Festival Events in Wollongong / Illawarra. Best Music, Arts & Culture, Food & Wine Festivals / South Coast NSW

On the hunt for the ultimate festivals in Wollongong, Shoalhaven and the Illawarra? Well, look no further, baby! What’s on in Wollongong has rounded up the most vibrant and diverse festivals on the South Coast of NSW. From music parties that move your body, to folk gatherings that soothe the soul. From celebrations of Art and Culture, Sport to heavenly Food, Beer & Wine extravaganzas. Wollongong’s best festivals are a fusion of creativity and community.

The South Coast of NSW region is a festival paradise, and something wonderful is happening all year round. Read on as we line up Wollongong and Illawarra’s most unmissable festival events!

You may also like to check out what awesome & mouthwatering markets are coming up in the Wollongong, Illawarra and South Coast here

Jazz in the City, Wollongong CBD, Saturday 6 June

Jazz in the City is a FREE one-day micro jazz festival taking over six venues across the Wollongong CBD. Enjoy curated live performances, vibrant local venues and a relaxed wander-at-your-own-pace atmosphere as you explore the city, discover great music and support local hospitality venues. Whether you drop in for one set or spend the whole day venue hopping, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience Wollongong’s live music scene and city atmosphere. Featuring an incredible lineup of local and visiting jazz artists across venues including The Icon, The Music Lounge, Lux Bistro Bar, Mr Brown, The Black Cockatoo and Scoundrel’s Rest. For the full program and set times, visit the official event page.

Run Havoc Wollongong Running Festival, Sunday 7 June

Run Havoc Wollongong Running Festival returns on Sunday 7 June, bringing a fun, family-friendly day of running, fitness and community spirit to Wollongong’s spectacular coastline. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, tackling your first fun run or getting the kids involved, there’s an event for every age and ability, including a Half Marathon, 10km Run, 5km Fun Run and Kids 2km Fun Run. Every finisher receives a commemorative medal, post-race snacks, giveaways and a finisher certificate. Registrations are open now, with the popular Kids 2km Fun Run starting at 9:30am. Perfect for active families, casual runners and serious competitors alike. Learn more or register now here.

2026 Kembla Classic Autumn Carnival, March – June

The 2026 Autumn Carnival at Kembla Grange Racecourse runs from March to June 2026, delivering a season of thrilling racing, standout themed days and stylish race-day vibes. Kicking off with Kembla Classic Day on Friday 13 March, expect live racing action, great food and drinks, premium hospitality options and an electric atmosphere across the Grandstand, Public Lawn and VIP spaces — making it the perfect day out for racing fans, social catch-ups and celebrations alike. Secure your tickets here now.

Winter Wine Festival – Crooked River Wines, Sat 6 – Sun 7 June

Crooked River Estate’s much-loved Winter Wine Festival is back on the June Long Weekend, Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June, bringing two unforgettable days of live music, premium wine and South Coast vibes to the rolling vineyard hills of Crooked River Estate in beautiful Gerringong. After last year’s sold-out success, the festival once again partners with Yours & Owls to deliver a standout lineup including Lime Cordiale, Matt Corby, Sons Of The East, The Vanns and more.

This intimate event is limited to just 2,500 guests, offering an up-close and personal festival experience. Expect award-winning wines, incredible food, passionate producers and world-class live performances. Your ticket even includes a complimentary return shuttle from Kiama, Gerringong and Berry train stations. Grab your tickets now.

VOICES: An interactive sound and light experience, 19 – 21 June

VOICES is a free, interactive art experience taking over Wollongong CBD from 19–21 June. Standing three metres tall, this unique installation responds to your touch with light and sound, allowing visitors to create a living choir by spinning its 50 illuminated tubes. Designed to be hands-on, inclusive and engaging for all ages, VOICES is perfect for families, kids and curious minds. By night, Crown Street Mall comes alive with silent discos, live performances and special after-dark activations, making this one of Wollongong’s most unique free events this winter.

Eats and Beats Albion Park, Saturday 27 June

Winter is about to get a whole lot brighter as Eats & Beats Albion Park transforms Tongarra Road into a buzzing evening of food, live music and family-friendly fun on Saturday 27 June 2026 from 4pm–8pm.

Wander the street, grab something delicious from food trucks and local favourites, enjoy live music and soak up the relaxed community atmosphere. Whether you’re bringing the kids early for rides and entertainment or meeting friends later for an easy night out, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy at this free community event!

