Live Music Guide to Wollongong & Illawarra. Find Venues, Bands and Gigs Near Me

Looking for the best live music venues, bands, gigs and DJs in Wollongong & the Illawarra?
At What’s On in Wollongong – we’re your leading guide to live music, events, markets, festivals and entertainment across Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Illawarra.

You can find upcoming events and live music and sort by date on our website here. Read more of What’s on in Wollongong’s Music, Arts, Theatre Guide. Keep reading for our best live music venue & event recommendations:

The Icon, Wollongong / DJ Nights / Salsa Sunday’s

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: DJs, Latin nights, RnB, cocktails, dancing
Music style: RnB, Latin, Hip Hop, house
Location: Wollongong CBD
Parking: Street parking + nearby parking stations
Food & drinks: $12 Schnitzel Thursday, Happy Hour all day Thursday & 3pm–7pm Friday
Booking: Recommended for Thursday dining, events + salsa nights
Atmosphere: Energetic, late-night, stylish

Discover The Icon – Wollongong’s Best Bar, Cafe and Restaurant for DJs, Dining, Cocktails and Functions.

Weekly Music at The Icon

Live DJs – Every Saturday night (till late)
RnB Fridays – Old-school RnB and Hip Hop, Happy Hour 3pm–7pm, kitchen open late
Salsa Sundays (monthly) – Free entry, live Latin band & DJ, professional salsa class 6pm–7pm
Bookings: (02) 4244 3737
Live DJs on Saturday nights till late.

Special Events at The Icon

Reminisce 80s & 90s House Party – Friday 28 November 2025
Dance to DJ Stanthaman and Claude spinning throwback favourites. Dress in your best 80s gear and make a night of it.

Surf Club Sundays, The Boathouse North Wollongong. Sun, Drinks & Live Music

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Summer sessions, terrace hangs, Sunday drinks with friends
Music style: Yours & Owls artists, acoustic sets, chilled DJ vibes
Location: Top level of the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club overlooking the North Wollongong Beachfront
Parking: Beachside parking + nearby carparks
Food & drinks: Modern Australian menu, 2-hour Bottomless Sundays for $90pp, $25 Mid-Week Pizza Special + tap beer or house wine and $12 Happy Hour every day.
Booking: Recommended for lunch/dinner (walk-ins welcome for the terrace)
Atmosphere: Relaxed, coastal, sun-soaked

Surf Club Sundays has officially landed at The Boathouse, North Wollongong bringing weekly live music, good vibes and summer-long Spritz specials. Expect great tunes, sunshine, a few moves on the terrace and easy breezy Sunday energy – every week, all season.

Special Events at The Boathouse, North Wollongong

Surf Club Sundays
Every Sunday, all summer long featuring:
- Weekly Yours & Owls artists
- Terrace dancing
- $18 Spritz or 2-for-$30 Aperol all afternoon
- Open, walk-in friendly coastal atmosphere

Surf Club Sundays Book here now – limited tickets available.

CHECHOS, Wollongong. Mexican Food & Music

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Latin parties, themed events, bottomless fiestas
Music style: Latin, world beats, sax, DJ
Location: Wollongong CBD
Parking: Street + nearby parking stations
Food & drinks: Mexican small plates, cocktails, bottomless brunchparty menus
Booking: Essential for all events
Atmosphere: High-energy, immersive, colourful

Whoop! Checho’s for Wollongong’s best Mexican food, cocktails and fiesta-style entertainment. Their events always mix live performers, dancers, theatrical hospitality and DJ energy.

North Gong Hotel, N. Wollongong / Bands, DJ’s & Festival Style Events

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Large-scale events, Sunday sessions, festival vibes
Music style: Bands, DJs, mixed genres
Location: North Wollongong
Parking: Pub car park + street parking
Food & drinks: Classic pub menu, snacks, multiple bars & outside
Booking: Recommended for major events
Atmosphere: Lively, youthful, busy

North Gong Hotel is one of the Illawarra’s most iconic live music venues, known for huge Sunday Sessions, charity festivals and major seasonal parties.

Weekly Music at North Gong Hotel

Sunday Sessions – 4pm start (free entry)

Major Events at North Gong Hotel

Santa Fest – Saturday 13 December 2025
- Wollongong’s biggest all-day charity Christmas party.
- Expect a stacked live music lineup, festive vibes and a full day of entertainment for only $10.
- Book Santa Fest tickets here.
NYE at North Gong – Wednesday 31 December 2025
- The Illawarra’s biggest New Year’s Eve party featuring: Three stages with DJs and live acts all night.
- Huge crowd and countdown atmosphere
- Book NYE tickets now.

