Taste, play, repeat: the South Coast Viral Food Festival is here. Image: Viral Food Fest Facebook.
The first weeks of 2026 are packed with unforgettable experiences across the Illawarra, from electrifying theatre and viral foodie sensations to hands-on family fun, music and creativity. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a cult-favourite musical, want to taste the Instagram-famous eats taking over the South Coast, or are after a unique way to get the kids moving, there’s something for everyone.
Jump into the circus, explore sustainable farming, or lace up your sneakers for netball, There’s also sewing, pride celebrations and a milestone hip hop tour on the calendar.
Live music, interactive workshops, and immersive activities mean you can watch, play, taste, or create your way through the weekend.
With free events, family-friendly programs and ticketed experiences that promise wow-factor entertainment, there’s never been a better time to get out, explore, and make 2026 your most fun-filled year yet.
Multiple Days
After recent successes including The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and Disney’s Frozen Jr., Woods-Ray Theatricals brings this cult favourite to the stage for an electrifying theatre experience. Photo: Grace Wallace-Mitchell.
Ride The Cyclone
When: Various days until Saturday 7 February, 7:30 pm
Where: Bulli Senior Citizens Centre, 8 Hospital Road, Bulli
Cost: Adult $35 | Concession/Under 18s $25 | Companion Card Holder Free | Book via TryBooking.
Woods-Ray Theatricals Inc. presents Ride The Cyclone, the first production of its 2026 season. This imaginative musical blends humour, heart and mystery, following six teenagers from the St Cassian High School Chamber Choir whose lives are cut tragically short in a roller-coaster accident. Given one final chance to make their case for a second shot at life, each tells their story under the watchful eye of the uncanny mechanical fortune teller, Karnak.
More than 40 viral eats, live music and epic entertainment all in one weekend. Image: Viral Food Festival.
South Coast Viral Food Festival
When: Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, 5 to 10 pm
Where: Bulli Showgrounds, Princes Highway, Bulli
Cost: Online $4 | At the gate $5 | Kids under 3 free | Book via TryBooking.
The South Coast Viral Food Festival is bringing more than 40 of the most mouthwatering, Instagram-famous street foods to Bulli for one massive weekend of flavour, fun and entertainment. Feast on trending eats including Philly cheese steak rolls, tacos dripping with cheese, the Viral Dubai bubble waffle loaded with kataifi and pistachio cream, churro sticks with Biscoff and Bueno sauce, dessert bao buns, marshmallows, and much more.
The festival offers free onsite parking, live DJs, stage games, a live band each night, and roving entertainment including Optimus Prime and Blue the raptor. There will also be rides and games available at an extra cost. Don’t miss the chance to taste, play and celebrate the best foodie moments the South Coast has to offer.
Move, mix, munch: for three months Corrimal Library will host after-school fun for the whole family. Photo: beerphotographer.
Let’s Get Snacktive at Corrimal Library (Ages 5+)
When: Thursdays 5 February to 2 April, 3 to 4:30 pm
Where: Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
Corrimal Library invites families to Let’s Get Snacktive, a fun after-school program that combines movement and cooking for children aged five and up. Families can join flexible, interactive sessions featuring active games and simple, nutritious cooking activities designed to build healthy habits while spending quality time together.
All children must be accompanied by an adult, and families are welcome to arrive any time from 3 pm to suit school finish times. Book for the full term to get the most out of this engaging program, delivered in partnership with the Health Promotions Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
Friday
A colourful after-hours hangout celebrating creativity, connection and pride at Wollongong Library. Photo: yanishevskaanna.
Pride Night at Wollongong Library
When: Friday 30 January, 6 to 8 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free (Ages 12–18) | Book via eventbrite.
LGBTQIA+ young people and allies aged 12 to 18 are invited to Pride Night at Wollongong Library, a relaxed after-hours social event celebrating inclusion, creativity and community. Once the library closes to the public, participants are welcomed inside for an evening of games, music and colourful craft activities.
Attendees can also explore a curated selection of LGBTQIA+ young adult books, connect with peers, and enjoy provided snacks in a safe and supportive environment. Friends are welcome, or come along solo and meet new people — everyone is encouraged to join in.
Saturday
Aerials, juggling, tumbling and more — discover your circus skills. Image: Circus Monoxide.