REMINISCE 80’s & 90’s presents – SPECIAL FEATURE: MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE – Saturday 25 July

REMINISCE 80’s & 90’s is bringing the party back in a big way with their Black & White Party featuring a Michael Jackson Tribute on Saturday 25 July at Frisky’s, North Wollongong. Get ready for an electric night as the incredible Jason Jackson brings the King of Pop to life, performing all the hits — Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, Smooth Criminal and more. Expect a full dancefloor with DJ Claude & Stanthaman spinning classic 80s and 90s club anthems all night long. Doors open from 8pm at Frisky’s (Novotel Wollongong), with a dress-to-impress black and white theme. This one will sell out — grab your tickets online now.

Eats and Beats Oak Flats, Saturday 19 September

Expect a magical evening of food, live music, markets and family fun as Eats & Beats Oak Flats returns on Saturday 19 September 2026 from 4:30pm–8:30pm.

This vibrant twilight festival celebrates the heart of Oak Flats, bringing the community together with entertainment, local businesses, delicious eats and plenty of FREE activities for all ages. Wander the streets, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a fun night out close to home. Families can also enjoy carnival rides thanks to Oak Flats Primary School, with ride passes available to purchase on the night to support the school’s fundraising efforts.

Don McLean: 55th Anniversary of American Pie – WIN Entertainment Centre, Sunday 18 October

One of music’s most iconic voices is heading to Wollongong this October, with Don McLean returning to Australia to celebrate 55 years of American Pie. Taking to the stage at WIN Entertainment Centre on Sunday 18 October, 7pm, this is a rare chance to experience one of the great American songwriters live. Expect an unforgettable night filled with timeless hits including American Pie, Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) and Castles in the Air, along with personal stories behind the songs that have shaped generations. Still performing with warmth, clarity and his unmistakable voice, McLean delivers more than a concert – it’s a nostalgic, shared experience through decades of music. Get your tickets for Wollongong here.

Bar Lina – Asado Lunches, Saturday & Sunday

A long lunch you don’t want to miss! Say hello to Bar Lina’s mouth-watering Asado Lunches, Saturday & Sunday. This is not your average long lunch. At Bar Lina, the table is set for a proper Iberian-style feast – suckling pig slow-roasted for 4 hours ready to share, crispy crackling, melt-in-your-mouth meat & all the trimmings. Book now.

Friday & Saturday Night LIVE Music is kicking off this February at Centro CBD Wollongong – new shows just added for 2026!

Friday and Saturday nights at Centro CBD are set to be something special in 2026, with up-close, intimate concerts taking over the Sorrento Room in the heart of Wollongong. Expect an exciting lineup of iconic tribute shows and live performances in a venue where every seat feels close to the action, plus the option to pair your night out with a Dinner & Show package featuring Centro’s much-loved Italian cuisine. New shows have just been added and tickets are selling fast, so lock in your seats early and get ready for unforgettable nights of live music at Centro CBD.

Wollongong Comedy Events in 2026!

Bringing big laughs to the region since 2006, Wollongong Comedy is the Illawarra’s longest-running comedy club, showcasing the best of Australian stand-up and rising local talent at The Builders Club, Wollongong. Known for professional shows, open mic nights, and unforgettable entertainment, it’s the perfect destination for a night out full of laughs and fun. Get all the upcoming comedy events coming to the Wollongong stage now here.

Live Music Events at Dicey Riley’s Hotel

If you’re chasing live music in Wollongong, it doesn’t get more iconic than Dicey Riley’s Hotel – Wollongong’s only Irish pub and a true cornerstone of the local music scene. Pull up a stool at the bar, order a proper pint & settle in

𝓕𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓪𝔂: Live music rock cover bands from 9pm. Free Entry.
𝓢𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓭𝓪𝔂: Dicey’s Saturdays with rock, punk, hip hop, country and alternative gigs presented by Yours & Owls from 9pm. Free entry.
𝓢𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓪𝔂: Rock over bands from 3pmFree Entry. Free pool & darts from 5pm & pool comp at 7pm. Last Drinks DJ from 9pm til late.
Late-night pizza from 10pm til close all weekend long!

Gather your crew now!

WIN Entertainment Centre & WIN Stadium

Want to see the international, biggest music acts and community festivals live in Wollongong? Cold Chisel, Roxette, The Script and many more? You can! No schlep to Sydney required. Check the upcoming bands and stars coming to WIN here.

+ WIN Stadium (right next door) is home to the St George Illawarra Dragons in the National Rugby League – and also hosts a bevvy of live entertainment, events + more across the year here.

Click here for more What’s on in Wollongong Illawarra, Wollongong & South Coast NSW festival and event inspo

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