Each year, organisers Dave Evans and Tamara Campbell make it their mission to bring the most interesting and talented artists they can find to the beautiful seaside paradise, to treat locals and holidaymakers alike to a slice of the international comedy festival scene.

Each year, they attempt to add at least one new element to the festival to keep it fresh and evolving, but this year they have added half a dozen.

The Kiama Leagues Club will participate in the festival for the first time, opening its doors, for free, at 8pm on Friday, January 9, for a night of variety and stand-up.

Kabari on Surf Beach is hosting an open-air variety night on Saturday, January 10, from 6pm to 8pm.

Venturing further afield, visit Gerringong on Sunday, January 11, between 11am and 3pm and watch the cast of K.I.S.S. perform in the Old School Park during the last street-theatre shows of the festival.

An opening night at the Old Fire Station on Thursday, January 8, will include a display of photos from the past three festivals.

Come along to see tasters of what this year's festival promises, meet the performers and organisers, have your photo taken with Daisy the Cow and listen to the winner of the busking competition play live.

In conjunction with the festival, Kiama Council will be hosting two chalk-drawing "Street Art" workshops in the lead-up to the festival with festival artist Ulla Taylor. Taylor is one of Australia's most prolific pavement artists.

To book a place in the workshop, contact Louise Croker at louisec@kiama.nsw.gov.au.

On January 7, in conjunction with the K.I.S.S. festival, the council is hosting a busking competition. A total of 16 musicians will play around Kiama, and a panel of specially selected judges will whittle them down to a final group who will play that afternoon on the Hindmarsh Park stage. As well as bagging a $300 prize, the winner will be invited to play at the K.I.S.S. launch party.

Festival organisers also plan to re-run old favourites such as the Ray White Street Theatre program in Hindmarsh Park on Friday and Saturday, January 9 and 10, between 11am and 4pm and smaller, more intimate shows at Kendalls Beach on Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 5pm and then on Sunday, January 11, from 2pm to 4pm.

Get there early to guarantee a good seat for the festival finale show in the Jamberoo Pub beer garden on Sunday, January 11, at 5pm.

The popular circus workshops will also be held from January 5 to 9 and then from January 12 to 14 at 10am to 3pm each day in Hindmarsh Park.

Bookings can be made by calling 0403 817 549 or visiting the kissartsfestival.com.au website.