What’s On For Free - What's On in Wollongong & Illawarra

What's On For Free

Want to have a great time but not break the budget? Here’s a guide to the best events, entertainment and activities in the Illawarra that won’t cost you a cent. You’re welcome.

What's happening?

Australia Day/January Long Weekend - The Balgownie Hotel

January Long Weekend at The Bally

141-143 Balgownie Road Balgownie New South Wales 2519

January 24, 2026 - January 26, 2026

Summer School Holiday Activities at Tabatinga Dapto

Summer holiday fun awaits!

Tabatinga Dapto (inside Dapto Leagues Club) Cnr Station Street & Bong Bong Rd Dapto New South Wales 2530

January 7, 2026 - January 22, 2026

Dicey's Last Drinks - Sunday Sessions at Dicey Riley's Hotel

DJ, live music, late bites, drinks, darts & pool

329 Crown Street Wollongong New South Wales 2500

January 25, 2026

Australia Day - Lake Illawarra Hotel

Join The Lake Illawarra Hotel for Australia Day 2026!

193-197 Windang Road Windang New South Wales 2528

January 26, 2026

Sunday Sounds' Afternoon Acoustic Sessions - Warilla Sporties

Spend your Sunday arvo with Warilla Sporties' live and free music session from 4pm to 7pm all January. Sit…

Warilla Sporties 54 McGregor Avenue Barrack Heights New South Wales 2528

January 25, 2026

Australia Day 2026 in Wollongong

Spend Australia Day 2026 in Wollongong

Wollongong Harbour / Osborne Park and Belmore Basin

January 26, 2026

Free Drop-in Creative Art Workshops at Wollongong Art Gallery this January

Free School Holiday fun at WAG!

46 Burelli Street Wollongong New South Wales 2500

January 21, 2026

Gadhungal Marring Cultural Workshops at Holiday Haven Parks these School Holidays

Cultural workshops running across select Holiday Haven Parks this Summer

Workshops will be running at: Lake Conjola • Shoalhaven Heads • Ulladulla • Culburra Beach • Bendalong • Lake Tabourie • Swan Lake • Currarong • Huskisson Beach • White Sands

December 29, 2025 - January 23, 2026

Let's Get Snacktive Family Health Session at Corrimal Library

Families get moving with games & explore simple, nutritious cooking together.

Corrimal Library 15 Short Street Corrimal New South Wales 2518

February 5, 2026

From The Blog

Jan 20

Your Guide to Lunch and Dinner Specials From Local Restaurants in and Around Wollongong

Looking for Lunch or Dinner Specials in Wollongong, Illawarra or Shellharbour? Welcome to What’s on in Wollongong’s guide to dining specials at our pubs and local restaurants. Discover bargain dining deals across the Illawarra. We include Wollongong’s best value lunches, dinners, plus fine dining deals too. Discover the best Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday Pub Specials […]

Jan 19

Best Things To Do in Wollongong & The Illawarra. Get Inspired.

Discover the Best Things to Do in Wollongong & the South Coast Wollongong and the South Coast region offer a diverse array of attractions, experiences, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, this comprehensive guide highlights the top activities, dining spots, family-friendly adventures, and upcoming events in the area. […]