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

Salsa Sundays at The Icon – Australia Day Long Weekend, Sunday 25 January

Enjoy FREE salsa and bachata classes from 5pm, Happy Hour from 3–7pm, DJ Lalo on the decks until midnight, and live music from Loren Alain with his Latin band Lorenzo Y Su Swing, bringing the sexiest salsa and bachata beats to keep you dancing all night. Feast on traditional Latin American flavours, including The Icon’s famous Colombian homemade empanadas. Book your table now to secure dinner, drinks and your salsa class (limited spots), or call (02) 4244 3737 to book direct.

Get even more community celebrations to outdoor adventures for all ages this Australia Day, Sunday 26 January 2026. To help you plan the perfect day, we’ve rounded up the top Australia Day events near you here.

Sunset Cinema Wollongong is back! 11 December – 28 March – get 20% off tickets 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. Enjoy a stellar lineup featuring festive favourites like Love Actually and Elf, along with exciting new releases including Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.

Get 20% off tickets with What’s On In Wollongong: Use discount code WhatsOnGong20 at the online checkout when purchasing your tickets online.

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 20% off tickets now and enjoy the ultimate summer cinema experience!

Joylands Carnival – Windang, 26 December – 26 January

Joylands Carnival is bringing the fun to Windang these Christmas and Summer School Holidays, lighting up Windang Memorial Park every night from Boxing Day, 26 December 2025 through to Australia Day, 26 January 2026. Running nightly from 6pm–10pm (ticket box opens 5.30pm), this classic seaside carnival features thrill rides, family favourites, sideshow games and loads of delicious food trucks. Pre-book online to save on 4-hour unlimited ride armbands, which can be used on any night of the carnival, or purchase ride coupons on-site. Expect big fun, bright lights and non-stop excitement all summer long.

Illawarra Hawks’ January Home Games – WIN Entertainment Centre

Cheer on the Illawarra Hawks, the reigning NBL25 Champions, as they return home for two exciting January School Holiday games at WIN Entertainment Centre. Catch the action live on Sunday 11 January when the Hawks take on the New Zealand Breakers in the Members Appreciation & Multicultural Round — a perfect daytime game for families celebrating the diversity of the Illawarra — and again on Saturday 31 January for a blockbuster clash against the Perth Wildcats during Pride Round, celebrating inclusion and belonging. With fast-paced basketball, a buzzing home crowd and family-friendly atmosphere, these games are a must-do these holidays. Illawarra Hawks NBL26 home game tickets are on sale now.

2026 Race Day Events at Kembla Grange Racecourse

Spend a sunny day trackside at Kembla Grange Racecourse, NSW’s premier racecourse south of Sydney. Summer race days here are all about live racing excitement, social vibes and great hospitality – whether you’re watching from the Grandstand, relaxing on the Public Lawn or stepping it up with a private hospitality experience. Expect big screens, flowing drinks, Modern Australian dining options and a lively atmosphere that works just as well for a casual day out with friends as it does for family groups or celebrations. With ample parking and scenic surrounds, it’s an easy, high-energy way to make the most of summer. Get their list of 2026 Upcoming Race Days here. Perfect if you want a summer day out that mixes sport, sunshine, food and social fun — book ahead and make a day of it.

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!

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!

Bach’s Motets, Wollongong Art Gallery, Friday 6 February

Bach’s Motets return in 2026, opening a powerful new chapter for Bach Akademie Australia — and they’re coming to the Wollongong stage on Friday 6 February.

In a special season-opening collaboration with The Song Company, audiences will experience all seven surviving motets by Johann Sebastian Bach, the only vocal works of Bach to remain in continuous performance since his lifetime, revered for their themes of comfort, resurrection and joy. These transcendent choral masterpieces are paired with luminous contemporary works by Sandra Milliken (Herr Jesus Christus) and James MacMillan (O Radiant Dawn), creating a program of profound emotional and spiritual resonance. An unmissable event for music lovers – ensemble singing at its most profound Book your tickets now here.

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

Join in for the MJ Rowles Rodeo 4 Life at the WIN Entertainment Centre on 30 May 2026—an unforgettable night of adrenaline, live music and heart. Watch Australia’s top bull riders take on the arena alongside a live performance from Robbie Mortimer, plus thrilling entertainment from Lachie Cossor’s Outback Stockman’s Show and plenty of laughs with rodeo clown Big Al. Don’t miss out on limited-time Early Bird pricing and family bundles, available now until Thursday 15 January. Tickets available here.

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.

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

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