Live Music, Live Street Art, Live Performances… it’s Laneways Live!

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to check out the Laneways Live festival program and plan your trip into the Wollongong CBD.

Proudly funded by the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program and produced by Wollongong City Council, Laneways Live is a free, four-day event featuring all the best of live music, live street art, live performances, live circus acts and of course, great food and drink.

The festival program is locked and loaded with so much to see and do, and a wide range of attractions that cater to a wide range of tastes, ages, and interests. At the same time, dining bookings at local restaurants and bars are filling up fast for the festival.

“Laneways Live is held over four days from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 May so there will be plenty of time for you to visit the CBD and take in the event, dine at your favourite local restaurant and have fun with friends and family,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

Local favourite Yours & Owls will be curating three nights of music starting with Thursday 26 May with headline acts Harvey Sutherland (Live), Wagons, grentperez.

“Kicking off on Thursday night with the Crown Street Night Markets, you’ll get to enjoy the best of World Hip Hop live music with headline act, grentperez taking the stage. You’ll also get to enjoy local DJs, performances, and a variety of local live music acts around the CBD,” he said.

“Throughout the festival there will be live street art, including murals painted in both Crown Lane and Crown Street Mall by local artists and curated by Verb Syndicate of Wonderwalls fame.

“Friday Markets in the Crown Street Mall will have some extra festivities with live music curated by the Illawarra Folk Club starting at 11am. Into the evening Melbourne-native, alternative country band, Wagons will headline and be supported by Wollongong local band, Pinheads.

“Then on Saturday, the program will continue with more live music from Henry Sutherland who brings a party dance atmosphere. There will also be a street performer stage, a circus playground as well as aerial circus performances and silent disco.

“On Sunday 29 May, we’ll end the festival with a Sunday live jazz session curated by the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. The Sunday session will feature the 343 Brass Band, Seen Herbivore, Ben Daley Trio, Spyglass and Emma Stephenson who are bringing a newer and younger chapter to our local jazz music scene which will be quite exciting to see.”

The Sunday Jazz Session will be held across several locations including local restaurants Lux Bistro & Bar, Pot of Gold Mexican Cantina and The Swallowed Anchor.

NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the activation would provide a great drawcard for visitors into the Wollongong CBD.

“Laneways Live is a fantastic initiative that will boost local businesses and give local performers a chance to shine.

“We are delighted to support Laneways Live as part of the CBDs Revitalisation Program, which is bringing life back to CBDs like Wollongong. The activities reflect our goal for a 24-hour economy that offers diverse experiences with a local flavour.”

Not only will there be so much to see and do, but your taste buds are also set for a real treat with participating restaurants, bars and eateries along Crown Lane, Globe Lane and the Crown Street Mall taking bookings for lunch, dinner, and drinks throughout the festival.

“If you prefer a more relaxed, gastronomic experience of Laneways Live, I highly encourage you reserve a table at one of the local restaurants, eateries or bars along Crown Lane, Globe Lane and Crown Street Mall,” Cr Bradbery said.

“There are quite a few local restaurants and bars who are jumping onboard the festival and are offering special deals or putting on live music or performances in their own spaces as well. I’ve been told restaurants are booking up quickly as people get excited for Laneways Live, but there are still some places and times available.

“It’s going to be a busy, festival atmosphere here in Wollongong over the next few days. Check out the festival program and plan your trip to the Wollongong CBD so you can make the most of this free festival.”

The details – Laneways Live

WHEN: Thursday 26 May – Sunday 29 May, with a different program each day and finishing late.

WHERE: Crown Lane, Globe Lane, & the Crown Street Mall, Wollongong

COST: Free! If you want a seat at a participating restaurant or bar, book a table by contacting the business directly.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM: Visit the Wollongong CBD website for the full Laneways Live Program, or follow the Wollongong CBD Facebook page or Instagram for more information.

How to get there

• Gong Shuttle - The free Gong Shuttle Bus (55A and 55C) links the centre of Wollongong with the railway station, the hospital, TAFE and University campuses, and beaches.
• Ride your bike – it’s never been easier to ride your bike around the Wollongong CBD. Bike racks are available at the entrances to Crown Street Mall and inside most private carparks. For more information about cycling in Wollongong see our Cycling webpage.
• Catch the train to Wollongong Station - For more information, visit the Sydney Trains website.
• Parking - All on-street parking is free at the following times before 8.30am and after 4.30pm on weekdays, and on weekends (Time limits apply on Saturdays between 8.30am and 12.30pm.). For more information on where you can park visit our Parking in the City Centre webpage.