What to do in Wollongong this Week and Month. Find Events & What’s On Illawarra wide

Looking for things to do in Wollongong tonight, this weekend or 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 Friendly 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 – photo c/o Chilby Photography

What’s On – Best Events & Places To Visit THIS Month!

Sample Wollongong’s Newest Bar & Restaurant – Dreams on Crown

Sample lush food and bar culture in the heart of Wollongong at our new venue, Dreams on Crown. It really offers for something for everyone, with great food, specials, happy hours, divine cocktails, kids eat free Sundays, live music and DJ’s on the Friday & Saturday night. So worth booking a table for a meal or popping in for drink and dance after dark. Read more about Dreams on Crown ‘fun for everyone’ here.

Step back in time with WILDER TIMES: Bundanon (NOW until 13 October)

Discover over 60 breathtaking landscape paintings by Arthur Boyd + fellow artists, capturing the mid-1980s Shoalhaven landscape. Boyd’s stunning artworks are returning to their place of creation after 40 years. A visual journey into our rich local history. Visit now here.

Photos by Zan Wimberley

Big Kahuna Mondays at Scoundrel’s Rest – get your $20 burger & cocktail deal!

An exciting, brand new specialty cocktail bar & eatery has landed in Wollongong! Scoundrel’s Rest is the Illawarra’s first ever dedicated Rum Bar, serving up tropical neo-tiki cocktails alongside international, tapas-style food.

Big Kahuna Mondays: 4pm – 11.55pm – get a burger + cocktail for just $20!
Start you week of right with Big Kahuna Mondays! $10 Big Kahuna Burgers + Tap Cocktails, plus $1 off all menu cocktails if you’re come dressed in hawaiian attire. Every Monday. Book now here.

Guided Wild Bushwalks at Bundanon – September

Join in this September for an unforgettable experience exploring Bundanon’s 1,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary, located on the stunning Shoalhaven River and only 20 mins from Nowra!

Bushwalks are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Treelines Track Walk – Saturday 28 September, 10am – 11.30am: Walk with an ecologist and discover Bundanon’s rich floral history.

Book your spot or learn more about these walks here

Join the NEW Frat Rewards Program and WIN a Vespa and MORE!

Starting Wednesday 11^thSeptember, The Fraternity Club is launching their exciting New Frat Rewards Program!

Imagine cruising round the Gong on your new Vespa, courtesy of The Frat! Dreams can become a reality!

Each week, you could be one of the lucky winners taking home one of six fabulous hampers and a $200 Frat Voucher!

Here’s what you need to know:

When: Every Wednesday starting 11^th September
What: 6 hampers + 1 x $200 Frat voucher up for grabs each week
Major Draw: 6th November from 7.30pm – don’t miss your chance to win the 1st grand prize – a Vespa! 2nd Prize: 1 $5,000 Travel Voucher; 3rd Prize: $1,000 Travel Voucher

Participate in their Frat Rewards Program for your chance to win big! Good luck!

Salsa Night is back at Seeker Brewing!

Due to sell out shows, Seeker Brewing are hosting the South Coast Salsa Coalition on the last Friday of every month, with a live 11-piece band every time starting at 8pm!

South Coast Salsa Coalition event dates:

Friday 27 September
Friday 25 October
Friday 29 November

Get your dancing crew and groove the night away! Further event dates via the link here. Tickets at the door or online.

Are you ready? Hawks’ Home Game individual tickets are now officially on sale for the NBL 2024/25 Illawarra Hawks Basketball Season!

Click here for the FULL 2024/25 Illawarra Hawks Home Game Schedule or see a full list of all home games below + individual ticket information here!

Become a Hawkhead today and join the excitement of live basketball action! At What’s On In Wollongong, we dive into the numerous packages, perks & value of an Illawarra Hawks Basketball Membership for families, adults, kids and more!

Don’t miss out on the action – get your membership today and be part of the Hawks community! Join here now

Get this EPIC venue on your radar! Georgia Rose Shell Cove is the ultimate waterfront dining & event destination at Shellharbour Marina!

