Stay from $200 a night, a 15-minute walk from Easts Beach. Check availability
Kiama events run all year. Every week has markets and live music at venues like Burnetts on Barney and The Courtyard in Gerringong. The big dates are the Kiama Show in January, the Winter Street Festival in July, Culture Fest in October and the free New Year's Eve fireworks over Kiama Harbour. Check Destination Kiama's calendar before you go.
By Joseph Joshua Ngushual, Kiama Travel Specialist
Published · 8 min read
15 dated events and 21 regular events
23 Oct, 6pm to 9pm · Jamberoo Pub
The Butter Trackers bring a traditional Irish music session to the Jamberoo Pub, and musicians of any level are welcome to join in. Pull up a stool and listen, with the next session listed for 23 October.
23 Oct, 6:30pm · Soul Clay Studios
Grab a friend and your own drinks for two hours on the pottery wheel at Soul Clay Studios in Gerringong, with clay, tools, tuition and nibbles included. It's for adults 18 and over, and the next listed date is 23 October.
5 Nov to 31 Dec, 12pm to 10pm · Cin Cin Wine Bar
Local artists Ambra Sancin and Eevi Stein hang watercolours, photographs and lino prints from their travels through Italy on the walls of Cin Cin Wine Bar. Drop in for an aperitivo and a look.
7 Nov, 5 Dec, 11am to 1pm · Burnetts on Barney
John Gabriele's monthly hands-on gardening workshops at Burnetts on Barney wrap up the year with a vertical succulent frame on 7 November and terrariums on 5 December. Places are limited, so book early.
24 Oct, 7 Nov, 21 Nov, 9:30am · Soul Clay Studios
Try the pottery wheel for two hours on a Saturday morning at Soul Clay Studios, with a teacher, clay and tools supplied and three of your pieces glazed and fired afterwards. For adults 18 and over.
7 Nov, 6 Feb, 6 Mar, 10 Apr, 9am to 11am · Lake Illawarra
Paddle Lake Illawarra for a morning with SUP Shellharbour and Gumaraa, who share the cultural stories of the lake and its shores. Four Saturday sessions are listed between November 2026 and April 2027.
Sunday 8 November, 5pm · The Co-Op Gerringong
Mama Kin Spender and Emily Lubitz bring their touring sing-along show to The Co-Op, reuniting as We Two Thieves and teaching the crowd easy harmonies between sets. No singing experience needed.
24 Oct, 25 Oct, 14 Nov, 15 Nov, 28 Nov, 29 Nov · Kiama, from Sydney, Sutherland or Wollongong
A restored steam locomotive hauls heritage carriages from Sydney, Sutherland or Wollongong through the Royal National Park and down the coast to Kiama, giving you a free afternoon in town before the return run.
14 Nov to 15 Nov · Bundanon Art Museum
Stay the night at Bundanon for an art weekend with a twilight feast, breakfast and an exhibition tour, plus an art workshop or bush walk and a look through Arthur Boyd's homestead and studio.
22 Nov, 10am · Killalea Regional Park, meet at The Farm Kiosk
Bring the whole family to Killalea Regional Park, where Gumaraa cultural guides spend two hours sharing dance, storytelling and bush tucker, and everyone gets a go at boomerang and spear throwing. The next listed date is 22 November.
Friday 27 November, 1pm to 7pm · The Pavilion Kiama
The Pavilion's yearly twilight market gathers local sellers under one roof at the Kiama Showground, so it's a handy chance to tick off Christmas gifts, with hampers, candles, books, jewellery and homewares on the stalls.
28 Nov, 9am to 12:30pm · Kiama area, venue confirmed on booking
Spend a morning painting a Kiama beach scene in acrylics with local painter Andrew McPhail, who keeps his groups small. The class runs on Saturday 28 November.
Saturday 28 November, 1pm to 5pm · Kiama Community Garden
Spend a Saturday afternoon in the Kiama Community Garden weaving a small vessel from natural and recycled fibres with Sydney fibre artist Sharon Bartle. Beginners are welcome, and tea and coffee are provided.
12 Dec, 9 Jan, 9am to 11am · Minnamurra River
Spend a morning on the Minnamurra River with SUP Shellharbour and a Gumaraa guide, hearing the Dharawal and Yuin story of how the river was formed. First-timers are welcome, with Saturday sessions into 2027.
