Kiama’s must see events this season
From live music that’ll have you dancing on the sand to family-friendly festivals, cultural showcases, and even a Spiegeltent by the sea, there’s something for everyone this season. Here are our top events to add to your calendar!
Kiama Kabaret: A Spectacular Double Feature
Date: Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October
Location: Kazador Mini Spiegeltent, Kiama (access from Shoalhaven Street)
Tickets: Purchase here
Why we’d recommend: Kiama Kabaret is back and bigger than ever! For the first time in history, the wildly entertaining event will span across two nights. Set in the Kazador Mini Spiegeltent, on Kiama’s Black Beach Foreshore, this intimate and unique venue will give you a magical, up-close experience right in the heart of the KISS Arts Festival site.
This year’s Kabaret promises to be a wild mix of jugglers, magicians, acrobats, musicians, comedians, and both burlesque and boylesque performers. It’s the most fun you can have in Kiama with your trousers on!
KISS Arts Festival: Where the Silly Meets the Spectacular
Date: Saturday 26 October & Sunday 27 October
Location: Black Beach, Kiama
Tickets: FREE! Come along for a day or the whole weekend
Why we recommend: The KISS Arts Festival returns to Kiama’s foreshore for a weekend of non-stop and hilarious entertainment. This seaside celebration will have you clapping, laughing, and dancing in the sand as international acts, local talents, and interactive experiences take over the coastline.
Expect circus troupes, live music, hula hoops, lanterns, laughter, and lasting memories. Come and be part of the fun at this one-of-a-kind festival that celebrates creativity, community, and connection!
The Kazador – Kiama’s Very Own Mini Spiegeltent Season
Date: Thursday 31 October – Sunday 24 November
Location: Kazador Mini Spiegeltent, Kiama (access from Shoalhaven Street)
Tickets: Buy here
Why we recommend: We are set to host a month-long entertainment extravaganza as The Kazador Mini Spiegeltent brings a slice of “capital city-worthy” entertainment to our charming seaside town, The Kazador promises an atmosphere of excitement, indulgence, and world-class performances.
Typically only seen in major cities, this Spiegeltent is a beautiful, intimate venue filled with old-world charm, Kiama locals now have the chance to experience this entertainment spectacle without leaving their town. Whether you’re drawn to cabaret, fashion, comedy, hands-on art, or live music, this mini Spiegeltent offers something for everyone. DON’T MISS OUT!
HOT TIP: ‘Wine Down’ is held on Friday and Sunday evenings, overlooking Black Beach. With live music and a community vibe, sundowners have never looked better!
The Smith Street Band – Odds and Ends Tour
Date: Friday 1 November
Location: The Pavilion, Kiama
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Why we recommend: An Australian punk rock band from Melbourne, known for their energetic live performances and deeply personal, often politically charged lyrics. Expect a setlist filled with tracks from their previous albums, including the ARIA #1 album “Don’t Waste Your Anger” and their 2022 release, “Life After Football.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to catch one of Australia’s favourite indie-punk bands live right here in Kiama.
Shellharbour SUP Festival
Date: Friday 1 – Sunday 3 November
Location: Warilla Beach and Lake Illawarra
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Why we recommend: Shellharbour SUP Festival brings together the best in SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) for an exciting three-day event. Held at Warilla Beach and Lake Illawarra, this festival is packed with SUP surfing, flat water races, market stalls, food trucks, and plenty of entertainment.
There will be SUP surfing competitions, BOP (Battle of the Paddle) race, a live band, presentations, lucky door prizes, SUP Yoga, stalls, live entertainment, and even a “Pups on SUPs” contest for those paddling with their furry friends.
We know that this event is 15 mins from Kiama, but this is too good to miss!
Melbourne Cup Celebrations
Date: Tuesday 5 November
Location: Various venues in Kiama
Tickets: Book early to secure your spot
Why we recommend: Get ready to dress up and cheer for the race that stops the nation! Several venues in Kiama are hosting Melbourne Cup celebrations on 5 November, including Kiama Leagues Club, The Sebel, The Co-op, Kiama Golf Club, Gerringong Bowling Club, and Kiama Bowling Club. Book your spot early to secure a seat at the region’s best Melbourne Cup events.
