Wollongong’s Massive Book Fair, Morning Markets, and Community Arts Today

A Busy Friday in the Illawarra

It is a packed Friday for Wollongong residents and visitors alike, with the city hosting a variety of major community events, cultural showcases, and local markets. Whether you are a book lover, a garden enthusiast, or an art collector, there is plenty to see and do throughout the day on March 20, 2026.

The Lifeline Big Book Fair Returns

One of the biggest events on the local calendar continues today at the Illawarra Sports Stadium in Berkeley. Lifeline South Coast’s Big Book Fair is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. With over 90,000 pre-loved books across dozens of categories, it is a goldmine for those looking to expand their personal libraries. Entry is via a gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting local crisis support and suicide prevention services. It is a fantastic opportunity to support a vital cause while finding rare editions or your next favorite novel.

Morning Markets and Garden Treasures

Start your day in the heart of the city at the Crown St Markets. Running from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm in the Crown Street Mall, this weekly tradition features independent growers, local designers, and street food vendors. It is the perfect place to grab fresh local produce or a unique handmade gift for the weekend.

For those with a green thumb, the Wollongong Botanic Garden is holding its monthly Native Plant Sale today. From 7:30 am until 2:30 pm at the Botanic Garden Nursery, you can browse a wide selection of locally sourced native plants. Expert staff are on hand to offer advice on what will thrive in your home garden, making it an essential stop for local horticulturalists.

Art and Culture in the City

The local arts scene is particularly vibrant today with several exhibitions and gallery events:

• Wollongong Art Gallery: Currently featuring "Winter Has Gone," a community exhibition by the Illawarra Association for the Visual Arts, and the collaborative showcase "This is Not a Solo Show" by Michelle Cawthorn and Peter Sharp.
• South Coast Private Hospital: A special 2026 Art Exhibition is being held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at 112 Burelli Street. The event showcases works from patients and staff, focusing on the connection between creativity and mental health.
• Project Contemporary Artspace: The International Women's Day Art Exhibition remains open, celebrating the work of 35 local female artists from across the region.

Evening Community Gatherings

As the afternoon winds down, a community speak-out and protest is scheduled for 5:00 pm in Wollongong Mall. Organized by local peace and labor activists, the event provides a platform for residents to gather and voice their perspectives on international peace and current global conflicts. For those lucky enough to have secured tickets, the day concludes at The Music Lounge with "The Grunge Show," which is officially sold out for tonight's performance.