Illawarra Folk Festival, Bulli Showground, 16-18 January, 2026

Festival Snapshot

Date: 16-18 January 2026
Best for: Folk, world music, families & kids
Music style: Indie, roots, bluegrass, Celtic, Balkan, fusion
Location: Bulli Showground
Parking: On-site and overflow parking
Food & drinks: International stalls, markets
Booking: Essential for camping + early bird deals
Atmosphere: Community-focused, creative, family-friendly
BOOK NOW! 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! Kids under 12 are free.

The Illawarra Folk Festival is AMAZING and returns to Bulli Showground for three days of music, culture and community. With over 80 acts performing across multiple stages, expect a diverse range of folk, world, indie, bluegrass, Balkan and Celtic music — plus comedy, dance, workshops, artisan markets and late-night jam sessions.

WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong – International Acts & Arena Concerts

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Major touring artists and concerts
Music style: Rock, pop, international touring acts
Location: Wollongong CBD
Parking: Parking stations + nearby stadium parking
Food & drinks: On-site bars and kiosks
Booking: Recommended for all major shows
Atmosphere: Large-scale, high-energy, premium sound

WIN Entertainment Centre hosts big-name live music acts without the need to travel to Sydney. It provides Wollongong & the Illawarra with a full-sized concert venue experience, incorporating all the features of major arena shows.

Special Music Events (upcoming)

Guy Sebastian – 100 Times Around The Sun tour – Thursday 7 May 2026, 7:00 PM. Book tickets
Urzila Carlson – Fatty on a Yacht – Friday 7 August 2026, 7:30 PM. Book tickets
(Note: Additional event listings can be updated as they become available at the WIN events page.)

Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong. Bands Friday & Saturday Nights. Sunday DJ night

Dicey Riley’s Hotel is Wollongong’s premier live music pub, bringing you the best live music vibes every weekend with live performances from Friday to Sunday. More than just a classic Irish pub, it’s the ultimate destination for great tunes, good food, and a lively atmosphere. Partnering with local legends Yours & Owls, Dicey’s showcases an exciting mix of interstate and home-grown artists

Bands every Saturday night (free entry before 9pm)
Rock cover bands on Fridays (free entry before 9pm)
Sunday afternoon sessions, leading into DJ-fuelled closing parties to end the weekend.
See what live music events are coming to Dicey’s here.

Five Barrel Brewing, Wollongong – Acoustic Saturdays & Brewery Live Music

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Brewery gigs, acoustic Saturdays, chilled nights out
Music style: Acoustic, indie, relaxed sets
Location: Keira Street, Wollongong
Parking: Street parking
Food & drinks: Five Barrel Food Truck, burgers, GF/veg options
Booking: Recommended for groups
Atmosphere: Relaxed, youthful, casual

Five Barrel Brewing is a family-owned Wollongong brewery known for its chilled acoustic sets and vibrant taproom atmosphere. Enjoy expertly brewed craft beer and delicious burgers from their onsite food truck — the perfect setting for a relaxed music night.

Weekly Live Music

Live Music every Saturday from 5pm – acoustic sets featuring local Illawarra artists.
Free-entry live music from 5pm both nights. Expect an electric atmosphere, cold beer, refreshing hard lemonade and their legendary burgers.

Explore even more local craft breweries over at our Best Breweries in Wollongong guide.

Woonona Bulli RSL, Woonona – Sunday Live Music & Local Performers

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Family-friendly live music, relaxed Sunday sessions
Music style: Acoustic, classic covers, local artists
Location: Woonona
Parking: On-site parking
Food & drinks: Club bistro, drinks, snacks
Booking: Not essential
Atmosphere: Casual, welcoming, community vibe

Woonona Bulli RSL is a favourite for relaxed Sunday live music. Enjoy local performers, club dining and an easy-going atmosphere ideal for families and groups.

Weekly Live Music

Live Music – Last Sunday of every month

The Lake Illawarra Hotel, Windang – Saturday Night Acoustic & Band Performances

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Saturday night live music, newly renovated venue
Music style: Acoustic, local bands
Location: Windang
Parking: On-site parking
Food & drinks: Modern pub menu, cocktails
Booking: Recommended for dinner
Atmosphere: Lively, modern, coastal

Freshly renovated and fast becoming a local favourite, The Lake Illawarra Hotel in Windang brings live music every Saturday night alongside great food and a warm, coastal atmosphere.

