Arts, theatre, and more this St Patrick's Day weekend in the Illawarra

That's not all, however, if you're chasing an escape from the heat wave set to slam the Illawarra this weekend, we've got plenty of events for you that are inside and in some lucky circumstances airconditioned.

Oh, did you know, Saturday is also National Espresso Martini Cocktail Day, just saying.

Save the Children Wollongong Op Shop has put together a beautiful collection of one-of-a-kind pieces, including stunning wedding dresses, womenswear, and bric-a-brac. Wedding dresses start from $75.

Where: 283-285 Keira St, Wollongong

When: Friday, March 14, from 9am to 5pm, Saturday, March 15, from 9.30am to 2.45pm

Come along to Lake Illawarra Police Station's open day this Saturday. There's a huge range of displays and things to do at this family-friendly event, including the police dog unit, aviation command, mounted police, rescue and marine specialists, and the police band. Also, don't miss your chance to take a tour through the police station and custody area. Grab your lunch at the barbecue for a gold coin donation (all funds raised to go to Wollongong Homeless Hub).

Where: Lake Illawarra Police Station, Oak Flats

When: Saturday, March 15, from 10am to 2pm

THREE NEPTUNES FORM A MARINE PATROL FOCUS FOR MARCH. The unique sight and sound of three former submarine-hunting and marine patrol Lockheed Neptunes. The Australian Neptunes were built at Lockheed's Burbank plant in California and delivered to the RAAF in 1962 where both served until 1977. They were the first aircraft specifically designed for the anti-submarine and maritime patrol role. Design work started in December 1941.

Where: HARS Aviation Museum

When: Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16, from 9.30am to 3.30pm

Rise and Fall is a compelling exploration of climate crisis from a First Nations perspective, offering a poignant commentary on resilience and the fight for a better future.

Where: Wollongong Art Gallery

When: Saturday, March 15, from 2 to 4pm

Join Corrimal Rotary for the ultimate day out for the family to learn about simple and fun sustainable practices and solutions to use in day-to-day life. There will be hands-on demonstrations and workshops, giveaways, market stalls, and information to help you learn how to live more sustainably at home and in the community.

Where: Corrimal High School

When: Sunday, March 16, from 10am to 2pm

Walk, jog or run? Fancy dress or personal best? Beat dementia your way. Spread the word and bring your friends, family, workmates and even the dog.

Where: Lang Park

When: Sunday, March 16, from 7.30-9am

King George v Courts skate demos, prizes, live DJ's and food at 2pm followed by the afterparty film screening and live bands at The Servo. Free entry.

Where: PKDIY skatepark and The Servo, Port Kembla

When: Sunday, March 16 from 2pm at the skatepark, followed by 5pm at the The Servo

Head to North Wollongong Hotel for $14 espresso martinis all day long. Featuring the classic espresso kick we all love, plus some mouth-watering twists like popcorn, choc-orange, and salted caramel, because why settle for regular when you can have extraordinary?

Where: North Wollongong Hotel

When: Saturday, March 15, from 10am to 12pm

Get ready to wear your best green and shamrock your way into the luckiest day of the year at North Gong Hotel.

Where: North Wollongong Hotel

When: Monday, March 17, from 10am to 12am

Starting at 11am, Sons of Mercury is on from 3pm to 4.30pm. Throwing in a few cheeky Irish bangers and celebrating an epic day in an epic pub with epic people, come and get cheeky.

Where: Dicey Riley's Hotel

When: Monday, March 17, from 11am to 4.30pm

They are almost guaranteed to feature on any 1980s playlist after popularising one musical instrument in particular, the keytar, and now the Funkytowners themselves are heading to the Illawarra. Slip on your hypercolour t-shirt and pull up those leggings, Pseudo Echo has packed the keytar and they are coming to the Illawarra.

Where: Anita's Theatre

When: Friday, March 14

Join us for a bush dance for seniors. Featuring the amazing Cord-eaux Folk Band, it will be a fun day out with morning tea, games, and group dances.

Where: Jamberoo School of Arts

When: Friday, March 14 from 10.30am to 12.30pm

Vince needs no introduction to any music-lover, renowned for the beauty of his voice and the eloquence of his trumpet playing. An evening with Vince is set to be a night of musical indulgences, seductive memories and emotions.

Where: Centro CBD, Sorrento Room

When: Friday, March 14

Echo and Salt presents live music at The Grand Hotel every Friday and Saturday night.

Where: The Grand Hotel

When: Friday, March 14, from 7 to 10pm

Nonstop DJ's from open to close, including Dutchkiss, Hayday and Lora Form, as well as gogo boys, and the best drag queens Wollongong has ever seen, what more could you ask for to revive and rejuvenate yourself from the Mardi Gras season?

