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

Reggae Music In The Evening Keeps Your Soul Tight FESTIVAL, Saturday 25 October – Seeker Brewing

Seeker Brewing is bringing the good vibes with a special mini festival inspired by Katchafire’s words, “Reggae music in the evening keeps your soul tight.” The night will feature three incredible acts: V-Tribe, delivering an electrifying mix of Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Country, and Soul; Herb Majesty, laying down deep roots grooves in a dub excursion fresh from working with Jamaican Dub Master Scientist; and Javier & The Wave, spreading positive vibrations with rhythms of love, unity, and cultural roots.

To mark the occasion, Seeker Brewing will also release a limited herbaceous beer infused with dank hemp-hop flavors—crafted especially for the celebration. Tickets are on sale now, so don’t miss out!

What’s On for Halloween in Wollongong & the Illawarra for Adults & Kids

Looking for fun Halloween activities across Wollongong and the Illawarra? We’ve rounded up the best events, games, and trick-or-treat spots for kids and adults alike. When heading out, remember to only visit houses decorated for Halloween to stay safe and have fun. Keep an eye out for our top picks of local streets and events—there’s plenty of spooky fun to be had this Halloween! Get your Halloween sorted here.

Eats & Beats, Albion Park, Saturday 1 November

Albion Park is set to come alive on Saturday 1 November 2025 as the Eats and Beats Street Series transforms Tongarra Road into a vibrant hub of colour, flavour, and entertainment. From 5pm to 9pm, the street will be buzzing with sizzling food trucks, glowing dance floors, movies under the stars, and plenty of family-friendly games and activities.

Hosted by Shellharbour City Council, this free event promises an unforgettable evening of music, food, and fun for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to experience Albion Park like never before!

MS Gong Ride 2025 – Sunday 2 November

Australia’s most epic charity cycling event, the MS Gong Ride, will take place on Sunday, 2 November 2025, in Wollongong. Since 1981, tens of thousands of cyclists have taken part in this iconic ride, raising vital funds to support more than 33,300 Australians living with multiple sclerosis.

Riders will enjoy a scenic journey through the Royal National Park, breathtaking ocean views from Stanwell Tops, and the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge, before crossing the finish line surrounded by surf, sun, and sand. Whether riding solo or as part of a team, participants can experience a fun, safe, and well-supported event while making a real difference for people living with MS. Learn more/register now here.

Melbourne Cup 2025 Events across Wollongong, Illawarra & Shoalhaven, Tuesday 4 November

Famously known as the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup or Cup Day (Tuesday 4 November, 2025) is almost upon us and Wollongong’s finest establishments, restaurants and functions centres are not holding back. Find the best Melbourne Cup event packages and race day experiences Illawarra-wide. Frock up, gather your friends and treat yourself to a day of splendour and fun!

Nitro Circus, WIN Stadium, Friday 7 November

Nitro Circus is coming to WIN Stadium for one night only — Friday 7 November — and it’s going to be absolutely massive!

Created by action sports legend Travis Pastrana, the “Off the Rails” World Tour is launching in Australia with a brand-new 360° Stadium Show. Expect a 15-metre Giganta ramp, cutting-edge FMX kickers, fire rings, explosions, and non-stop, adrenaline-fueled action.

Aussie superstars Ryan Williams and Jacko Strong will defy gravity with death-defying tricks in BMX, scooter, and FMX. It’s a full-throttle night of chaos, stunts, and spectacle — where the impossible happens. Don’t miss it! FAMILY/GROUP DEAL: Buy 4 or more B Reserve tickets & save up to 25%!

Wollongong Makers Market, Saturday 8 November – Sunday 9 November

The Wollongong Makers Market returns for 2025 on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November, from 9am to 3pm! Save the date now to make sure you don’t miss the Illawarra’s best handmade shopping experience, perfectly timed to help you find one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.

Held at the UOW Innovation Campus in North Wollongong, this free-entry, biannual artisan market celebrates high-quality handmade creations—from painters and authors to jewellers, ceramicists, and printmakers. Enjoy over 100 stalls across two levels, live jazz, and delicious food, all in a relaxed, scenic setting opposite Puckeys Beach. With free parking, nearby cycleways, and a welcoming community vibe, it’s the perfect weekend outing. Don’t miss this standout event for local creativity and talent!

The Gong Raceday, Saturday 22 November, Kembla Grange Racecourse

Get ready for the thrill of the Spring Carnival at The Illawarra Turf Club’s premier race meeting – The Gong! Held every November, this spectacular event combines elite racing with premium hospitality, live music, and a buzzing coastal atmosphere. Off the track, enjoy all-day entertainment on the Public Lawn, a DJ to keep the celebrations going after the last race, and free buses to get you home safely.

Dress to impress and enter Fashions On The Field for your chance to win fantastic prizes. As the finale of the NSW Spring Carnival, The Gong is a metropolitan standalone meeting that draws Australia’s top horses and jockeys – and it’s fast become one of the region’s must-attend social events. Don’t miss out – get your tickets now.

Spartan Stadion, WIN Stadium, Saturday 29 November

Get ready, Wollongong – Spartan is making its long-awaited debut in the Illawarra! This adrenaline-fueled obstacle race is set to take over WIN Stadium, offering an unforgettable experience for elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts, families, and first-time racers alike.

The Stadion format brings the action indoors with a fast-paced 5km course featuring stairs, sprints, sand, and over 20 obstacles designed to test your grit, speed, and strength. You can join solo, join your gym team, or soak up the festival atmosphere (spectator tickets are FREE!).

With events for both adults and kids, team waves, a family-friendly festival zone, and meet-and-greets with Spartan athletes, there’s something for everyone. Spectator passes are free, so no one has to miss out on the excitement. Learn more/join in/grab your tickets now!

MMJ Aquathon, Sunday 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!

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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