
SIP + SKETCH // LEMONCHILLO @ BADU
This is an absolute dream of a Saturday afternoon. Kick things off with live music, drinks, and canapés, settle into a still life drawing workshop for all skill levels [+ extra drinks and canapés], then wrap it up with even more live music, tipple, and nibbles, PLUS your very own masterpiece to take home. All at the gorgeous Badu Eatery & Bar in Shellharbour Village. Better book before it fills up, peeps!
ART AND EXPLORE // Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong
Wollongong Botanic Garden is amazing all year-round, but we’re especially excited for this month’s Sculpture in the Garden exhibition, and seeing as though it’s a biennial we’re doubly excited, hehe!
The garden will be home to 18 unique sculptures, perfect for exploring at your own pace. There’ll also be artist tours, walks and talks, workshops, and kid-friendly sessions … all completely FREE! Amazing!
HOP TO IT // Easter in the Illawarra
We’re hopping with excitement for all the egg-cellent fun in the Illawarra this Easter!
We’ll be heading to The Albion Park Community Hub Easter Market on the 6th to check out the amazing stalls, grab some Easter eggs, and snap some pics in front of the lovely photo backdrop. Plus, there’ll be lucky door prizes and craft activities for the kids.
We’re also down for Towradgi Beach Hotel’s annual Easter Show. Now in its 13th year, it’s a full day of excitement with carnival rides, market stalls, and live entertainment.
And we’ve hunted down more Easter adventures here.
Get stretchin’ for the very first Wollongong Marathon. With the ultra impressive distance of 42.kms [woah] as well as other race 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 ’25
Wentworth Street will come alive on the 12th for the annual Port Kembla Festival. Markets, workshops, light installations and live music are expected to fill the streets. The event is free but anyone under 18 attending needs to RSVP.
CONNECT AND LEARN // 2025 Illawarra Disability Options Expo
The annual Illawarra Disability Options Expo is a chance for people with disabilities and their carers to connect with over 70 product and service providers. It’s an opportunity to learn from experts and get helpful tips for navigating life with a disability. No ticket is needed, just pop into The Fraternity Club anytime between 11am and 3pm. Usually the morning is the busiest so if you’re looking to avoid larger groups the organisers recommend arriving after 1pm.
MEET AND GREET // Social Night – For people with a disability
Another great event for people with disabilities in the Illawarra. Wollongong Library is hosting a social night on the 4th, and everyone is welcome. Come alone or bring friends and family. An Auslan interpreter will be there, and you can either register your spot or just drop by.
RUN, BIKE, SWIM // Peoplecare Wollongong Triathlon
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!
LEADING LADIES // Boss Woman Breakfast
Wollongong Women are hosting their popular brekkie for local female leaders and women in business at Georgia Rose this month.
Your ticket not only included a yummy brekkie at this beaut marina location, but also a chance to mingle, share and get inspired by other like minded and hardworking ladies.
BE PREPARED // Make a Mug for Mum
Mother’s Day might be in May, but if you really want to impress this year, now is the time to get organised. Book a spot at the Make a Mug for Mum session at Black Duck Studio. Your handmade piece will be fired and ready just in time, earning you the title of supreme gift giver when the big day arrives.
LEST WE FORGET // Anzac Day 2025
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
Hometown legends Satin Cali just wrapped up their NSW regional tour, absolutely killed it at Yours & Owls Festival, and are now ready to keep the party going at UOW this month.
CALI FEST is stacked with an epic lineup, featuring Satin Cali and other awesome acts like Cheeky Leash, The Good Kids, The Colliflowers, Cut Throat, Autumn Sunset, and Cali DJs.
YOU’RE THE VOICE // John Farnham Tribute Show
He’s an icon in Aussie music history, and Fallon as Farnham at Corrimal RSL is here to remind us why. This is a free show, but we’re all for booking a dinner at the club too to make a full night of it. Woaaaaah!
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.
DO RUN RUN RUN // Run Shellharbour 2025
Whooo April is shaping up to be a month of fitness with all these running events. This one’s happening in Shellharbour on the 6th with a marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km + Kids 1km run.
April is set to be A.MAY.ZING!
For more event inspiration, head on over to 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.