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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 heavely 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.

    Wollongong Comedy Showcases & Events

    Wollongong Comedy has been bringing laughter to the Illawarra since 2006, making it the longest-running comedy club in the region. Known for showcasing the best of Australian stand-up comedy, Wollongong Comedy has hosted top-tier performers with their open mic nights, comedy festivals and monthly showcase nights. Click here for a full list of all upcoming Wollongong Comedy events.

    Festival of FUN, Saturday 1 March

    The Festival of FUN is a family friendly vibrant, inclusive, and accessible event designed for people of all abilities, particularly focusing on individuals with disabilities, their families, friends, carers, and guardians. The event will be held at The University of Wollongong and comprises of:

    • 10:30am to 12:30pm – Free Community Festival Event
    • 1pm to 4pm – Live Concert – Get your $10 concert tickets online now here. Come sing, dance and laugh with as they rock out to the best singalong songs, such as: Elvis, Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, ABBA and so many more.

    The event underscores the importance of creating an inclusive community, fostering understanding and appreciation for people with disabilities. Learn more here.

    The Wollongong Makers Market, 12- 13 April 2025

    Handmade amazing-ness. Don’t miss the Wollongong Makers Market!

    The Wollongong Makers Market showcases the creative talents of our local artists and artisans, with one-of-a-kind handmade wares of exceptional quality with over 100 stalls. This market is run twice a year and is located at the UOW Innovation Campus North Wollongong opposite Puckeys beach on Squires Way.

    This UPbeat, UPlifting quality artisan market supports our local talented makers, from painters to authors, crochet to printmakers and jewellers to ceramics artists. It is a market that focuses on quality handmade creativity and features free entry for all. Surround yourself with talented friendly people, appreciate the time it takes to create the individual works, enjoy breakfast or lunch and enjoy live Jazz.

    There are 60 stalls UPstairs, with a further 40 stalls downstairs and outside the Central building of the Campus.  There is FREE parking onsite over the 2-day market, plus you can ride or walk on the cycle way.

    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!

    Lovefest – 22 February 2025

    Ignite your inner joy through the art of PLAY at Lovefest Thirroul! Join the tribe at Thirroul Beach and Surf Club for a vibrant celebration of connection, creativity, and community in the heart of the Northern Illawarra. This beachside festival invites you to embark on a unique journey to inner freedom, guided by wellness facilitators through a series of playful activities designed to unleash your inner child.

    Expect to immerse yourself in creative play, movement play, voice play, and dance play, all while connecting with yourself, others, and the beautiful beach environment. Lovefest is all about celebrating life’s simple joys and embracing the power of play to reconnect with our true, joyful selves.

    Our last beach festival was a huge success, with tickets selling out quickly—be sure to grab yours early to avoid disappointment. Come join us at the beach for a day of fun, laughter, and celebration!

    For more info and to buy tickets, click here.

    Lookout Festival – 24-25 February 2025

    The Lookout Festival – Wollongong

    Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at The Lookout Festival 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.

    Shellharbour Festival of Sport – 1-2 March 2025

    The Shellharbour City Festival of Sport is a vibrant two-day event that offers something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete! This family-friendly festival brings together people of all ages and abilities to celebrate the fun and excitement of sport. With a variety of activities and interactive experiences including dragon boat racing and wheel basketball, it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new, challenge yourself, or simply enjoy the thrill of competition. Join us for a weekend of fitness, community, and family-friendly fun at the Shellharbour Festival of Sport! Find more info here.

    Wollongong Seniors Festival – 3-16 March 2025

    The NSW Seniors Festival is a vibrant celebration of the invaluable role and contributions older adults make to our local communities. As the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, it attracts over 500,000 attendees annually. In Wollongong, the festival offers a rich program of events and workshops tailored for individuals aged 55 and over. These activities, hosted across the City of Wollongong, are organised by local businesses, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations, creating a diverse and inclusive experience that highlights the importance of seniors in our community.

    For more info, and to buy tickets, click here.

    Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival – 7-9 March 2025

    The Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival is back for 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited! Come along and enjoy Kiama with incredible live music at all your favourite local venues. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a blues lover, this festival is the perfect way to enjoy the vibrant sounds of world-class performances in a beautiful setting. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and make sure to save the dates! Get your tickets now to access all the venues and support the arts in Kiama. You won’t want to miss this unforgettable weekend! Find more info here.

    Rock N Roll Vintage Festival – The Ryan’s Thirroul – 9 March 2025

    Get ready to rock and roll at the Rock N Vintage Roll Festival at The Ryan’s Hotel in Thirroul! Expect a day full of vintage vibes, live music, dancing, and fun, with doors opening at 10 am. Enjoy performances from incredible bands like Rockin’ Mustangs, Coop Deville, and Bonnevillains—and yes, they have a dance floor!

    Take part in the Best Dressed competition, shop at various stalls, and check out the vintage car showcase. Plus, don’t miss the raffle and great prizes up for grabs! Tickets are just $15 (online) or $20 at the door, so grab yours soon for this one-of-a-kind event. This is a day you won’t want to miss!

    Get your tickets here.

    Get Together Music Festival – Wombarra Bowling Club – 22 March 2025

    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 all day Saturday. 

    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

    Wollongong Colour Frenzy Fun Walk or Run – 6 April 2025

    Get ready to explode with joy at the Colour Frenzy Fun Walk or Run at Stuart Park, Wollongong on Sunday, April 6th, 2025! Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual stroller, or a proud dog parent, this colourful event has something for everyone! Choose your adventure with distances of 1.25km, 2.5km, 3.75km, or 5km – and enjoy all the fun along the way, including vibrant colour stations, an epic bubbles station, and a brand-new obstacle course!

    This year, we’re going extra colourful for a pawsome cause, supporting animal rescues across Australia. Our goal is to raise $5,000 for local rescues and $250,000 nationally to help find forever homes for furry friends in need.

    Bring your doggo, grab your exclusive Animal Rescue T-shirt, and join us for a day packed with entertainment, giveaways, kids’ games, food, and more! The event is untimed and self-paced, so come as you are and get ready to celebrate with colour.

    Find more info and book here.

    Port Kembla Festival – Wentworth Street, PK – 12 April 2025

    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

    Enlighten Film Festival – Nan Tien Temple – 19-21 April 2025

    Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at Nan Tien Temple, where two incredible festivals come together for one amazing experience!

    The Enlighten Film Festival is the first Buddhist Film Festival, showcasing an inspiring lineup of documentaries, dramas, comedies, sci-fi, and animations that delve into Buddhist philosophy and its cultural influence. Prepare to be captivated by films that explore mindfulness, spirituality, and personal growth. Don’t miss the chance to engage with experts during the Q&A Panel, hosted by Sandra Pires, filmmaker and founder of Screen Illawarra.

    And that’s not all—enjoy FREE entry to the Buddha’s Birthday Multicultural Festival, where vibrant cultural celebrations come alive with food, music, and a sense of community.

    This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of cinema and culture—mindfully and meaningfully. Plan your April now and discover a weekend of celebration and exploration.

    Find more info and book 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 Sunday 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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