Step into a Winter Wonderland this July at the 2024 Kiama Winter Street Festival!
Kiama Winter Street Festival will bring Terralong Street bursting to life on Saturday, 13 July, 12pm to 9pm, and Sunday, 14 July, 10am to 2pm.
The event will ignite excitement into the winter days and illuminate the dark winter nights!
This free, day-to-night, all-ages event will feature live music, art, roaming entertainment, musical gardens, eco-friendly beat workshops, and much more.
Get hands-on with artmaking, immerse yourself in festive lights, and witness live art activations!
Some of our Kiama local businesses will extend their opening hours, so whether you settle in for a cozy dinner, grab a steaming hot chocolate to go, or indulge in some late-night shopping, you’re sure to enjoy all the entertainment on offer. It’s an experience that will make you forget the cold!
Join the excitement using the hashtags #KiamaWinterStreetFestival #kiamansw & remember to tag us!
When is the festival?
The Kiama Winter Street Festival will be held on:
Saturday, 13th July: 12:00 pm (noon) to 9:00 pm
Sunday, 14th July: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
The full program will be released soon! Check back closer to the date.
What is the cost?
Everything, other than food, drink, and retail, is free!
Where is the festival?
The festival will be held in Terralong Street, Kiama, NSW, near Hindmarsh Park, on a road closure between Collins and Shoalhaven Street.
View on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y1XoYrSquXFjbMa67
What age can attend?
There are no age restrictions. This is an all-ages, family-friendly festival! Please follow the rules of licensed venues and bring a valid ID if you wish to enjoy the bars and clubs.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
No, the public space is an alcohol-free zone. However, local licensed bars and eateries will be open, some offering a special edition – Kiama Winter Brew Pale Ale by Stoic Brewing! Security will be present, and if you are found consuming alcohol outside of a licensed venue, you may be asked to leave or have the beverage confiscated.
Will this be an annual festival?
This year’s festival is funded by a one-off grant from the NSW Government. We aim to provide a winter event annually, though the format may change.
Will there be food and drinks available for purchase at the festival?
Yes, local cafes and restaurants will be trading late and extending their dining areas onto the street for the event. They will be showcasing their wonderful fare and service on the night, and can’t wait to welcome you!
Check out the local bars and eateries on the website.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, however we encourage you to dine out and enjoy the many cafes and restaurants in town. Please ensure you keep our town clean and use the public bins provided.
What else is happening in Kiama that weekend?
Our local businesses are turning up the heat this winter with lots of activations to accommodate locals and visitors alike.
Check out What’s On this Winter Festival Here:
Eat, Drink, Shop at Kiama Winter Street Festival – Destination Kiama
Want more? Browse our What’s on page on the Destination Kiama Website: kiama.com.au
What accommodation is available?
Check out the stay page on the Destination Kiama Website: kiama.com.au/stay
Will there be Security or Police?
Yes, both Security and Police will be present at the festival.
Will the event be photographed?
Yes, there will be professional photos and videos taken at the festival, including social media content. By attending the festival, you acknowledge that the council may use these images.
Feel free to capture the amazing festival and use hashtags #kiamansw #kiamawinterfestival
If you are a professional photographer get in touch with our events team for permission to capture this event.
Can I bring a pram or stroller?
Yes, prams and strollers are permitted.
Can I bring a chair or picnic blanket?
Yes, you can bring a chair or picnic blanket. Please be mindful of others and pedestrian walkways when choosing a place to sit.
There will be lots of extra seating out on the street for additional cafe and restaurant dining.
What will the weather be like?
Winter in Kiama is a special time of year. While the day may bring sunshine and warmth, please prepare for cold conditions once the sun goes down! Our winter days average 17°C, with temperatures dropping down to 6°C on some chilly evenings.
Heaters will be onsite!
We will also have jumpers and warm accessories on sale at the Destination Kiama Visitor Information stall.
Will the festival be cancelled if it’s raining?
Anything less than catastrophic means the festival will be on! In the unlikely event of a cancellation, we will relocate / postpone the program where possible. Please check our Facebook Event leading up to the festival to stay updated.
Is the festival ticketed?
No, this festival is free and open to all ages!
Can I smoke at the event?
No, the festival site is a smoke free zone – please leave the festival area to smoke. The Designated smoking area is in front of the Joyce Wheatley Centre. Please ensure you use the cigarette bins when required.
Will there be special effects?
Yes. Please note there may be haze, fog, lasers, special lighting, cold sparks and more.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are permitted but must remain on-leash at all times. Please be mindful that the event space will be crowded, with small children, costumed entertainers, and loud noises. For their safety and well-being, it might be best to leave your furry friends at home.
What should I bring?
Make sure you bring
- A Phone
- ID
- Bank Card
- Sun Protection
- Warm clothing
- A water bottle (However, no glass please!)
