Festival Events in Wollongong / Illawarra. Best Music, Arts & Culture, Food & Wine Festivals / South Coast NSW

Oktoberfest events across Wollongong & the Illawarra in October

Oktoberfest celebrations are returning to Wollongong and the Illawarra, bringing the spirit of Bavaria to the South Coast! From traditional German food and steins of beer to live music, games, and plenty of festive fun, there are events and gatherings across the region for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re after a lively party atmosphere, a family-friendly day out, or just a chance to sample seasonal brews, Oktoberfest in the Illawarra is the perfect way to welcome spring with good food, good music, and great company. Prost! Plan your Oktoberfest celebrations here.

Woodfest Workshop & Market, Saturday 18 October – Sunday 19 October

Get ready for a weekend of creativity, community, and hands-on fun at Woodfest 2025, happening Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 October at Bulli Showground.

With more than 15 workshops for all ages and skill levels, you can try everything from spoon carving, basketry, wreath making, and woodturning to pyrography, Kumiko joinery, and Aboriginal cultural workshops with spear, boomerang, and clap stick making. Kids can join special whittling and carving sessions, while adults can dive into traditional crafts or advanced projects like carving a Kuksa cup.

Alongside the workshops, enjoy live music, gourmet food, barista coffee, market stalls, and local exhibitors. Proudly part of Sydney Craft Week, Woodfest is the perfect place to discover new skills, celebrate craftsmanship, and connect with the creative community. Entry by gold coin donation – but workshop spots are limited, so book early to secure yours!

Architecture in Concert: The Alma Moodie Quartet – Saturday 18 October

An electrifying night of music, design, and community awaits at the Illawarra Festival of Architecture & Design Awards Night on Saturday, 18 October, at the Wollongong Art Gallery.

Experience the world-class Alma Moodie Quartet as they perform the stirring works of Tchaikovsky and Brahms. Guests can wander through the Festival of Architecture & Design Awards exhibition, enjoy drinks, canapés, and conversation in the elegant gallery setting, and take part in an evening that unites creativity and culture. Featuring acclaimed local violinist Anna da Silva Chen, violinist Kristian Winther, violist James Wannan, cellist Miles Mullins-Chivers, and clarinetist Olivia Hans-Rosenbaum, the quartet brings their exceptional artistry from Wollongong to the world stage. Secure your tickets now for a truly inspiring performance.

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!