Sunday 22 August, 10am to 3pm · The Co-Op Gerringong
Once a year more than 50 South Coast potters and makers fill the heritage Co-Op in Gerringong with wheel thrown, hand built and sculptural ceramics. Meet the artists and take home something handmade.
No dated events match. Try a wider date range or another town.
Every Friday until 1 Jan, 5pm to 8pm · Crooked River Estate Cellar Door
Start the weekend at the Crooked River Estate cellar door with a different local musician each Friday, estate wines, craft beer and casual food. Grab a barrel table or a picnic rug on the hill.
Every Saturday until 26 Dec, 10am to 1pm · Burnetts on Barney
Saturday mornings at Burnetts on Barney come with a local musician playing in the old quarry garden. Order coffee and lunch from The Quarry Cafe and settle in the sun or under the glasshouse.
Every Tuesday until 29 Dec, 7pm to 9pm · Club Jamberoo
Tuesday trivia at Club Jamberoo mixes general knowledge and pop culture questions, with host Carly running the night and Club Cash up for grabs. Play solo or bring a team for dinner and a quiz.
Every Friday until 25 Dec, 6pm to 9pm · The Courtyard at The Co-Op Gerringong
South Coast musicians take turns playing Friday evenings in the covered alfresco courtyard at The Co-Op, with wood-fired flatbreads and seasonal plates to share. Some Fridays switch to music bingo, so check the lineup.
Every Saturday until 14 Nov, 6pm to 9pm · The Courtyard at The Co-Op Gerringong
Most Saturday evenings a rotating local act plays The Courtyard at The Co-Op in Gerringong. Walk in or book a table for flatbreads from the wood-fired oven and a drink under cover.
Third Sunday of the month until 15 Nov, 9am to 11am · Joyce Wheatley Community Centre
Bring your knitting, sketchbook or painting to a low-key creative morning for all ages at the Joyce Wheatley Centre, held on the third Sunday of each month. Shared paints and pencils are there if you'd rather travel light.
Every Saturday until 3 July, 2pm to 5pm · Crooked River Estate
Spread a picnic rug on the hill above the vines at Crooked River Estate for free Saturday afternoon music from local performers. Seating is limited, so arrive early or bring your own.
Every Friday until 27 Nov, 4pm to 9pm · The Courtyard at The Co-Op Gerringong
On Friday evenings The Courtyard in Gerringong gathers around the fire pit, with blankets, log seats and a barbecue menu cooked over the flames, plus the regular seasonal menu. Book a table online.
Every Saturday and Sunday until 27 June, 12pm to 4pm · Cin Cin Wine Bar
Round up your friends for a relaxed long lunch at Cin Cin Wine Bar near Kiama Harbour. You book a two-hour window on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, with a set drinks package and a food choice included.
Every Sunday until 29 Nov, 2pm to 5pm · The Courtyard at The Co-Op Gerringong
Round off a weekend in Gerringong with a Sunday afternoon set from a South Coast musician at The Courtyard, plus share plates and flatbreads from the wood-fired oven in a relaxed covered space.
Every Wednesday until 30 June, 3pm to 6pm (2pm to 5pm outside daylight saving) · Manning Street
Every Wednesday afternoon local growers and producers set up beside the beach on Manning Street. Trading starts when the bell rings, and kids can play on the sand or in the park while you shop.
Third Sunday of the month, plus a bonus market on 29 November until 19 Sept, 9am to 3pm · Black Beach Reserve
More than 150 stalls set up at Black Beach Reserve beside the harbour and lighthouse, selling local crafts, fashion, art, jewellery and produce. Browse from 9am to 3pm on the third Sunday of each month.
Every Saturday to 30 January 2027, plus school holiday dates until 15 July, 9:30am to 10:30am and 11am to 12pm · Fitzroy Falls picnic area, Morton National Park
A National Parks ranger walks you along an easy track and boardwalk to the escarpment lookouts above Fitzroy Falls, sharing stories of the plants and wildlife. It suits ages five and up, and the falls are about an hour inland from Kiama.
