Adapted for stage from Clayton and Shane Jacobson's much-loved Australian film, KENNY stars Ben Wood as the fearless plumber and eternal optimist who looks for the best in every situation - even when his job is literally down the toilet.

www.merrigong.com.au

Project Contemporary Artspace Wollongong, March 3 to 14

The IWD exhibition brings together dozens of creatives to challenge bias and advocate for equality - from the region's Elders, to commercial artists and up-and-coming talent.

It showcases the work of 35 Illawarra artists - some "with a political edge, some celebratory, but all beautiful" - and include photography, sculptures, textiles, paintings and ceramics.

Instead of having an opening ceremony the exhibition will round out with a free closing party on March 13 with guest speaker Zanny Begg (award-winning visual artist), live music, poetry readings and more.

www.projectgallery.com.au

Various locations, March 5 to 7

The Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival returns for their 34th year with new venues and all ticketed concerts.

The annual event begins with a record fair from 9am on the Friday at the Old Fire Station (which runs across the weekend), before the sound of musicians will be heard from 6pm.

www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au

Read more Granties Maze, the $10 million fun park people forgot about

Miners Lamp Theatre Corrimal, March 5 to 20

Sweeney Todd has become a bloody, worldwide success since being awarded eight Tony's, (including Best Musical), for its Broadway premiere.

An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife.

The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which, he opens a new barber practice.

Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up... and the carnage has only just begun!

https://arcadians.org.au/

Wollongong Workshop Theatre Gwynneville, March 5 to 14

The Dire Theatre has modernised Macbeth with an "an apocalyptic, horror aesthetic" and transformed Romeo and Juliet with an all female cast.

Macbethplus Romeo and Juliet - tickets can be purchased for both, or individually. More details are at www.thediretheatre.com.au

Wollongong Art Gallery, Friday 6pm

From bathing belles to hoola hoop extraordinaires and cowgirls riding toy hobby horses, Circus WOW has become a fixture in the arts scene as well as an organisation to empower women.

Opening night is Friday from 6pm, with circus performers, screenings and more.

It's free, but bookings are essential via Eventbrite.

The exhibition is on at the gallery until June 6.

Old Courthouse Wollongong, March 6 to 7

The Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden will host a free exhibition at the old Courthouse at Belmore Basin, 10am to 4pm.

It will showcase a photographic history of the development of the garden plus paintings and more.

Various locations, March 6 to 7

Dragon Boat Challenge, Skiway Park, The Esplanade, Oak Flats Saturday.

Family fun run/walk/bike ride (4km or 9km), Keith Hockey Oval, Shellharbour Sunday.

Dodgeball, bubble soccer and more, for kids 7 to 12 years. Shellharbour Stadium, Croome Road, Albion Park Rail, Sunday 1pm to 3pm.

To register, visit: www.shellharbourcityfestivalofsport.com.au

Illawarra Sports Stadium Berkeley, March 6 to 7

The region's Annual Brick Show is back for its fourth year to raise funds for The Kidzwish Foundation.

More than 30 master builders from across NSW and the ACT will travel to Wollongong to showcase their brick-building skills using LEGO.

Also see custom-built LEGO displays; children's play tables, monster LEGO prizes, raffles and more.

Open 9am to 4pm More event information and ticket sales here.

Wollongong Town Hall, 7:30pm

Former University of Wollongong dean of law and respected judge Jack Goldring will be immortalised through new orchestral work by Elena Kats-Chernin. The all-Australian program includes works by other local composers.

It will be the first Wollongong performance for Steel City Strings in 2021.

Tickets via: www.merrigong.com.au