# Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival 2027 | Dates, Venues, Tickets URL: https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/kiama-jazz-and-blues-festival/ Last updated: 2026-10-17 # Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival 2027 dates, venues and tickets The Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival returns on Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March 2027, its 40th anniversary, after pausing in 2026. The organisers list multiple venues across Kiama, Gerringong and Minnamurra. Most music has been free in past years, with a paid wristband for a few hub venues. The 2027 program and tickets are not out yet. [](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/)By [Joseph Joshua Ngushual](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/), Kiama Travel SpecialistPublished 17 October 2026 · 6 min read Stay at Kiama Ridge Waters Three-bedroom apartments from $200 a night Sleeps 6 · 15-minute walk to Easts Beach [First Floor 3-Bed Unit by the Ocean First floor · Sleeps 6 · From $214 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/first-floor-ocean/)[3-Bed Apartment with Study Nook First floor · Sleeps 6 · From $201 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/study-nook/)[Ground Floor 3-Bed Home in Kiama's Heart Ground floor · Sleeps 6 · From $200 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/kiama-heart/)[3-Bed Kiama Unit with Courtyard Ground floor · Sleeps 6 · From $306 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/courtyard/)[3-Bed with Alfresco Dining Ground floor · Sleeps 6 · From $204 a night](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/alfresco-dining/) [Book now](https://book.madecomfy.com.au/properties/656fed562e0a0-first-floor-3-bed-stunning-unit-by-the-ocean/?ref=nddmytc&utm_source=ridgewaterskiama&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=booking-handoff&utm_content=guide-hero) Photo: Maurice van Creij, [CC BY 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coronation_Park_-_panoramio.jpg) ## Save the dates for the 40th anniversary in March 2027 Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Some_Like_It_Hot_Jazz_Band_and_Friends_at_Buffa%27s,_New_Orleans,_3_July_2016_49.jpg) The festival's own website now reads "Save the Dates!" for March 2027. Here is what the organisers have confirmed so far. Dates | Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March 2027 | Edition | 40th anniversary | Where | Multiple venues in Kiama, [Gerringong](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/towns/gerringong/) and [Minnamurra](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/towns/minnamurra/) | Format | Three days of live jazz and blues | 2027 poster artist | Luke Player, a South Coast artist and illustrator | Program, artists, venues, tickets | Not announced yet. The program, venues and tickets pages still show 2025. | From Kiama Ridge Waters | About a 27-minute walk (2.3 km) to the town centre, or a 3-minute drive | Keep an eye on the [official festival website](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/) and its [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/kiamajazzandblues) for the line-up. Plans change, so check before you go. For everything else on in town, see our [Kiama events guide](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/kiama-events/). ## Understand why the festival paused in 2026 Photo: Chepry, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tress-Jazz-in-Tygmont-color-AB.jpg) On 11 December 2025 the organisers announced that the festival would not go ahead in March 2026. Their [press release](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/post/kiama-jazz-blues-festival-announces-pause-for-2026) pointed to a mix of pressures: much less financial support, the risk of a ticketed model, capacity limits at a key central venue, delays in Kiama Council development approvals, and the long wait before a planned Special Entertainment Precinct takes effect. The same release called the pause temporary and said the focus was turning to 2027 and the 40th anniversary. The dates on the festival website now confirm that return. Kiama did not go quiet that March. Destination Kiama promoted [Sounds of Jazz and Blues](https://kiama.com.au/sounds-of-jazz-and-blues), a community-led weekend from 6 to 8 March 2026 where local venues hosted their own gigs, with Council running a central gig guide and the Kiama Business Network sponsoring a free Blues Bus between venues. ## Get to know the festival's venues around town Photo: JustARandomEditor123, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiama_Uniting_Church.jpg) The festival has no single gate. Music spreads through [cafes](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/eat-and-drink/kiama-cafes/), bars, clubs, parks and halls, so you wander between gigs. The 2027 venue list is not out, so the venues below are the official 2025 ones from the [festival venues page](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/venues). Expect changes. 