Family Fun - The Lakes Festival | Itineraries

Sat 8 Nov, 4-9pm, The Entrance

Light Up The Lake

Be amazed by headliner Ruby Fields, with Dear Sunday, Dizzy Days, Chloe Parche and Elaskia. Fun activities, licensed area, roving performers, and fantastic food, followed by fireworks display that will literally Light Up The Lake!

Sat 8, Sun 9, Sat 15 & Sun 16 Nov, The Entrance

Pelican Time

Join us for a brand new eco-friendly Pelican educational experience that gives locals and guests a unique insight into one of the region's special birds, the Pelican.

Fri 7 - Sat 15 Nov, 2-4pm & 6-8pm, Erina

Salt & Pepperberry

Embark on a culinary adventure celebrating native Australian flavours of pepperberry, lemon myrtle, and saltbush expertly crafted to honour the rich heritage of bush foods. Enjoy these vibrant tastes paired with botanical brews in an immersive experience led by Corey Grech, with support from Six Strings Brewing Co.

Sat 8 Nov, 10am-3.30pm, The Entrance

Artisan Market

Discover a vibrant showcase of artistic creations, unique jewellery, and handmade treasures—perfect for Christmas gifting. Enjoy delicious scones from the IRIS Foundation and coffee or lunch at the IRIS Café. Plus, explore the Central Coast Watercolour Society’s Lakes Exhibition, open to the public for a delightful cultural experience.

Sun 9 Nov, 10am-2pm, Avoca Beach

Swells Times

Experience coastal fun at Avoca Beach with Swell Times! Enjoy beach sports, surf lessons, creative workshops, local stalls, tasty eats, and live music. Join a community cleanup and learn beach safety. Whether you're a wave rider or beach lover, this family-friendly event has something for everyone. Dive in!

Cinema Under the Stars

Cinema Under the Stars at Gwandalan Lioness Park offers a magical night of family fun. Enjoy a free movie by the foreshore, plus food vans, jumping castles, and live entertainment before sundown. Bring your picnic blanket, gather your loved ones, and settle in for a cosy evening under the stars.

Sat 8 Nov, 7am-3pm, Bouddi National Park

Bouddi Coastal Run

Bouddi Coastal Run offers breathtaking trail views across Bouddi National Park. Choose from 14km or 21km runs, plus a 1km kids’ beach dash. Explore Putty Beach, Maitland Bay, Bombi Point and more. With limited entries, this popular summer event promises scenic trails, community spirit, and unforgettable coastal adventure.

Fri 7 - Sun 16 Nov, Coast Wide

Soundscapes Story Trail

Soundscapes is a collection of creative audio stories inspired by natural and magical locations across the Central Coast. Each story has been thoughtfully designed to lead you on an imaginative, immersive, creative adventure in nature. These stories have been created by a range of artists, made up of writers, composers, musicians, and poets who all reside on the Central Coast.

Fri 7-Sun 9 & Tues 11-Sun 16, Terrigal

Marine Discovery Centre open day

Visit the CCMDC for free during The Lakes Festival! Enjoy weekday access to explore the centre at your own pace, discovering its exhibits and displays. On weekends, book a free guided tour (limited spots available) for a deeper dive into the centre’s offerings. A perfect outing for all ages! 10am- 2pm week days and 9.30-3.30pm weekends.

Sun 16 Nov, 10am-2pm, Avoca Beach

Ink & Water Community Poems

Water & Ink is a free, family-friendly poetry event celebrating the Central Coast’s people and nature. Add your voice to a community poem, explore arts and crafts, and enjoy word-inspired fun. Type, paint, or relax outdoors—let your imagination flow in this creative, collaborative celebration.

Wed 12 Nov, 10am-12pm, The Entrance

Ink & Water Community Poems

Ink & Water is a free, family-friendly poetry event celebrating the Central Coast’s people and nature. Add your voice to a community poem, explore arts and crafts, and enjoy word-inspired fun. Type, paint, or relax outdoors—let your imagination flow in this creative, collaborative celebration.

Wed 12, 4-6pm & Sat 15 Nov 12-2pm, Ourimbah

Tuggerah Lakes Cooking Class

Cooking with the Coast explores sustainable, healthy, and tasty local marine foods. Join chef Phil Davy and University of Newcastle experts for simple, delicious recipes using local ingredients. Learn, cook, and enjoy your creation! All ages welcome.

