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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

    Sunset Cinema Wollongong is back – grab your Early Bird Pass now & SAVE!

    Get ready for summer movie nights under the stars as Sunset Cinema Wollongong returns 11 Dec 2025 – 28 Mar 2026 to Wollongong Botanic Garden. Early Bird Prices: Adults $18 | Kids $13 – limited time only! Lock in your pass now & SAVE. Don’t miss out – passes sell fast every year. This season they’ve got a blockbuster program of new releases, timeless classics & everything in-between for all ages.

    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.

    The Gong Raceday, Saturday 22 November, Kembla Grange Racecourse

    Get ready for the thrill of the Spring Carnival at The Illawarra Turf Club’s premier race meeting – The Gong! Held every November, this spectacular event combines elite racing with premium hospitality, live music, and a buzzing coastal atmosphere. Off the track, enjoy all-day entertainment on the Public Lawn, a DJ to keep the celebrations going after the last race, and free buses to get you home safely.

    Dress to impress and enter Fashions On The Field for your chance to win fantastic prizes. As the finale of the NSW Spring Carnival, The Gong is a metropolitan standalone meeting that draws Australia’s top horses and jockeys – and it’s fast become one of the region’s must-attend social events. Don’t miss out – get your tickets now.

    Reminisce 80s & 90s House Party at The Icon, Wollongong, Friday 28 November

    Get those dancing shoes ready! DJs Stanthaman and Claude will be spinning all your favourite 80’s and 90’s throwbacks, so dress in your best 80’s gear, grab your crew, and dance the night away. Learn more here.

    Spartan Stadion, WIN Stadium, Saturday 29 November

    Fitness. Fun. Community. All in one epic day! Spartan Stadion is bringing its adrenaline-fueled obstacle race to WIN Stadium Wollongong for the very first time – and everyone’s invited on Saturday 29 November!

    Whether you’re racing solo, teaming up with friends, family, or your gym crew, or just there to soak up the festival vibes, the Wollongong Spartan Stadion has something for everyone. Expect a 5K course with 20+ obstacles, kids races for ages 4–14, and a festival zone packed with music, food, and fun – plus FREE spectator passes so no one misses out! Tag your crew and lock in your spot today — all event and registration details at @spartanraceau or learn more/join in/grab your tickets now!

    VIVA CHECHOS 4.0-Sunday Sunset Party! Sunday 30 November, Checho’s Wollongong

    It’s that time again! Join in for Checho’s fourth signature fiesta at Checho’s Wollongong, taking things to the next level with non-stop vibes, entertainment, and bottomless everything. Enjoy live sax, dancers, a fire show, and DJ beats all day, plus canapé-style bottomless food and drinks.

    Limited tickets available – grab yours now, bring the crew, bring the energy, and celebrate Checho’s 4.0 in true Checho’s style… VIVA CHECHO’S!

    Dreaming of a Green Christmas, Wollongong Botanic Garden, Saturday 20 December

    Get into the festive spirit with Dreaming of a Green Christmas”, presented by The Eaton Gorge Theatre Company at Wollongong Botanic Garden on Saturday 20 December, 11am–12pm!

    Join Elfis and Elvin, two cheeky Christmas elves sent to Australia to help Santa prepare for his big night — though things don’t always go according to plan. Laugh, sing, and help them navigate the tricky Australian environment as they search for an animal to guide Santa’s sleigh, all while discovering fun and clever ways to celebrate a greener, more sustainable Christmas.

    Packed with songs, audience participation, and festive cheer, this interactive outdoor performance is perfect for families and recommended for all ages.

    Tickets: $17 per individual (adult or child over 4), $27 per shared adult & child ticket. Children under 4 are free. Places are limited — book your tickets now!

    Illawarra Folk Festival, Bulli Showground, 16-18 January, 2026

    Experience the magic of the Illawarra Folk Festival, returning to Bulli Showground from 16–18 January 2026 for three unforgettable days of music, culture, and community. With over 80 acts across multiple stages, the festival features a vibrant mix of folk, indie, world, roots, bluegrass, Balkan, and Celtic music, plus poetry, comedy, and dance. Enjoy the intimate, family-friendly atmosphere the festival is known for, with artisan markets, international food stalls, and late-night sessions that keep the spirit alive.

    Whether you’re a seasoned folkie or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone — and with kids under 12 free, it’s perfect for the school holidays. Early bird tickets are on sale now, including single-day passes, full 3-day access, and camping packages – but spots are limited, so book early and get your folk on!

    Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake, Lake Illawarra, Monday 26 January

    Join in on from 8am–12pm for a classic lakeside celebration packed with sunshine, smiles, and great vibes. Kick off the morning with a sizzling BBQ breakfast, then dive into hours of FREE family fun – from slip n slides, water play, and jumping castles to parkour, rock climbing, laser tag, and stand-up paddleboarding. Kids will love the face painting and arts & crafts, while the whole family can enjoy live music and browse vibrant market stalls. With food, fun, and festivities all in one spot, it’s the perfect family day out – don’t miss it! Brought to you by Shellharbour City Council. Learn more here.

    MMJ Aquathon, Monday 26 January

    Illawarra’s Favourite Summer Fitness Event is Back!

    The MMJ Wollongong Aquathon returns on Monday 26 January 2026 (Public Holiday) at the stunning Wollongong Harbour! For over 25 years, this iconic swim-run event has been a highlight of the local community calendar, welcoming participants of all ages for a day of fitness, fun, and charity. Take part in the swim-run Aquathon, or join the Blue Mile 5k Fun Run — with distances for kids (6–13), teens, and adults, plus solo or tag-team options. Enjoy the fantastic vibe, finisher medals, family fun, and the chance to support the community and the Black Dog Institute. Don’t miss out — entries are now open 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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