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

Wiso’s Oktoberfest 2026 – Sunday 25 October

Get ready for a huge Oktoberfest celebration at WISO’s on Sunday 25 October, 12pm–4pm! Enjoy live Oompah music, German food specials, beer, schnapps, dancing + traditional Oktoberfest competitions. Dust off your lederhosen, round up your mates + make a fun Sunday afternoon of it! Learn more here.

A New NBL Season is Here – Get Behind the Illawarra Hawks!

Looking for an awesome thing to do in Wollongong? Catch the Illawarra Hawks live at WIN Entertainment Centre! A Hawks home game at the WIN Entertainment Centre brings together fast-paced NBL basketball, big-game atmosphere and live entertainment for an exciting outing with family or friends. Cheer on Wollongong’s home team, experience the action courtside and make a night of it in the heart of the city. With home games throughout the NBL27 season, + community events, basketball clinics and kids’ programs, there are plenty of ways to get involved with the Hawks – explore flexible 3-game & 5-game memberships, group bookings + more.

MS Gong Ride – Sunday 1 November – now with NEW Virtual Ride options!

Register now for the 2026 MS Gong Ride and choose YOUR way to ride! Take on the iconic 80km or 53km road ride to Wollongong, or get involved with the NEW Virtual Ride options – join the relay-style smart bike challenge at Thomas Dalton Park or ride the virtual course from home. Ride solo, rally your mates or get a team together and make your kilometres count for MS this Sunday 1 November! Register now/learn more.

Don McLean: 55th Anniversary of American Pie – Anita’s Theatre, 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 Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul 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 here.

Belmondo’s Reunion Party -Saturday 24 October

Relive the magic of one of Wollongong’s most iconic nightclubs at the Belmondo’s Reunion Party! For one unforgettable night, reconnect with old friends, dance to the biggest ’80s classics, enjoy roving food and a special guest appearance as you step back into the memories that made Belmondo’s legendary. Join the celebration at Frisky’s, Novotel Northbeach Wollongong on Saturday 24 October 2026, from 7pm–1am. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss your chance to be part of this nostalgic night!

Dapto Mall – Santa’s Arrival, Santa Photos & Christmas Events

Christmas Magic is Coming to Dapto Mall! Santa, The Grinch + Festive Family Fun! Get ready for a magical Christmas season at Dapto Mall, kicking off with Santa’s FREE Arrival Parade on Saturday 14 November, featuring favourite characters, live entertainment, face painting + balloon sculptures! Then, don’t miss the FREE Grinch Meet & Greet on Sunday 15 November for some mischievous Christmas fun. Plus, make lasting memories with Santa Photos at Dapto Mall, including Sensitive Santa sessions, Pet Photos, special discounts + your chance to WIN a $10,000 family holiday!

The HONK! Oz Street Music Festival, 7 – 9 January 2027

Get ready for a colourful explosion of music, dance and street entertainment as the FREE HONK! Oz Street Music Festival returns to Wollongong on Saturday 9 January 2027! Wollongong’s city centre will come alive with local, national and international street bands, infectious rhythms, world music, circus performers, dancing and vibrant costumes. Bring the family, soak up the atmosphere and even join the fun with your own instrument in the HOOT pickup band! The festivities kick off early with performances at Eat Street Markets on Thursday 7 January and The Servo in Port Kembla on Friday 8 January. Completely FREE and a brilliant summer event for all ages!

MMJ Wollongong Aquathon, Tuesday 26 January, 2027

Illawarra’s favourite summer community fitness event, the MMJ Wollongong Aquathon, is back on Tuesday 26 January 2027 at beautiful Wollongong Harbour! Now in its 25th+ year, this much-loved event brings together swim-run Aquathons for kids aged 6–13 and adults, solo and tag-team options, plus the popular Blue Mile 5K Fun Run. Expect a brilliant community atmosphere, finisher medals, family fun and plenty of fitness by the harbour, all while supporting local not-for-profits and charity partner the Black Dog Institute. 2027 entries open October 2026 here!

Run Havoc Wollongong Running Festival, Sunday 6 June, 2027

The Run Havoc Wollongong Running Festival is back Sunday 6 June 2027, bringing runners of all ages and abilities together along Wollongong’s spectacular coastline. Choose from the Half Marathon, 10km, 5km Fun Run or Kids 2km Fun Run, with options for serious runners, beginners and families wanting to join the fun. All finishers receive a themed medal, post-race snacks, sponsor giveaways and an online finisher certificate, with Half Marathon and 10km runners also receiving a premium event tee. 2027 registrations are open now, with entry prices increasing closer to race day.

Friday & Saturday Night LIVE Music is kicking off at Centro CBD Wollongong

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!

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