Sat 15 Nov, 2-4pm, Norah Head

Soundscapes Youth Writing Workshop

Soundscapes Youth Writing Workshop is a writing workshop for ages 12–18, inspired by the rich landscape and history of Norah Head. Explore the area, then craft stories using your senses and surroundings. Led by Merran Winchester, this creative session invites imagination—from shipwrecks to mermaids, anything is possible.

Sat 15 Nov, 2-3.30pm & 6-8pm, Gosford

Splashabout Showcase "A Deep Dive"

Roundabout’s Splashabout Showcase dives into circus magic with water themed acts featuring mermaids, pirates, penguins, and even fire-spitting squids! Inspired by local waterways, the family-friendly afternoon show delights all ages, while the evening show adds spectacular fire performances. Celebrate creativity, community, and the Lakes Festival spirit through movement and imagination.

Sat 8 & Sun 9 Nov, 10am-5pm, Gosfrod

Water Polo by the Waterfront

Gosford Water Polo Club hosts a Junior Tournament during the Lakes Festival! Over two exciting days, junior teams from across NSW compete in open-water matches on Brisbane Water. Enjoy thrilling games, vibrant energy, food stalls, a club BBQ, and a carnival atmosphere celebrating youth sport and community spirit.

Sat 15 Nov, 10am-3pm, Gosford

Sustainable Future Festival

Celebrate sustainability at the free, family-friendly Sustainable Future Festival! Enjoy workshops, demos, speakers, and performances that inspire eco-living on the Central Coast. Discover practical ways to reduce waste, protect resources, and connect with your community. A vibrant day of learning and fun for all ages.

Fri 7 - Sun 16, 9.30am-4.30pm, The Entance

Reflections at the Lake

‘Reflections at the Lake’ is an amazing Exhibition of The Central Coast Watercolour Society, as part of our 40th Anniversary and will evoke your senses and reflect on wider views and express various facets of loving life here on the Coast.

Sat 15 Nov, 4-9pm, Terrigal

Marine Magic Outdoor Cinema

Marine Magic Outdoor Cinema transforms Terrigal Rotary Park into a vibrant festival space. Enjoy markets, food stalls, entertainment, and a movie under the stars. Bring a picnic rug or low chairs, grab dinner, and soak up the community vibes. Arrive early for the best spot and pre-movie fun!

Sun 9 Nov, 9-3pm, Terrigal

Marine Discovery Family Fun Day

Marine Discovery Family Fun Day invites families to Terrigal Rotary Park and the Marine Discovery Centre for a free, ocean-themed celebration. Enjoy guided tours, kids’ workshops, crafts, face painting, story time, a scavenger hunt, disco, market stalls, live entertainment, and tasty eats. Bookings essential for tours.

Thur 13 Nov, 10am-12pm, Terrigal

Ink & Water Community Day

Ink & Water is a community poetry project honouring the Central Coast’s people and nature. Relax outdoors and contribute a word, phrase, or story to a shared poem. Tap on a typewriter, take in the surroundings, and let your imagination roam. Every voice and creative spark is welcome.

Sun 16 Nov, 12-4pm, Canton Beach

Sea Food Fest

Sea Food Fest debuts at Canton Beach with fresh seafood, global flavours, market stalls, and lakeside fun. Enjoy cooking demos, kids’ activities, and a guided paddleboard tour of Tuggerah Lake. Bring your floatie or kayak for the colourful parade—an unforgettable day of food, music, and marine discovery for all!

Sat 15 Nov, 4-4.30pm, Toukley

Zumba Kids

Zumba Kids brings high-energy dance fun to lakeside suburbs with popular hits and global rhythms. This interactive show blends movement, culture, and education—featuring traditional dances and music from around the world. It’s a joyful, family-friendly celebration of unity through dance, perfect for exploring, learning, and moving together.

Sat 15 and Sun 16 Nov, various sessions, Ettalong Beach

Bombora SUP Festival

Bombora SUP Festival is back! Join us at Ettalong Beach for a weekend of SUP fun, with SUP Yoga, Sunrise Paddles, SUPball, SUP Races [beginner & Pro], Free kids races and a 10k Challenge! Beginners are welcome, plus there are awesome prizes and giveaways thanks to our amazing local sponsors! Gear provided or BYO board.