Every Wednesday until 11 Nov, 6pm to 8pm · Joyce Wheatley Community Centre
If you've been meaning to try painting, this six-week Wednesday evening course at the Joyce Wheatley Centre is made for adults new to acrylics. You'll practise mixing colour and handling brushes, then build up a canvas of your own with a tutor on hand.
Every Wednesday until 11 Nov, 4:30pm to 5:40pm · Joyce Wheatley Community Centre
Book the kids into a Wednesday after-school art class at the Joyce Wheatley Centre, with a fresh project each week and room for them to grow their own piece. All supplies are provided, and you can pay weekly or by term.
Every Sunday until 28 Mar, 2pm to 5pm · Yves Social, The Sebel Kiama
Each Sunday afternoon a different local musician plays at Yves Social, the bar at The Sebel Kiama overlooking the water. Settle in with cocktails and a bite to eat as the weekend winds down.
Third Saturday of the month until 19 Dec, 8:30am to 1:30pm · Fern Street, Gerringong
Gerringong Rotary's monthly Saturday market fills Fern Street with stalls of books, toys, crafts, clothing and local produce. Come hungry for an egg and bacon roll or a Gerringong pie, and the money raised goes to Rotary community projects.
Fridays and Saturdays until 21 Nov, Fridays 10am to 5pm, Saturdays 10am to 3pm · SevenMarks Gallery
Cesar Cueva's solo show at SevenMarks Gallery uses macro photography to turn tiny fractures and surfaces into lines and planes.
Last Sunday of the month until 27 Dec, 9am to 1pm · Reid Park
On the last Sunday of each month Reid Park in Jamberoo village fills with stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, plants, crafts and homewares, plus live music. It's an easy morning out from Kiama.
Every Friday until 18 Dec, 7pm to 10pm · Kiama Bowling Club
Friday nights at Kiama Bowling Club bring music and an open microphone, so round up friends, pick a song and sing along. The club also runs a courtesy bus from 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Second Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month until 15 Nov · HARS Aviation Museum
On Tarmac Days the volunteers at HARS roll selected historic aircraft out of the hangars at Shellharbour Airport, and visitors can climb aboard some cockpits. It's a short drive north of Kiama, and the next Tarmac Days are 13 to 15 November.
Events are run by their organisers; dates, times and prices change, so check the event page before you go. Listings checked 2026-10-17. Running an event in Kiama? Tell us at our contact page.
These are the larger dated Kiama events listed by Destination Kiama and the organisers. Plans change, so check before you go.
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| To 21 November | Hidden Lines exhibition, Fridays 10am to 5pm and Saturdays 10am to 3pm | SevenMarks, Kiama |
| 24 and 25 October | Kiama Picnic Train (steam train from Tempe) | Kiama station |
| Sunday 25 October | Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day, 9am to 2pm, $5 to $10 | Kevin Walsh Oval, Jamberoo |
| 30 October to 1 November | Shellharbour SUP Festival, from $10 | Mia Beach, Lake Illawarra |
| Saturday 31 October | Halloween at the Co-Op Gerringong, from 6pm | Gerringong |
| 14 and 15 November | Kiama Picnic Train (steam train from Sydney Central) | Kiama station |
| Sunday 15 November | Kiama Seaside Markets, from 9am | Black Beach, Kiama |
| Friday 27 November | Pavilion Annual Twilight Market, 1pm to 7pm | The Pavilion, Kiama |
| 28 and 29 November | Kiama Picnic Train (steam train from Tempe) | Kiama station |
| Sunday 20 December | Kiama Seaside Markets, from 9am | Black Beach, Kiama |
| Thursday 31 December | Kiama NYE Sky Show, from 4pm, fireworks at 9pm, free | Kiama Harbour |
| 22 and 23 January 2027 | Kiama Show | Kiama Showground |
Destination Kiama keeps the full, live list on its events calendar, including workshops, art classes and smaller gigs that change week to week.
The Kiama area has a handful of big events that shape the year. Here is when they fall, based on their most recent dates.
Folk by the Sea, the Kiama folk festival held each September, has finished. The organisers, the Illawarra Folk Club, say the 11th festival in September 2025 was the last.
Fireworks are returning to Kiama Harbour for New Year's Eve 2026, thanks to support from local businesses, organisations and the community. Destination Kiama has confirmed the Kiama NYE Sky Show for Thursday 31 December 2026.
