Open Street Festival lights up Thirroul this weekend — a highlight in the social calendar. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Get ready for a jam-packed week and beyond across the Illawarra, with a mix of music, markets, family fun and festive cheer hitting the region.
Whether you’re after live tunes, creative workshops, sporting challenges, or a chance to kick off the holiday season, there’s something for everyone.
Dance along to fresh local sounds at launches and street festivals, cheer on Spartans tackling epic stadium obstacles, or browse stalls overflowing with gifts, preloved treasures and artisan creations.
Families can snap photos with Santa, pick up a Christmas tree, or explore engaging activities that keep kids entertained for hours. For Illawarra carers looking to unwind, a restorative music and art workshop offers a chance to pause, breathe and recharge in welcoming, supportive settings.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or visiting for the weekend, the Illawarra is alive with things to see, do, taste and experience.
Multiple Days
Thirroul is set to come alive as a vibrant mix of local and national acts takes over King Street for the free Thirroul Open Street Festival. Image: Wollongong City Council.
Thirroul Open Street Festival
When: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: King Street, Thirroul
Cost: Free.
Across the weekend, King Street will transform into a lively, walkable hub where festival-goers can enjoy a variety of performances. This massive, two-day event will feature an energetic program of live music, street activities and family-friendly entertainment. Saturday’s program features artists such as Earth, Wind & Choir, Ruby Gill, Jack Davies, Romy Vager and Andy Golledge, while Sunday offers a surf-themed line-up including Ain’t That Swell, Alara Livingstone, Beth and Blue and Annie Hamilton.
Delivered by Wollongong City Council in partnership with the Thirroul Arts and Entertainment District, the festival will run alongside the established Thirroul Music Festival on Saturday 29 November.
Friday
Sunset shopping by the sea — the Pavilion Twilight Market is back this November. Image: The Pavilion Kiama.
Pavilion Twilight Market 2025
When: Friday 28 November, 1 to 7 pm
Where: The Pavilion Kiama, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Kiama’s much-loved annual market returns with a fresh new feel as The Pavilion transforms into a vibrant Twilight Market. Browse a lively mix of local stallholders, handmade goods, artisan creations and unique festive gifts, all set against Kiama’s stunning afternoon-to-evening backdrop. Grab a bite from tasty food vendors, soak up the warm community atmosphere and enjoy a relaxed, festive afternoon by the sea.
Saturday
This is the final Spartan Stadion of 2025 and your only chance to grab the exclusive 2025 Stadion medal and shirt. Image: Spartan Race Australian/NZ.
2025 Wollongong Spartan Stadion
When: Saturday 29 November, 6 am
Where: WIN Stadium, Unit 3/49 Harbour Street, Wollongong
Cost: Various | Book via Spartan AU.
Spartan Stadion returns to Wollongong for the first time in five years, transforming WIN Stadium into your ultimate 5 km battlefield. Navigate narrow stadium passageways, tackle thousands of steps, conquer sand obstacles and push through 20 world-class challenges, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
The event also features the Spartan Kids Race, giving the next generation a chance to earn their own medal and glory. Whether racing solo or with your crew, Wollongong Stadion offers a high-energy, unforgettable experience for all levels.
Bring the whole family — including your furry friends — for a day of fun, festive activities. Image: The Wentworth.
CheerFest Port Kembla 2025
When: Saturday 29 November, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: The Wentworth, 96–106 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: Free entry.
Kick off the festive season at this family and pet-friendly celebration packed with Christmas cheer. Book now to snap memories with Santa, order and pick up your Christmas tree on the day, browse unique gifts at the market stalls and join in the holiday-themed activities hosted by local businesses. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and share the spirit of Christmas with the Port Kembla community.
Don’t miss this must-attend evening for music lovers eager to discover what’s next in the local scene. Image: Society City.
The Launch of Illa Music Scene
When: Saturday 29 November, 6:30 to 11 pm
Where: Society City, 274-278 Crown Street, Wollongong
Cost: General $20 | Under 18 + Guardian $35 | Book via Humanitix.
Celebrate the arrival of Illa Music Scene, a bold new platform championing emerging talent across the Illawarra, with a stacked night of alt, psych and indie sounds. Set inside the creative heart of Society City, this high-energy launch event brings together four exciting local acts: Cytosis, Silvia Lane, Ded Set and Franxie. Expect raw intensity, swirling textures and genre-blurring performances as these artists take the stage, each offering their own fresh take on the region’s evolving music identity.