- A good vibe
What can't I bring?
The following items are prohibited, please don’t bring them to the event.
- BYO Alcohol of any kind
- Any political, religious, offensive, or race-related materials
- Flares, fire, fireworks, candles, sparklers, compressed gas or explosives
- Flyers and any un-approved marketing materials
- Glass items
- Hi-visibility clothing or vests, or any costumes that resembles public safety or emergency services
- Helium Balloons
- Illegal substances including drugs and paraphernalia
- Laser pointers
- Markers, pens or spray paint
- Non-biodegradable glitter
- Professional or commercial photography or recording equipment including drones or other remote flying devices not pre-approved by the events team
- Protest flags or banners
- Loud noisemakers e.g. air horns, whistles, other horns or musical instruments, sound amplifiers including loudhailers, sound systems or public address systems
- Selfie sticks and flag sticks
- Stickers, toy guns, water pistols, and smoke bombs
- Unauthorised vending
- Weapons and dangerous items e.g. knives, cutlery, chains, fireworks
- Any other items considered illegal or dangerous
Getting to the festival & road closures
What road closures are in place?
Location: Terralong St (between Collins and Shoalhaven St).
Road closure Saturday 8am 13 July 2024 to Sunday 4pm 14 July.
Please ensure to follow detour signage, reduced temporary speed limits and comply with onsite traffic personnel.
Use the Transport NSW Trip planner to plan your travel.
Travel by train
The Kiama station is on the South Coast Line which travels down from Sydney, or up from Bomaderry.
Check the Transport NSW Trip Planner for updated information and scheduled track work.
An additional train service is planned on Saturday, departing Kiama at 9.40pm to Dapto.
We recommend parking Oak Flats train station and catching the train in to Kiama if coming from the north.
Travel by public bus
Multiple buses serve the area and stop near the festival. Use the Transport NSW Trip Planner to plan your travel.
The Terralong St road closure will affect:
Route 71 – Premier Illawarra
Route 126 – Kiama Coaches
The detour route will be in place with temporary reduced speed limit.
Taxi & rideshare options
Taxi & ride-share are limited in this area, we suggest you take public transport, drive or walk.
Private transport, Park & Ride, and Parking Options
Kiama is just 90 minutes from Syndey and 30 Minutes from Wollongong.
Dedicated event parking is at the Kiama Leisure Centre, operated by Jamberoo Rural Fire Service Volunteers and they kindly request $5 donation upon entry. There will be a Special Event Free Shuttle Bus that will be running back and forth from the parking lot throughout the festival.
View on Google Maps here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/r3icvby1KkpXZRCfA
Before setting out, it’s worth checking road conditions and potential roadwork delays. In NSW, go to livetraffic.com.
Active transport – walk & ride options
Remember to be a good pedestrian and follow all normal road rules! Please adhere to signage and instructions from traffic controllers, event crew, security guards, and police officers.
The festival space is within walking distance to public transport, our beaches and local residence.
If you ride a bike, please lock it up when leaving it and use only provided bike racks.
Riding through the festival on a bike, skateboard, or skates is not permitted.
Accessibility Information
Is the festival accessible?
Kiama Municipal Council and Destination Kiama actively welcome people with accessibility needs.
If you require assistance with accessibility when attending the festival, please feel free to complete this form, and our events lead will be in touch in due course.
Accessible parking, drop off and pick up
We have dedicated areas for accessible parking and pickup/drop-off. You will require a valid NSW-accessible car pass to use these facilities.
Please fill out our accessibility form to ensure we can accommodate your needs.
Accessible viewing
There are no dedicated accessible viewing areas or platforms; however, all stages can be accessed easily and viewed.
Getting around the site
The main festival is located on Terralong Street, with plenty of hard surface walkways. The site also has soft ground areas. Attendees requiring mobility provisions can comfortably access each area of the festival.
Sensory tent
We understand that sound and lightshows can be overwhelming, especially for individuals who have sensory needs or processing needs.
In partnership with UnitingCare, we’re excited to announce the addition of a Sensory Tent in Hindmarsh Park, open during the entire festival.
The Sensory Tent will be located in Hindmarsh Park, opposite Earnest Arthur (cafe). Ask a staff member in hi-vis if you have trouble locating the tent.
What is a Sensory Tent? A Sensory Tent is a thoughtfully designed space offering a refuge for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Additionally, St John Ambulance will be present onsite for general medical assistance, ensuring the well-being of all attendees.
Assistant and working animals
Assistant and working animals, such as guide dogs, are permitted into our festival space.
You will find fresh drinking water and shelter at the Sensory Tent if you and your assistant animals needs to rest.
Can I bring medication?
Yes, necessary medication is permitted.