HonkOz Festival

The Honk Music Festival is a free, street-based event held in Wollongong during the height of summer, a time when the city is typically quiet. The festival injects vibrancy and energy into the area, attracting visitors from outside the region and encouraging engagement with local food outlets and venues. The festival is known for its participatory music and parades, which bring together individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Community groups are actively encouraged to join the parading, fostering inclusivity and collaboration. A wide range of art forms are celebrated, including music, performance, dance, circus, and visual arts. Families benefit from the Kids Honk! program, where children participate in music workshops and performances, as well as lantern-making workshops that culminate in a parade. The festival also empowers youth by providing opportunities to create and perform. By emphasizing shared musical experiences, the Honk Music Festival helps to combat isolation and loneliness, creating a sense of connection and community among participants.