This is the perfect night out for music lovers of all ages. Photo: Wirestock.
The Show Must Go On
When: Saturday 29 November, 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: General $30 | Under 18s / Concession $15 | Book via Humanitix.
Experience the magic of musical theatre brought to life in The Show Must Go On, a captivating concert featuring a vibrant selection of beloved musical pieces. From soaring melodies and heart-wrenching ballads to toe-tapping rhythms and moments guaranteed to make you smile, this performance has something for every musical fan.
Presented by the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, the Symphonic Band under Suzanne Cowan and the Wollcon Symphony Orchestra under Mikaela Johnson deliver a polished, dynamic performance in the inspiring setting of Wollongong Art Gallery.
Sunday
Enjoy free parking, lucky door prizes and a friendly community atmosphere. Image: My Kids Market NSW.
My Kids Market Wollongong
When: Sunday 30 November, 9 am to noon
Where: Illawarra Sports Stadium, Fred Finch Park South West, 22 Hooka Creek Road, Berkeley
Cost: Adult $5 | Child Free | Payable upon entry.
Discover bargains, treasures and unique finds at My Kids Market Wollongong, the local hub for preloved and new baby and kids’ goods. From clothing and shoes to toys, books, cots, prams and more, this market is a one-stop shop for families looking to recycle gently used items and score big savings on popular brands.
Browse a variety of small business stalls showcasing handmade or new goods, often with exclusive Market Day specials. No two markets are the same, so you’re guaranteed to find something new at every visit. Families can also host their own stall, with preloved and business options available — perfect for recycling items or showcasing a baby/kids brand to the local community.
Wednesday
Parents, carers and community members are invited to a welcoming morning tea hosted by Disability Rights Connect and Better Births Illawarra. Photo: jota_buyinch.
Better Births Illawarra x Disability Rights Connect Morning Tea
When: Wednesday 3 December, 10 am to noon
Where: Stuart Park Playground, George Hanley Drive, North Wollongong
Cost: Free.
This gathering is the first in a series of events designed for parents with a disability, parents and carers of children with a disability, and pregnant people with experience of foetal difference or conditions. Guests are welcome to drop in at any time throughout the event to help celebrate new mothers and birthing parents, babies and the broader community.
There will be inclusive children’s activities, opportunities for parent pampering and access to the nearby accessible playground equipment. Morning tea will be provided, and parking is available in the carpark via the Stuart Park roundabout on George Hanley Drive.
Organisers encourage attendees to share any requirements that would help them or their children participate fully. As this is the first disability-centred event of its kind, feedback is warmly welcomed to help ensure the experience is as accessible, comfortable and supportive as possible.
Join carers for a soothing music and drawing workshop with Elena Bellinato, exploring simple techniques to ease stress, regulate emotions, and nurture your wellbeing. Photo: Albertocase.
Music for Centring and Support
When: Wednesday 3 December, 10 am to noon
Where: Foundery Family Centre, 132 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: Free | Register via 4229 1079 or [email protected]
In this music and drawing workshop for carers, explore music and art as tools to help regulate and calm the nervous systems when feeling overwhelmed with stress and emotion. Facilitated by bereavement counsellor and registered music therapist Elena Bellinato, participants will discover music breathing, music listening, visualisation, drawing and journalling in a safe and supportive environment. No prior experience in music or art is necessary, and all art supplies will be provided.
Thursday
Join the Port Kembla community for an evening of kindness, togetherness and Christmas cheer. Image: Our Community Project.
Port Kembla Annual Christmas Feast
When: Thursday 4 December, 4:30 pm
Where: Port Kembla Community Centre Hall, corner of Wentworth and Church streets, Port Kembla
Cost: Free | Book via Humanitix.
Celebrate the season with a heartwarming community tradition as the Port Kembla Annual Christmas Feast returns for 2025. Hosted by Our Community Project, this festive evening brings families, friends and neighbours together for a free shared meal and a joyful night of entertainment.
Enjoy live performances, a kids’ silent disco, arts and crafts, games and a special visit from Santa. The event is made possible thanks to the support of generous local businesses, creating a welcoming space for everyone to connect, celebrate and share in the spirit of the season.
RSVP is encouraged to help organisers plan for catering.
