Outdoor Cinema and Nightlife: What's On in Wollongong This Friday

Experience a Vibrant Friday in the Illawarra

As the weekend begins this Friday, 23 January 2026, Wollongong is buzzing with a blend of community spirit, artistic expression, and outdoor entertainment. Whether you are looking for a bargain, a unique local craft, or a night under the stars, today’s local schedule offers something for every resident and visitor in the city. The summer warmth provides the perfect backdrop for exploring the CBD and the lush surrounds of the Botanic Garden.

Fresh Flavours at the Crown Street Markets

Start your Friday by heading to the heart of the city for the weekly Crown Street Markets. Running from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Crown Street Mall, this long-standing local tradition brings together the best of Wollongong’s independent creators and producers. It is an ideal spot to pick up farm-fresh produce, artisanal gifts, and innovative handmade designs. The atmosphere is frequently lifted by local musicians performing in the area, and the variety of street food vendors makes it a popular choice for a Friday lunch break. Supporting these local businesses is a great way to experience the creative energy that defines our community.

Outdoor Movie Magic: Sunset Cinema

As the sun begins to set, the Wollongong Botanic Garden transforms into a stunning open-air theater for the Sunset Cinema series. Tonight’s featured screening is the 1997 classic Anaconda. Gates open at 7:00 PM at the 40 Murphys Avenue entrance in Keiraville, allowing patrons to find the perfect spot on the lawn and enjoy a picnic before the film starts at last light. It is recommended to bring a picnic blanket or low-seated chairs. While on-site food and drinks are available, the beautiful garden setting makes it a premier destination for families and film buffs alike to enjoy the cooling evening air.

Arts, Literature, and Community Meetups

For those seeking cultural engagement, there are several events hosted at our local libraries and parks today:

• Voices of Insight Photographic Exhibition: Visit the Wollongong Library on Burelli Street to view this moving exhibition. It features de-identified photographs and descriptions exploring lived experiences of adversity, offering a powerful perspective on local social issues. The gallery is open from 9:00 AM.
• Final Day of the Summer Book Sale: Today is the last chance to grab a bargain at the Wollongong City Libraries Summer Book Sale. Hundreds of pre-loved titles across fiction and non-fiction are available for just 50 cents, or you can fill a whole bag for five dollars.
• Budding Bookworms: Families with young children can head to the Wollongong Botanic Garden at 10:00 AM for this popular storytelling and play session, designed to foster a love of reading in a natural setting.

With such a diverse range of activities, from the final hours of the city-wide book sale to the thrills of a lakeside cinema experience, Wollongong is the place to be this Friday.