Weekly Live Music

Live Music every Saturday from 7pm–10pm – featuring talented acoustic artists and small live bands.

North Nowra Tavern, North Nowra – Saturday Night Live Music Sessions

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Weekend live music, local performers
Music style: Acoustic, pub bands
Location: North Nowra
Parking: On-site parking
Food & drinks: Classic pub meals, bar snacks
Booking: Not required
Atmosphere: Friendly, lively, casual

North Nowra Tavern hosts high-energy weekend live music sessions with a great community vibe — the perfect spot to kick off your Saturday night.

Weekly Live Music

Live Music every Saturday from 8:30pm–11:30pm

Explore the best pubs & taverns in the Illawarra here

Seeker Brewing, Unanderra – World Music, Salsa Nights & Live Gigs

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: World music, fusion gigs, Sunday sessions
Music style: World, funk, fusion, experimental
Location: Unanderra warehouse district
Parking: On-site and street parking
Food & drinks: Woodfired pizzas, craft beer, 12 taps
Booking: Recommended for groups
Atmosphere: Creative, community-focused, family-friendly

Seeker Brewing brings global music culture to the Illawarra with award-winning artists, world-music nights, experimental fusion and consistently strong Sunday sessions. Their team is known for creating an open, inclusive, good-vibes atmosphere with great beer and woodfired pizza.

Weekly Live Music

Sunday Sessions – Funky, high-energy live band from 4pm–6pm
Salsa Nights – Regular salsa evenings with live bands

Centro CBD Wollongong – Intimate Concerts & Dining Shows

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Intimate concerts, dining shows, seated performances
Music style: Touring artists, tribute shows, acoustic
Location: Wollongong CBD
Parking: Parking stations nearby
Food & drinks: Fine dining Italian restaurant, full bar
Booking: Essential
Atmosphere: Elegant, intimate, acoustic-focused

Centro CBD is one of Wollongong’s most iconic intimate music venues. Known for its ‘Up Close and Personal’ concerts, this fine-dining Italian restaurant hosts high-calibre artists in their Sorrento Room — seating up to 200 people.

Weekly / Regular Music

Regular touring artists and tribute shows
Dining + show packages offered

Warilla Sports Club, Warilla – Saturday Night Live Music

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Local artists, weekend live music
Music style: Local and Sydney-based artists
Location: Warilla
Parking: On-site
Food & drinks: Peggy’s Bistro, cocktails
Booking: Not required
Atmosphere: Bright, lively, friendly

Warilla Sports Club is a long-standing favourite for Saturday night entertainment, showcasing talented artists from across the Illawarra and Sydney.

Weekly Live Music

Every Saturday night from 8pm – Local and visiting acts

ilu ilu Bar, Wollongong – Jazz, DJ Nights & Indian Tapas

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Jazz nights, late-night DJs, cocktails
Music style: Jazz, acoustic, DJ
Location: Wollongong CBD
Parking: Street + nearby parking stations
Food & drinks: Indian tapas, cocktails, late-night nibblies
Booking: Essential for dinner
Atmosphere: Cozy, eclectic, low-light, late-night

ilu ilu Bar brings Indian-inspired tapas, premium cocktails and a mix of live jazz, acoustic sets and DJ nights.

Weekly Live Music

Thursday – Live Jazz (6:30pm–9pm)
Friday – Live Music (8pm–10pm)
Saturday – ‘Groovin Through the Ages’ DJ night

Explore more of the best nightlife in Wollongong here

Dapto Leagues Club, Dapto – Friday & Saturday Night Live Music

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Consistent weekend music, dinner + show nights
Music style: Acoustic, bands, tribute shows
Location: Dapto
Parking: On-site
Food & drinks: Multiple dining options, bars
Booking: Recommended for big events
Atmosphere: Relaxed, local, welcoming

Dapto Leagues Club hosts weekly live music in The Mill, plus tribute nights and dinner + show events throughout the year.

Weekly Live Music

Friday & Saturday from 6:30pm – Live performances in The Mill
Additional full-scale shows held throughout the year

The Imperial at Clifton, Clifton – Friday Night Gigs with Ocean Views

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Coastal sunset music, Friday sessions, escarpment views
Music style: Acoustic, duos, relaxed sets
Location: Clifton, near the Sea Cliff Bridge
Parking: On-site + street parking
Food & drinks: Bistro menu, cocktails, local beers
Booking: Recommended
Atmosphere: Scenic, relaxed, sunset-perfect

Perched on the Northern Illawarra escarpment and only a short stroll from the Sea Cliff Bridge, The Imperial at Clifton delivers coastal sunsets paired with relaxed Friday-night live music.

Weekly Live Music

Every Friday from 6pm–9pm – Acoustic artists performing in a scenic coastal setting

Steamers Bar & Grill, Wollongong – Acoustic Music by the Beach

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Acoustic dinner music, beachfront dining
Music style: Acoustic, soft rock, indie
Location: Wollongong City Beach
Parking: Street + nearby parking stations
Food & drinks: Modern Australian menu, cocktails
Booking: Recommended
Atmosphere: Relaxed, coastal, refined

Enjoy beachfront dining at Steamers Bar & Grill, where local musicians perform acoustic sets that create the perfect dinner ambiance.

Weekly Live Music

Thursday evenings – Acoustic dinner playlist
Saturday evenings from 5:30pm – Local acoustic musicians

Get our Guide to the Best Beachfront Dining in Wollongong here

The Balgownie Hotel, Balgownie – Monthly Band Nights & Local Live Music

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Tribute bands, monthly band nights, locals’ favourite
Music style: Rock, covers, tribute shows
Location: Balgownie Village
Parking: On-site + street
Food & drinks: Pub classics, specials
Booking: Recommended for band nights
Atmosphere: Friendly, mixed ages, lively

The Balgownie Hotel (The Bally) is a long-loved suburban favourite known for live bands, great views, relaxed locals and a strong monthly music program.

Weekly / Monthly Live Music

Monthly Band Nights – Second Saturday each month. Free entry, music from 9pm.

The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow – Free Weekend Live Music

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Free live music, community vibe
Music style: Covers, local performers
Location: Fairy Meadow
Parking: On-site
Food & drinks: Italian, bistro meals, bars
Booking: Not required
Atmosphere: Relaxed, welcoming, family-friendly

The Fraternity Club hosts free live music every weekend, attracting a mix of local musicians and bands.

Weekly Live Music

Friday nights – Mix of cover bands
Saturday nights from 8pm – Free bands in the Sunken Lounge

The Shellharbour Club, Shellharbour – Saturday Night Live Bands

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Saturday night live bands, modern club venue
Music style: Covers, rock, party bands
Location: Shellharbour
Parking: On-site
Food & drinks: Multiple restaurants, bars
Booking: Not required
Atmosphere: Lively, modern, spacious

The Shellharbour Club brings vibrant Saturday night live music to its lounge area, paired with food options from its many dining precincts.

Weekly Live Music

Saturday nights – Live bands in the Lounge

The Music Lounge, Wollongong – Premium Live Music Venue

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Touring artists, intimate concerts
Music style: Jazz, indie, world, acoustic, touring acts
Location: Wollongong Town Hall
Parking: CBD parking
Food & drinks: Onsite bar
Booking: Essential
Atmosphere: Atmospheric, professional, listening-room style

The Music Lounge inside Wollongong Town Hall offers premium, intimate concerts with world-class acoustics and moody lighting.

Weekly / Regular Live Music

Rotating program of national + international touring artists
Advance bookings highly recommended

Waves at Towradgi Beach Hotel, Towradgi – Major Bands & Large Live Music Shows

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Larger touring acts, under-18-friendly shows
Music style: Rock, indie, touring artists
Location: Towradgi Beach
Parking: On-site
Food & drinks: Pub meals, bars
Booking: Essential for major shows
Atmosphere: High-energy, large crowd, festival-like

Waves is one of the Illawarra’s top large-capacity venues (1,000+), hosting major names and ticketed live shows.

Weekly / Regular Live Music

Majority of shows on Saturday nights
Some events open to under-18s

Franks Wild Years, Thirroul – Small Bar, Strong Vibes & Live Music

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Intimate gigs, cocktails, weekend music
Music style: Indie, alternative, acoustic, DJs
Location: Thirroul Village
Parking: Street
Food & drinks: Cocktails, bar snacks
Booking: Walk-ins + limited seating
Atmosphere: Edgy, intimate, vibey

Franks Wild Years is a beloved small bar with an eclectic vibe, known for great cocktails and intimate weekend live music.

Weekly Live Music

Saturday nights – Live bands
Sunday afternoons – Laid-back acoustic sessions

Discover all the Best Things to do in Thirroul here.

Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul – Iconic Live Music & Touring Acts

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Touring musicians, comedy, major shows
Music style: Touring acts, tribute shows, concerts
Location: Thirroul Village
Parking: Street + Thirroul train station
Food & drinks: Bars + nearby restaurants
Booking: Essential
Atmosphere: Historic, cinematic, theatrical

Anita’s Theatre is one of the Illawarra’s most iconic venues, showcasing major touring musicians, comedy acts and film nights in a spectacular historic setting.

Weekly / Regular Live Music

Touring and headline shows across all genres
Advance tickets required

Tap here for all the inspo you need for your Best Night Out in Thirroul here.

Wombarra Bowlo, Wombarra – Open-Air Gigs & Mini Festivals

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Outdoor gigs, DJ parties, mini festivals
Music style: DJs, bands, eclectic genres
Location: Wombarra
Parking: On-site
Food & drinks: Pub menu, drinks
Booking: Required for ticketed events
Atmosphere: Outdoorsy, local, lively

Wombarra Bowlo has long supported local live music and hosts everything from DJ nights to mini-festivals to big-name ticketed gigs.

Weekly / Regular Live Music

Ticketed events throughout the year

Beaches Hotel, Thirroul – Tribute Bands & Saturday Night Live Music

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Tribute shows, nostalgic hits
Music style: 70s–90s covers, tribute bands
Location: Thirroul
Parking: On-site
Food & drinks: Pub classics
Booking: Recommended
Atmosphere: Energetic, nostalgic, mixed ages

Beaches Hotel is known for its energetic tribute shows and nostalgia-fuelled Saturday night live music.

Weekly Live Music

Saturday nights – Tribute bands & cover acts

The Illawarra Hotel, Wollongong – DJs & Bands Every Weekend

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Live bands + DJs, urban pub atmosphere
Music style: DJs, indie bands, acoustic
Location: Wollongong CBD
Parking: Street + parking stations
Food & drinks: Modern pub food, craft beer
Booking: Not required
Atmosphere: Urban, lively, energetic

A Wollongong institution, The Illawarra Hotel offers a strong weekend program of bands, DJs and acoustic acts.

Weekly Live Music

Fridays from 6pm – DJ + live acts
Saturdays from 5pm – Bands + DJs
Sundays from 3pm – Acoustic performers

Get our Guide to the Best Pubs in Wollongong here.

The Servo Food Truck Bar, Port Kembla – Outdoor Gigs & Creative Music Nights

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Outdoor gigs, alternative music
Music style: Bluegrass, thrash metal, indie, experimental
Location: Port Kembla
Parking: Street
Food & drinks: Rotating food trucks
Booking: Varies
Atmosphere: Inclusive, eclectic, community-driven

The Servo is known for its inclusive, outdoor, creative approach to live music — from folk to metal to experimental.

Weekly / Regular Live Music

Rotating live music and themed nights

See more things to do in Port Kembla here.

The Figtree Hotel, Figtree – Live Music Every Weekend

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Acoustic music, family-friendly nights
Music style: Acoustic, indie, local artists
Location: Figtree
Parking: On-site
Food & drinks: Bistro meals, burgers
Booking: Recommended on weekends
Atmosphere: Welcoming, casual, family-friendly

The Figtree Hotel delivers consistent live music with great food and a friendly atmosphere.

Weekly Live Music

Friday & Saturday from 8pm – Local acoustic artists

Mount Kembla Village Hotel, Mount Kembla – Garden Gigs & Local Artists

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Outdoor garden sessions, Sunday music
Music style: Acoustic, indie, folk
Location: Mount Kembla village
Parking: On-site
Food & drinks: Woodfired pizza, pub meals
Booking: Recommended
Atmosphere: Rustic, leafy, cosy

Set in a historic timber building surrounded by birch trees, Mount Kembla Village Hotel is a picturesque spot for weekend live music.

Weekly Live Music

Friday 7pm–10pm – Live music
Sunday 2pm–5pm – Acoustic garden sessions

Visit more hidden gems of the Illawarra here!

La La La’s, Wollongong – Live Gigs Almost Every Night

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Loud gigs, standing-room shows, alternative artists
Music style: Indie, punk, DJs, experimental
Location: Wollongong CBD
Parking: Street + parking stations
Food & drinks: Bar snacks, drinks
Booking: Recommended for ticketed gigs
Atmosphere: Loud, inclusive, energetic

La La La’s is one of Wollongong’s most active live music bars with gigs nearly every night, a dance floor and a strong alternative scene.

