Want to find your tribe in Wollongong? Looking for ways to meet people in the Illawarra? Whether it’s to find friends or ways to date locally, What’s on in Wollongong has got you covered! Including social sports, to group meet-ups, to singles events. Who needs app’ or more mindless social scrolling? Meet real people in real life instead!

We all want to feel connected, we all want to belong, we all want a sense of community. We all NEED connection to thrive in life. Fact. We are social creatures. So here are some wonderful ideas and ways to make more friends locally.

Urban Rec Wollongong – Social Sports for Adults + NEW Social Sports Club for Kids – Jamboree

Looking to play sports that are truly social, fun, mixed and for all levels? Urban Rec Wollongong offers 16 leagues across 8 sports for 18+ and are also launching their junior program – Jamboree Sports – in Term 4 with 3 sports on offer for kids.

It’s time to get the crew together and check out any of Urban Rec’s 16 leagues across Wollongong! Whether you want a night out at one of our member perks partners, free beers during pub week at our main clubhouse or Saturday burger & beer discounts, they’re more than just a sports club…wthey’re a social club, and they’re waiting for you to join the fun! Register as an individual or as a team.

Make new mates in Wollongong with Urban Rec – click here now to learn more

Paint & Sip, Art and Cocktail Making Workshops – Georgia Rose, Shell Cove

Georgia Rose: Get in touch with your arty side and make new friends!

A cafe by day, cocktail bar by night, Georgia Rose, located at the hub of the Shellharbour Dining Precinct, offers a relaxed and fun atmosphere that is host to a number of regular, monthly workshops for adults – from everything to clay sculpting & pottery, to landscaping painting and wine nights to master cocktail classes! Workshop costs include all materials and everyone is welcome! Pair up with your bestie or go solo – either way, you are guaranteed a fun time! Bookings are essential and new workshops are added all the time. Stay up to date with their What’s On page here.

Learn a new dance move at the award-winning Miss Zoe’s School of Dance

Dance classes are for adults too! Miss Zoe’s School of Dance has been operating for 17 years & offers adults and all-ages dance classes across 3 locations – Kiama, Coledale, and Wollongong – in a variety of styles including hip hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, acrobatics, Broadway Jazz, singing, stretch & fitness and musical theatre.

Dance classes are a super fun & relaxed way to get out of your comfort zone, get fit, have a laugh, learn a brand-new skill and strike up new friendships. And if you are still unsure and a little shy, Miss Zoe also offers a free trial class option – what are you waiting for? Learn more and get started here.

The Rotary Club of Dapto Membership & Volunteering Opportunities

Are you someone who wants to make positive changes in your local community and the world? The Rotary Club of Dapto members and volunteers are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship – and is an excellent way to make friends with a diverse group of like-minded people who share your drive to give back!

You just need to be 18 years + and you are welcome to participate in as much or as little as you would like. There is also an engaging mix of social activities, community events, and opportunities for you to discuss how you can give back and contribute to your community. Learn more here about all the different ways you can get involved.

Wollongong Singles Events

Find Friends Or Love in Wollongong

Wollongong Singles Events is NOT speed dating! It’s a facilitated, fun way to meet other Illawarra and Wollongong based singles, for friendship or for romance. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even find ‘the one’. We do know you’ll be very well looked after at Wollongong Singles upcoming events. Different age groups, all identities covered, all are welcome. You’ll enjoy a wonderfully supported way to make new friends or find a new romantic interest. Read more about Wollongong Singles Events here.

Dinners With A Difference

Social Dinners. Come solo or bring a mate too

Dinners with a Difference in Wollongong is AWESOME! Come solo or bring a mate and enjoy facilitated dinners, which avoid the pain of small talk. Each dinner covers a different topic, that encourages the conversations to flow. Confession time, I have been and have made two now dear friends. Highly recommended! Read more about upcoming Illawarra Dinners With a Difference.

Community College – learn skills+ make friends at WEA Illawarra

Learn Skills & Meet Community Members

WEA Illawarra is a wonderful community college and learning resource for locals. With so many courses (leisure, works skills, social etc) they have a course for everyone. Find an upcoming WEA course here and meet like minded locals who share your interest.

Art Classes and Parties at The Sip Studio Wollongong

Paint, sip and socialise at The Sip Studio Wollongong

The Sip Studio Wollongong is famous for its adult Paint & Sip sessions and is perfect for all skill levels.

Everyone is welcome and communal art classes are a great way to meet other like-minded people who share the same passions and interests. All art materials supplied, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess at home. Small groups for one on one attention, learn painting techniques, sketching & oil pastels.

For enquiries, contact Brooke on [email protected] or 0411227159 or learn more here.  

Parent Groups & Ways to Meet Other Mums / Dads

We consulted with our sister site, Parents Guide Illawarra on best ways parents can meet in Wollongong. Find Wollongong Mother’s Groups, Dad’s Groups near me here.

Find what to do with a Baby in Wollongong here. or, read What to do with a Toddler in Illawarra here

Find Upcoming Events that Interest You

Meet like minded people with like minded interests at local events. Well, we are What’s on in Wollongong – the ultimate guide to Wollongong & Illawarra events! Find local events based on your interests here, you’re welcome!

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