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

Wollongong’s Newest Bar SCORPIO Opens This October Long Weekend (Sat 3 – Sun 4 October)

A brand-new bar is opening in Wollongong this October Long Weekend! Formerly The Little Prince, the Globe Lane venue has undergone a major transformation and is reopening as SCORPIO on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, from midday to 2am both days. Inspired by Europe’s vibrant beach clubs, expect delicious cocktails, Greek and Mediterranean-inspired tapas and share plates, DJs, house music and plenty of dancing. Gather your friends and be among the first to experience Wollongong’s newest destination for food, drinks and late-night celebrations! Learn more here now!

What’s on School Holidays / Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama & Illawarra

Our HUGE Spring School Holiday Guide is packed with 40+ things for kids to do across Wollongong & the Illawarra – including events, adventures, shows, workshops + FREE and low-cost family fun. Save the guide, book your favourites + get the school holidays sorted!

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, and kicking off in Wollongong on Friday 2 October, plus community events, basketball clinics and kids’ programs, there are plenty of ways to get involved with the Hawks.

Spring Live Music Sessions – Wollongong Central

Live music is back at Wollongong Central! Enjoy FREE performances from talented local artists, presented by Yours & Owls, every Thursday evening from 5pm–7pm until 8 October. Grab a bite, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some brilliant local music at the Level 1 Food Court. Check out the artist lineup here!

Spartan Stadion, WIN Stadium, Saturday 10 October – get 20% off with What’s On In Wollongong!

Save with 20% off your Race Registration with What’s On In Wollongong with Discount Code WHATSON-20 when you register online here.

Spartan returns to WIN Stadium on Saturday 10 October 2026 for an epic 5km Stadion race packed with 20+ obstacles. Take on stadium stairs, walls, monkey bars, functional fitness challenges, the famous spear throw + more as the course winds through the stadium and bleachers overlooking City Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Expect 5km of sweat, strength and serious endurance – are you ready to take on Spartan Wollongong? Register here/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!

Wollongong Festival 2026, 12 September – 4 October

Something new is coming to Wollongong! Wollongong Festival is a brand-new city-wide celebration bringing music, arts, culture and community to Thirroul, Bulli, Wollongong CBD and Port Kembla across four weekends from 12 September to 4 October 2026. Save the dates and get ready to explore events and experiences across the city, with the full festival program coming soon.

Yours & Owls Festival 2026, 3 – 4 October

Yours & Owls Festival Returns to Wollongong! One of Wollongong’s biggest music weekends is back, with Yours & Owls Festival taking over Flagstaff Hill on Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October 2026. The huge line-up includes G Flip, PNAU, DMA’S, Ball Park Music, bbno$, Genesis Owusu, Hiatus Kaiyote, Luude, Middle Kids, Tkay Maidza and stacks more across the two days. Get ready for a massive weekend of live music right in the heart of Wollongong – tickets are on sale now!

Check out the full Yours & Owls 2026 line-up & tickets

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

The HONK! Oz Street Music Festival will bring Wollongong CBD to life on Saturday 9 January 2027, with an energetic mix of local, national and international street bands, circus, dance, singing, world music and colourful performances. This completely FREE festival is a great day out for all ages, and you can even bring your own instrument and join the HOOT pickup band! The fun starts early with pre-festival performances at Eat Street Markets on Thursday 7 January and The Servo in Port Kembla on Friday 8 January. Stay tuned for further event details here!

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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