Hosted by the Illawarra Folk Club, Charity Night offers audiences an early taste of what’s to come at the 2026 festival. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, the event celebrates folk music in all its forms while raising funds for organisations making a positive social impact.
The evening kicks off from 6.00 pm in the Tivoli Dance Hall with a performance by Penelope Church, before expanding across two stages — the Tivoli Dance Hall and the Grandstand Bar. Across the night, audiences will enjoy a diverse and vibrant lineup of seven acts, including Cigány Weaver, Emmy Ryan and the Hard Times, Whiskey Dram, Shalani, The Other Noonans, and Marco and Rusty.
Tickets are available from just $15 per person and are on sale now via the Illawarra Folk Club website, making the event an affordable and accessible night out for music lovers across the region. For Sydney-based attendees, return bus transfers from Sydney are available through Cocky Guides, removing transport barriers and making it even easier to attend.
As a charity partner, Cocky Guides is proud to be involved in an event that aligns so closely with its mission of inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful connection.
“The Illawarra Folk Festival has a long history of bringing people together through music, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of that spirit,” said James (Buck) McFarlane, Founder and Director of Cocky Guides.
“This partnership helps us continue creating inclusive tourism and cultural experiences, ensuring people who are blind or have low vision can fully participate in events like this and feel genuinely welcome.”
Cocky Guides also acknowledged the generous support of tourism partners who have donated prizes to help raise funds on the night, including Taronga Zoo Sydney, Reflections Holidays, Autopia Tours, and Veriu Green Square. Their contributions highlight growing industry support for inclusive and accessible tourism experiences.
Funds raised during the Charity Night will support Cocky Guides’ ongoing work delivering inclusive tourism programs and multi-sensory adventures for people who are blind or have low vision. By attending, patrons are not only enjoying a fantastic evening of live music — they’re actively supporting a more inclusive future for cultural events and tourism across Australia.