The event runs at Kiama Harbour from 4pm, with fireworks at 9pm. It is free, non-ticketed and family friendly, with live music, food and drink vendors, roving performers, family activities and carnival rides (rides are paid separately). The full line-up will be announced closer to the night.
Expect road closures around the harbour and town centre, and the boat ramps in the event area close from 4pm to 10pm. Extra trains and buses and an event shuttle from a designated car park are planned, so check the Kiama NYE page in December. Kiama Harbour is about a 33-minute walk (2.7 km) from Kiama Ridge Waters, which saves the hunt for a park on the night. See our Kiama Harbour guide and Kiama at night.
The Kiama Show Society formed in 1848, and the society describes itself as one of the oldest agricultural show societies still running in Australia. The show itself is a summer holiday fixture at Kiama Showground on Bong Bong Street.
Expect beef and dairy cattle, horses and showjumping, woodchop, a pet show and the Pavilion exhibits, which cover more than 1,700 categories including crafts, flowers, baking and photography. There is also sideshow alley, games and a fireworks finale. In 2026 the gates opened from 9am to 7.30pm on Friday and 9am to 9pm on Saturday.
The 2027 show is on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 January. Ticket prices are not yet published, so check the Kiama Show website. Kiama Council notes that sections of Terralong and Bong Bong streets near the showground close for pedestrian safety during the show. The showground is about a 27-minute walk (2.2 km) or 3 minutes by car from the apartments.
Kiama Showground, Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Two-day agricultural show run by the Kiama Show Society. Next show Friday 22 and Saturday 23 January 2027.
WebsiteGoogle MapsDirections: Google Maps · Waze
For live music in Kiama this weekend, several venues run regular sessions, according to Destination Kiama's Kiama Gig Guide. Line-ups change, so check with the venue before heading out.
Burnetts on Barney is the closest, about a 20-minute walk (1.7 km) from Kiama Ridge Waters. For more on the pubs themselves, see our Kiama pubs guide.
80 Barney Street, Kiama
Garden centre with The Quarry Cafe on site. Live music every Saturday from 10am to 1pm.
WebsiteGoogle MapsDirections: Google Maps · Waze
49 Manning Street, Kiama
Pub built in 1891, with live music on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons.
WebsiteGoogle MapsDirections: Google Maps · Waze
2 Minnamurra Street, Kiama
Restaurant and bar with Sunday Sessions live music in the afternoon.
WebsiteGoogle MapsDirections: Google Maps · Waze
18 Belinda Street, Gerringong
Alfresco dining and drinks with live music on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. About 9 minutes by car.
WebsiteGoogle MapsDirections: Google Maps · Waze
11 Willowvale Road, Gerringong
Family winery with Kick Back Fridays and live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Cellar door closed Mondays.
WebsiteGoogle MapsDirections: Google Maps · Waze
12 Allowrie Street, Jamberoo
Country pub with a beer garden and Sunday afternoon music.
WebsiteGoogle MapsDirections: Google Maps · Waze
Markets are the most reliable Kiama events on any visit. Destination Kiama lists four regular ones:
Hours shift with daylight saving and the seasons, and our Kiama markets guide has the full dates, locations and parking tips.
The Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day is on Sunday 25 October 2026, 9am to 2pm, at Kevin Walsh Oval on Churchill Street. Entry is $5 to $10, and money raised goes to the Jamberoo Rural Fire Brigade.
Destination Kiama lists about 650 classic cars, modern and vintage fire trucks, stationary engines, an animal nursery and face painting for kids, plus food and drink. It is part of the Jamberoo Big Weekend, with the Jamberoo Village Markets running alongside. There is a car park, kiosk and public toilets. Jamberoo is about 14 minutes by car (11 km) from the apartments; make a day of it with our Jamberoo guide.
Kevin Walsh Oval, Jamberoo
Sunday 25 October 2026, 9am to 2pm, $5 to $10. Updates on the car show's Facebook page.
WebsiteGoogle MapsDirections: Google Maps · Waze
A few weekends a year, a restored steam locomotive hauls a heritage train from Sydney down the coast to Kiama and back. In 2026 it runs on 24 and 25 October and 28 and 29 November from Tempe, and on 14 and 15 November from Sydney Central.
