The first weekend of spring kicks off with a free Spanish festival - Noche Cultural - on Friday night in Wollongong, a new foodies market in Shellharbour on Saturday and Dapto’s annual Street Fair on Sunday.

The Spanish flavour continues the following week with a free Latin Film Festival running from September 7 to 11 at Warrawong’s Gala Cinema.

Continuing the theme of no-cost events, ocean lovers can watch the Whomp Off bodysurfing titles at Coledale across September 9 and 10.

The same weekend families can Spring Into Corrimal for their annual community festival, while further north Otford Public School is holding a Rainbow Run fundraiser.

It’s all about bicycles in Kiama on September 16 for the Kiama Classic Fun Bike Ride, though the following weekend the scene changes to music for Folk By The Sea.

September 24 is a huge day with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – an array of dapper men and women in vintage attire riding vintage motorbikes through the Illawarra for Movember.

The same day Wollongong’s Lang Park hosts the Taste Orange food and wine festival before international mega star Elton John flies in on a helicopter to wow 20,000 fans at WIN Stadium.

The last weekend of September will see North Wollongong rock out at the Yours and Owls music festival, artworks lineup along the coastline for Sculptures At Killalea at the Farm while the state park will also host a Surfing World Camp.

Other events on this month include comedy, contemporary dance, theatre and more – make sure you check www.illawarramercury.com.au each week to find out the best of what’s on.