We LOVE that Georgia Rose has ALL this! Check out their weekly events + what’s coming up below! Gather your friends and book now

Weekly/Regular Events:

$15 Tequila & Taco Fridays: from 11.30am
Acoustic Saturdays: 6pm-9pm
Sunday Sunset Sessions: Drink specials + tunes, 3-6pm
$6 Happy Hour: Mon to Fri, 3-6pm
Georgia Rose Boutique Market. Last Sun of the month
Tuesday Drag Trivia, 7pm
Book now!

Steamers Bar & Grill’s NEW Early Bird Share Feast Menu!

Street Food Share Feast- Steamers Bar & Grill’s NEW Share Menu is here!

Take your tastebuds on a global, culinary adventure with Steamers’ Share Feast Menu. Perfect for 2 people or more with friends and family. Available daily for lunch & dinner at $65pp for 7 dishes and for a limited time only. Bookings recommended here.

PLUS – Get ready for a month of incredible live music performances at Steamers. Steamers have live acoustic music every Thursday at 6pm by some of Wollongong’s best music artists. Book your table now here.

Wollongong’s best live music acoustic acts are at Steamers Bar & Grill

Bottomless Brunch every Sunday at ilu ilu Bar, Wollongong + upcoming regular events!

ilu ilu Bar is an exciting Indian inspired cocktail bar serving Indian tapas, located in the heart of Wollongong! Offering amazing cocktails, happy hours, bottomless brunches, a lovely outdoor area, combined with a unique, diverse and fun menu!

ilu ilu Bar now run Bottomless Brunch sessions every Sunday with 2 sessions: 12pm-2pm and 2pm-4pm. Cost is $65pp and includes unlimited Cocktail of the Day and unlimited Dish of the Day. Tag your brunch squad now! Bookings essential here.

Plus ilu ilu hosts the following regular & weekly events:

Happy Hour is Wed – Fri 5pm – 6pm and Sat 2pm – 4pm, with 15% off cocktails + 20% off beer & wine.
Live Jazz Night every Thur from 6.30pm – 9pm
Friday Night Live Music from 8.30pm – 10pm
DJ tunes every Sat night from 9pm till late
Comedy Night on the 1st Wed of the month at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Book in for an evening of laughs, tapas and cocktails!

What’s Coming up 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 everyone

Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 3.30pm – 5.30pm
$10 Spicy Chicken Burgers every Thu
Live Music every Sat + Soul Session Sundays
Sunday Funday Family Game Day – 2nd Sunday of every month from 12.30pm – 2.30pm with Family Meal Deals & Drinks on offer

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

Monthly Band Nights – 2nd Saturday of every month at The Balgownie Hotel

A stellar line up of our region’s most exciting up & coming music acts to see you into the weekend at The Bally every 2nd Saturday of the month. Food, drinks & dancing await + free entry. Make a fun night of it with dinner beforehand at the popular Bally Bistro! Check out who’s performing next at The Bally here.

Live Music & Concerts at Centro CBD Wollongong in 2024 & 2025!

Over 25 amazing shows to choose from Centro CBD Wollongong boasts exciting concerts from legendary tributes to iconic artists! Check out what’s coming up:
– Killer Queen: Thu 12 Sep & Fri 13 Sep
– Rumours: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac: Fri 1 Nov
+ even more incredible live music acts coming up here

Show Only and Dinner & Show tickets available. Centro CBD Wollongong is your destination for an incredible night of music & dining. Don’t miss out – grab your tickets via the link here.

Stay for 3 only pay for 2 with Holiday Haven’s awesome Spring Offer!

Say Hello to Spring and the latest hot deal from Holiday Haven! Book 3 nights and have a *FREE night on us. Book and stay between 1 Sep 2024 – 12 Dec 2024. BOOK NOW >>enter discount code spring24 at checkout! *Click here for participating Holiday Haven Parks!

Holiday Haven Parks are spread across the Shoalhaven and South Coast! From beachfront, lakefront or riverfront, Holiday Haven Parks are perfect for your next family getaway, short break, weekend or stop on your travels, anytime of the year. They offer a range of accommodation options such as clean, modern, fully self-contained holiday cabins, caravan and camping sites – both powered and unpowered.

