After the coronavirus forced the cancellation of last year's festival just two weeks out, the organisers are thrilled the event will proceed (with a few changes) in 2021.

The wet weather over the past week forced the cancellation of the Shannon's Show and Shine - which was to be held at Kurri Sportsground on Sunday - but there's still plenty of great entertainment on the program.

"We are so pleased that the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival is back for the last weekend in March this year, despite the ongoing challenges of COVID, wet weather and floods throughout the state," Towns With Heart community projects manager Lesley Morris said.

"The forecast is for sunny skies, so the retro market stalls will be operating in Rotary Park Kurri Kurri on Saturday and Sunday.

"This year we are introducing something new as well - with the livestreaming of our very popular best dressed competitions, fashion parade and entertainment."

The festival kicks off on Friday with a retro high tea at Kurri Kurri High School, which will include a Grease-themed performance by students, and a fashion parade.

The retro marketplace will be set up in Rotary Park on Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 4pm, bringing together some of the biggest and best nostalgia-themed retro and vintage market stalls from across the country.

The best dressed competitions will be held at Weston Workers Club on Saturday afternoon, and will be livestreamed on the festival's Facebook page, along with a rock' n' roll dance lesson, vintage hair tutorial, and a special performance by Chance2Dance.

The Rock 'n' Roll Express returns to Richmond Vale Railway Museum on Friday and Saturday night, and live entertainment will be held at Weston Workers Club on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

View the full program at kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au.