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    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

    Wings Over Shellharbour, Sat 16 & Sun 17 May: Get your Early Bird Discounted Tickets NOW!

    Sydney’s premier airshow is back! Wings Over Shellharbour returns to the South Coast for an adrenaline-charged weekend of high-energy aviation action. Watch the skies explode with historic warbirds, modern aircraft and breathtaking aerobatics, while the ground comes alive with a huge family-friendly festival – rides, kids’ zone, food trucks, Defence Force activations, live entertainment and more. Early Bird tickets on sale now – grab 2022 prices for a limited time. One epic weekend. Fast, loud and unforgettable.

    Sunset Cinema Wollongong is back! 11 December – 28 March – get 20% off tickets with What’s On In Wollongong

    Get ready for magical summer nights under the stars as Sunset Cinema returns to Wollongong from 11 December 2025 to 28 March 2026! Set in the beautiful Wollongong Botanic Garden, this outdoor cinema is the perfect way to unwind with friends, family, or someone special. Enjoy a stellar lineup featuring festive favourites like Love Actually and Elf, along with exciting new releases including Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.

    Get 20% off tickets with What’s On In Wollongong: Use discount code WhatsOnGong20 at the online checkout when purchasing your tickets online.

    You’ll find all the movie-night essentials on-site — from freshly popped popcorn and sweet treats to a food truck and licensed bar — or you can pack your own picnic for a classic outdoor experience. Children under 3 are FREE. Book your 20% off tickets now and enjoy the ultimate summer cinema experience!

    Illawarra HIllawarra Hawks’ return to WIN Entertainment Centre, Sat 31 January

    Cheer on the Illawarra Hawks, the reigning NBL25 Champions, as they return home for another exciting home game at WIN Entertainment Centre. Catch the action live on Saturday 31 January at 8pm for a blockbuster clash against the Perth Wildcats during Pride Round, celebrating inclusion and belonging. With fast-paced basketball, a buzzing home crowd and family-friendly atmosphere, these games are a must-do these holidays. Illawarra Hawks NBL26 home game tickets are on sale now.

    2026 Race Day Events at Kembla Grange Racecourse

    Spend a sunny day trackside at Kembla Grange Racecourse, NSW’s premier racecourse south of Sydney. Summer race days here are all about live racing excitement, social vibes and great hospitality – whether you’re watching from the Grandstand, relaxing on the Public Lawn or stepping it up with a private hospitality experience. Expect big screens, flowing drinks, Modern Australian dining options and a lively atmosphere that works just as well for a casual day out with friends as it does for family groups or celebrations. With ample parking and scenic surrounds, it’s an easy, high-energy way to make the most of summer. Get their list of 2026 Upcoming Race Days here. Perfect if you want a summer day out that mixes sport, sunshine, food and social fun — book ahead and make a day of it.

    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!

    Bach’s Motets, Wollongong Art Gallery, Friday 6 February

    Bach’s Motets return in 2026, opening a powerful new chapter for Bach Akademie Australia — and they’re coming to the Wollongong stage on Friday 6 February.

    In a special season-opening collaboration with The Song Company, audiences will experience all seven surviving motets by Johann Sebastian Bach, the only vocal works of Bach to remain in continuous performance since his lifetime, revered for their themes of comfort, resurrection and joy. These transcendent choral masterpieces are paired with luminous contemporary works by Sandra Milliken (Herr Jesus Christus) and James MacMillan (O Radiant Dawn), creating a program of profound emotional and spiritual resonance. An unmissable event for music lovers – ensemble singing at its most profound Book your tickets now here.

    Reminisce 80s & 90s present Coachella Party at The Icon, Saturday 28 February

    Get ready to relive the ultimate 80s & 90s bangers in true festival style at REMINISCE 80s & 90s presents: Coachella Party at The Icon, Wollongong. Expect neon vibes, throwback anthems and hands-in-the-air moments all night long, with DJ Claude & Stanthaman bringing the party soundtrack. Saturday 28 February, FREE entry — dress loud, sing louder and dance like it’s 1999.

    REMINISCE 80’S & 90’S presents: UV WHITE PARTY at The Frisky Flamingo at Novotel Northbeach, Saturday 21 March

    REMINISCE 80’S & 90’S presents: UV WHITE PARTY is set to light up Frisky’s – The Frisky Flamingo at Novotel Northbeach, Wollongong with the ultimate glow-up night of the year. This full-scale UV White experience takes over two pumping levels with nonstop energy, throwback anthems and packed dancefloors. Dress in white, glow under UV lights and lose yourself in neon visuals, palm trees and retro club vibes as DJ Claude & Stanthaman drop wall-to-wall 80s, 90s & 00s bangers from the first beat to the last drop. Saturday 21 March from 8pm, $20 door entry (online tickets coming soon). One massive party. All white. All night.

    Rodeo 4 Life 2026, WIN Entertainment Centre, 30 May, 2026

    Join in for the MJ Rowles Rodeo 4 Life at the WIN Entertainment Centre on 30 May 2026—an unforgettable night of adrenaline, live music and heart. Watch Australia’s top bull riders take on the arena alongside a live performance from Robbie Mortimer, plus thrilling entertainment from Lachie Cossor’s Outback Stockman’s Show and plenty of laughs with rodeo clown Big Al. Don’t miss out on limited-time Early Bird pricing and family bundles, available now until Thursday 15 January. Tickets available here.

    Wollongong Comedy Events

    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.

    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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