12 Sep 2023
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South Coast Festival Season is upon us!
Festival Season is upon us and the Shoalhaven region has an event to suit everyone! Experiences abound, whether it be sampling food & wine or BBQ & craft beer, celebrating music, the arts, stunning gardens, or even a festival tailored for lovers of exercise, the beautiful Shoalhaven region brings people together to enjoy a wide variety of interests and passions. There is no better way to embrace what the Shoalhaven has to offer than attending a festival in its stunning surrounds. Here is a selection of what is on offer for the rest of the year.
Saturday 30 September – Sunday 1 October 2023
The picturesque surrounds of the Shoalhaven River are host to this annual two-day community festival which showcases the best of the region. There’s live entertainment on the big stage, arts and craft activities, markets and food stalls, a well-ness zone, marine expo, and fun water activities on the beautiful river. Saturday night will be extra special with a children’s floating lantern parade on the water, regional historical storytelling, music, and fireworks. Held on the northern banks at Grey’s Beach Reserve over the September/October long weekend, there is even an opportunity to watch the NRL Grand Final live on the big screen. It will be a fantastic and memorable weekend for the whole family!
Thursday 12 October – Sunday 15 October 2023
Experience the happiness and enjoyment that a beautiful garden can bring at the annual Berry Gardens Festival which showcases the most creative, varied, and well-designed gardens in Berry and surrounds. Featuring quaint cottage gardens in the town to rural landscapes, the aesthetic beauty is inspiring and will delight all visitors. Raising money for local community groups and programmes, it’s $20 to see all 6 gardens, or $7 per garden (children under 18 are free), with light refreshments on offer at some of the participating gardens.
South Coast Food & Wine Festival (Pictured in the featured image)
Friday 13 October – Saturday 14 October 2023
Stunning Huskisson in Jervis Bay is the host of the popular South Coast Food & Wine Festival with this year’s event promising to be the best yet! Enjoy a variety of amazing local food produce and wine; masterclasses from Nowra Farmer’s Market and over 50 of the best exhibitors, all in the ambiance of a gorgeous beachfront location. With award-winning chefs on hand serving up delectable delights paired with perfect wine and beverages, relax in the beautiful surrounds enjoying the live music and everything the festival has to offer.
Full disclosure, we are a proud sponsor! Can you blame us?
Friday 20 October – Sunday 22 October 2023
The 16th annual Kangaroo Valley folk festival is a fantastic family-friendly weekend that combines a love of folk music with dance and poetry. This three-day cultural celebration also incorporates local food, wine and crafts, all to be enjoyed whilst basking in the lyrical setting of stunning Kangaroo Valley.
Sort out your accommodation - Book your stay at Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley
South Coast Craft Beer Festival – Ulladulla
Saturday 21 October 2023
The fifth annual South Coast Craft Beer Festival brings together the best local brewers in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Dunn Lewis Centre in Ulladulla. Support the local Apex Club and Ulladulla community whilst enjoying live music, door prizes, great food and awesome craft beers.
Sort out your accommodation - Book your stay at Holiday Haven Ulladulla, Holiday Haven Burrill Lake or Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie.
Clearly Festival and Workshop – Kiama Showgrounds
Friday 10 November – Saturday 11 November
A new festival juggernaut is coming to Kiama this November! Clearly Festival is an awesome music, art and wellness extravaganza held at the Kiama showgrounds on Saturday 11 November starring a massive line-up including Xavier Rudd, Skeggs, Ruby Fields and special guest, Peter Garrett and The Alter Egos. The Festival is also hosting a fantastic Clearer Workshop (Friday 10 November) that has everything you need to know about the music and entertainment industry, with titans of the Australian music scene, Peter Garrett and Michael Chugg, featuring in panels and keynotes.
Saturday 11 November – Sunday 12 November 2023
If fitness is your thing, it’s time to join one of Australia’s biggest fitness festivals, now known as The Games from Down Under, run at beautiful Jervis Bay. For everyday athletes of all abilities and ages who love a challenge, the Bay Games has you covered with a variety of events to participate in, whether as an individual, duo or team. Swim in the pristine waters or compete by the beautiful white sandy beaches of Jervis Bay. Every lover of exercise is sure to be satisfied at this amazing and memorable fitness fiesta.
Gin Flight Festival – Huskisson
Saturday 25 November 2023
Come and celebrate the Shoalhaven’s one and only gin festival at Huskisson Park overlooking beautiful Jervis Bay. The best gin distilleries from the Shoalhaven, Sydney and Canberra are represented with their distilled delights perfectly complimented by stunning local seafood and fresh eats. This great family day out also features live music and activities for all ages. So bring a picnic rug, camper chair and even your dog and settle in for an afternoon of enjoyable drinks and festivities!
Planning for 2024…
The iconic Blessing of the Fleet at Ulladulla every Easter is always a great spectacle and the Burradise Festival – Culburra Beach should be back again for another year of good vibes and fun. Featuring amazing live music acts, arts and crafts, market stalls and food from varying cultures, the festival also embraces the vibrant youth culture of the area with activities including the skate jam and surf bash events.
And pencil in the diary:
Gerringong Surf Life Festival (end of March, early April)
The Winter Wine Festival (June Long weekend) showcases the Shoalhaven wineries and features amazing live bands on the big stage at Coolangatta Winery.
Sort out your accommodation - Book your stay at Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads
Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer & BBQ Festival (September 2024)
The infamous Kangaroo Valley Craft Beer & BBQ Festival is a hugely popular event that draws BBQ legends not just from NSW, but from all over the country, to battle for the highly prestigious titles of Lord of the Grill or King of the BBQ. This two-day event, held on the grounds of The Friendly Inn, is jam-packed with live music, eating competitions, pig racing, lawn mower races, helicopter rides, family activities and markets. There’s a huge array of top-of-the-line BBQ caterers offering succulent pork ribs, beef brisket and lamb. To perfectly complement your BBQ feast, the best craft brewers will be onsite pouring their creations. It’s a match made in Heaven. With butchery and BBQ demonstrations, a craft beer stage, and even the opportunity to purchase an audience BBQ judge pass, this festival will leave you full and inspired. Kids under 12 are free and there are discounts for concession holders.
Yuin Healing Trail (18 - 20 October 2024)
A whole weekend of experiential and immersive offerings across the Shoalhaven! From the mystique of Kangaroo Valley to the beauty of North Durras, the trail offers a blend of Storytelling, Connecting to Country, and Cultural awareness workshops. Whether you're drawn to Yuin Astronomy, Bush Tucker, or connecting deeply with the land, there's something for everyone. Celebrate the spirit of healing, culture, and community in this transformative weekend. Don't let this unique opportunity pass you by!