2025 venue | Role | Address | Kiama Uniting Church | Jazz hub, wristband venue, passes and merch | Corner of Manning and Bong Bong Streets, Kiama | Kiama Surf Life Saving Club | Blues hub, wristband venue | 74 Manning Street, Kiama | Finding Fillmore's | Festival hub, wristband venue | 38 to 40 Manning Street, Kiama (laneway entry) | The Bandstand, Coronation Park | Free festival hub | Surf Beach, Manning Street, Kiama | Top Shops | Free festival hub out the back of the shops | 160 to 162 Manning Street, Kiama | Hindmarsh Park, Orry Kelly Stage | Free Sunday music | Terralong Street, Kiama | Natural Necessity | Surf shop with coffee and music | 115 Fern Street, Gerringong | Minnamurra Cafe and General Store | Cafe gigs | 1A Rangoon Road, Minnamurra | [Kiama Golf Club](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/kiama-golf/) | Clubhouse gigs | 79 to 81 Oxley Avenue, [Kiama Downs](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/towns/kiama-downs/) | The 2025 list also included Cin Cin Wine Bar, JJ's Indian Restaurant, Little Earth Cafe, Parfait Patisserie, Saltwater Cafe, Silica, The Hungry Monkey, Diggies, Kiama Bowling Club, Kiama Library, Little Betty's, the Old Fire Station (vintage and vinyl), SS Peter and Paul's Church (a Sunday gospel service), Scoops and Native, Slow Dough, The Grand Hotel and Yves. Many of them are in our [Kiama pubs and bars guide](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/eat-and-drink/kiama-pubs/). Most venues sit on or near Manning, Terralong and Collins Streets in the town centre, so you can walk between them. The festival's venue page lists access notes for each one, such as level entry and accessible bathrooms, mapped by a local Inclusion Project Officer in 2025. ## Buy tickets once the 2027 passes go on sale Photo: Quinn Dombrowski, [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Listing_obediently_-_dog_and_jazz_band,_New_Orleans.jpg) Ticket details for 2027 have not been published. In 2025, the [festival tickets page](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/tickets) explained how it worked: most of the music in cafes, restaurants, bars, the Top Shops car park, the street buskers and Coronation Park was free. A weekend pass gave you a wristband for three close-together venues: Finding Fillmore's, the Uniting Church and Kiama Surf Club. A day pass was also offered. Wristbands were collected from the festival hub at the Uniting Church across the weekend, and from the Kiama Farmers' Market on the Wednesday before. The festival does not list 2027 prices yet, so none are listed here. Buy only through the link on the official website when sales open, and check before you go. ## Learn how the festival began Photo: Uncredited, [Public domain](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_Orleans_Jazz_Fest_1975_-_Jambalaya_-_Trad_Band.jpg) According to the [festival](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/aboutus), it started with Dennis Cox, a South African jazz enthusiast and creative arts teacher at Kiama High School. He formed a jazz club with friends and began hosting gigs. That grew into the Kiama Jazz Festival and later the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival. The 2025 event was its 38th year, which makes 2027 the 40th. It has always been run by volunteers. The organisers say musicians are chosen through an application process and paid properly, and local businesses become the venues. Buying a meal or a drink at those venues is part of how the festival keeps going, and the 2026 pause shows how much it relies on that support. ## Fill the rest of the festival weekend Photo: Maksym Kozlenko, [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hindmarsh_Park_-_panoramio.jpg) Gigs run across three days, so leave room for the coast. Early March is still warm, and the town is easy to explore on foot between sets. - Wednesday market: the [Kiama Farmers' Market](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/eat-and-drink/kiama-markets/) runs every Wednesday afternoon at Coronation Park, 3pm to 6pm in daylight saving time. Arrive on Wednesday 3 March and you can start there. - A morning swim: [Easts Beach](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/beaches/easts-beach-kiama/) is a 15-minute walk from the apartments. - The Blowhole: the [Kiama Blowhole](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-blowhole/) on Blowhole Point is free and open around the clock. - A coastal walk: the [Kiama Coast Walk](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/landmarks-and-walks/kiama-coast-walk/) is a