Looking for things to do in Wollongong tonight, this weekend r the month ahead? Welcome to What’s on in Wollongong & Illawarra Guide! Your insider guide to planning best days and nights out. Find all upcoming events in the Illawarra including Music, Arts & Theatre shows in Wollongong, Our Local Illawarra Markets, Wollongong Sports & Activity Events & Family Frendly Events & Things for Kids do Illawarra wide. We can’t wait to show off our most awesome events and things to do near you!

What’s on in Wollongong Today, this Weekend and the Month Ahead – Find Events and Things to Do

Things to do in the stunning Illawarra – above photo c/o Chilby Photography
Main article photo c/o Warren Keelan Photography

Feed the Family for $50 at Wests Illawarra – limited time only!

Why spend hours in the kitchen when you can treat your family to a hassle-free meal at Artisan Restaurant at Wests Illawarra? Their member-exclusive “Feed the Family for Fifty” deal is available every Monday evening from February 3rd, 2025 for a strictly limited time.

Don’t miss out – grab your loved ones and treat yourself to a delicious night out! Learn more here now.

Wollongong Comedy 2025 Events

Wollongong Comedy have been bringing laughter to the Illawarra since 2006, making it the longest-running comedy club in the region. Known for showcasing the best of Australian stand-up comedy, Wollongong Comedy have hosted top-tier performers with their open mic nights, comedy festivals and monthly showcase nights. Click here for a full list of all upcoming Wollongong Comedy events.

Final month for tickets! Sunset Cinema Wollongong on now

Enjoy the warm summer breeze and the starry sky at Sunset Cinema Wollongong, serving up an unforgettable month of movies at the Wollongong Botanic Garden.

Grab your blanket, picnic, and hit the popcorn & choc-tops for one of the best summer events in Wollongong! Secure your tickets now.

Festival of FUN, Saturday 1 March

The Festival of FUN is a family friendly vibrant, inclusive, and accessible event designed for people of all abilities, particularly focusing on individuals with disabilities, their families, friends, carers, and guardians. The event will be held at The University of Wollongong and comprises of:

  • 10:30am to 12:30pm – Free Community Festival Event
  • 1pm to 4pm – Live Concert – Get your $10 concert tickets online now here. Come sing, dance and laugh with as they rock out to the best singalong songs, such as: Elvis, Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, ABBA and so many more.

The event underscores the importance of creating an inclusive community, fostering understanding and appreciation for people with disabilities. Learn more here.

Turn up the heat with Steamy Sundays at Steamer’s Bar & Grill

Ease into those Sunday evening vibes with The Alto Social Club – Steamers’ two legendary local DJs bringing the perfect Sunday soundtrack from 4–6 pm. All summer long, soak in the views, savour their extended happy hour, and let the music take you to that Sunday state of bliss.

Free entry | $12 Cocktails $6 Draft beers $6 Red and white wine.

Bring your friends and end every weekend on a high note, right here on the deck at Steamers Bar & Grill. Learn more here.

Trent Dalton’s Love Stories, IPAC, 27 Feb – 3 Mar

Critics and audiences agree – Trent Dalton’s Love Stories is an unforgettable experience!

Inspired by a profound personal moment, bestselling author Trent Dalton spent two months in 2021 collecting tales of love and humanity on his iconic sky-blue 1960s Olivetti typewriter, right on a bustling Brisbane street corner. From strangers, friends, and everyone in between, he asked one heartfelt question: “Can you please tell me a love story?”

Now, this heartwarming journey comes to life on stage in Wollongong, 27 Feb – 8 Mar at Merrigong Theatre Co. Tickets are selling fast – book now here

Live music every Sunday at Woonona Bulli RSL

Enjoy live performances by talented local musicians every Sunday until March, 1pm – 4pm. Check out who’s playing this month on our website here.

From April to September we will have live music on the last Sunday of every month. Don’t miss out—gather your friends and enjoy great food and live tunes!

