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

Dragons v Storm, WIN Stadium, Saturday 14 March

The St. George Illawarra Dragons’ first home game of the regular season is always a big one, and this clash against the 2025 Grand Final runners-up, the Melbourne Storm, is set to bring serious energy to WIN Stadium on Saturday 14 March. Expect big hits, passionate fans and an electric atmosphere as the Dragons fire up at home. Gates open at 3:00pm, NSW Cup kicks off at 3:10pm, with the NRL showdown at 5:30pm. Grab your tickets now and be part of the action!

Checho’s Wollongong – 1st Anniversary Celebration, Saturday 14 March, 1pm – LATE

Checho’s Wollongong is turning ONE — and they’re celebrating in style! Join the party on Saturday 14 March for a huge day-to-night fiesta packed with margaritas, music and high-energy vibes. Expect $10 margaritas all day, a lively lunchtime bottomless session with a live Mariachi band, sunset dinner vibes with Afro House DJs, and a massive after-party featuring headline DJ K Vision, plus CO₂ cannons, fire shows and a packed dancefloor. The first 100 guests even score a spicy surprise on arrival — this is one anniversary celebration you won’t want to miss. Grab your tickets now!

Sunset Cinema Wollongong: Get 20% off 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.

Get 20% off at Sunset Cinema Wollongong with What’s On In Wollongong ON NOW with discount code WhatsOnGong20 – book your discounted tickets here

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 tickets now and enjoy the ultimate summer cinema experience!

International Women’s Day Events in Wollongong & Shellharbour, 6 – 13 March

From networking events to community celebrations & empowering workshops, our region is hosting a range of events honouring women & female leadership in our communities. Show up for the women shaping our community. Explore our IWD 2026 Events 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.

Kembla Classic Twilight Races, Friday 13 March

Join the party at the Kembla Classic Twilight Races on Friday 13 March from 12pm! One of the Illawarra’s biggest race days is back, with FREE entry after 3pm at Kembla Grange Racecourse. Expect thrilling racing, a DJ after the last race, happy hour all day on the public lawn, food trucks, bars and a buzzing race day atmosphere. Grab your mates and head trackside for the ultimate after-work party at the races. Plan your visit to the Kembla Classic Twilight Races here.

Five Barrel Brewing are turning 10 & you’re invited to the party! 13 – 14 Mar

Five Barrel Brewing is turning 10 — and Wollongong is invited to celebrate! Join the team for a huge birthday weekend on Friday 13 & Saturday 14 March packed with fresh craft beer, live music, great food trucks, giveaways and plenty of good times. Expect a brand-new Anniversary Celebration Ale on tap, the brewery buzzing with locals, and that unbeatable Five Barrel atmosphere. Grab your crew, book a table and raise a glass to 10 years of independent craft beer in the Gong.

Expressive Art Retreats – March & September

The Expressive Art Experience Retreats in March and September 2026 offer beautifully restorative weekends of creative expression, connection and wellbeing at Golden Ridge on Stockyard Mountain Road, Yellow Rock Ridge NSW on the South Coast. The March retreat runs from 20 – 22 March 2026, and the September retreat is held from 11 – 13 September 2026. Both retreats include all art materials, nourishing meals and a peaceful natural setting where participants of all levels can relax, create and connect with others in a supportive, mindful environment. Suitable for Ages 18+ years. Learn more here.

REMINISCE 80’S & 90’S presents: UV WHITE PARTY Featuring Katrin from Black Box, 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- plus get ready to step back into the golden era of dance music as BLACK BOX makes a special guest appearance! 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.

Keira Laneway Live, Wollongong CBD, Sunday 22 March

Save the date! Keira Lane is transforming into a vibrant alfresco hangout for Keira Laneway Live on Sunday 22 March, 12pm – 9pm. Expect live music, roving performers, free entertainment and activities, plus plenty of delicious food from local favourites including Ruki, Amigos, K’Malu and Balinese Spice Magic. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend a relaxed Sunday in the Wollongong CBD – wander through, grab a bite, enjoy the atmosphere and soak up the laneway vibes all afternoon and into the evening. Plan your visit to Keira Laneway Live here.

Easter Events across Wollongong, Shellharbour & Illawarra

The Easter long weekend is packed with family-friendly fun — from Easter egg hunts and markets to live entertainment, Easter raffles and special dining events at local clubs and venues. Whether you’re chasing chocolate, planning a relaxed long lunch, or looking for something to keep the kids busy this Easter, there’s plenty happening right across the Illawarra. Plan your Easter in the Illawarra here.

