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
New Exhibition Alert // Greetings from Wollongong – Wollongong Art Gallery
A bold new exhibition celebrating our city’s unique blend of working-class roots & activist spirit to its creative flair. Wollongong has always been more than just steel and surf – it’s a powerhouse of visual culture & social change.
Dive into iconic works by Redback Graphix, explore the films of Mary Callaghan & discover powerful new perspectives through fashion, art, music + more!
Running now until end of August, the exhibition is free to the public offering music, dance, talks & workshops. Loud, proud & uncompromising. Don’t miss it. Learn more here.
Main Photo: As part of exhibition Greetings from Wollongong, they’re thrilled to unveil a special collaboration with @wah_wah_australia – a custom knit jumper that pays tribute to the legacy of filmmaker Mary Callaghan (1955-2016) and the radical design spirit of Redback Graphix, co-founded by Mary’s brother Michael Callaghan.
Eats & Beats Street Series WINTER! Saturday 5 July | 4–8PM | Tongarra Road, Albion Park – EVENT POSTPONED
MESSAGE FROM Shellharbour City Council re the upcoming Eats & Beats event for this Saturday 5 July:
Event crew have been monitoring conditions and the recent wild weather has already impacted preparations for Eats and Beats Albion Park. With more rain and wind forecast, the verdict is in. We have to postpone. We know many of you will be disappointed & we share your disappointment. The wet and windy weather has greatly affected the event site, parking options and operations.
A new date is being finalised. Stay tuned to shellharbourevents.com.au/eatsandbeats and our socials for updates!
LEGO® Build and Play Spectacular at Wollongong Central, 7 – 18 July
Location: Wollongong Central, (Level 1 – outside David Jones), 200 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Dates & Time: 7 – 18 July, 11am to 3pm daily (Monday – Friday only)
Ages: All ages, family-friendly event.
Cost: FREE!
Book now/Learn more HERE
These school holidays, Wollongong Central is the ultimate destination for LEGO® lovers of all ages! From July 7 to 18, head to the interactive LEGO® Play Zone on Level 1 (outside David Jones) for a world of imagination, creativity, and fun.
Open Monday to Friday from 11am to 3pm, the LEGO® Play Zone features free play stations, exciting building challenges, and interactive activities for budding builders—big and small. Best of all, it’s completely FREE, with heaps of prizes up for grabs and 20% off all LEGO® at David Jones during the event. Don’t forget to scan the on-site QR codes for your chance to WIN a holiday to LEGOLAND Malaysia—just by playing!
Family-Friendly Event! 70 Years of Dapto Leagues Club – Saturday 12 July
Location: Dapto Leagues Club, Station Street , Dapto NSW 2530
Dates & Time: Saturday 12 July – all day and all night FUN!
Cost: FREE Event!
Ages: All ages, family-friendly event.
Book now/Learn more
Join in celebrating 70 INCREDIBLE YEARS of Dapto Leagues Club — a milestone packed with cherished memories, laughter, and community spirit! They’re throwing an all-day party filled with good times from morning till night. Enjoy nostalgic moments with their photobook display, treat the kids to fairy floss, face painting, and a magician, and let them groove at the Tabatinga Silent Disco.
Sip on retro cocktails, savour retro plate specials, and relax to the sounds of live music in The Mill. Feeling lucky? Don’t miss their Bonus Cash Draw with a share of $2,500 up for grabs — hourly draws from 1pm to 7pm (T&Cs apply). Bookings are essential – click here to reserve your spot and explore all the fun!
Winter Fiesta Ft. Magdalena Mira Trio & 1 Night In Cuba – Seeker Brewing, Sat 12 July
Step into a night of rhythm, soul, and celebration at the Winter Fiesta on Saturday 12 July at Seeker Brewing. This unique event brings together two dynamic bands—1 Night In Cuba and the Magdalena Mira Trio—for an unforgettable four-hour musical experience.
Feel the heat of Havana with 1 Night In Cuba’s infectious blend of traditional and contemporary Cuban rhythms, performed by some of Sydney’s most exciting Latin musicians. Then, be transported by the Magdalena Mira Trio’s soulful and inventive take on the American Songbook, blending jazz, storytelling, and improvisation. With nine exceptional performers, this is a one-night-only musical journey not to be missed. Get your tickets now!
Wollongong Comedy 2025 LINEUP IS STACKED!
From razor-sharp satire to comedy royalty, there’s a show for everyone +catch Wil Anderson in Wollongong! All shows at The Builders Club, Wollongong.
- Thurs 10 July – Teacher Comedy Night. With Daniel Delby – Ex-teacher, full-time legend.
- Fri 25 & Sat 26 July – Wil Anderson: Whatchu Talkin’ ‘Bout Wil?. Completely improvised. One of the fastest comedy minds in the game.
- Thurs 9 Oct – Ben Knight: The Parent/Teacher Interview. Hilarious. Honest. Unfiltered.
New Exhibition at Bundanon: Betty Kuntiwa Pumani: maḻatja-maḻatja (those who come after) & David Sequeira: The Shape of Music.
Bundanon is proud to present its upcoming Season Exhibition, running from 28 June to 5 October 2025, featuring two powerful exhibitions that showcase leading voices in contemporary Australian art: Betty Kuntiwa Pumani: maḻatja-maḻatja (those who come after) and David Sequeira: The Shape of Music.
Pumani’s inaugural museum survey highlights key works from public and private collections, while Sequeira’s exhibition brings together four major bodies of work, including a new commission created especially for Bundanon. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience two distinct yet resonant artistic visions. Learn more here.
(Not So) Blue Light Disco – Bundanon, Saturday 26 July
Get ready to hit the dance floor at Bundanon for a 90s disco spectacular like no other! Join us for a colour block party that’s part disco, part performance, and 100% fun. Expect an epic live DJ set, playful live art, prizes for best dressed and fiercest footwork, plus a pop-up bar, fire pits, and decade-defining dance moves.
Curated by the fabulous Aunty Jonny Hawkins, the night stars a lineup of bold performers including Glenn Twenty (Duncan Fellows), Cheryn Frost, and more surprises to come. Bundanon is located along the stunning Shoalhave River and only 1 hour from Wollongong.
🟦 Dress code: Head-to-toe colour block with your fave 90s flair
🎟️ Book your tickets now – don’t miss this unforgettable art party!
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.
Ride Wollongong Festival of Cycling – Lang Park, Wollongong – 17 – 18 May, 2025
Wollongong’s annual Ride Wollongong, Festival of Cycling has been re-scheduled 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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