And just like that…. summer is over and autumn has arrived!
But there’s no time to sit around sipping tea and watch the leaves change colour, there’s too much fun to be had!
This month’s Event Directory is chock-a-block and we’ve rounded up this list of absolute must-dos for the month.
So, let’s get ready to March [soz] into autumn and start filling up our diaries.
See you here, there + everywhere!
RIGHTS. EQUALITY. EMPOWERMENT // International Women’s Day 2024
International Women’s Day falls on the 8th and is a time to recognise women’s achievements while also advocating for equality in rights, power, and opportunities. There are some wonderful events to mark the occasion around the Illawarra including lunches, film screenings and charity fundraisers. Check them out here.
LOVE LOVE // Mardi Gras Goodness
Everybody say “Love”! Celebrate Pride right here in the Illawarra at one of our awesome Mardi Gras events. Try bingo at Corrimal RSL Club, party at Hey Day or catch a show at The Builders Club, plus more. However you choose to celebrate, remember, if you can’t love yourself, how the h*ll are you gonna love somebody else?
THAT’S MY TEAM // NRL Vegas Watch Party
Wests Illawarra is THE place to be for the official NRL Vegas Watch Party, watch the NRL Vegas matches on 3 big screens, score a chance to win epic prizes ]including a shot at a trip to Vegas for the 2026 NRL opener- um yes, please], and make the most of $5 schooeys, low and slow BBQ as well as activities and entertainment. Kiddos can also get in on the excitement with a free Future Stars Footy Clinic at Unanderra Park, led by NRL development experts.
PLAN IT OUT // Port Kembla Golf Club – Events & Weddings Open Day
Got a wedding, party, or big event coming up? Port Kembla Golf Club’s newly renovated space is looking better than ever and their Event & Wedding Open Day on March 9 is a great chance to check it out. Wander through the lovely venue, see all the fresh updates and chat with local photographers, florists, celebrants and entertainers who can help bring your vision to life. Entry is free just make sure to register your spot.
MOVE IT // Shellharbour City Festival of Sport
Get moving and connect with the community at this amazing two-day event. Register a team or cheer from the sidelines at the exciting Dragon Boat Challenge, get the whole family active at Fun Fit Frolic with plenty of sports to try, and check out the Roller Hawks Come N Try along with even more sporting fun.
NICE & TIDY // Clean Up Australia Day
Let’s put on some gloves and get together to clean up the Illawarra on the 2nd. You can register your interest or find a group to join on the Clean Up Australia website. There are plenty of spots around town already registered waiting for you to join the emu parade.
GOOD TIMES // Festival of FUN
This event is all about music, laughter and accessibility for everyone. This inclusive and family-friendly event is designed for people of all abilities with a special focus on individuals with disabilities, their families, friends, carers and guardians. Boogie along to live performances from amazing artists, explore service providers and take part in activities in a welcoming and supportive space. Tickets are available online.
NOM NOM NOM // Street Feast
Local foodies rejoice because the well-loved Street Feast will be making its way to Bulli on the 1st and Albion Park on the 2nd. The line-up of eats for each of these nights is mighty hefty with loads of tasty options from Japanese to hot dogs, dumplings, donuts, Gozleme and SOOOOO much more. We’re seriously drooling just thinking about it.
MUSO MADNESS // Yours & Owls Festival 2025
We are proud as punch that the Illawarra is home to this iconic music festival. This year’s lineup features huge acts like Fontaines D.C., Denzel Curry, The Kooks and Goo Goo Dolls. Alongside Aussie acts like The Veronicas and home-grown talent Hockey Dad… straight fire, right?!
Tickets are still available for now, but grab yours fast before they sell out.
WALK THIS WAY // Great Illawarra Walk
It’s back for another year of step-up fun. This 40km charity walk from Shellharbour to Austinmer is raising funds for KidsWish, helping support children with disability or illness and their families through programs, special events and community projects.
GATHER THE GANG // Family Fun Day at Balgownie Hotel
We love having a good time with our fam, especially when it’s FREE! And Bally hotel has most definitely got our backs with this one. A day of games, painting for the kids, yummy food, and live entertainment, wackadoo!
GO TEAM // Hawks Finals Watch Party
It’s that time of year again, the Hawks Finals season. Make your way to The Illawarra Hotel and watch Game 2 live on the big screen. Ooo and there’ll also be player meet & greets and giveaways… score [literally]!
FESTIVAL FUN // NSW Seniors Festival
There are plenty of great activities happening around the Illawarra for this year’s seniors’ festival. Garden tours, card and games sessions, film screenings and afternoon teas, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For loads more seniors’ festival info head here.
HEALTHY COMPETITION // Shellharbour Vs Kiama Trivia Challenge
This trivia afternoon is part of the Shellharbour Council Seniors Festival and sounds like a cracking good time. Open to those over 50 in the Shellharbour and Kiama areas, it is a chance to team up, test some knowledge and have a laugh. It is free to join but bookings are essential.
CAT’S MEOW // Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival
Downtown Kiama will come alive with tunes for 3 days in March for the annual jazz & blues festival. Parks, cafes, restaurants and even car parks will become venues for cool cats with axes humming. Catch ya there, daddy-o!
WE LOVE WOMBARRA // Get Together Festival 2025
It’s a party on the coal coast baby!
Wombarra Bowling Club is hosting their fourth annual Get Together Festival and it’s set to be another massive one. A full day of live music, fresh bevvies and delicious eats, what more could we need?
SURFS UP // 2025 Ocean Queen Classic
Held at Woonona Beach on the 29th, it’s actually the Illawarra’s first invitational all female surf showdown, yassss! We reckon’ it’s defo getting up early to watch.
FUTURE PLANNING // The Shellharbour Retirement Living & Senior Lifestyle Expo
The Shellharbour Retirement Living & Senior Lifestyle Expo is designed for over 55s and seniors. With free entry, plenty of businesses and services to explore, and complimentary tea and coffee, it is a good chance to gather info in a relaxed setting. There are lucky door prizes up for grabs, plus a major prize on the day!
CELEBRATE CULTURE // Kiamasala – 2025 Festival of India
Okay, March is officially the month of festivals in the Illawarra because, seriously, how many have we mentioned already? And here comes another one, celebrating Indian culture, very cool!
There’ll be regional food, traditional and modern Indian tunes and performances. Catch ya there!
TOE TAPPIN’ // Let’s Try… Rockabilly Dancing
Ever wanted to learn how to swing, jive and spin like all the hip cats?
Then pull out your pomade and pop on those blue suede shoes for an arvo of Rockabilly Dancing at Thirroul Library. The session is beginner friendly and free just make sure to register your spot.
BEACH BALL // Kiama Beach Tag Tournament
Grab your OZ Tag team or find a team to join for this sporty annual event. With a day of knock-out competition plus food stalls, bar, live music and prizes up for grabs we reckon this is a sensational way to get involved in Beach Tag.
LUCK OF THE IRISH // St Patrick’s Day At Dicey’s
One of our top picks for places to be on the 17th is the Gong’s only traditional Irish pub. Start the day with an Irish brekkie, rock out to an incredible lineup of local acts and just soak in all the good craic! Don’t forget to don all the green, no one’s getting pinched on our watch.
Phwoar! We know we say it every month but seriously, March is shaping up to be awesome.
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!
Let’s go.
