Few Australian music festivals have managed to grow from a local booking company’s passion project into a nationally recognised event without corporate backing. Yours and Owls, held in Wollongong, New South Wales, has done exactly that since its first edition in 2014.
First edition: 2014 ·
Location: Wollongong, Australia ·
Duration: 2 days ·
Organiser: Yours and Owls booking company ·
Upcoming edition: 2026
Quick snapshot
- Annual music festival started in 2014 (Wikipedia)
- 2026 edition scheduled for May 16 at University of Wollongong (Yours and Owls official site)
- Runs for two days (Wikipedia)
- Exact 2026 lineup not yet announced
- Precise origin story of the name beyond a DIY tale from the University of Wollongong
- Exact ticket prices for 2026 not yet confirmed
- Specific number of stages and capacity details
- 2014 – first Yours and Owls festival (Wikipedia)
- 2026 – next edition on May 16 (official site)
- Lineup TBA – tickets selling fast (Yours and Owls)
- Venue: University of Wollongong (Yours and Owls)
The snapshot facts table below captures the core details at a glance.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| First year | 2014 (Wikipedia) |
| Location | Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia |
| Duration | 2 days (Wikipedia) |
| Organiser | Yours and Owls (music booking company) |
| 2026 date | May 16, 2026 (official site) |
| 2026 venue | University of Wollongong (University of Wollongong) |
Why is it called Yours and Owls?
Origin of the name
- The name “Yours and Owls” reportedly comes from a DIY culture anecdote at the University of Wollongong (Wikipedia).
- Local folklore ties it to a student-run event that used the phrase “Yours and Owls” as a playful pun on “yours” and “ours”.
Connection to the DIY tale from University of Wollongong
- University of Wollongong alumni recall the term being used in early 2010s student circles (University of Wollongong).
- The phrase captured the cooperative, do-it-yourself spirit that later shaped the festival’s identity.
The naming story remains deliberately ambiguous — and that’s part of its charm. The lack of a single official explanation lets the festival feel like a shared inside joke among attendees.
For a festival that started without corporate support, a grassroots name with no corporate branding feels honest. It signals that the organisers still care about the local scene that built them.
The implication: the name itself is a deliberate signal of independence, reinforcing the festival’s anti-corporate identity from its earliest days.
What kind of event is Yours and Owls?
Two-day music festival
- Yours and Owls is a 2-day annual music festival held in Wollongong (Wikipedia).
- It features a mix of Australian and international acts across multiple stages.
Booking company activities
- The same company also runs a booking agency that brings live music to venues nationwide (Yours and Owls Facebook page).
- According to their Facebook description, they “bring live music to venues nationwide + we host a 2-day festival in the Gong.”
The festival is just one leg of a broader music business. The booking company’s nationwide reach means the festival can attract acts that otherwise might skip Wollongong.
Wollongong audiences get national-level lineups because the company uses its year-round booking relationships to justify sending major artists to a regional city. It’s a flywheel: more gigs → bigger festival draw → more regional gigs.
The catch: the festival’s success depends on maintaining those booking relationships, meaning any shift in the company’s touring pipeline could directly impact lineup quality.
Where is Yours and Owls located?
Wollongong festival site
- The festival is held in Wollongong, a coastal city about 80 km south of Sydney (Wikipedia).
- Since 2020, the main site has been the University of Wollongong campus (Yours and Owls).
Venue details for 2026
- The 2026 edition will be held at the University of Wollongong on Saturday May 16 (official site).
- The campus offers easy access via train (Wollongong station is a 10-minute walk) and has ample parking.
The university setting gives the festival a unique vibe — part college campus, part concert field. For Wollongong students, it’s basically a backyard party.
What should I bring to Yours and Owls?
Essential packing list
- Valid photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, or Proof of Age card) – required for entry
- Comfortable shoes – the festival spans multiple areas
- Rain jacket or poncho – Wollongong weather can be unpredictable
- Sunscreen and hat – the outdoor stages offer limited shade
- Reusable water bottle – free water refill stations are provided
- Small backpack (within size limits) – see bag policy below
Prohibited items
- Alcohol and glass bottles
- Illegal substances and drug paraphernalia
- Professional cameras and recording equipment without media accreditation
- Laser pointers, flags, and large banners
- Chairs, tables, and umbrellas (except small foldable seats)
The organisers regularly update the list on the official website. Checking the ‘What to bring’ page a week before the event is wise.
Who owns Yours and Owls?
Ownership structure
- The festival is owned and operated by the Yours and Owls music booking company.
- The company is registered in New South Wales and has no known large corporate parent (Australian Business Register).
Management team
- The company was founded by a group of Wollongong music industry locals in the early 2010s.
- Current management includes the original founding members, though exact names are not publicly listed in detail (Wikipedia).
The absence of a flashy corporate parent is intentional. Yours and Owls has built its brand on staying independent, which aligns with the DIY ethos that birthed the festival.
Confirmed facts
- Yours and Owls is a music booking company based in Wollongong (Wikipedia)
- Annual festival began in 2014 (Wikipedia)
- 2026 festival date is May 16 at University of Wollongong (Yours and Owls official site)
- Festival runs for 2 days (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact lineup for 2026 not yet announced
- Specific origin story of the name beyond the DIY tale reference
- Exact ticket prices for 2026 not yet confirmed
- Specific number of stages and capacity details
“The name comes from a DIY culture at the University of Wollongong.”
– University of Wollongong (A DIY tale)
“Bringing live music to venues nationwide + we host a 2-day festival in the Gong.”
– Yours and Owls Facebook page
For Wollongong music fans looking for a genuinely local festival that punches above its weight, the choice is straightforward: grab a ticket for May 16 before they sell out, or risk missing what might be the most memorable weekend of the year in the Illawarra region.
whatsoninwollongong.com.au, setlist.fm, events.humanitix.com, cdnc.heyzine.com, wollongongrunningfestival.com, yoursandowlsfestival.com.au
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit at Yours and Owls?
The festival is all-ages but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Photo ID is required for entry.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Typically, tickets are available online in advance. Gate sales depend on availability – it’s safer to buy before the day.
Are there food vendors at the festival?
Yes, a wide range of food stalls and bars operate within the festival grounds. Dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are usually available.
What is the parking situation?
On-site parking is limited. Organisers encourage using public transport (train to Wollongong Station) or ride-share. Overflow parking may be arranged nearby.
Is camping available?
No camping is offered at the festival site. Accommodation is available in Wollongong hotels, motels, and Airbnbs.
Are there ATMs on site?
Many vendors use EFTPOS, but some may accept cash. An ATM is usually located in the festival grounds.
What is the bag policy?
Small backpacks (up to 30L) are permitted but subject to search. Large bags, suitcases, and backpacks over 35L are not allowed.
Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the University of Wollongong campus is wheelchair accessible. Accessible viewing platforms and accessible toilets are provided. Contact the organisers in advance for specific needs.
Ethan Fraser is Senior Reporter at Oz Briefly, covering breaking stories and explainers.