Vintage, Book & Art Bazaar – Sunday 26 April, 2026

The Vintage, Book & Art Bazaar returns to Coledale for 2026, taking place on Sunday 26 April, with a curated lineup of stallholders showcasing art, handmade goods, books by South Coast authors, and an eclectic range of rare vintage and unique retro pieces. Held at the Coledale Community Hall from 10am to 2pm both days, this all-weather event invites visitors to explore, browse, and discover something truly special.

The Fraternity Club, Castagne Day, Sun 3 May, 2026

The Fraternity Club is bringing back the much-loved Castagne Day 2026 — and it’s set to be another fantastic, family-friendly celebration! Enjoy traditional chestnut roasting, international food and market stalls, live entertainment and carnival rides for the kids, all with free entry. It’s a vibrant day filled with the sights, sounds and flavours of Italian culture, perfect for bringing the whole family together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more exciting details.

Guy Sebastian – WIN Entertainment Centre, Thursday 7 May, 2026

ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter Guy Sebastian returns to Wollongong on Thursday 7 May 2026. Fans can expect a high-energy set featuring hits like Battle Scars, Before I Go, and Choir, alongside new tracks from his heartfelt and optimistic tenth studio album. With over 1.3 billion global streams, seven million units sold, seven ARIA Awards, 82 ARIA Platinum accreditations, and six Number One ARIA singles, Guy continues to captivate audiences with his soulful vocals, masterful songwriting, and unmatched stage presence. Tickets are available now!

Market St Bistro Reunion Party, Friday 15 May

Taking you back in time to the Market St Bistro Reunion Party — Friday 15 May 2026 from 6.30pm at The Lagoon Restaurant. Expect cocktail vibes, grazing and roving food, original 70s & 80s DJs, familiar faces, unforgettable characters and a few true legends along the way. Hosted by Scott Radburn & Robin, with DJs Claude & Stanthaman, plus special guest appearances from Carima, Graham, Terry and the crew — this is the reunion everyone’s been waiting for. Tickets include entry, food and seriously good times. Tickets on sale now — don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime night.

Wings Over Shellharbour, Sat 16 & Sun 17 May

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. One epic weekend. Fast, loud and unforgettable. Tickets on sale now.

WIN Entertainment Centre – Professor Brian Cox Live – Emergence, Thursday 21 May

After performing his smash-hit show Horizons to nearly half a million people worldwide, Professor Brian Cox returns with his spectacular new world tour Emergence, coming to WIN Entertainment Centre on Thursday 21 May.

Known for landmark BBC science series including Wonders of the Solar System and the global hit The Planets, Brian brings together cosmology, biology, philosophy and history in an immersive live experience. Featuring breathtaking visuals, powerful sound and cutting-edge LED screen technology, Emergence promises an unforgettable journey through the beauty and mysteries of our universe. Tickets on sale now!

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

Get ready for an unforgettable night of adrenaline, entertainment and live music at the MJ Rowles Rodeo 4 Life at WIN Entertainment Centre on 30 May 2026. Watch Australia’s top bull riders take on the arena in a thrilling showcase of skill and courage, alongside a live performance from Robbie Mortimer. The night also features the spectacular Lachie Cossor’s Outback Stockman’s Show and plenty of laughs with crowd favourite rodeo clown Big Al.

There’s even the chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes, making it a night packed with excitement for the whole family. Best of all, 100% of profits support the RPA Transplant Institute, helping fund vital life-saving research. Tickets and family bundles available now.

Winter Wine Festival – Crooked River Wines, Sat 6 – Sun 7 June

Crooked River Estate’s much-loved Winter Wine Festival is back on the June Long Weekend, Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June, bringing two unforgettable days of live music, premium wine and South Coast vibes to the rolling vineyard hills of Crooked River Estate in beautiful Gerringong. After last year’s sold-out success, the festival once again partners with Yours & Owls to deliver a standout lineup including Lime Cordiale, Matt Corby, Sons Of The East, The Vanns and more.

This intimate event is limited to just 2,500 guests, offering an up-close and personal festival experience. Expect award-winning wines, incredible food, passionate producers and world-class live performances. Your ticket even includes a complimentary return shuttle from Kiama, Gerringong and Berry train stations. Grab your tickets 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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