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What’s On // Your Guide To Living Your Best Life In The Illawarra In July

We may have reached the mid-way mark in winter, but July is set to be anything but ‘mid’ here in the Illawarra. 

 

We’ve got events on events on events this month, and picking our favourites was nearly impossible… Honestly, we’re still struggling!

 

Here’s a taste of all the good times happening around town this month.

 

And you can head to our Event Directory as well, for a super-long list of great events to keep us going all month long.

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Must Do’s, Don’t Miss Outs + You’re Nuts If You Don’t Go…

BOOT SCOOTIN // Country Night at Plough & Ale

Don your boots and hat, we’re having a hoedown. The last Friday of every month is all about  country music, line dancing, family friendly games like cornhole, ring toss and giant Jenga, plus food and drink specials. Yee haw!

JINGLE BELLS // Christmas in July

Christmas is the holiday that’s so nice, we want to celebrate it twice. Check out all these merry-full Christmas in July events happening around town here.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATE // School Holidays

July is also school holiday time…. Yay! We’ve rounded up a bunch of fun-filled school holiday ideas to keep your kiddos entertained and you away from that fourth cup of coffee. Have a peep here.

CULTURAL CONNECTION // NAIDOC Community Day

On Monday the 7th, head over to Shellharbour Civic Centre for a NAIDOC Week community get-together. It’s a free event that celebrates and connects with Aboriginal children and their families, full of music, entertainment, and plenty of hands-on activities everyone can join in on.

RUG UP // Kiama Winter Street Festival

Kiama is making the most of the season again with the Winter Street Festival back for another year. Once again the festival will take place along Terralong Street and will be filled with fun stalls, music, workshops, dance, entertainment and plenty of wintery fun.

Photo: Kiama NSW Australia

READ ALL ABOUT IT // South Coast Readers & Writers Festival 2025

A super impressive lineup of talented authors will be making their way to Thirroul for this festival that celebrates all things reading and writing. The program is seriously jam-backed with literary goodness so make sure to book your tix stat!  

HIP-HOPPIN // Bliss n Eso at Waves

The iconic Aussie hip-hop masters Bliss n Eso are set to rock the stage at Waves on the 4th. Grab your tix for a night of bangin’ beats and good times. 

HAPPY CAMPERS // Illawarra Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo

Grey nomaders and Van-lifers rejoice because the Illawarra Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo is finally back on! A 3 day outdoor travel extravaganza from the latest in motor homes, campervans, trailers, tents, equipment, accessories and holiday destinations. 

WOMEN OF WOLLONGONG // Women of Steel – Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion – 45 years On

A look into a REAAALLY important part of local history, Women of Steel is a documentary about women who fought to work in Wollongong’s steel industry. Their 14-year battle against BHP in the ’80s is a story of grit and standing up for equality. After the screening, join a chat with the director and some of the women involved. It’s a powerful story worth remembering.

FOODIE FUN // Eats and Beats – Albion Park

The delicious and delightful Eats and Beats Street Series is making its way to Tongarra Road on the 5th. We’re polishing up our dancin’ shoes and working up our appetites. Expect magical lights, live music, tasty street food, creative markets, roving performers, and family fun like glow face painting and a mini outdoor movie.

Photo: Shellharbour City Council

GETTIN’ STEAMY // Heat Ladies Night

Steelers Club is getting a bit nawty on the 12th with this themed ladies night. Live performances, games, prizes, a jaw-dropping two-hour show, and a DJ to boogie the night away. As a bonus if you’re coming for a birthday or hen’s party, the Hen or Birthday Girl gets a free ticket. 

BEAUTIFUL CRAZY // HURRICANE The Australian LUKE COMBS Tribute Show

He’s one of country music’s biggest names right now, and this gig at the Co-op in Gerringong is all about celebrating Luke Combs. Expect everything from tear-jerker ballads to toe-tappin’ Honky Tonk bangers, with songs from every album in the mix. 

BREATHE IN AND OUT // Soulful Saturday – Rest. Restore. Release. Receive

Take a breather with Soulful Saturday – a 2.5-hour session of gentle movement, restorative yoga, reiki and sound healing. A calming experience for local women looking to find balance. Slow down, let go, and reconnect through soft stretches, deep rest, energy healing and soothing sounds. You’ll float out feeling lighter, clearer and totally zen. 

BONJOUR // “Paris After Dark” Cabaret Dinner Show – Celebrating Bastille Day

We’re saying ‘oui, oiu’ to this French cabaret at The Fraternity Club on Bastille Day. Bop along to French songs from Piaf, Aznavour, and others, performed in English and French. A two course dinner is included in the ticket. 

ELECTRIC SLIDE // Disco Revolution

It’s gonna be a glitter-soaked night at Centro CBD! Get into those Studio 54 vibes with classic dancefloor anthems. Don your flares, platforms, and all the gold. Make sure to warm up those disco fingers as well!

 

Photo: Centro CBD Wollongong

MY PRECIOUS // The Music of Lord of The Rings & The Hobbit In Concert 

LOTR fans WILL NOT want to miss this live show featuring Hans Zimmer’s music and tunes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit at Wollongong Town Hall. But it’s not just Middle-earth getting the spotlight because there’s also music from Top Gun, Dune, James Bond and more, all performed by an orchestra, choir and soloists. Plus, hear Sir Christopher Lee’s voice and a mystery special guest… ooo, who could it be?

STAR POWER // The Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala

Did you know that one of Australia’s most famous Hollywood costume designers was born in Kiama?

Orry-Kelly dressed superstars like Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart and Marilyn Monroe! We love the sound of this wonderful one night celebration of Orry himself. Walk the red carpet, enjoy a welcome drink and canapés, then hear from historians and insiders about his cinema and fashion impact. Tickets include access to his costume and artwork exhibition.

GREEN THUMB // Bonsai at the Bay at Burnetts On Barney

If you’ve ever ooh-ed and aah-ed over a perfectly shaped bonsai and thought, “I want to try that,” now’s your chance. This workshop gives you hands-on time to make and style your own. You’ll learn tips on wiring, repotting and pruning, and everything you need is included including a plant, pot, tools, soil and wire.

WINE AND DINE // Winter Happy Hour Deal at Bella Char

This is the kind of bargain worth getting out of our hoodie and leaving the house for. Every Thursday to Monday from 4pm to 7pm at Bella Char in Gerringong you can score a bottle of wine and a cheese plate for two for only $45. Now that’s a deal to see us through the winter.

Photo: Bella Char Restaurant & Wine Bar

We are in for a jubilant July!

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!

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