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

    Live Music Festivals Wollongong Illawarra

    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

    Sunset Cinema Wollongong, 12 Dec – 22 Mar

    From December – March screening Thursday to Saturday, Sunset Cinema Wollongong will be bringing its signature mix of new releases, family faves and all-time classics from under the stars at the Wollongong Botanic Garden. PLUS – this December there will be two weeks of Christmas Films.

    Cozy up on a bean bag, grab burgers from His Boy Elroy + enjoy a fully licensed bar & fresh popcorn. Perfect for date night, family fun, or a night out with friends. Secure your tickets now.

    Experience the magic of the Illawarra Folk Festival, 17 – 19 January, 2025

    Located at Bulli Showground, the Illawarra Folk Festival presents over 100 performers over 3 days, 8 venues, on-site camping and so much more. Enjoy the intimate, vibrant, community & family-friendly atmosphere the festival has become renowned for. Kids U12 are FREE.

    As well as performances by some of the best national and international folk acts, the program features the intensive folk school workshops, sessions, dancing, the Youth Folk Traditions awards, instrument makers, poet’s breakfasts, and an array of beautiful international cuisines and craft stalls. Get in quick to secure your Earlybird Tickets on sale now.

    The MMJ Aquathon – Sunday 26 January, 2025

    Illawarra’s favourite summer community fitness event, MMJ Aquathon celebrates edition number 25 on Sunday 26 January 2025 at picturesque Wollongong Harbour. It’s all out fitness across swim-run ‘aquathon’s’ and the popular Blue Mile 5k Fun run. The Aquathon is a swim and then a run with distances for Kids 6-12’s, and options across the Mini, to the Short and Long for ages 13+. Do it solo or tag team-one swims, one runs. Awesome vibe, finisher medals, family fun and a perfect community event.

    A proud local event supporting local non for profits and charity partner Black Dog Institute. Don’t miss out entries are now open.

    Red Hot Summer Tour 2025 at Berry Showground – 22 February 2025

    Berry, get ready to rock! The Red Hot Summer Tour 2025 is kicking off the year with a bang at Berry Showground, bringing together a powerhouse lineup of legendary Aussie rock bands.

    Get set for electrifying performances by ICEHOUSE, Noiseworks, Wolfmother, Eskimo Joe, Baby Animals, Killing Heidi, and Bachelor Girl. Tickets sell out fast every year, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic day of music and good times. Grab your crew, secure your tickets, and prepare to rock out with some of the best in the business.

    Don’t miss out—book now!

    Lookout Festival – 24-25 February 2025

    The Lookout Festival 2024 – Wollongong

    Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at The Lookout Festival 2024 in Wollongong! This annual music and arts festival returns on February 24th and 25th, offering two days of live music, immersive art experiences, and a celebration of local culture. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Illawarra coastline, the festival promises a vibrant mix of genres, incredible performances, and exciting activities for all ages.

    Headliners & Bands:
    Featuring an eclectic lineup of homegrown talent and international acts, the festival will showcase performances from bands like The Jungle Giants, Spacey Jane, Tash Sultana, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and Mallrat. Whether you’re into indie rock, electronic beats, or alternative jams, The Lookout Festival has something for everyone.

    Special Activities:

    • Silent Disco: Dance the night away under the stars with a unique silent disco experience.
    • Local Food Stalls & Craft Markets: Explore an array of food trucks serving delicious local eats and check out handmade artisan crafts from the region’s best makers.
    • Beachside Art Installations: Discover interactive art installations along the beach, showcasing works from local and national artists.
    • Wellness Zone: Relax and unwind with yoga classes, mindfulness workshops, and guided beach walks.

    Festival Hours:

    • Saturday, Feb 24th: 12 PM – 10 PM
    • Sunday, Feb 25th: 12 PM – 9 PM

    Whether you’re here for the music, the beach vibes, or the arts, The Lookout Festival offers the perfect blend of everything you need for an epic summer weekend. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience in Wollongong!

    Buy your tickets here!

    Yours & Owls Festival, 1- 2 March 2025

    Reliving last year’s magic and counting down to doing it all over again this March at Yours & Owls Fest 2025! Yours and Owls Festival 2025 with Fontaines D.C., Denzel Curry, The Kooks, Goo Goo Dolls and stacks more… with even more acts still to be announced! Get your tickets here now.

    Get Together Music Festival – Wombarra Bowling Club – March 2025 (Dates TBA)

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

    The Get Together Music Festival is back for another year at the iconic Wombarra Bowling Club.  Once again they’ve really brought their A-game with their line-up. Expect to see a cool mix of reggae, blues, rock, soul, folk, electro-Latin, Afro-Colombian roots, funk, hip-hop, dancehall and singer-songwriters playing across three stages from Friday through to Sunday night. 

    Don’t miss this unique celebration of culture and community at what is set to be the Coal Coast’s biggest party of the year! Punters are always a big variety of ages, and everyone wears their dancing shoes!

    Keep an eye on their socials for date confirmation: here

    Port Kembla Festival – Wentworth Street, PK – April 2025 (Date TBA)

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

    Port has its own special vibe, and the best way to soak it up is at the festival of light and sound. Like a cool mini Vivid — the Port Kembla festival is as eclectic and grassroots as PK itself.

    This free-entry event is hosted across multiple venues — including live music venues, alleyways, gardens and even the vintage motorcycle store. This year will feature more than 20 artists from around Australia, immersive art experiences, markets, exhibitions and, of course, light installations that bathe in the streets in colour. The festival is designed to encourage exploration of Port, and having lived there I can confidently say, this steel town has plenty of adventure to offer.

    Keep an eye on their socials for updates here

    Ride Wollongong Festival of Cycling – Lang Park, Wollongong – 17 – 18 May, 2025

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

    Wollongong’s annual Ride Wollongong, Festival of Cycling has been rescheduled to 17 – 18th May 2025, with a great lineup of events to join in with or watch. Some of the events include community rides, road races, all-abilities rides, and BMX events. There’s so much on, too much to mention, so check out their events page on the link above.

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

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