Dive into Kiama’s spectacular festival season
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of diverse cultures, a kaleidoscope of vibrant music, and boundless fun as the Kiama region comes alive with a bumper series of music festivals and events.
And it all begins with the enchanting “Folk by the Sea” festival. Be swept away by the melodic tunes, exhilarating activities, and unforgettable experiences that this festival offers year in and year out.
The season continues, with one of our hometown favourites, the free and fantastic KISS Arts Festival; then straight into a series of music festivals as well as some unique sporting and cultural events dotted in there too.
Be sure to check out:
Music festival: Folk by the Sea
22 — 24 September 2023 / Kiama Showground
Featuring folk, world, roots, Celtic, bluegrass, and gypsy sounds, from around 35 artists from across Australia in a series of ticketed concerts. Enjoy world-class music by the sea and engage in dancing and music sessions, and a poet’s breakfast, all within our charming seaside town of Kiama. This lineup promises to get even the most stubborn toe tapping!
For more information and tickets click here.
Family fun: The KISS Arts Festival
21 — 22 October 2023 / Black Beach, Kiama
Watch as the KISS Arts Festival transforms Kiama’s Black Beach into a vibrant village of art and entertainment, offering a weekend of international acts, local talent, variety performances, music, and comedy that’s designed to create shared joy and laughter for all ages. KISS goodbye to boring – and be part of the fun! Plus, it is free to attend, gotta love that!
For more information and tickets click here.
Family fun: Jamberoo JAM Street Festival
29 October 2023 / 9.30am – 2.30pm / Allowrie Street, Jamberoo
Destination Kiama is bringing the good vibes to Jamberoo. The excitement takes over Allowrie Street with free, family-friendly fun including live music and dance performances across two stages, a circus drop zone, free workshops, lawn games, a kid’s corner, music playground, and more. Move between the Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day, Jamberoo Village Markets, The Illawarra and Shoalhaven Festival of Roses, and The St Matthews Church Annual Book Fair, and all while enjoying regional flavours at local cafés while you “jam”! Free to attend.
If it has been a while since you have been to Jamberoo, come and rediscover this quaint, yet charismatic village on Sunday 29 October.
For more information click here.
Cultural festival: Kiamasala
5 November 2023 / Black Beach @ Kiama Harbour Foreshore
Kiamasala is a vibrant Indian-themed festival, encapsulating the spirit of the subcontinent country’s culture through food, dance, performances, art, and fashion. Join the kaleidoscope of colours, flavours, and traditions as the festival graces the shores of Kiama Harbour and showcases the dynamic and diverse modern-Indian culture. Free to attend.
For more information click here.
Music festival: Clearly Music, Arts and Wellness Festival
10 & 11 November 2023 / Kiama Showground
As the name suggests, Clearly Music, Arts and Wellness Festival is a fusion of entertainment, arts and wellbeing. With big names such as iconic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd, Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos, ARIA-nominated surf and garage rock trio, Skeggs and critically acclaimed singer-songwriters Ruby Fields and Gretta Ray, plus HEAPS more playing against the backdrop of the Kiama coastline, this is an event not to miss.
Clearer Workshops, which forms a secondary yet integral part of the festival, is designed to provide aspiring musicians, performers, songwriters, rappers, producers, and DJs with invaluable industry knowledge and artist development advice. The workshops will take place on Friday 10 November and offer attendees a unique opportunity to evolve their artistry and amplify their projects. Join Peter Garrett, Michael Chugg and others, as they offer invaluable industry knowledge, artist development advice, pathways to success and opportunities to help you grow your craft and amplify your projects.
For more information and tickets click here.
Music festival: Crooked River Wines & Better Beer Presents – A Dave Ferrit Festival
2-3 December 2024 / Crooked River Winery
Joining forces with the local boys from The Inspired Unemployed, and set in the rolling green hills of Gerringong, this sure is going to be a ‘Day For It’ with a big lineup of unmissable entertainment.
For more information and tickets click here.
Music festival: Changing Tides Music Festival
16 December 2024 / Kiama Showground
Buckle up, Kiama is getting set for a festival with a music lineup of international standards!
Introducing Changing Tides; The perfect synergy of all the south coast has to offer – serene scapes, local produce, wines and beers and a coming together of world class artists alongside homegrown treasures.
Changing Tides Festival is being held in Kiama for the first time and feature Fremantle indie rock foursome Spacey Jane, multi-instrumentalist, G Flip, electronic music group Peking Duck, explosive high-energy live band, The Jungle Giants, plus Wolfmother, Sycco, Kite Alexanda and more on Saturday, followed by Pnau, Royal Blood, The Temper Trap, and Ziggy Alberts on Sunday!!
Add this to your 2023 ummertime festival bucket list.
For more information and tickets click here.
Music festival: Red Hot Summer Tour ’24
06 January 2024 / Kiama Showground
Get ready to sizzle in this Kiama festival season as the Red Hot Summer Tour returns with an electrifying lineup including Jimmy Barnes, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Pete Murray, Kasey Chambers, and Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates.
Tickets are available from the Kiama Visitor Information Centre, or for more information and online tickets click here.
More than music: activities and events for everyone
The Kiama ‘festival season’ is more than just a series of events; it’s an invitation to experience life in Kiama among all its vibrant colours.
Enjoy (or even engage in) thrilling sports events such as bodysurfing, and later, rugby sevens, beach tag, running, and surfing, or embrace the competitive spirit with games like beach volleyball.
Explore the renowned markets in Kiama, Jamberoo, and Gerringong, offering a treasure trove of local crafts, fresh produce, and unique finds.
Immerse yourself in the local art scene by visiting galleries that showcase a spectrum of creative expressions, completing the festival experience with an array of cultural, recreational, and artistic experiences that cater to all ages and tastes.
Visit the live music guide for the latest music events: Live Entertainment – Destination Kiama.
For more and up-to-date details visit What’s On – Destination Kiama
Accommodation in the Kiama region
In Kiama, you’ll find a range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and group size. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a small group of friends, or as part of a larger gathering, the area offers a wide range of choices to suit your preferences.
From luxurious bed and breakfasts and stylish hotels, to cosy cabins and tents nestled within the coast-side caravan parks, our operators ensure that your stay is not only comfortable but also tailored to your needs. Come and discover the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate, making your festival experience all the more memorable.
See our Accommodation Guide, call the Kiama Visitor Information Centre 1300 654 262 or email tourism@kiama.com.au.
Mark your calendar and embrace the festivities
When you combine all these events and factor in Kiama’s incredible spring and summer weather, beautiful beaches and lush green hills, with a dash of cosmopolitan culture for good measure, you’ve got the perfect recipe for a magical experience.
So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and get ready to embark on a journey through the heart and soul of the Kiama region. The festival season is here, and it’s time to revel in the magic that awaits.
We would love to see your festival snaps from the Kiama region – share your photos or footage with us at @KiamaNSW on Facebook and Instagram, using #kiamansw #gerringong #gerroa #jamberoo #minnamurra #bombo.
Destination Kiama
