Your Ultimate Long Weekend Guide

Our day-by-day playbook for what's on

Brace yourselves for the ultimate long weekend! There’s something for everyone from Aquathon action, smooth whiskey sips, slam dunks, and beats that will get you grooving. We've scouted some of the hottest things to do this long weekend so grab your crew, bring your a-game, and check out our ultimate guide for a weekend to remember in the Wollongong CBD!

Thursday - Public Holiday Eve

If you just can’t wait for the long weekend to begin, you’re in luck. There is plenty going down on Thursday night to keep you entertained and get the weekend vibes going.

Head into the Crown Street Markets on Thursday night for good feels and great street food, or head to The Icon and get around their $10 Schnitzel deal! They’ve also got drinks specials with $5 tap beer and wines and $10 cocktails all night long.

If you feel like keeping the good times rolling check out the House of Teq launch party at one of Wollongong’s newest bars – Halfway. It’s free entry and have house music and dancefloor vibes ‘til late. If Techno is more your thing there’s a huge night brewing at Bevanda Bar with Lieutenant Ligma and The Naughty Boys lined up.

Friday - Public Holiday Activities

The weather is looking warm for the public holiday and there are a range of different activities to get involved with.

Wollongong’s favourite swim-run the MMJ Aquathon at Wollongong Harbour is back for the 24th annual edition. Come along to Wollongong Harbour to watch five events that will have you cheering, including the popular Blue Mile 5k fun run plus four more swim and run events.

If a beachside feed is on your mind, enjoy some Mexican and cool tunes at the North Beach Cantina popup. From 4-7pm you can score $10 tacos, burger and nacho specials, and pumping tunes by DJ Maxfeastt.

Also at Wollongong Harbour is the City of Wollongong Australia Day Community Event, which will open with a Smoking Ceremony followed by a Welcome to Country at 5pm. There will be activities for the kids in Osborne Park, plus a range of roving entertainment, music, food, and street shows. The evening will finish with fireworks over Wollongong Harbour at 9pm.

Saturday - Hottest 100 Day

Music lovers, this is your big day. Grab your mates and tune into the hottest countdown of the year! There’s plenty of CBD venues serving up Hottest 100 parties this year, from rooftops and laneways to courtyards. Our hot tips are to check out the Hotel Illawarra for a beer garden boogie, La La La’s for Globe Lane lovers, or Humber for their BBQ Banquet!

If the Hottest 100 isn’t your thing and you’d prefer a dram in the air-conditioned darkness that is Wollongong’s favourite whiskey bar – Howlin’ Wolf has the perfect event for you. Turn up the peat at this month’s whiskey tasting, featuring 5 delicious peated drams.

Wrap it up with a big night of indie rock, as hometown hero Aodhan performs at Dicey Riley’s for the very first time! Joining him are 2 local young gun bands; Lemonise and Courtesy Bus. It’s free entry and a perfect way to support the live and local music scene in Wollongong.

Sunday – Relax, Feast, or Slam Dunk

Dive into Sunday vibes and choose your own adventure! Whether you’re after something a little more relaxing after a busy few days or you want to keep the good times going, the Wollongong CBD has you sorted.

For a quiet moment of reflection we’d suggest a visit to the Wollongong Art Gallery. There are a range of exhibitions on show featuring sculpture, ceramics, watercolour and more. Plus, it’s free - so will be easy on your wallet after a big weekend.

Do you like dumplings? Then you’ll love this week’s Bottomless Brunch at Dagwood! Serving up a steady flow of Cosmos and Dumplings this is a certified feast, there’s also the option to switch to beer or wine if Cosmos aren’t your thing.

Slam dunk your long weekend with the Illawarra Hawks squaring up against the New Zealand Breakers, tipping off at 2pm. It will be a Sunday arvo spectacular that’s sure to get your heart racing, so come and cheer on the Hawks!