Friday & Saturday Night Music & Shows at Centro CBD Wollongong

Whether you’re in for dinner & a show or just the music, Centro CBD Wollongong have a sensational lineup of local & international world-class artists!

Upcoming Highlights:

  • X-Mentals – Featuring 4 former members of the iconic Mental as Anything! Fri 21 Feb
  • Ruthie Foster – 2025 Grammy Award winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album! Wed 19 Mar
  • The Dolly Show – Hailed as the No.1 Dolly Parton Tribute from the U.K! Fri 28 Mar
  • Eli Paperboy Reed – Brooklyn’s music trailblazer with 9 acclaimed albums! Tue 13 May

Don’t miss out – book your tickets now here

Wedding Open Evening at Figbird Cottage, Saturday 1 March

Looking for the perfect wedding venue for your special day? Award-winning Figbird Cottage, Terara on the South Coast (only 1 hour drive from Wollongong), are inviting you to their first-ever Wedding Open Evening on Saturday 1 March, 5pm-9pm. Celebrate the evening with the Figbird Cottage team and some of their talented wedding event suppliers – and learn all about their NEW Wedding Packages. This is your chance to come check out this beautiful, scenic and prestige wedding venue including their boutique accommodation.

Bookings essential – please RSVP by 25 February to [email protected]. Learn more here.

Steel City Strings presents ‘Common Ground’, 9- 16 March

Steel City Strings is presenting a program called ‘Common Ground’, which reinterprets ancient traditions with a contemporary twist. The program features works inspired by Aboriginal Australia, American dance, indigenous rhythms, as well as music from Asia and Central Europe.

Concert Schedule: Bowral: 9 March, Wollongong: 15 March and Berry: 16 March.

The program also includes lively dances from Central Europe that will have your toes tapping. Secure your tickets now to enjoy this unique musical experience!

The Pirates of Penzance, 26-29 March, IPAC

Grab your seats for a brand-new, boisterously joyful adaptation of Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic. Immerse yourself in the world of piracy with special on-stage seating, with this irreverent, genre-busting rendition, perfectly adapted for modern audiences. Grab your seats now here.

The Wollongong Makers Market, 12 – 13 April 2025

Handmade amazing-ness. Don’t miss the Wollongong Makers Market!

The Wollongong Makers Market showcases the creative talents of our local artists and artisans, with one-of-a-kind handmade wares of exceptional quality with over 100 stalls. This market is run twice a year and is located at the UOW Innovation Campus North Wollongong opposite Puckeys beach on Squires Way.

This UPbeat, UPlifting quality artisan market supports our local talented makers, from painters to authors, crochet to printmakers and jewellers to ceramics artists. It is a market that focuses on quality handmade creativity and features free entry for all. Surround yourself with talented friendly people, appreciate the time it takes to create the individual works, enjoy breakfast or lunch and enjoy live Jazz.

There are 60 stalls UPstairs, with a further 40 stalls downstairs and outside the Central building of the Campus.  There is FREE parking onsite over the 2-day market, plus you can ride or walk on the cycle way.

Art Classes at The Sip Studio Wollongong

The Sip Studio is famous for its Paint & Sip sessions – and they now have a location in Wollongong!

Their Paint & Sip sessions, perfect for all skill levels, or host private events like birthdays, hens’ nights, and team-building parties. They also offer kids’ & teens art lessons after school to inspire young artists.

Their diverse and cool space is also available for private and corporate functions.

Learn more and see what all the fuss is about here.

Love Business LOVE: Dine In by Brooke Silk

With 16 years + experience, Wollongong’s premier award-winning Chef Brooke Silk, creates unforgettable, tailored dining experiences. Cooking for Weddings, birthdays, milestone events and small & large private parties. Brooke also offers Italian Cooking Classes. Servicing Illawarra, South Coast, Highlands. Learn more and see what all the fuss is about and get in touch here.

The Ballet Team presents Smee, 9 – 10 May at IPAC

Journey with The Ballet Team to Neverland in May 2025, as they present Smee, a new ballet based on the characters of J.M Barrie’s Peter Pan, for a limited run at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 9 – 10 May.

From the ballet company that brought the Illawarra original ballets including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2024), Swan Lake… But with Cows (2023) and Peter Pan (2018), comes a new and exciting orchestral ballet featuring local dancers. Book your tickets today, take the second star to the right and straight on ’til morning to this truly enchanting ballet, suitable for the whole family.

Want to a be a part of this original ballet, dance with local performers, work with a live orchestra and soak up performing in a professional theatre? Smee Auditions will take place on Sunday 16 February 1.30pm-3.30pm at Adrenaline Academy of the Arts: Unit 4/32 Investigator Drive Unanderra, NSW, 2526. Click here to learn more.

Discover one of the Illawarra’s Best-Kept Secrets – go on a VIP Tour of the HARS Aviation Museum, Albion Park

HARS, located at Shellharbour Regional Airport is a must-visit – and showcases Australia’s rich aviation history right here in the Illawarra.

Unlike most museums, HARS offers VIP Tours where you can get up close with historic aircraft, for a unique, hands-on experience! Perfect for birthdays, family outings, Father’s Day, or any special occasion.

Get the ultimate behind-the-scenes aviation experience. Book your tour today here.

What’s on at Five Barrel Brewing, Wollongong

Five Barrel Brewing is a family-owned and operated brewery right in the heart of Wollongong! Amazing craft beer, awesome live music and incredible food & burgers make this a popular hangout for l ages.

What’s on this week and beyond at Five Barrel Brewing:

  • NEW Summer Offer: $20 Pints & Prawns every Thu – Sun all day.
  • NEW Trivia Night with awesome prizes: 2nd Thursday of every month
  • Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
  • $10 Spicy Chicken Burgers every Thursday
  • Live Music every Saturday + Soul Sessions on Sundays

See you at the taproom! Open Mon-Sun. Visit the link here to learn more now.

Urban Rec Wollongong – Social Sports for Adults + Summer Sports on offer NOW!

Summer Seasons at Urban Rec Wollongong have kicked off and they are diving straight into 2025! Looking to play sports that are truly social, fun, mixed and for all levels?

Urban Rec offers 17 leagues across 8 sports this summer for 18+, and is launching their junior program – Jamboree Sports – in Term 1 with Futsal on Tuesdays and Thursday.

Whether you want a night out at one of our member perks partners, free beers during pub week at their main clubhouse or Saturday burger & beer discounts, they’re more than just a sports club…they’re a social club, and we’re waiting for you to join the fun!

Enquire now – with 17 leagues to choose from, there’s something for EVERYONE! Click here

Discover Sanctuary By Thrive – Wollongong’s leading clinic for skin health, laser treatments & holistic care

Enjoy $50 off your first skin treatment!

From tackling lines, wrinkles, scarring and acne to managing rosacea, menopause & weight, Dr. Jemima Grant’s clinic offers evidence-based care that transforms your skin & health. With advanced aesthetics & medical expertise, achieve radiant skin and long-term wellness now. Book now or learn more here.

BIGWAVE Skydive Shellharbour Gift Vouchers / Summer Bookings 

Enjoy a scenic flight up to 15,000ft enjoying panoramic coastal and bushland views, before jumping out and freefalling over Shellharbour’s new marina! Bigwave Skydive’s experienced and friendly team, and exclusive location provide for the ultimate skydiving adventure.

skydive makes for the perfect gift, providing family or friends with lifetime memories. PLUS – Bigwave Skydive will beat any price or deal by $20 – for a beachside skydiving experience around Wollongong!

Greenplan Plant Sales – 3rd Friday of the month at Wollongong Botanic Garden

Make your garden greener by picking up some gems from the Wollongong Botanic Garden’s Plant Sales!

