Gig Guide for September: What's hot in your 'hood

As the days are getting longer, gigs are getting bigger and better as a massive line-up of live music looms across the Illawarra in September.

Including international R&B icons, acoustic storytelling, sweaty indie-punk shows, festival launches and coastal afternoon sessions, this line-up gives every reason to grab a ticket and support live music this month.

Simon Kinny-Lewis: Live Album Launch

Friday, September 4 | Coledale RSL | 7:30pm

Celebrated as one of Australia’s top blues guitarists, Simon Kinny-Lewis brings his electric stage presence to the beautiful Coledale RSL for the South Coast launch of his new live album. Backed by a full band, this show delivers heavy blues, rock and soul grooves right by the ocean.

Tickets: $35 via Humanitix

Rebel Yell + Tired Girl

Sunday, September 6 | Frank's Wild Years, Thirroul | 3:00pm

Hit a mid-afternoon bounce in Thirroul with two young women making (sound) waves on dancefloors across the globe. Fans of Charli XCX and Fred Again can expect a treat as Sydney producer REBEL YELL hits Thirroul, joined by Melbourne ambient-electronic act Tired Girl. 

Tickets: $15 via Humanitix

Dear Seattle w/ Seahaven & Lucky 

Sunday, September 6 | University of Wollongong | 7pm 

Sydney indie-punk legends Dear Seattle are taking their regional tour to campus this month, bringing California emo-alt band Seahaven along for the ride for their Aus debut. Melbourne-based alt-rock artist Lucky will open the show alongside local favourites Drift. A perfect show for those looking to work up a Sunday night sweat.

Tickets: $54.90 via Moshtix

Wollongong Festival: Four Weekends One City

From Saturday, September 12 | Various venues

The inaugural Wollongong Festival kicks off this September, spanning four huge weekends leading all the way up to Yours & Owls on the October long weekend. Connecting creative communities from Thirroul and Bulli to the Wollongong CBD and Port Kembla, the festival invites locals and visitors to explore the region’s best live offerings. Supported by Revive Live in partnership with local government and district organisations, keep your eyes peeled as line-ups drop soon.

• Locations & dates: Sept 12 (Thirroul), Sept 13 (Bulli), Sept 18-20 (Port Kembla), Sept 26-27 (Culture Mix & Wollongong CBD)
• More Info: http://wollongongfestival.com/

Sirens of the SeaCliff Coast: Elana Stone // Kay Proudlove // Flannelette Band

Saturday, September 12 | Wombarra Bowlo | 4pm - 8:30pm

Watch the sunset from Australia’s best bowlo on a (hopefully) warm evening, coloured by the soothing voices of Sirens on the Seacliff. Enjoy a stellar line-up of acclaimed local singer-songwriters, including ARIA-winning Elana Stone and Wollongong-raised sweetheart Kay Proudlove, along with six-piece Flannelette Band.

Tickets: $10 (general live music supporter), $4 (students, pensioners, seniors, disability and other concession holders), $4 (friend of the band), FREE (under 15, accompanied, or Pay what you like (limited). Via Humanitix

RED BEE vs Claude Hay & The Kung Fu Mustard

Saturday, September 12 | The Servo, Port Kembla | 6pm

A heavy-hitting double-header featuring the Blue Mountains powerhouse rock band RED BEE, joined by virtuosic blues-rock loop artist Claude Hay as part of a new trio project, The Kung Fu Mustard.

Tickets: $28.82 via Moshtix

Boy & Bear: Tripping Over Time Tour w/ Azure Ryder 

Saturday, September 12 | Anita's Theatre, Thirroul | 7:50pm 

Aussie indie-folk classics Boy & Bear are heading to Thirroul as part of their national regional tour. This all-ages show is sure to showcase their hit-packed catalogue for nostalgic and new fans alike.

Tickets: $79.90 via Ticketmaster    

Diamond Dogs Presents: The Four Horsemen

Saturday, September 12 | Diamond Dogs Music Lounge, Dapto | 6pm

A massive tribute night celebrating classic heavy metal and hard rock. High-energy locals The Four Horseman perform iconic tracks from early Metallica, joined by guests Cheap Coffins. Go to this for a good old fashioned head-bang.

Tickets: $25 via Humanitix

Macy Gray

Wednesday, September 16 | Anita's Theatre, Thirroul | 8pm

Global R&B legend Macy Gray brings her distinct, raspy vocals and energetic live band to Thirroul on her largest ever tour of Australia. Performing global anthems such as I Try alongside classic soul-staples, this is a midweek event that you cannot miss. To paraphrase Macy, you can try to walk away from this show, but you’re sure to stumble.

Tickets: $99 from Ticketmaster

NO CIGAR w/ Cheeky Leash

Friday, September 18 | LaLaLa's | 8pm 

Surf-alt indie-rockers NO CIGAR bring their laid-back rock-ish sound across the Tasman to Globe Lane in mid-September. If you like the sound of '90s soft rock and don’t mind a boogie, get down to LaLaLa’s for this feelgood show.

Tickets: $46.39 via Moshtix

The New Christs

Saturday, September 19 | Heritage Hotel, Bulli | 8pm-11:30pm

This show from Australian underground rock royalty, fronted by Rob Younger (Radio Birdman) brings decades of hard-hitting punk rock history straight to the Heritage Hotel. Expect high-energy garage punk, iconic Australian guitar and heavy rhythms.

Tickets: $40 from Humanitix

WollCon September Performance Day 2026

Sunday, September 20 | Wollongong Conservatorium of Music | 9am-3pm

A full day of student showcases and ensemble performances spanning classical, jazz, and contemporary music across multiple stages. Enjoy a beautiful spring day at Gleniffer Brae (Wollongong Botanical Gardens), supporting WollCon students and staff of all ages and ability levels.

Tickets: Free / open to public. See schedule online at https://wollcon.com.au/event/sept-2026-performance-day/ 

The Escarpment: Great Days Single Launch w/ Dropping Honey, Raised As Wolves & Birdsville

Friday, September 25 | LaLaLa's | 7:30pm 

If you see one homegrown band this month, make it eloquently named The Escarpment. Celebrating the release of their latest track Great Days, this Midnight Oil influenced four-piece outfit heads a stacked local line-up. If you’re looking for a loud bang for your buck, get tickets today.

Tickets: $22.43 via Moshtix  

The Rocket Man in Concert 

Friday, September 25 | Anita's Theatre, Thirroul | 7:30pm 

End the month with a high-production tribute to Sir Elton John. Packed with flamboyant costumes, incredible piano skills and non-stop hits including Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man, this show offers a night out in Thirroul full of classic rock nostalgia.

Tickets: $94 via Ticketmaster

Coming up in early October

• Phonehenge with Greg Schiemer (October 2 @Glenifer Brae): An experimental, interactive sound performance utilising mobile technology and spatial acoustics.  
• Björn Again: ABBA Forever Tour (October 3 @ Anita's Theatre): The world's top ABBA tribute show lands in Thirroul for an afternoon of pure '70s pop bliss.  
• Yours & Owls Festival (October 3-4): Returning to Flagstaff Hill on Saturday before taking over the streets and venues of Wollongong on Sunday.