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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Festival Events in Wollongong and the Illawarra. Best Music, Arts & Culture, Food & Wine Festivals on the South Coast NSW
Wollongong’s annual Festival of Cycling has been reschedule 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
After more events and businesses near you? Never suffer FOMO again with our Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox! Sign up HERE
You might also like: