Arctic Alley — an alleyway of snow, music, lights and winter delights — returns as one of the many highlights at this year’s Kiama Winter Street Festival. Photos: Destination Kiama.
Once again, Kiama has an ingenious plan to entice Illawarriors off the couch and out into the crisp winter air next month.
The Kiama Winter Street Festival is back, this year with a focus on closing off a stretch of Terralong Street and transforming the town centre into a lively hub of winter fun — and it’s all free.
“Someone once told me if you think it’s ‘too cold’, you’re just in the wrong clothing. I think that’s particularly good advice for us here on the South Coast. We don’t typically ‘rug up’ and get outside,” Kiama City Council’s Jessica Smith says.
“So we’re creating a winter wonderland with activities for young and old, to bring the community together at a time when people typically hibernate.”
Against a backdrop of vibrant street performers, roving entertainers, music and fun across three stages, creative workshops, family-friendly activities and pop-up installations, the many restaurants, cafes and retailers here will spill out onto the street, adding open-air dining and late-night shopping to the festival atmosphere.
Some of these beloved local businesses keeping the lights on late will be serving up everything from mulled treats to full-blown winter menus.
Jessica says it sets the stage for festivalgoers to fall in love with a coastal winter, and boost local businesses.
“We are a bit of a seasonal destination, and typically quieter at this time of year — but it’s amazing how lovely a winter sun can be,” Jessica says.
Kids will not want to miss the inflatable maze, rock climbing wall or Arctic Alley — an alleyway of snow, music, lights and winter delights.
Children and adults can learn to make everything from lanterns to felt crowns, jewellery to bath bombs, in a range of workshops.
There’s even something for the furry family member, with the best dressed dog parade on the Open Street Stage and best dog trick competition.
Other highlights include an incredible sculpture trail, free face painting, personalised poetry by Butch Schwartzkopf, a mechanical snowboard and a wellness zone with wandering saunas (which are exactly what they sound like).
The event is a hop, skip and jump away from Kiama train station or, for those driving, the Rural Fire Service will manage parking at Kiama Leisure Centre and catching a free event shuttle to the event.
The Kiama Winter Street Festival 2025 takes place Saturday 12 July from noon to 8 pm on Terralong Street, Kiama.