Discover NEW Singles Events in Wollongong in September & October!

Tired of the same old dating apps & speed dating routines? Looking for a relaxed, inclusive & supportive way to meet new people and potentially find that special someone? Wo llongong Singles are designed just for you regardless of your age, background, or gender! Events are guided & facilitated by a host to help break the ice & spark genuine connections.

Thursday Night Singles Events at The Prince in Wollongong:

Ages 20-35: Thursday, 19 September
Ages 45+: Thursday, 26 September
LGBTIQ+ Community Singles Night: Thursday, 3 October

Tickets start at $35, which includes a welcome drink. Feeling fancy? Upgrade to their VIP Drinks Package for just $20! Book here now.

Your Guide to the Top School Holiday Fun in Wollongong, Kiama & Shellharbour

We’ve found the best Wollongong and Illawarra based School Holiday programs, events, activities & low-cost kids holiday FUN this October! The school holidays are fast approaching, but don’t worry there are plenty of fun activities to see and do with the kids. Get our guide below to the best School Holiday Activities in Wollongong and the Illawarra. Get our October School Holidays Guide here!

Need more School Holiday What’s On inspiration – we have even more school holiday ideas at Parents Guide Illawarra HERE

Cinderella is coming to IPAC these School Holidays! 3 – 6 October

Join in on a magical golden carriage journey with Woods-Ray Theatricals Inc., as they present a brand-new production of this timeless story. Perfect for families, Cinderella is sure to enchant audiences of all ages.

Brought to you by the creative team behind recent hits like Disney’s Frozen Jr., The Wedding Singer, Disney’s Newsies Jr., and Shrek The Musical, this is a must-see show for the whole family! Secure your tickets now here.

Illawarra Brick Show, Christmas Fundraiser, The Fraternity Club, Sunday 6 October – Monday 7 October

The team from GongLUG are excited to once again be holding a C hristmas Brick Show Fundraising event, across 2 days: Sunday 6 October and Monday 7 October during the Sep/Oct School Holidays.

This year’s event will be held at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow and will see them supporting local organisation SAHSSI.

There will be over 50 tables of custom-built LEGO models on display, with themes ranging from Simpsons, Architecture & Ninjago to a huge City layout, there will be something for everyone. They’ll also have the ever-popular play tables where the kids can get creative themselves. Secure your tickets here now.

My Kids Market NSW is heading to Picton & Sutherland in October!

My Kids Market is heading to Picton on Sunday 13 October and Sutherland on Sunday 27 October and they’d love to see you there! Join the largest market to buy, sell, and recycle quality preloved and new baby and kids’ items. Save big on clothing, toys, books, prams, bikes, cots, highchairs, car seats, and more!

Families can also host a stall and turn their pre-loved kids’ items into cash instead of landfill – double win! MKM they provide the venue, the table, and the shoppers – so all you need to do is book your stall, turn up, set up & sell!

Locations: Wollondilly Community Leisure Centre, 434 Argyle St, Picton (Sunday 13 October) & Sutherland Basketball Stadium, Rawson Ave, Sutherland (Sunday 27 October)
Times: 9am – 12 noon
Shopper entry $5, kids FREE
Stalls from $65, including trestle table & market insurance!
Learn more now via the link here

The Queen’s Nanny, IPAC, 16 – 19 October

Inspired by historical events, a royal scandal ignites a blistering fire between the steely Queen Mother and her children’s doting nanny in Melanie Tait’s new comedic drama, The Queen’s Nanny. The production comes to Wollongong direct from its world premiere season at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre.

Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford adored her job as governess to Princesses Lilibet and Margaret Rose… until she was ostracised, despite dedicating the best part of her life to raising, educating and caring for the young royals. The reason? A tell-all memoir.

From the creative team behind the nation-wide success of The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race (now a feature film starring Claire Van De Boom), this black comedy imagines a series of pivotal moments between two strong-spirited women harbouring complicated resentment. Secure your seats now here.

