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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

    Infamous The Show – last shows are THIS WEEKEND in Bulli: Sat 8 – Sun 9 November

    Experience 2 hours of non-stop thrills with daring circus stunts, stunning dancers, and world-class acts – all in an intimate Spiegeltent big top at Infamous The Show. Show is held at Bulli Showground, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 6pm. Doors open 1 hour before showtime with live music, snacks, and a fully stocked bar that stays open throughout the show, making it the perfect night out. Strictly 18+ only – grab your tickets now for an unforgettable cabaret circus experience!

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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!

    MMJ Aquathon, Sunday 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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