good way to clear your head on Sunday morning. - Dinner between sets: see [where to eat in Kiama](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/eat-and-drink/where-to-eat-in-kiama/) and book ahead, as restaurants fill on festival nights. The Kiama Seaside Markets run on the third Sunday of the month, so they fall after the festival weekend in March 2027. ## Plan how you'll get there and park Photo: Maksym Kozlenko, [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kiama_train_station_-_panoramio.jpg) From the Sydney CBD, the drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes (134 km) on the M1 Princes Motorway, without traffic. Trains on the South Coast Line run hourly, according to [Destination Kiama](https://kiama.com.au/explore/plan/getting-here), and Visit NSW puts the trip at about 2 hours 15 minutes from Central. Kiama station on Railway Parade is a short walk from the Uniting Church and most town centre venues. Weekend trackwork can replace trains with buses, so check the [Transport NSW Trip Planner](https://transportnsw.info/) on the day. Our [Sydney to Kiama guide](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/plan-your-trip/sydney-to-kiama/) has more detail. Parking in the town centre is mostly free with signposted time limits, and spaces near Manning and Terralong Streets go first on a busy weekend. The [Kiama Park Ride](https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/parking-locations/new-south-wales/wollongong/kiama-park-ride/) on Bong Bong Street is free for up to 18 hours with a valid Opal trip. For accessible parking and toilets, the festival points to Kiama Council's Mobility Map. See our [Kiama parking guide](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/plan-your-trip/kiama-parking/). Staying close enough to walk saves the hunt for a space altogether. ## Stay at Kiama Ridge Waters for the festival Leave the car in the garage at Kiama Ridge Waters and walk in to the music. Each of our [three-bedroom apartments](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/) at 2 [Surfleet Place](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/live-and-own/kiama-ridge-waters-location/) sleeps six, with two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a laundry and garage parking for two cars. Here is how far you are from the main venues: - Town centre and Uniting Church: about a 27-minute walk (2.3 km), or a 3-minute drive - Coronation Park and Kiama Surf Club: about a 23-minute walk (1.9 km) - Gerringong, Fern Street: about 8 minutes by car (7.9 km) - Kiama Golf Club, Kiama Downs: about 9 minutes by car (8 km) A 40th anniversary is likely to draw a crowd, so book early. If you are coming with friends or a band, you can book several apartments on the same site for the whole group. See [group stays](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/stay/groups/), [weekends away](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/stay/weekends/), or check dates and [book your stay](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/book/). Check-in is from 3pm on Friday, in time for the first evening sets. ### Staying at Kiama Ridge Waters Kiama Ridge Waters is about a 27-minute walk (2.3 km) from Kiama town centre and the Uniting Church, and a 23-minute walk from Coronation Park and Kiama Surf Club. Book early for the March 2027 festival weekend. Kiama Ridge Waters offers three-bedroom apartments at 2 Surfleet Place, Kiama, each sleeping six with parking for two cars. [View apartments](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/apartments/) [Check availability](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/book/) ## Quick answers **When is the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival in 2027?** The festival website lists Friday 5, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March 2027. It is the 40th anniversary edition, after the festival paused in 2026. The program, artists, venues and tickets have not been announced yet, so check the official website before you go. **Is the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival free?** Mostly, based on past years. In 2025 the music in cafes, bars, restaurants, the street and Coronation Park was free, while a paid wristband covered three hub venues. The 2027 ticketing and prices have not been published yet, so watch the official festival website for details. **Why was the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival cancelled in 2026?** The organisers paused it in December 2025, citing reduced financial support, the risk of a ticketed model, capacity limits at a key venue, delays in Council development approvals and the wait for a Special Entertainment Precinct. They called the pause temporary and confirmed March 2027 for the return. **Where is the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival held?