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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

    Get Ready to Dance: Salsa Sundays return to The Icon, Wollongong

    Salsa Sundays are back once a month at The Icon throughout summer, with the first event kicking off on Sunday, 14 December, from 6pm to 10pm—free entry all night!

    Start the evening with complimentary salsa classes led by a professional instructor from 6pm to 7pm (bookings essential), then dance the night away with Lorenzo y su Swing from 7pm to 10pm. Enjoy a live Latin band, a Latin DJ, and delicious traditional Latin food, drinks, and cocktails, with Happy Hour running from 3pm to 7pm. Be sure to book your table to secure your spot for dinner, drinks, and the salsa class, as spaces are limited. For table or class bookings, you can also contact The Icon directly at (02) 4244 3737.

    Sunset Cinema Wollongong is back! 11 December – 28 March

    Get ready for magical summer nights under the stars as Sunset Cinema returns to Wollongong from 11 December 2025 to 28 March 2026! Set in the beautiful Wollongong Botanic Garden, this outdoor cinema is the perfect way to unwind with friends, family, or someone special. Enjoy a stellar lineup featuring festive favourites like Love Actually and Elf, along with exciting new releases including Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.

    You’ll find all the movie-night essentials on-site — from freshly popped popcorn and sweet treats to a food truck and licensed bar — or you can pack your own picnic for a classic outdoor experience. Children under 3 are FREE. Book your tickets now and enjoy the ultimate summer cinema experience!

    Christmas Twilight Race Day – Kembla Grange Racecourse, Thursday 11 December

    Kembla Grange Racecourse are kicking off their summer racing program with Christmas Twilight Races on Thursday 11 December from 2pm. Knock off early and head trackside for live racing, free General Admission, open bars and dining, and a relaxed festive atmosphere perfect for colleagues and end-of-year gatherings. The Members Dining Room is open for bookings, with the Grandstand Bistro, Lawn Marquee and snack bars available without reservations. Still need to organise the office Christmas party? Hospitality and entertainment packages are available. Best of all, General Admission is completely free — or upgrade from just $10 for Lawn Marquee access or Grandstand Bistro Premium Window seating. Book now.

    North Gong Santa Fest, Saturday 13 December, tickets only $10!

    The countdown is ON — North Wollongong Hotel’s Santa Fest 2025 is nearly here! Saturday, 13 December from 2pm till late, this is the Gong’s biggest all-day charity Christmas party, packed with a stacked live music lineup from start to finish. For just $10, enjoy a full day of music, mates, fun, and seriously festive vibes — all while supporting Talk2MeBro and the Disabled Surfers Association South Coast. Get your Santa outfits sorted and get ready for an epic day! Grab your tickets now here.

    Gemtopia Crystal Fest – Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December, Wollongong

    CRYSTAL LOVERS of Wollongong and surrounding areas – your favourite annual market is back with a fresh new name and the same magical vibe! Formerly Crystal Fest, now GEMTOPIA, this two-day event brings you breathtaking crystals, gemstones, jewellery, carvings, wellness products, readers, kids activities, lucky door prizes and more – all under one high-vibe roof. Happening on 13–14 December at the Winners Room, WIN Stadium, this soulful festival is perfect for families, collectors and anyone who loves beautiful things. And with Christmas just around the corner, it’s the ideal place to find a meaningful gift for someone special… or treat yourself to something truly magical!

    Dreaming of a Green Christmas, Wollongong Botanic Garden, Saturday 20 December

    Get into the festive spirit with Dreaming of a Green Christmas”, presented by The Eaton Gorge Theatre Company at Wollongong Botanic Garden on Saturday 20 December, 11am–12pm!

    Join Elfis and Elvin, two cheeky Christmas elves sent to Australia to help Santa prepare for his big night — though things don’t always go according to plan. Laugh, sing, and help them navigate the tricky Australian environment as they search for an animal to guide Santa’s sleigh, all while discovering fun and clever ways to celebrate a greener, more sustainable Christmas.

    Packed with songs, audience participation, and festive cheer, this interactive outdoor performance is perfect for families and recommended for all ages.

    Tickets: $17 per individual (adult or child over 4), $27 per shared adult & child ticket. Children under 4 are free. Places are limited — book your tickets now!

    NYE at North Gong Hotel, Wednesday 31 December

    2025 is going out with a BANG at the North Gong Hotel on Wednesday 31 December, kicking off from 4pm till late! They’re bringing back the Illawarra’s BIGGEST and BEST New Year’s Eve Party, and this year’s music lineup is absolutely stacked. With three epic stages running all night long, you can expect non-stop vibes from DJs and live acts as the countdown to 2026 begins – this is one NYE you won’t want to miss. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!

    Illawarra Folk Festival, Bulli Showground, 16-18 January, 2026

    Experience the magic of the Illawarra Folk Festival, returning to Bulli Showground from 16–18 January 2026 for three unforgettable days of music, culture, and community. With over 80 acts across multiple stages, the festival features a vibrant mix of folk, indie, world, roots, bluegrass, Balkan, and Celtic music, plus poetry, comedy, and dance. Enjoy the intimate, family-friendly atmosphere the festival is known for, with artisan markets, international food stalls, and late-night sessions that keep the spirit alive.

    Whether you’re a seasoned folkie or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone — and with kids under 12 free, it’s perfect for the school holidays. Early bird tickets are on sale now, including single-day passes, full 3-day access, and camping packages – but spots are limited, so book early and get your folk on!

    Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake, Lake Illawarra, Monday 26 January

    Join in on from 8am–12pm for a classic lakeside celebration packed with sunshine, smiles, and great vibes. Kick off the morning with a sizzling BBQ breakfast, then dive into hours of FREE family fun – from slip n slides, water play, and jumping castles to parkour, rock climbing, laser tag, and stand-up paddleboarding. Kids will love the face painting and arts & crafts, while the whole family can enjoy live music and browse vibrant market stalls. With food, fun, and festivities all in one spot, it’s the perfect family day out – don’t miss it! Brought to you by Shellharbour City Council. Learn more here.

    MMJ Aquathon, Monday 26 January

    Illawarra’s Favourite Summer Fitness Event is Back!

    The MMJ Wollongong Aquathon returns on Monday 26 January 2026 (Public Holiday) at the stunning Wollongong Harbour! For over 25 years, this iconic swim-run event has been a highlight of the local community calendar, welcoming participants of all ages for a day of fitness, fun, and charity. Take part in the swim-run Aquathon, or join the Blue Mile 5k Fun Run — with distances for kids (6–13), teens, and adults, plus solo or tag-team options. Enjoy the fantastic vibe, finisher medals, family fun, and the chance to support the community and the Black Dog Institute. Don’t miss out — entries are now open here!

    Rodeo 4 Life 2026, WIN Entertainment Centre, 30 May, 2026

    Join in for the MJ Rowles Rodeo 4 Life at the WIN Entertainment Centre on 30 May 2026—an unforgettable night of adrenaline, live music and heart. Watch Australia’s top bull riders take on the arena alongside a live performance from Robbie Mortimer, plus thrilling entertainment from Lachie Cossor’s Outback Stockman’s Show and plenty of laughs with rodeo clown Big Al. Don’t miss out on limited-time Early Bird pricing and family bundles, available now until Thursday 15 January. Tickets available here.

    Wollongong Comedy Events

    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.

    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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