Find the best live music in the Illawarra in July's Gig Guide

The Illawarra's live music scene isn't showing any signs of cooling down this July. This month, our well-loved local venues will welcome gig-goers of all ages and musical creeds, from punk-rock 20-somethings looking to keep warm in the semester break, to seasoned music lovers looking to see their long-time favourites. Check out what’s on in your side of town, grab your warmest coat, and support the venues and artists keeping our winter weekends alive.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Echoes of Deadly Harmony

Thursday 2 July | Wollongong Art Gallery | 11:00am

Kick off the month by celebrating 50 years of song with this special NAIDOC Week event. Presented by Mudjingaal Yangamba Choir and Nicole Smede, this mid-morning gathering showcases powerful First Nations voices coming together in the spirit of mutual respect and cultural celebration. If you’re looking for a meaningful, community-focused event to celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC, come to Wollongong Art Gallery to learn, listen and enjoy a concert in language. People of any culture are welcome. 

Tickets: Free entry (donations appreciated), book through Humanitix.

Sonic Reducer: 'Living Room' Tour

Thursday 2 July | La La La's | 7:30pm

Canberra's fast-rising punk quartet Sonic Reducer is bringing their ‘Living Room’ tour to Globe Lane this month. Off the back of their new EP, the young band promises a high-energy show, with a nostalgic punk pulse and poignant lyrics on growing up, friendship and missing home. They're bringing an excellent Sydney post-punk support lineup with them, featuring Bennetts Grove and The Admired. This is a perfect show for those in need of a Thursday night out in a sweaty room supporting the next wave of independent Australian punk.

Tickets: $12.23. Book through moshtix. 

Fanny Lumsden: SOLO Only Fans Story Club Tour

Friday 3 July | Coledale Community Hall | 6:30pm

The two-time ARIA and 10-time Golden Guitar-winning artist is bringing her unique, intimate, and theatrical "SOLO Only Fans Story Club" tour to the coast. Catch this cosy community show at Coledale Hall (right next door to Coledale RSL) for a deep dive into her celebrated catalogue, with humour, alt-country flair, and brilliant storytelling. 

Tickets: $49 (16+), $24 (youth) via Humanitix

Four On The Floor: Winter Special

Saturday 4 July | La La La’s | 8:00pm

One way to keep warm is to book in a boogie at Four on the Floor’s Winter Special. This year’s event sees the collective bringing together the finest house and techno collectors Wollongong has to offer for a Saturday night spin. The lineup excitedly welcomes Bortzo, a resident of esteemed Sydney underground house and techno collective BeAvantGarde (BAG). Joined by Myndgame, Ethan Rose and Pettek, with debutants Kiarne and Chase Bardiovsky opening the night’s festivities, the Winter Special is set to be a special night indeed.

Tickets: Final Release $34.65 (expected to sell out) book via Moshtix 

A Finn Night Out

Saturday 4 July | Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul | 6:45pm

For those looking for an evening filled with pop-rock mastery and timeless hooks, "A Finn Night Out" hits town this weekend. Tim Finn of Split Enz and Crowded House fame brings classic singalongs from across the ditch in a set list featuring the likes of I Hope I Never, Poor Body and It’s Only Natural. Supported by emerging Sydney artist BETTY, A Finn Night Out promises pure Kiwi-Aussie nostalgia that will have you singing every lyric.

Tickets: $109. Book through Ticketmaster.

The Waterrunners + Charley Castle and The Boys in The Well

Friday 10 July | Teddy's Bar (North Gong Hotel) | 7:30pm

The Illawarra Folk Club brings an authentic folk vibe to this North Wollongong gig, headlined by regional favourites The Waterrunners, joined by Charley Castle and The Boys in The Well. Go to this for a night of great storytelling, mesmerising harmonies and organic instrumentation. If you’re after a relaxed, local folk session to kick off your weekend with a warm, welcoming crowd, this is the gig for you.

Tickets: $35 (Folk Club Member) - $40 (non-member) - $31.50 (Disability Pensioner) - free (Disability Support Worker). Book via Humanitix

Shady Nasty w/ Feel The Pain & Secret World

Friday 10 July | UOW UniBar | 8:00pm

Sydney experimental rock/hip-hop/post-punk favourites Shady Nasty are returning to Wollongong for an intimate but intense show at the UniBar. Off the back of their tour with UK legend Mike Skinner and The Streets, this performance will no-doubt be chaotic, energetic, and infectiously fun. They’re bringing a stack of loud underground talent along for the ride, including Newcastle hardcore heavyweights Feel The Pain and Sydney's Secret World.

Tickets: $46.53 via Moshtix

Bodyjar: 'How It Still Works' 25th Anniversary Tour

Saturday 11 July | Waves (Towradgi Beach Hotel) | 7:30pm

Melbourne punk-rock icons Bodyjar are bringing their massive national tour to Towradgi to celebrate 25 (and a bit) years of their seminal, Gold-certified album How It Works. Perfect for fans of all ages and audiences can look forward to hearing the tracks that defined a generation of Australian skate-punk. With support from punk supergroup Not A Dollar Short and local pop-punk favorites Sort It Out.

Tickets: $59.90 via Moshtix

CURRENTS w/ Charlie Pittman // Streless // Lapse

Friday 24 July | Towradgi Beach Hotel | From 7:00pm

Yours & Owls are keeping the energy high with their curated Friday night sessions at TBH. This edition sees Charlie Pittman bringing his Chew single tour to Wollongong, backed by a local lineup featuring Streless and Lapse. Come along for a showcase of emerging indie talent that doesn’t cost you a cent.

Vika & Linda: 'Where Do You Come From?' Tour

Saturday 25 July | Anita's Theatre, Thirroul | 7:30pm

Fresh off being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, powerhouse vocal sisters Vika and Linda are bringing their massive 50-date national tour to Thirroul. Celebrating their ninth studio album, Where Do You Come From?, which landed them a no.1 Australian album chart spot, this show exhibits their most personal and honest work to date. 

Tickets: $89 via Ticketmaster

Coming Up in Early August

• Montaigne (Friday 7 August @ La La La’s): Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Glorious Heights album with a special anniversary tour.
• Emma Memma's Jungle Picnic Tour (Monday 10 August): A joyful morning out perfect for families.