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

    Live Music Festivals Wollongong Illawarra

    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

    Steel City Strings – Forest Bathing, 14 – 21 September

    Experience the healing power of nature through music with Steel City Strings’ Forest Bathing, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. This September, immerse yourself in serene, wild, and spiritually rich compositions, including world premieres by internationally acclaimed composer Katia Beaugeais and emerging cellist Gabriel Frømyhr.

    Featuring works by Elena Kats-Chernin, Peter Sculthorpe, and Brenda Gifford, the repertoire reflects the beauty of the natural world—from the still majesty of forests to the roar of the coast—offering a tranquil space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect. Performances are on 14 Sept in Bowral, 20 Sept in Wollongong, and 21 Sept in Nowra. Secure your tickets now here.

    Eats and Beats Street Series SPRING – Oak Flats, Saturday 20 September

    Spring is blooming in Oak Flats, and the streets are coming alive with flavour, music, and fun! Join Shellharbour City Council for the Eats and Beats Street Series on Central Avenue Oak Flats, where local eats meet live beats in a vibrant celebration for all ages.

    Tuck into delicious food from local eateries and food stalls, enjoy live music and roving performers, browse creative market stalls, and keep the kids entertained with free family fun like face painting and circus activities.

    Plus, the day gets even bigger with Oak Flats Public School’s Spring Festival – featuring carnival rides, showbags, and non-stop excitement! Don’t miss this epic community day out.

    Culture Mix, Saturday 20 September

    Culture Mix is a FREE, inclusive celebration open to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. On Saturday 20 September, 11am–7pm across Wollongong CBD, Crown St Mall, the Arts Precinct, Art Gallery, and Library, enjoy music, dance, workshops, installations, and global food. Sample Chilean street eats, join K-Pop dance classes, take part in a street parade with a Traditional Chinese Lion Dance and samba band, or explore the Cultural Bazaar.

    With Culture Kids activities, storytelling, a Quiet Space, accessible parking, and Auslan programs, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant community event. Learn more here.

    The Art of Violin, Saturday 27 September

    Experience The Art of Violin this September in Wollongong! At the end of the 17th century, the violin as we know it was born, captivating Europe with its brilliance and versatility. This special concert showcases how German, Italian, and French composers shaped the violin concerto, with works by Telemann, Leclair, Handel, Vivaldi, and Bach. Performed by Artistic Director Madeleine Easton, alongside Rafael Font and Simone Slattery, this is a celebration of Baroque mastery not to be missed. At the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, Gleniffer Brae. Book your tickets here now.

    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!

    Oktoberfest events across Wollongong & the Illawarra! September & 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.

    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.

    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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