The Waterfront, Shell Cove will once again host the final event for this year’s Shellharbour KidsFest on Saturday 24 May from 2.00pm – 6.30pm.

KidsFest @ the Marina 2025 will be a fitting close to the popular annual community event, with the final afternoon featuring lots of creative, kid-focused activities including lantern making and decorating, creative play, circus skills, music and storytelling sessions.

Starting at 2.00pm down by The Waterfront Town Centre, local entertainers Circus Monoxide will run a fun drop zone activity program as well as roaming stilt walkers, interactive play with the Junkyard Rascals and three different lantern making workshops for all skill levels!

These will include:

• Lantern making sessions (2.00pm - 4.45pm):
• Facilitated pyramid lantern making (8yrs + bookings essential) o Simple Lantern DIY/drop-in session (all ages)
• Large lantern making/decorating (all ages)

The afternoon’s activities will culminate with a delightful lantern parade along the marina boardwalk.

Tina Britton, Community Development Manager, Frasers Property Australia says the lantern parade at sunset will be the highlight of the day and a fitting close to this year’s KidsFest.

“We'll gather for the lantern parade along the Marina foreshore (starting at 5.00pm). Bring along your lantern or decorate your bike, stroller or even yourself with fairy lights to add a little sparkle to the parade!

“This year's festival theme is Growing Peace and Trust - Connecting Country and Community in line with the United Nations Year of Peace and Trust,” she says.

KidsFest Shellharbour partners with local businesses with community organisations across Shellharbour City to encourage social inclusion and an enhanced sense of belonging for children aged 0-12 years, their families and carers. See the full program for the week here.

The week-long program also includes:

• Calderwood Celebration of Country, Children and Creativity – 18 May

• Bush Magic Farm Adventure -19 May

• Emergency Services Expo – 20 May

• Bring a Buddy Bowling – 21 May

• Shellharbour CFC Picnic & Play Day – 22 May

• Cascade Falls Bushwalk – 23 May

• Kidsfest @the Marina – 24 May