No need to hibernate this winter

If you think winter is the time for trackie dacks and binge-watching The Pitt on the lounge, perhaps it’s time to think again.

June in Wollongong is looking particularly hot this year with a one-day jazz festival taking over the city this weekend, a fun interactive art experience headed to the Crown Street Mall in a few weeks’ time, and fierce competition aplenty at the BlueScope WIN Wollongong Eisteddfod.

On Sunday I had the pleasure of officially opening the 2026 eisteddfod at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music and listening to those talented individuals competing in the operatic aria solos. Such beautiful voices!

The Eisteddfod will run between now and 10 July in venues across the city and is proudly supported by Wollongong City Council. It’s always an exciting time for Wollongong’s young superstars as they put their talents on show and compete against their peers in a wide range of categories across music, theatre and dance.

Good luck to all those taking to the stage this year – and well done for putting yourself out there. Regardless of the result, putting yourself out there and giving it a go is an achievement to be proud of.

Read more about the BlueScope WIN Wollongong Eisteddfod

Speaking of treading the boards, no doubt the students of St Mary’s Star of the Sea College and Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts will still be buzzing after their recent productions of The Little Mermaid and Shrek the Musical.

Those who know me know musical theatre is a passion. So, when I say these were terrific productions, I know it, and mean it. There is some extraordinary talent in our city, and these students and their teachers did a fantastic job putting on these well-known shows.

For talent of a different variety, I’m excited for the one-day Jazz in the City micro-festival taking over the CBD during the long weekend.

Featuring performances across six venues within the CBD, there’s a chance for everyone to drop in for free to catch shows from the Garbett/Rodriguez/Adura/Mason Quartet, Glenn Whitehall, Mira, The Conchords, The Harmony by the Harbour Big Band (Sydney Conservatorium of Music), and Smith’s Hill High School and WollCon Jazz Combos, among others.

The event runs from 2pm until 8pm on Saturday and is open to everyone with the Black Cockatoo on Kembla Street the only 18+ venue. Guests under 18 are welcome to enjoy all the other venues when accompanied by a parent or guardian. What a fantastic way to spend your Saturday afternoon!

Plan your time at Jazz in the City

As for one for the calendar – that’s most definitely VOICES: An interactive sound and light experience (pictured above) that’s in the Crown Street Mall from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June.

This is something not to be missed. Initially looking like a three-metre-tall sculpture, the work has 50 translucent tubes lining its walls which are activated through touch and featuring changing lights and sounds. It’ll be pretty spectacular after dark in particular, and there are a range of associated events and activities that’ll be on that weekend.

Get the lowdown on Voices: An interactive sound and light experience

Lastly, June is also Pride Month. This is an important time of year that recognises and celebrates the LGBTQAI+ community and their allies. If you’d like to do something to mark Pride Month, our libraries are open and inclusive spaces for everyone in our community and will host a range of storytime and craft activities planned across June.

If you search the library’s page, you can find the details of what’s happening in your local branch.

I’m glad I am up to date on The Pitt as my calendar this month will be overflowing with so many local events to enjoy.