** Across many venues rather than one site. The organisers list venues in Kiama, Gerringong and Minnamurra for 2027. In 2025 the hubs were the Uniting Church, Kiama Surf Club, Finding Fillmore's, Coronation Park bandstand and the Top Shops on Manning Street, plus cafes, bars and clubs around town. **How long has the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival been running?** The festival says 2025 was its 38th year, so 2027 marks 40 years. It began when Dennis Cox, a creative arts teacher at Kiama High School, formed a jazz club with friends. It grew into the Kiama Jazz Festival, then today's festival, still run by volunteers. **Can I walk to the festival from Kiama Ridge Waters?** Yes. Kiama town centre and the Uniting Church are about a 27-minute walk (2.3 km) from the apartments, and Coronation Park and Kiama Surf Club about 23 minutes (1.9 km). It is a 3-minute drive if you would rather, but parking near the venues fills quickly on festival weekends. **How do I get to the festival by train?** Catch a South Coast Line train to Kiama station on Railway Parade. Trains run hourly, and the trip from Sydney Central takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The station is a short walk from most town centre venues. Check the Transport NSW Trip Planner for weekend trackwork first. Written by [](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/) ### Joseph Joshua Ngushual Kiama Travel Specialist Joseph Joshua Ngushual writes the Kiama Ridge Waters guides to Kiama and the NSW South Coast. He researches every guide against official sources such as Destination Kiama, Kiama Council and NSW National Parks, checks local businesses directly, and measures walking and driving times from the apartments, so you can plan beach days, walks, meals and day trips with accurate, current detail. - Kiama travel - NSW South Coast - Beaches and walks - Food and drink - Family trips - Trip planning [View all articles](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/authors/joseph-joshua-ngushual/)[](https://www.facebook.com/joshua.joseph.5648)[](https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephjoshuangushual/) ## Sources and useful links - [Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival: home page (2027 dates)](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/) - [Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival: pause for 2026 press release](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/post/kiama-jazz-blues-festival-announces-pause-for-2026) - [Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival: news (2027 visual artist)](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/news) - [Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival: about us](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/aboutus) - [Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival: venues (2025)](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/venues) - [Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival: tickets (2025)](https://www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/tickets) - [Destination Kiama: Sounds of Jazz and Blues 2026](https://kiama.com.au/sounds-of-jazz-and-blues) - [Destination Kiama: Getting here](https://kiama.com.au/explore/plan/getting-here) - [Destination Kiama: Kiama Farmers' Market](https://kiama.com.au/listings/events/kiama-farmers-market-2) - [Visit NSW: Day trip to Kiama from Sydney](https://www.visitnsw.com/articles/day-trip-to-kiama-from-sydney) - [Transport NSW: Kiama station](https://transportnsw.info/stop?q=10101386) - [Wilson Parking: Kiama Park&Ride](https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/parking-locations/new-south-wales/wollongong/kiama-park-ride/) ## Keep exploring Kiama [Things to do ### Kiama events in 2026 and 2027, from the Show to New Year's Eve Kiama events calendar: what's on today, this weekend or by town, from live music and markets to the Kiama Show, New Year's Eve fireworks and yearly festivals. 8 min read](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/kiama-events/)[Eat and drink ### Kiama pubs, bars and clubs for drinks, live music and dinner Kiama pubs, bars and clubs: the 1891 Grand Hotel, Tory's, the Leagues Club, cocktail bars, Sunday live music, the Jamberoo Pub and walk times from your stay. 8 min read](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/eat-and-drink/kiama-pubs/)[Eat and drink ### Kiama markets in 2026, with dates, times and locations Kiama markets guide: the Wednesday farmers market at Coronation Park, Seaside Markets at Black Beach on the third Sunday, plus Gerringong and Jamberoo dates. 7 min read](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/eat-and-drink/kiama-markets/) [All things to do guides](https://ridgewaterskiama.com.au/explore-kiama/things-to-do/)