St. Patrick’s Day Festivities and Major Art Exhibitions Lead Wollongong’s Tuesday Lineup

A Vibrant Tuesday in the Illawarra

Today, Tuesday, 17 March 2026, Wollongong transforms into a hub of celebration and culture. While the city marks the annual St. Patrick’s Day with live music and traditional fare across several central venues, there is also a significant selection of public art exhibitions and community gatherings for residents and visitors to enjoy. Whether you are looking for the luck of the Irish or a quiet moment of artistic reflection, the local schedule offers something for everyone.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

The spirit of Ireland has well and truly landed in the Wollongong CBD today. Several local icons are hosting day-long festivities featuring traditional music and dance.

• Dicey Riley’s Hotel: Known as the heart of Irish culture in the city, Dicey’s kicks off early with doors opening at 8:00 AM. The schedule features live performances from local favorites The Jethros and The Dealbreakers. Attendees can expect a roaming fiddle player, Irish dancers throughout the afternoon, and a dedicated pop-up Guinness bar. A full Irish breakfast menu is available all day alongside various Irish snacks.
• The Illawarra Hotel: Festivities at the 'Illa' commence at 2:00 PM in the Public Bar. The afternoon will be filled with live Irish music and a curated menu of Irish culinary staples. Guests can take part in the "Pot of Gold" jackpot for various prizes and giveaways while enjoying drink specials on traditional spirits and ales.
• Howlin’ Wolf Bar: For those looking for a late-afternoon celebration, this Crown Street venue is hosting a hospitality-focused St. Patrick’s event starting from 4:00 PM, offering a relaxed environment for the local community to gather.

Arts and Public Exhibitions

Wollongong’s cultural precinct is particularly active this Tuesday, with several major exhibitions currently showing at key galleries.

• Wollongong Art Gallery: The gallery is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM today. A highlight is the "Winter Has Gone" exhibition in the Community Gallery, featuring works from 18 premier contemporary artists from the Illawarra Association for the Visual Arts (IAVA). Additionally, visitors can view "Set States," a collection of video works by Kate Mitchell, and Troy-Anthony Baylis’ "Tell Them Their Dreaming" exterior panel project.
• Project Contemporary Artspace: Located on Keira Street, this space is currently hosting "Brilliance," an exhibition celebrating 25 years of International Women’s Day. The showcase features diverse works from 35 local women artists, highlighting the creative strength of the Illawarra region.

Community and Library Programs

For those seeking community connection, the Wollongong Library is hosting its weekly "Pride Connect" session today from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This is a relaxed social group for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies to meet, share support, and enjoy a friendly social atmosphere in a safe, public space.