Culture Mix is back! Saturday 19 October

Taste the flavour, feel the rhythm, and experience all the fun at Wollongong’s favourite multicultural festival – Culture Mix.

It’s all FREE and on for one day only in Wollongong CBD on Saturday 19 October, 11.30am – 8pm.

Come and celebrate with vibrant music, dance, workshops, installations, and food from around the world. Groove to multicultural DJ sets, learn K-Pop dance moves, feel the rhythm of Inda’s oldest drum, or try your hand at Aboriginal weaving. Sample a South American Asado, learn how to make Banana Sticky Rice, support a local Aboriginal artist by purchasing something unique, and so much more. This is an inclusive event, open to people from all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. For more information visit here.

Woodfest Workshops & Market, Bulli Showground, Sat 19 October – Sun 20 October

You don’t want to miss this! An event to celebrate all things wood, creativity, craft and community in beautiful Bulli. Workshops for all Ages + Abilities / Markets / Food / Music & More! See you at Woodfest – all workshop bookings and event details here!

Illawarra Cancer Carers Banquet, City Beach Function Centre, Sunday 27 October

Mark your calendars for Sunday, 27 October 2024—Illawarra Cancer Carers’ major fundraising event is back with the exciting theme “Come Fly with Us!“ – held at the stunning City Beach Function Centre.

Ticket Options:

General Seating: $160.50 per person
Includes a 3-course meal, drinks package, and entertainment.
Corporate Seating: $200.50 per person

Event Highlights:

Chance to win fantastic prizes
Silent & live auctions

Don’t miss out—reserve your seat or table here today!

The 60 Four: Hits of the ’60s and ’70s – IPAC, Wednesday 6 November

Heralded as “Australia’s best tribute act”, The 60 Four present the biggest hits of the ’60s and ’70s in an energetic, Las Vegas-style performance. Coming to Wollongong’s Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wednesday 6 November, here is you chance to see them live for 1 night only – b ook your seats now here!

Backed by a spectacular 9-piece band, The 60 Four deliver a powerful performance of evocative and exhilarating nostalgia, with spine-tingling ballads and up-tempo, twisting hits. Think The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, The Bee Gees, Johnny O’Keefe and Elvis Presley.

After hugely successful seasons in around Australia, The 60 Four return to NSW with another jam-packed, electrifying tribute show. Secure your seats now.

Wollongong Makers Market, Saturday 9 November – Sunday 10 November, 9am – 3pm, UOW Innovation Campus, North Wollongong

This UPbeat quality artisan market is Wollongong’s handmade Shopping Prescinct, providing an absolutely fabulous diverse range of individually designed goods in time for the Christmas season.

Choose from fine silver jewellery, ceramics, glassware, woodwork, paintings and prints, photography, macrame, crochet and sewing, candles and scents plus so much more.

This year they are happy to showcase so many fantastic painters and printmakers to the market along with introducing a new section to the Makers Market called the Enterprise Gallery where you can find quality larger artworks from 6 prominent local artists from the Illawarra.

Take the time to relax and enjoy the UOW Innovation Campus surrounds, feast on an international selection of foods for breakfast or lunch. This UPmarket event is a free event with free parking on the Campus grounds. You can also ride or walk the cycle way along Squires way. Learn more here.

Seeker Global – World Music Festival – Saturday 16 November

A carnival showcasing music talents from around the globe hosted by Seeker Brewing! Seeker Brewing’s World Music Festival is back for its second year and they’re extremely excited by the calibre of acts they have lined up for you!

Music from a diverse collective of musicians and bands from Jamaica, Mali and Brazil. Come and celebrate some cool global tunes paired with delicious food stalls and an array of Seeker’s finest beverages on offer throughout the day. Bookings essential via the link here.

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

Whale Watching season has begun! Now’s the time to book your memorable Whale Watching 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.

Set off in the immaculate Jervis Bay & meet some amazing Humpback Whales! A truly life-changing and rare experience set against rugged cliffs and ancient sea caves of our stunning South Coast region. Book your adventure now here.

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

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.