Where: La La La's

When: Friday, March 14, from 9 to 11pm

Free-entry Friday night party every single week, featuring Foley, Yah Yah and Sickbay.

Where: Towradgi Beach Hotel

When: Friday, March 14, from 8 to 10pm

Steel City Strings presents a program that re-interprets ancient traditions with a contemporary twist featuring works inspired by Aboriginal Australia, American dance, and Indigenous rhythms as well as dances from Central Europe.

Where: Wollongong Art Gallery

When: Saturday, March 15, from 7.30 to 9.30pm

This tour sees the two artists together on stage in genuine musical conversation, showcasing masterful songwriting and musicianship in an intimate and impromptu song-swap setting. Don't miss it!

Where: Bulli Heritage Hotel

When: Saturday, March 15, from 7pm

Ruby Fields is going on tour for a new single, 92 purebred. $1 from every ticket sale will be going towards charity.

Where: Wombarra Bowlo

When: Saturday, March 15, from 4 to 6pm

Yours and Owls have teamed up with Dicey Riley's Hotel to bring you a free-entry Saturday night party every single week. This week features Nancy and the Jan Fancys, Great Job! and Streless

Where: Dicey Riley's Hotel

When: Saturday, March 15, from 9-11pm

Hailing from Brisbane, Estampa is a dynamic World/Folk quartet known for its unique blend of instruments, including violin, vocals, nyckelharpa, button accordion, banjo, and double bass.

Where: Gerringong Town Hall

When: Sunday, March 16, from 2pm

The Water Runners have navigated mechanical mishaps, dangerous roads, and dangerous roadhouse food to share their vibrant blend of bluegrass-infused Australian folk at festivals and venues nationwide.

Where: Railway Institute Hall, 14 Railway Pde, Thirroul

When: Sunday, March 16, from 4.30 to 6pm

Featuring the best local talent and visiting talent Australia has to offer, including Salty, Sunsick Daisy, Pretty Uglys, and Camino Gold, along with drink and food specials, good times are guaranteed. Bands start from 4pm every Sunday.

Where: North Wollongong Hotel

When: Sunday, March 16, from 4 to 6pm

Soul 'n' Funk lovers get ready, Seeker Brewing is gonna blow you away.

Where: Seeker Brewing

When: Sunday, March 16, from 3 to 6pm

Featuring epic ballads, Armenian matchmaking, tap dancing and more. This show dives into the early life of Gladys Berejiklian "the woman who saved Australia", exploring her flawless leadership, dramatic disasters, and, of course, Dodgy Daryl from Wagga Wagga.

Where: Merrigong Theatre

When: Friday, March 14, from 8pm

Based on the incredible true story of Antoni Benaiges, a Catalan teacher who brought progressive teaching methods from France to the rural village, this emotional drama traverses the past and present, and shines a light on the power of education and historical memory.

Where: Gerringong Pics and Flicks, 106 Fern St, Gerringong

When: Friday, March 14, from 7.30 to 9.30pm

Istanbul is famed for many things, including its street cats. This beautifully shot documentary reveals the city's life and heart through seven of its distinct feline characters and the people who interact with them.

Where: Gala Cinema

When: Sunday, March 16, from 7 to 9pm

The Crown St. Markets is a bustling hub of Wollongong's best independent growers, food producers, designers, makers, artists and creative entrepreneurs.

Where: Wollongong Mall

When: Every Thursday from 5 to 9pm, Every Friday from 8am to 3pm

Warrawong Markets by Lake Illawarra are on every Saturday. Catering a wide range of new and second-hand goods, they have something for everyone, including entertainment, food & lots more! This market is family-friendly and perfect for all ages to enjoy!

Where: by Lake Illawarra, Northcliffe Drive, Warrawong

When: Every Saturday from 7am to 1pm

Come and enjoy our scrumptious cakes, delicious Korean BBQ and pop-up Devonshire Tea and Cafe, variety of stalls with new and preloved goods, craft, cards, plants, bric-a-brac, and more. The market will be outside if the weather is fine, inside if not.

Where: Dapto Uniting Church

When: Every Saturday from 7am to 1pm, except January

A wonderful family event in beautiful Gerringong. The Gerringong Rotary Markets have a large variety of stalls and includes many types of foods, including the famous Gerringong Pious Pies. There are also books, toys, arts and crafts, clothes, and leather goods. There are also mouth-watering egg and bacon rolls and lots of local produce. This vibrant market also has a playground to keep the kids happy while mum and dad took around the amazing range of stalls.

Where: In the park, centre of town

When: Saturday, March 15, 8.30am to 1.30pm

Lots of arts and crafts, clothing and collectibles, jewellery, baby's clothes and items, live music, fresh produce, tasty treats and they're dog-friendly.

Where: Black Beach, Kiama

When: Sunday 9am to 3pm