Add a listing
    Add a listing

    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

    Australian Comedy Roadshow – The Fraternity Club, Friday 10 July

    Get ready for a huge night of stand-up comedy as the Australian Comedy Roadshow comes to The Fraternity Club. Featuring Peter Berner, Simon Kennedy and Bonnie Tangey, this fast-paced showcase delivers sharp wit, big personalities and non-stop laughs. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, date night or simply looking for a great evening of live entertainment, this is one show you won’t want to miss. Book your tickets now and enjoy an unforgettable night of live comedy at The Fraternity Club. For ages 18 years +. Book your tickets here now

    Your Ultimate School Holiday Guide is Here!

    Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? We’ve rounded up 50+ of the best school holiday events, activities, workshops, shows, free fun and family adventures happening across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama & the Illawarra. With something for every age, interest and budget, our guide is updated daily so you won’t miss a thing. Start planning your family’s best school holidays yet!

    Stellar Experiences FREE Illawarra Community Day – Shellharbour, Saturday 18 July

    Celebrate the opening of Stellar Experiences’ brand-new Illawarra social space and discover how they’re helping young adults aged 16–35 living with mild to moderate disability build confidence, create meaningful friendships and live more connected, independent lives. Tour the new space, meet the friendly team, learn about their programs and supports, enjoy light refreshments and connect with families, carers and community professionals. FREE to attend and no bookings required—everyone is welcome! Learn more here now.

    REMINISCE 80’s & 90’s presents – SPECIAL FEATURE: MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE – Saturday 1 August

    REMINISCE 80’s & 90’s is bringing the party back in a big way with their Black & White Party featuring a Michael Jackson Tribute on Saturday 1 August at Frisky’s, North Wollongong. Get ready for an electric night as the incredible Jason Jackson brings the King of Pop to life, performing all the hits — Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, Smooth Criminal and more. Expect a full dancefloor with DJ Claude & Stanthaman spinning classic 80s and 90s club anthems all night long. Doors open from 8pm at Frisky’s (Novotel Wollongong), with a dress-to-impress black and white theme. This one will sell out — grab your tickets online now.

    Ride4Rotary, Friday 13 September

    Join Ride4Rotary on Sunday 13 September for a fun, family-friendly charity ride raising vital funds for Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS), helping vulnerable young people access education, employment and training opportunities. As the finale of Ride Wollongong’s 16-Day Festival of Cycling, the event features ride options for all ages and abilities—including the popular Loop the Lighthouse course and a dedicated kids’ ride. Better still, registration is FREE! After your ride, enjoy the Family Fun Day at Lang Park from 9am–2pm, with food trucks, exhibitors, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Register now and ride to make a real difference!

    Eats and Beats Oak Flats, Saturday 19 September

    Expect a magical evening of food, live music, markets and family fun as Eats & Beats Oak Flats returns on Saturday 19 September 2026 from 4:30pm–8:30pm.

    This vibrant twilight festival celebrates the heart of Oak Flats, bringing the community together with entertainment, local businesses, delicious eats and plenty of FREE activities for all ages. Wander the streets, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a fun night out close to home. Families can also enjoy carnival rides thanks to Oak Flats Primary School, with ride passes available to purchase on the night to support the school’s fundraising efforts.

     Pro Wrestling Australia: Prize Fight! Saturday 26 September, Anita’s Theatre

    Pro Wrestling Australia: Prize Fight Comes to Thirroul! Following multiple sell-out Sydney events, Pro Wrestling Australia is bringing its uniquely Australian live wrestling spectacle to the iconic Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul this September. Expect a huge night of hard-hitting action, larger-than-life personalities and elite athleticism, with 7 bouts on the card including a must-see PWA Heavyweight Championship Match. Featuring standout Australian wrestling talent seen across WWE Tryouts, Australian Survivor and international NJPW competition, this is one high-energy live event wrestling fans won’t want to miss. Recommended 16+ — book tickets online now.

    Don McLean: 55th Anniversary of American Pie – WIN Entertainment Centre, 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 WIN Entertainment Centre 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 for Wollongong here.

    Kembla Grange Racecourse – Kembla Cup & The Gong Race Days (November)

    Experience Two of the Illawarra’s Biggest Race Days! Whether you’re dressing up for the glamour of The Gong, Saturday 21 November or celebrating the Kembla Grange Cup Tuesday 3 November & Melbourne Cup Day, Kembla Grange Racecourse delivers unforgettable days of elite racing, premium hospitality, live entertainment and a buzzing social atmosphere. Cheer on Australia’s best horses and jockeys, explore vibrant bars and precincts, indulge in everything from gourmet dining to food trucks, and soak up the excitement with friends. From The Gong’s $2.5 million race program and post-race entertainment to Cup Day’s eight local races, live Melbourne Cup broadcast, DJs and all-day celebrations, these are two must-attend events on the Illawarra social calendar. Secure your tickets now and experience race day at its very best!

    Bar Lina – Asado Lunches, Saturday & Sunday

    A long lunch you don’t want to miss! Say hello to Bar Lina’s mouth-watering Asado Lunches, Saturday & Sunday. This is not your average long lunch. At Bar Lina, the table is set for a proper Iberian-style feast – suckling pig slow-roasted for 4 hours ready to share, crispy crackling, melt-in-your-mouth meat & all the trimmings. Book 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!

    Click here for more What’s on in Wollongong Illawarra, Wollongong & South Coast NSW festival and event inspo

    After more events and businesses near you? Never suffer FOMO again with our Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox! Sign up HERE

    You might also like:

    Explore