One of Wollongong’s most recognisable precincts, Port Kembla continues to evolve as a distinctive entertainment and hospitality hub, something The Fringe will celebrate through comedy, live music, creative workshops and walking tours that bring its unique laneways and venues to life.
Local spots The Servo, Port Beirut, The Iron Yampi, The Wedding Chapel, NASA Gallery, The Vault, and Buried in Books will host a mix of ticketed and free events over the weekend from Friday night.
Saturday’s ‘Free Fringe Day’ will include Saddle Club line dancing, Ruido Flamenco dance and music and live music from Inspektor Gadje, Jacob Woods trio, Saxon Penn, Emily Duncan, Zachariah J & The Bottlebrush Band, Freya Staer, Synth Club, and Smile More.
Saturday’s program also includes the PK Urban Sketching Tour and Wonderwalls Street Art Walking Tour, the Wisdom of One breath and flow session, while The Foundery Café hosts Jam & Bread, Colombian Music and baking for all ages on Sunday afternoon.
“Our opening weekend in Thirroul and Bulli was about planting seeds for the future, and we’re already seeing Wollongong Festival begin to take on a character of its own,” Wollongong Festival’s Balunn Jones said.
“We can’t wait to see how the Port Kembla Precinct team brings the community together—curating established favourites and emerging ideas into a program that draws people out to experience the incredible culture thriving in Port Kembla.”
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said Council is proud to support events that enliven our suburbs.
“We had a terrific opening weekend at Thirroul and Bulli, and now the Port Kembla Fringe Festival promises another great weekend celebrating the unique character of our different suburbs,” Councillor Brown said.
“With Culture Mix returning to our CBD next weekend, the Wollongong Festival reflects our commitment to supporting a diverse range of events that bring fun vibrancy to both our City Centre and out to our local suburbs.”
Wollongong Festival is supported and funded by Revive Live – an Australian Government initiative.
“The very best of Port Kembla will be on display this weekend as part of the inaugural Wollongong Festival, proudly supported with $250,000 from the Albanese Labor Government,” member for Cunningham Ms Alison Byrnes MP said.
“We’ve also provided $72,000 to The Servo under the last round of Revive Live, and it’s really fantastic to see this investment helping bring live music and culture into the heart of Port Kembla.
“I’ll continue working to support events like this which create more local jobs, boost tourism and give our community opportunities to enjoy live entertainment beyond the CBD
Port Kembla Precinct operates with support from the NSW Government via the Uptown District Acceleration Program.
“The Uptown Program has been a game changer with 10 districts supported across the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, including the Port Kembla Precinct,” Member for Wollongong Mr Paul Scully said.
“This support has helped bring local venues, artists, and businesses together to deliver a vibrant festival that showcases the very best of Port Kembla. It’s fantastic to see the spirit and energy of the Wollongong Festival extend into Port Kembla, creating exciting opportunities for the community while supporting local businesses and celebrating the area’s unique character.
“The Uptown Program is helping attract more visitors, foster new partnerships, support jobs, and strengthen our economy. I look forward to seeing this investment continue to energise Wollongong’s nightlife and make a night out in the Gong even more memorable.”
After moving through our suburbs over its opening two weekends, Wollongong Festival returns to the CBD for week three highlighted by the much-loved annual Culture Mix Festival on Saturday (26 September) and Young Blood on Sunday 27 September.
Begun in 2024 by Lalalas and Yours and Owls, Young Blood aims to encourage the next generation of bands and fans in Wollongong with a multi-venue, all ages live music program across Wollongong Youth Centre and the Globe Lane precinct.
The Yours and Owls Festival on October 3-4 bookends the Wollongong Festival, with day one taking place at the iconic Flagstaff Hill before spreading into venues, laneways and precincts across Wollongong CBD on day two.
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Wollongong Festival is delivered in collaboration by the Wollongong Festival organisers, City of Wollongong, Yours and Owls, and local precincts: Thirroul Arts and Entertainment District, Bulli Black Diamond District, Port Kembla Precinct, Lower Crown Quarter and Globe Lane.
