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

Harlem Globetrotters – WIN Entertainment Centre, Monday 6 July

Looking for an unforgettable school holiday event the whole family will love? The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 100 Year Anniversary Tour to Wollongong for one incredible show packed with basketball, comedy, crowd interaction and jaw-dropping tricks. Expect gravity-defying dunks, unbelievable skills, hilarious entertainment and plenty of moments that will have kids and adults alike saying “WOW!” Celebrating 100 years of thrills, laughs and family fun, this special tour also features exciting fan experiences, pre-game entertainment and opportunities to meet the stars after the show. If your kids love basketball, sport, action or simply being entertained, this is one school holiday event they won’t want to miss. Tickets are on sale now – secure your seats before they sell out!

Stouts & Snouts – Five Barrel Brewing, 26 – 28 June

One of Five Barrel Brewing’s biggest weekends of the year is back! Stouts & Snouts is three days of big, bold stouts, slow-cooked comfort food & all the winter vibes you could ask for + the legendary Pork Knuckle Platter & sides is back -pre-orders essential. Book now – this event sells out every year. Book now 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.

Eats and Beats Albion Park, Saturday 27 June

Winter is about to get a whole lot brighter as Eats & Beats Albion Park transforms Tongarra Road into a buzzing evening of food, live music and family-friendly fun on Saturday 27 June 2026 from 4pm–8pm.

Wander the street, grab something delicious from food trucks and local favourites, enjoy live music and soak up the relaxed community atmosphere. Whether you’re bringing the kids early for rides and entertainment or meeting friends later for an easy night out, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy at this free community event!

REMINISCE 80’s & 90’s presents – SPECIAL FEATURE: MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE – Saturday 25 July

REMINISCE 80’s & 90’s is bringing the party back in a big way with their Black & White Party featuring a Michael Jackson Tribute on Saturday 25 July at Frisky’s, North Wollongong. Get ready for an electric night as the incredible Jason Jackson brings the King of Pop to life, performing all the hits — Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, Smooth Criminal and more. Expect a full dancefloor with DJ Claude & Stanthaman spinning classic 80s and 90s club anthems all night long. Doors open from 8pm at Frisky’s (Novotel Wollongong), with a dress-to-impress black and white theme. This one will sell out — grab your tickets online now.

Eats and Beats Oak Flats, Saturday 19 September

Expect a magical evening of food, live music, markets and family fun as Eats & Beats Oak Flats returns on Saturday 19 September 2026 from 4:30pm–8:30pm.

This vibrant twilight festival celebrates the heart of Oak Flats, bringing the community together with entertainment, local businesses, delicious eats and plenty of FREE activities for all ages. Wander the streets, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a fun night out close to home. Families can also enjoy carnival rides thanks to Oak Flats Primary School, with ride passes available to purchase on the night to support the school’s fundraising efforts.

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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