South Coast events 2026
The South Coast's calendar runs on oysters, whales, country shows and coastal festivals. From autumn's country shows and Easter celebrations to the big spring festivals of Kangaroo Valley and Eden, here's what's on across 2026 — with the October highlights still to come. Dates recur most years, so use this as your planning guide and confirm nearer the time.
Shows, sculpture & Easter
The year opens with classic country shows — the Kangaroo Valley Show (13–14 February) and the Milton Show (6–8 March) — while down south Sculpture Bermagui lines the headland with outdoor artworks (7–15 March). Late March brings the Shimano Husky Triathlon Festival to Huskisson. Then Easter delivers two coastal traditions: the Four Winds Easter Festival of music at Bermagui (3–5 April) and Ulladulla's time-honoured Blessing of the Fleet on Easter Sunday.
Oysters & the Celtic Festival
May is a highlight month. The Narooma Oyster Festival (1–3 May) celebrates the coast's famous Sydney rock oysters on the shores of Wagonga Inlet, with tastings, chefs and shucking contests. A few weeks later, historic Berry turns out for the Berry Celtic Festival (23 May) — pipes, dancing, clans and Highland games in the showground. Both are firm favourites, and a great reason to pair a food-and-culture weekend with the coast.
Kangaroo Valley Folk & Eden Whales
The biggest events still ahead this year fall in October. The Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival (16–18 October) fills the village with music, dance and workshops, while on the very same weekend the Eden Whale Festival (16–18 October) marks the whales' return to Twofold Bay with a parade, markets and cruises — note it's moved to October from its old November date. Earlier, in September, the Berry Farm & Lifestyle Field Days celebrate small-farm and country living (date to be confirmed).
Markets & the seasons
Beyond the festivals, the coast's markets run all year: the Kiama Seaside Markets on the third Sunday of each month, Berry's Thursday farmers' market and monthly country market, and produce markets in Milton, Nowra and beyond. Time your visit with the seasons, too — whale season (May–November) overlaps the spring festivals beautifully. See our best time to visit guide to line it all up.
South Coast events: your questions
The stand-outs include the Narooma Oyster Festival (1–3 May), the Berry Celtic Festival (23 May), the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival (16–18 October) and the Eden Whale Festival (16–18 October) — the last two being the big spring highlights still to come this year. There are also country shows, sculpture exhibitions and Easter festivals through autumn. Dates recur each year, so use these as a guide and confirm closer to the time.
The Eden Whale Festival runs 16–18 October 2026, on the far-south Sapphire Coast. Note that it has moved from its traditional early-November slot to October, so check the dates if you're planning around it. It celebrates the return of the whales to Twofold Bay with a street parade, markets, music and, of course, whale-watching cruises. See our whale watching guide.
Yes — the Narooma Oyster Festival, held on the shores of Wagonga Inlet, is the region's celebration of its famous Sydney rock oysters, with tastings, shucking competitions, chefs and live music. In 2026 it ran 1–3 May (and is expected again in early May 2027). It's a great excuse to visit the Sapphire Coast, where oysters are a way of life.
Easter is a lively time on the coast. Ulladulla holds its traditional Blessing of the Fleet on Easter Sunday, with decorated fishing boats, food and celebration, while down south the Four Winds Easter Festival at Bermagui brings world-class music to a natural bush amphitheatre (3–5 April 2026). The Shimano Husky Triathlon Festival at Huskisson (late March) rounds out a busy autumn.
Plenty. The Kiama Seaside Markets run on the third Sunday of each month by the harbour; Berry holds a popular farmers' market on Thursdays and a monthly country market; and towns like Milton, Nowra and Bodalla host their own regular produce and craft markets. They're a lovely way to meet local makers and growers, and most run year-round whatever the season.