Whether you're a day-tripper or a night owl, Open Street Festival at Port Kembla has you covered.
The event on Saturday 5 October is set to turn Wentworth Street into a live art and performance hub and is presented by Wollongong City Council in partnership with the Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce thanks to grant funding from the NSW Government via the Open Streets Program.
The funding program aims to help local councils bring their streets to life, with local favourites Circadia set to do just that as the opening act on the main stage from 1pm. The likes of The Beautiful Girls frontman Matt McHugh and Aussie Blues legend Frank Sultana will feature on the program that follows, with the nine-artist main bill to occupy the main stage until 10pm.
Art with a soundtrack
Up the road, Disco Nonna and local DJs Chelsey Dagger and Sultans of Spin will provide the soundtrack to the Makers Markets at the top of Wentworth Street that will allow attendees to support local designers and artists at various stalls from 1-7pm.
N.A.S.A Studios will feature an immersive 360-degree light installation between 6-10pm. If you're after an earlier start, Red Point Gallery will host a free exhibition from 10am, where The Wentworth complex will feature 2D and 3D works from local creatives the 'Con Artists'.
With plentiful food stalls also on site, it's the perfect day or night out for all ages and tastes.
Getting There
Public transport is your best bet, with buses replacing trains on the day of the festival. It allows festival goers to be dropped off a short walk from the festival precinct, with three temporary bus zones set up on Military Road. Buses are the best way to freely come and go from the precinct and to ensure a safe journey home.
If you'd like to ride to and from the precinct, there is free bike storage adjacent to the festival site. Carparks are in operation on the corner of Allan Street and Military Road, and off Wentworth Lane.
Wollongong Council Director of Community Services Kerry Hunt welcomed the support from the NSW Government via the Open Streets grant program that will see Port Kembla transformed into a hive of creativity and celebration.
"We are grateful for the funding from Transport for NSW that has allowed us to partner with the Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce to facilitate this fantastic event in one of our city's most iconic locations," Ms Hunt said.
"Wenworth Street has long been a cultural hub for not just the Port Kembla community, but for all of Wollongong. The Open Street Festival will allow visitors to experience this firsthand, with everything from markets, outdoor dining, art exhibitions and live performances on offer.
"It is a free event catering for all ages, so whether you want to come early for a wander through the arts precinct, come later in the evening to take in live music, or make an entire day and night of it, there's something for everyone to enjoy."
The program – main stage
1-2pm: Circadia
An eclecticism of style, an undercurrent of groove, a whole lotta heart. Dharawal-based collective Circadia are reshaping the alt-rock soundscape with influences from jazz, soul, funk and good old fashioned rock'n'roll.
2-3pm: Kugang Djarmbi
An engaging cultural dance experience with local Aboriginal dance group Kugang Djarmbi led by Layne Brown.
3-4pm Mat McHugh (The Beautiful Girls)
Described as folk, pop rock, alternative rock, reggae, dub and roots McHugh's albums have debuted at #1 in the ARIA Indie Charts as well as featuring in the US Billboard Reggae Albums Chart.
4-5pm Frank Sultana
Inspired by greats like Ray Charles and Bob Dylan, blues singer Frank Sultana has released 5 albums and 3 EPs and has become a permanent fixture in Australia's live scene, earning a big reputation as a powerhouse singer and gifted songwriter.
5-6pm The Groove
Featuring local guitarist, Sako Dermenjian, The Groove is a cultural blend of Spanish, flamenco and classical guitar inspired riffs with driving syncopated afro percussion grooves.
6-7pm Azure Ryder
Australian musician, singer, songwriter Azure Ryder, will bring her own version of acoustic indie rock to Port Kembla. Her debut EP, Running With The Wolves, was a great success, with further EPs and Triple J's Like a Version under her belt. Her layered, ethereal songs create what she calls a "sonic landscape" supported by her powerful vocals.
7-8pm Ile Ilu
Come on a drumming journey with women's drumming and percussion group Ile Ilu, directed by multi-disciplinary artist and multi-instrumentalist Marina Da Silva. This group brings fun, inspiration, connection, women's empowerment and beautiful rhythms from Brazil and beyond!
8-9pm Ruby Jackson
Sydney-based songwriter, producer and performer Ruby Jackson has positioned herself at the heart of the Australian R&B/Jazz scene. In 2023, Ruby's singles 'Out of Fashion', 'Guilty Pleasure', and 'You've Changed' earned Double J rotation, Triple J Unearthed rotation, alongside radio-play support from Triple J, iHeartRadio and community radios nationwide.
9-10pm The Strides
Led by Ras Roni, Fijian MC LTL GZeus, and Sierra Leonean powerhouse Blacker C, they offer an explosive, authentic musical blend of classic roots reggae with hip-hop nuances, their sound fuses dance hall, dub beats, and reggae-pop. Have rocked Australia's major festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay Blues and Roots, WOMAdelaide and Port Fairy Folk Festival. 5
For more event information, see our website, or like the event on Facebook.
The Open Street Festival in Port Kembla is part of the NSW Government's Open Streets Program led by Transport for NSW.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government.