Sat 9 Nov, 9-11am, The Entrance North

Beneath the Waves

Explore Tuggerah Lake with Associate Professor Troy Gaston and the University of Newcastle team. Operate an underwater drone (ROV) and view live footage of aquatic habitats. This hands-on activity offers insights into estuaries and coasts, plus the chance to engage with marine science experts and ask questions.

Sat 9 & Sat 16 Nov, 8am-1pm, The Entrance

The Entrance Market

The Entrance Markets return to Memorial Park with farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious food, and live entertainment. Set along the picturesque foreshore, this vibrant showcase of local creativity and community spirit offers the perfect Sunday outing for families and friends.

Sun 9 Nov, 2-6pm, Narara

Spiral Coast

This relaxed, jam style event includes circus and flow props, guided workshops, and space to move, connect, and play. It’s open to all ages and experience levels, with a warm, community first energy that makes it easy to join in or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Come for the fun, stay for the flow!

Wed 12 Nov, 10am-12pm, Woy Woy

Ink & Water community poems

Ink & Water is a community poetry project honouring the Central Coast’s people and nature. Relax outdoors and contribute a word, phrase, or story to a shared poem. Tap on a typewriter, take in the surroundings, and let your imagination roam. Every voice and creative spark is welcome.

Sun 16 Nov, 10am-12pm & 11.30am-1.30pm, Spencer

Acoustic Life on the River

Acoustic Life of the River celebrates the embedded stories reflected along the waterways of the Lower Hawkesbury River. Step aboard for a river journey winded through sandstone cliffs and untold histories. Departing from Spencer.

Sat 15 Nov, 8.30am-3pm, Tuggerah

Wyong River Catchment Crawl

Join Central Coast Waterwatch as we embark on an exciting bus tour of Wyong River and learn about the health and history of our waterways. Go dip netting for water bugs, learn about the plants and animals that call Wyong River home, including the iconic platypus.

Sun 9 Nov, 8am-4pm, The Entrance

Wildflower Creations

Join Ruth and Peter Donnelly from Coachwood Nursery, proud Central Coast locals with a passion for native Australian plants, for a full day of Wildflower & Garden Workshops. Whether you're a nature lover, a DIY enthusiast, or just looking for a unique gift idea, there’s something for everyone!

Sat 15 Nov, 10am-4pm, Avoca Beach

The Wonders of Water

Discover the magic of water at Avoca Lake with The Wonders of Water – Third Edition. Enjoy dance, music, storytelling, visual arts, cultural insights, hands-on workshops, and a sustainable pop-up stage. Celebrate creativity, connection, and community in this free, family-friendly Lakes Festival event by Heartdancers.

Sat 8 Nov, 9.30-10am, Gosford

Zumba Kids

Zumba Kids brings high-energy dance fun to lakeside suburbs with popular hits and global rhythms. This interactive show blends movement, culture, and education—featuring traditional dances and music from around the world. It’s a joyful, family-friendly celebration of unity through dance, perfect for exploring, learning, and moving together.

Sat 15 Nov, 9am-3pm, Gorokan

Art and Craft fair by the Lake

Discover handmade arts and crafts, unique artworks, and bargain art tables, all set against the scenic lakeside backdrop. Enjoy browsing, meeting local makers, and soaking up the relaxed community atmosphere.

Sun 9 Nov, 10am-12pm, Davistown

Ink & Water and Lighthouse Keepers

The Lighthouse Keepers revive sea shanties with rough harmonies, steady rhythms, and theatrical flair—blending music hall, folklore, and sailor songs into a salty, spirited tribute to coastal life.

Sun 16 Nov, 9am-3pm, The Entrance

Painting by the lake

Join the Central Coast Watercolour Society for a free lakeside painting day! Explore watercolour, contribute to a mural, or enter the live Plein Air Art Competition. Whether you're an artist or observer, celebrate creativity and community in a stunning natural setting as part of The Lakes Festival.

Family Fun - The Lakes Festival

Family Fun - The Lakes Festival

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