Circus Monoxide Open Day
When: Saturday 31 January, 9 to 11 am (ages 5 to 8 years), 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (ages 9 to 12 years) and 2 to 4 pm (ages 13 to 17 years)
Where: Circus Monoxide, 3 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Free event | Book via iClassPro.
Circus Monoxide invites children and teens to discover the excitement of circus arts at its Open Day, a fun and welcoming introduction designed especially for new students. This free event offers the chance to try circus before enrolling in regular classes, in a safe, supportive, and professionally coached environment.
Participants will explore a range of circus skills including aerials (silks, lyra and trapeze), tumbling and floor work, and object manipulation such as hoops and juggling. No prior experience is required — just a willingness to have fun and try something new.
Each participant will receive a welcome pack on arrival. Parents or guardians are required to remain on-site throughout the session. Places are limited.
Jump in, have fun, and discover the excitement of netball. Photo: Albion Park Netball Club.
Albion Park Netball Club – Come & Try Day
When: Saturday 31 January, 11 am to noon
Where: Shellharbour City Stadium, 110 Croome Road, Croom
Cost: Free | Book via Kayla on 0450 078 232.
Albion Park Netball Club invites beginners of all ages to a Come & Try session at Shellharbour City Stadium’s indoor netball courts. This is a great opportunity to experience the excitement of netball in a welcoming and supportive environment. Participants can try out the game, learn basic skills from experienced players, and get a feel for what it’s like to be part of a team. Club committee members will be on hand to answer questions, provide guidance and help with registration. Uniform try-ons will also be available for anyone interested in joining the club and taking the next step in their netball journey.
Find out how Curry’s Mountain Estate transformed farming and conservation in the Illawarra. Image: Curry’s Mountain Estate.
Curry’s Mountain Estate – A Sustainability Success Story
When: Saturday 31 January, 1 to 2 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: Free.
Discover the remarkable transformation of Curry’s Mountain Estate, a former dairy farm turned model of sustainable farming and conservation. Situated south of Saddleback Mountain with views over Gerringong and Werri Beach, the estate has been gradually converted to native rainforest since 2000, establishing an arboretum and a native plant nursery that now supports local bush regeneration efforts.
Estate manager Andrew McNeil and Ailee Calderbank, coordinator of the Werri Beach Dunecare and former Landcare Illawarra coordinator, will share insights into the estate’s finger lime orchard, conservation projects and enduring partnership with Landcare Illawarra. This event is part of the Farm & Flourish series, celebrating the local farming community and sustainable practices in the Illawarra region.
Tuesday
Drop in, ask questions and see how Club Sew and Sew can become your new creative outlet. Photo: gpointstudio.
Club Sew and Sew Information Session (Ages 18+)
When: Tuesday 3 February, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
Wollongong Library invites adults to an information session for Club Sew and Sew, a sociable sewing group where participants can work on their own projects while enjoying the company of fellow makers in a friendly and welcoming environment. Whether you are a complete beginner looking to learn new skills, or an experienced sewer wanting a relaxed space to create, this session is the perfect opportunity to find out more about the club, meet the coordinators and discover how to get involved in 2026.
Thursday
Experience The Sun Never Sets live in a powerful anniversary celebration of a record that helped shape Australian hip hop. Photo: Cole Bennetts.
The Herd ‘The Sun Never Sets’ 20th Anniversary Tour
When: Thursday 5 February, 7:30 pm
Where: Anita’s Theatre, 264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: $69.90 | Book via Ticketmaster.
To celebrate 20 years of their era-defining third album “The Sun Never Sets”, iconic Australian hip hop group The Herd return to the stage with a national anniversary tour. First stop? Wollongong. Proudly presented by Destroy All Lines, the tour sees the much-loved group revisit one of the most politically and culturally significant records of the 2000s, alongside fan favourites from across their catalogue.
Renowned for their electrifying live shows and unconventional blend of MCs, singers, live instrumentation, samplers and electronics, The Herd became a staple of major Australian festivals including Big Day Out, Splendour In The Grass, Falls Festival, and Groovin The Moo. “The Sun Never Sets” was released at a time of heightened social tension, cementing The Herd as one of Australia’s most outspoken and forward-thinking acts, tackling themes of anti-racism, decolonisation, war, and environmentalism. The album also introduced singer Jane Tyrrell to the group and spawned one of Triple J’s most iconic Like A Version performances — a reimagining of Redgum’s I Was Only 19, later certified ARIA Gold.
