Comic Gong Berkeley bound for 2027 return
The popular event will be held at the Illawarra Sports Precinct, Wollongong City Council has announced
Wollongong’s beloved celebration of all things comics, cosplay and pop culture is on again in 2027, with the biennial Comic Gong extravaganza headed to Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkeley for the first time.
Delivered by Wollongong City Libraries, Comic Gong drew more than 8000 people to Dapto Ribbonwood Centre in 2025. The shift south from Wollongong CBD was a return to the event’s suburban roots, with Comic Gong first held at Corrimal Library more than a decade ago.
From a simple idea aimed at highlighting the libraries’ growing graphic novel collection, Comic Gong has transformed over ensuing years into a major free event featuring more than 80 artist and trade stalls, cosplay competitions, gaming, and live entertainment.
The May 2027 edition will be the event’s first trip to Berkeley, with the larger digs providing enhanced capacity for everyone’s favourite Comic Gong features, including the trade stalls and the ever-popular cosplay competition.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said it was pleasing to see Comic Gong finding a new home in our suburbs after its venture to Dapto in 2025.
“Comic Gong is a terrific event, and it’s been really inspiring to see it embraced by the community over more than a decade,” Cr Brown said.
“That community take-up, and the dedication of our wonderful Wollongong City Libraries staff, is really what has driven its growth beyond what anyone would’ve anticipated when it was first delivered many years ago.
“It was hugely successful through its years in the CBD, and it was really pleasing to see that continue at Dapto in 2025. Comic Gong is truly a community event, so bringing it out to our suburbs is a great fit and the Illawarra Sports Stadium is an ideal venue.
“It provides plenty of space to enhance the experience and make it even more enjoyable and accessible for vendors and attendees. We’ve also added an accessible hour at the start of the day for people who need or prefer a quieter environment to participate.
"It really does offer something for everyone so book it in the calendar for May next year.”
Comic Gong will be held at Illawarra Sports Stadium, Berkeley on Sunday 16 May 10.30am-3pm, with a quiet hour for people with accessibility or sensory needs from 9.30-10.30am. The venue provides free onsite parking and is accessible via regular bus routes that utilise Northcliffe Drive, including the Route 34 Wollongong to Warrawong service.
Exhibitor applications will be open soon. Details about guests, cosplay competitions and activities will be confirmed closer to the festival. You can sign-up for updates at Wollongong City Libraries Comic Gong Page.
