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

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.

Vintage, Book & Art Bazaar – Sunday 26 April, 2026

The Vintage, Book & Art Bazaar returns to Coledale for 2026, taking place on Sunday 26 April, with a curated lineup of stallholders showcasing art, handmade goods, books by South Coast authors, and an eclectic range of rare vintage and unique retro pieces. Held at the Coledale Community Hall from 10am to 2pm both days, this all-weather event invites visitors to explore, browse, and discover something truly special.

The Fraternity Club, Castagne Day, Sun 3 May, 2026

The Fraternity Club is bringing back the much-loved Castagne Day 2026 — and it’s set to be another fantastic, family-friendly celebration! Enjoy traditional chestnut roasting, international food and market stalls, live entertainment and carnival rides for the kids, all with free entry. It’s a vibrant day filled with the sights, sounds and flavours of Italian culture, perfect for bringing the whole family together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more exciting details.

Mother’s Day events across Wollongong & Illawarra, Sunday 10 May

Our guide rounds up everything you need to spoil Mum — from beautiful local markets and thoughtful gift ideas to relaxing wellness experiences, family-friendly events and memorable dining spots. Whether you’re planning a long lunch, a coastal walk, a picnic with ocean views or a special day out together, there are plenty of meaningful ways to celebrate locally and make Mum feel truly special. Plan your Mother’s Day here.

Market St Bistro Reunion Party, Friday 15 May

Taking you back in time to the Market St Bistro Reunion Party — Friday 15 May 2026 from 6.30pm at The Lagoon Restaurant. Expect cocktail vibes, grazing and roving food, original 70s & 80s DJs, familiar faces, unforgettable characters and a few true legends along the way. Hosted by Scott Radburn & Robin, with DJs Claude & Stanthaman, plus special guest appearances from Carima, Graham, Terry and the crew — this is the reunion everyone’s been waiting for. Tickets include entry, food and seriously good times. Tickets on sale now — don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime night.

Wings Over Shellharbour, Sat 16 & Sun 17 May

Sydney’s premier airshow is back! Wings Over Shellharbour returns to the South Coast for an adrenaline-charged weekend of high-energy aviation action. Watch the skies explode with historic warbirds, modern aircraft and breathtaking aerobatics, while the ground comes alive with a huge family-friendly festival – rides, kids’ zone, food trucks, Defence Force activations, live entertainment and more. One epic weekend. Fast, loud and unforgettable. Tickets on sale now.

WIN Entertainment Centre – Professor Brian Cox Live – Emergence, Thursday 21 May

After performing his smash-hit show Horizons to nearly half a million people worldwide, Professor Brian Cox returns with his spectacular new world tour Emergence, coming to WIN Entertainment Centre on Thursday 21 May.

Known for landmark BBC science series including Wonders of the Solar System and the global hit The Planets, Brian brings together cosmology, biology, philosophy and history in an immersive live experience. Featuring breathtaking visuals, powerful sound and cutting-edge LED screen technology, Emergence promises an unforgettable journey through the beauty and mysteries of our universe. Tickets on sale 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.

Expressive Art Retreat, 11 – 13 September

The Expressive Art Experience Retreat in September 2026 offers a beautifully restorative weekend of creative expression, connection and wellbeing at Golden Ridge on Stockyard Mountain Road, Yellow Rock Ridge NSW on the South Coast. The September retreat is held from 11 – 13 September 2026. Cost includes all art materials, nourishing meals and a peaceful natural setting where participants of all levels can relax, create and connect with others in a supportive, mindful environment. Suitable for Ages 18+ years. Learn more here.

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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