The operator gives an indicative arrival in Kiama of about 12.35pm and a return departure of about 4.20pm, which leaves time for the Kiama Blowhole, the beach and the shops. Fares are sold per group or compartment, from a $260 DUO ticket, with first-class high tea from $179 per person. Even if you are not on board, it is worth watching it steam into Kiama station. Details and bookings are on the Picnic Train website.
Kiama station
Steam-hauled same-day return trips from Sydney to Kiama on selected weekends. Phone 1300 936 587.
WebsiteGoogle MapsDirections: Google Maps · Waze
Most Kiama events happen in a few central spots, all reachable on foot or with a short drive from Kiama Ridge Waters:
For big events, Destination Kiama often runs a free shuttle from Kiama Leisure Centre, and streets close around the event. Read our Kiama parking guide, or come by train, as Kiama station is in the town centre. If you are driving down from the city, see Sydney to Kiama.
For Kiama events today or this weekend, start with Destination Kiama's What's On page, which lists one-off events and recurring ones like trivia at Club Jamberoo on Tuesdays and karaoke at Kiama Bowling Club on Fridays. Driving in on the Princes Highway, look for the two event signboards near Bombo Beach and at Gerringong and Toolijooa, which Destination Kiama uses to promote local events.
On a quiet weekend there is still plenty to fill the day. Try our free things to do in Kiama, the Kiama Coast Walk, whale watching in season, or our rainy day ideas.
Bring the family or the whole group for the Show, New Year's Eve or a festival weekend and stay together at Kiama Ridge Waters, 2 Surfleet Place. Each of our three-bedroom apartments has two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a laundry, a covered balcony and secure parking for two cars. Easts Beach is a 15-minute walk, and the town centre is about 27 minutes on foot.
Most of our apartments welcome pets (a $200 cleaning fee applies). Check-in is from 3pm and check-out by 10am. Big event weekends book early, so see the apartments, group stays and family accommodation in Kiama, or check availability. If you are in town for a wedding, read about our Kiama wedding accommodation.
Every weekend has live music at venues such as Burnetts on Barney on Saturday morning and The Courtyard in Gerringong on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Seaside Markets run on the third Sunday. For one-off Kiama events, check Destination Kiama's events calendar, which is updated as new listings come in.
The 2027 Kiama Show is on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 January at Kiama Showground on Bong Bong Street. Expect cattle and horse events, woodchop, the Pavilion exhibits, sideshow alley and fireworks. Ticket prices have not been published yet, so check the Kiama Show website.
Yes. Backed by local businesses and the community, the Kiama NYE Sky Show is confirmed for Thursday 31 December 2026 at Kiama Harbour. The free event starts at 4pm, with fireworks at 9pm, plus live music, food, carnival rides and family activities. Road closures and extra transport are planned.
Not in 2026. Destination Kiama lists the festival as taking a pause in 2026, and a community-led Sounds of Jazz and Blues weekend ran across local venues from 6 to 8 March instead. Watch the Destination Kiama calendar for 2027 news.
No. The Illawarra Folk Club says Folk by the Sea will not continue. The 11th and final festival was held at Kiama Showground Pavilion from 12 to 14 September 2025. The club blamed falling visitor numbers after camping was no longer allowed.
The Kiama Winter Street Festival is held in July on Terralong Street. In 2026 it ran on Saturday 11 July from noon to 8pm, with live music, fire and light shows, a dog parade and family activities, plus a free shuttle from Kiama Leisure Centre. Check Destination Kiama for the next date.
On Friday nights try The Grand Hotel Kiama from 7pm or The Courtyard in Gerringong from 6pm. On Saturday night, The Courtyard and Gerringong Bowlo both have bands. Destination Kiama's Kiama Gig Guide lists each week's acts, but check with the venue before you go.
Eat and drink
Kiama markets guide: the Wednesday farmers market at Coronation Park, Seaside Markets at Black Beach on the third Sunday, plus Gerringong and Jamberoo dates.
Eat and drink
Kiama pubs, bars and clubs: the 1891 Grand Hotel, Tory's, the Leagues Club, cocktail bars, Sunday live music, the Jamberoo Pub and walk times from your stay.
Things to do
Kiama Show 2027 runs Friday 22 and Saturday 23 January at Kiama Showground. Dates, tickets, membership passes, events, parking, the train and where to stay.
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