Weekly Live Music

Rotating weekly gigs + ticketed shows

Plan your next night out with our Wollongong Nightlife Guide.

UniBar, Wollongong – Major Artists, Bands & Comedy

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Touring artists, big nights, student-friendly gigs
Music style: Rock, indie, electronic, comedy
Location: University of Wollongong
Parking: Campus parking
Food & drinks: Bars, snacks
Booking: Essential for big shows
Atmosphere: Inclusive, energetic, mixed demographic

UniBar is one of the region’s biggest and most diverse live music venues, with a packed calendar of headline acts, touring artists and comedy.

Weekly / Regular Live Music

Major touring shows across all genres
Under 18s allowed with adult guardian

Pickled Poet, Thirroul – Acoustic Wine Bar Sessions

Venue & Live Music Snapshot

Best for: Acoustic sets, wine and tapas
Music style: Acoustic, jazz, indie
Location: Thirroul
Parking: Street
Food & drinks: Wine, cocktails, tapas
Booking: Recommended
Atmosphere: Intimate, artsy, warm

Pickled Poet is a cosy courtyard wine bar offering acoustic sessions, jazz-inspired Sundays and a stylish, relaxed setting.

Weekly Live Music

Friday & Saturday from 6pm – Acoustic nights
Sunday from 5pm – Jazz / acoustic Sunday Sessions

Frequently Asked Questions – Live Music in Wollongong & the Illawarra

Where can I find live music in Wollongong tonight?

You can browse all live music, bands, DJs and events happening today via the What’s On in Wollongong live music category, where you can filter by date, suburb or venue style.

What are the best live music venues in Wollongong?

Top-rated venues include:

The Icon (Wollongong CBD)
Five Barrel Brewing (Wollongong)
Seeker Brewing (Unanderra)
The Fraternity Club (Fairy Meadow)
Beaches Hotel (Thirroul)
Waves at Towradgi Beach Hotel
La La La’s (Wollongong CBD)
Anita’s Theatre (Thirroul)

Each offers different vibes, from large touring acts to intimate acoustic nights.

Where can I see free live music in Wollongong?

Free weekly music is available at:

The Fraternity Club (weekends)
Dicey Riley’s (before 9pm on Fridays & Saturdays)
Steamers Bar & Grill (Thursday & Saturday evenings)
The Balgownie Hotel (monthly band nights – free entry)
North Gong Hotel (Sunday Sessions)

Which Illawarra venues host touring bands and major gigs?

Larger artist and touring shows usually appear at:

WIN Entertainment Centre
Waves – Towradgi Beach Hotel
UniBar Wollongong
Anita’s Theatre Thirroul

These venues regularly host national and international artists.

Where can I find family-friendly live music in the Illawarra?

Great options include:

Woonona Bulli RSL
Mount Kembla Village Hotel (Sunday afternoons)
The Figtree Hotel
North Gong Hotel (daytime events)

Are any live music venues in Wollongong all-ages or under-18 friendly?

Yes, select events at:

WIN Entertainment Centre
Waves (Towradgi)
UniBar (accompanied under-18s allowed for many shows)
Larger daytime festivals such as Santa Fest and Folk Festival

Where can I find Latin, jazz or world music in Wollongong?

Salsa & Latin: The Icon
Jazz: ilu ilu Bar
World music: Seeker Brewing
Acoustic & indie: Pickled Poet, Five Barrel Brewing, Mount Kembla Village Hotel

How can I keep up with the latest live music events?

Subscribe to the What’s On in Wollongong Weekly Newsletter, updated every week with the newest gigs, festivals, events, markets and nightlife.

Quick Summary – Best Live Music in Wollongong & the Illawarra

Best DJ venue: The Icon, Wollongong
Best brewery music: Five Barrel Brewing
Best big-name concerts: WIN Entertainment Centre
Best intimate concerts: Centro CBD & The Music Lounge
Best for dancing: Checho’s & The Icon, Wollongong
Best for families: Woonona Bulli RSL & The Figtree Hotel
Best coastal sunset music: The Imperial at Clifton
Best Sunday Sessions: North Gong Hotel
Best tribute bands: Beaches Hotel, Thirroul
Best outdoor gigs: Wombarra Bowlo
Best acoustic nights: Pickled Poet & Mount Kembla Village Hotel

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