More than 15,000 music fans are expected to descend on Wollongong over the October long weekend, bringing millions of dollars in spending to the city's pubs, restaurants, hotels and local businesses.
Over 80 artists will take over Flagstaff Hill and venues across the city, with G Flip, Ball Park Music and PNAU on the bill, alongside an Australian-exclusive appearance from bbno$.
The two-day festival is expected to inject more than $4 million into the local visitor economy.
It's a huge evolution for an event that started as a small community festival in 2014.
The Minns Labor Government is backing Yours & Owls as it continues that growth, helping turn a home-grown Wollongong festival into an event capable of attracting music fans from across Australia.
Yours & Owls has previously received support through the Destination NSW-managed Regional Event Fund and is now receiving major event funding for the second year, along with support from Sound NSW's Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund.
The investment is part of the Minns Labor Government's push to build a strong calendar of major events across NSW, supporting live music while giving people more reasons to visit regional communities and spend with local businesses.
And Wollongong is showing exactly why that investment matters.
The city hosted 26 major events in 2025-26, attracting more than 42,800 visitors and generating $41.4 million in direct economic impact.
Destination NSW-supported events in Wollongong in 2026 include the Women's NSW Open Championship, Wings Over Shellharbour and the Rugby League World Cup.