  • Bring your garden to life with high-quality plants & expert advice! Held on the 3rd Friday of each month (except Dec), these sales are the perfect opportunity to grow your green thumb.
  • Wide range of native ground covers, grasses, trees, shrubs + stunning exotic plants.
  • All plants sold at subsidised prices.
  • Chat with expert horticulturists to find the perfect fit for your garden.
  • Plant Sales kick off 2025 from Friday 17 January from 7.30am to 2.30pm at the Garden’s Nursery – 65 Northfields Avenue in Keiraville. Please note: The nursery entrance is separate to the Garden’s entrance on Murphys Avenue. 
  • Learn more here.

Get Inspired by Wollongong’s Top Sights & Attractions, including FREE things to do Illawarra wide!

Now’s the time to book your memorable South Coast adventure with Jervis Bay Wild!

Jervis Bay Wild offers a range of breathtaking Whale Watching & Dolphin cruise options for you, your family and your friends to enjoy all year-round.

Explore the Wonders of Jervis Bay Marine Park with Jervis Bay Wild! Discover the hidden gems of the South Coast with their Jervis Bay Passage Cruise.

  • Cruise past the majestic cliffs of Point Perpendicular
  • Relax in the protected lagoon of Honeymoon Bay
  • Glide along the whitest sands in the world at iconic Hyams Beach
  • Watch Bottlenose Dolphins, sea eagles + so much more!

Ready to experience the magic of Jervis Bay? Book your adventure now!

Catch an historic Steam Train Ride at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum, Albion Park

Visitors of all ages can enjoy rides on restored light rail vehicles and learn about the evolution and history of railways in our region at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum in Albion Park Rail.

Ride the steam trains and miniature rail trains whilst getting a fascinating glimpse into the history of our rail transport. The tours are lively and full of history, you’ll get up close and personal with all the trains. The museum features a collection of trams, locomotives, and carriages + you and the kids will LOVE riding the miniature trains. Book online!

The Museum is opened to the public for Steam Train Rides on the Second Sunday of Each Month and On the Forth Saturday of each month for Diesel Train Rides from 10am – 2pm.

With a cafe and BBQ picnic areas to enjoy, make a day of it! Visit now here.

Find The Illawarra’s BEST Beaches here. Wollongong’s coastline is stunning and diverse so we help you find the right beach or the right Wollongong ocean pool and rockpools here

Find our best Illawarra and Wollongong bushwalks, hiking trails and family friendly walks here

Want to bring your dog along for the adventure? Read our Best Illawarra & Wollongong Dog Friendly Walks, Beaches, Parks and Cafes here

Want to find the best Picnic Spots locally? Read our Wollongong & Illawarra Picnic Guide here!

Visit our sister site Parents Guide Illawarra for What to do with Kids & Families in Wollongong here

If it’s School Holidays We list all the Kids Fun, Activities, Workshops & Camps Illawarra wide here

Whether local or tourist, Wollongong’s Seacliff Bridge is a MUST DO! Click to discover best ways to enjoy the STUNNING Seacliff Bridge Guide here

Seacliff Bridge Wollongong – a must do!

Eating & Drinking Guide to Wollongong & Illawarra – with What’s On in Wollongong

Want Cheap Eats in Wollongong & Illawarra – read our best dining deals here.

Want Romantic Restaurants in Wollongong? Read our Top Illawarra Picks here

Read more Eat & Drink Inspiration Illawarra wide here

Love a Happy Hour Deal? Find Best happy Hours Wollongong wide and in your Illawarra suburb here

Discover Wollongong Best Breweries & Illawarra Distilleries here

As a team of fun loving, grateful locals, we hope our What’s on in Wollongong team have helped you navigate and discover the best events and things to do in and around Wollongong & the Illawarra!

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These lands, waters and skies are a true paradise, and a gift to experience. We offer deep respect and gratitude to the traditional custodians, the Dharawal nation, whose sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respect to elders past and present.