Yuin Nation South Coast Tour
Date: Friday 8 November
Location: Crooked River Estate, Gerringong
Tickets: Buy tickets now
Why we recommend: Celebrate the incredible talents of First Nations musicians with the Yuin Nation South Coast Tour. This exciting tour showcases three exceptional Indigenous artists from the South Coast; Ron Callaghan, a proud Walbunja & Dhungutti man, will deliver an inspiring blend of country, rhythm & blues, rock, and pop. Chelsy Atkins, a Yamaji Widi woman, brings her unique Indigenous folk-rock sound, while Richard Luland, a Koori man from Nowra, rocks the stage with his contemporary tunes.
The Screaming Jets – Life Blood Tour
Date: Friday 8 November
Location: The Pavilion, Kiama
Tickets: Buy tickets now
Why we recommend: Known for their powerful live performances and gritty, energetic sound, the Jets will be playing their biggest hits, along with tracks from their latest album, “Life Blood.” Get ready for an unforgettable night of high-octane rock ‘n’ roll. The Screaming Jets will be joined by rising stars Large Mirage, come check them out!
Sheppard – ZORA Australian Tour
Date: Saturday 9 November
Location: The Pavilion, Kiama
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Why we recommend: The Brisbane-based pop group, known for hits like “Geronimo” and “Coming Home,” will perform their new tracks alongside fan favourites. Joined by special guest Jolyon Petch, this event promises a night of upbeat, dance-worthy tunes. Get your tickets early and get ready to sing along with Sheppard as they light up the stage.
One Music Festival
Date: Saturday 16 November
Location:The Pavilion, Kiama
Tickets: Buy tickets here
Why we recommend: One Music Festival brings together the community for the second year with a day of live music, food, and family fun. Held in partnership with local churches and Scripture Union, this all-ages event promises a relaxed and uplifting experience. Enjoy live performances, delicious food from local vendors, and a chance to connect with friends and family at this wholesome festival on the South Coast.
The Pavilion Christmas Market
Date: Thursday 28 November
Location: The Pavilion, Kiama
Tickets: Free entry
Why we recommend: Get a head start on your holiday shopping at The Pavilion Christmas Market on 28 November. This boutique festive market has been thoughtfully curated with stalls offering everything from handcrafted homewares, artisan jewellery, gourmet food products and beautiful festive holiday décor.
Avoid all the major shopping centre stress all while supporting local businesses and finding unique one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.
Changing Tides Music Festival
Date: Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December
Location: Kiama Showground
Tickets: Buy tickets now
Why we recommend: Returning to Kiama for its highly anticipated second year, bringing an exciting blend of live music, community spirit, and vibrant energy to the heart of the South Coast. This fabulously run festival, which debuted in 2023, quickly became a highlight on Kiama’s events calendar, offering a carefully curated lineup of acclaimed artists alongside rising local talent. Festival-goers can expect a mix of genres, from indie rock and folk to electronic and acoustic performances, creating a musical journey for all tastes.
SATURDAY
Hilltop Hoods, Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale, Old Mervs, The Terrys, Blu DeTiger, South Summit, Annie Hamilton, Lola Scott
SUNDAY
Tones and I, Ruel
Return Act, Peach PRC, mallrat, Pacific Avenue, Chloe Dadd, The Blssm
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the weekend, the festival offers the perfect mix of music, food, and stunning coastal scenery, right in the heart of Kiama!
Kiama NYE Sky Show
Date: Tuesday 31 December
Location: Kiama Harbour Foreshore
Tickets: FREE
Why we recommend: End 2024 on a high note with Kiama’s spectacular NYE Sky Show, lighting up the night at Kiama Harbour. Bring the family for a fun-filled evening with live music, food stalls, carnival rides and roving performers. The night finishes with a fireworks display at 9pm over the harbour, creating a magical community atmosphere. With activations happening throughout the Kiama, including Eat Street, Sweet Street, and performances at the Little Big Stage in Hindmarsh Park, this is the perfect way to ring in the new year in Kiama!
To find suitable accommodation options for your stay, including hotels, motels, or holiday rentals head over to our bookings page or call the Kiama Visitor Information Centre at 1300 654 262. We would love to see your holiday snaps from the Kiama area – share your photos or footage with us on Facebook and Instagram, using #kiamansw #gerringong #gerroa #jamberoo #minnamurra #bombo.
Belinda Williams
