For the big kids - Lakes Festival

Things to do

For the big kids - Lakes Festival

Things to do

Celebrate 10 thrilling days with friends and family—feast on seafood, cruise scenic rivers, run the coast, explore bush food, enjoy live music, cabaret, and eco-living demos across the Central Coast

The Lakes Festival returns for its 10th year from 7–16 November 2025, celebrating the Central Coast’s waterways with 10 days of family-friendly activities, cultural events, and educational programs. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to reconnect with the region and enjoy everything our lakes have to offer.

The Itinerary

For the big kids

Seafood delights, live shows and more!

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!

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.

Sun 16 Nov, 10am-12pm, 11.30-1.30pm, 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 & Sun 16 Nov, various times, Ettalong Beach

Bombora SUP Festival

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.

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.

Sat 8 Nov, 7am-3pm, Killcare

Bouddi Coastal Run 2025

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.

Sat 15 Nov, 2-5pm, Brooklyn

Nautical Country

Nautical Country sets sail on the Hawkesbury River with live performances by Andrew Swift and Bryce Sainty. Enjoy scenic river views, smooth tunes, drinks, and cheeky banter aboard the Zarapito. Hosted by Ronnie Tee & Jaq, it’s a golden hour cruise for country fans and good-vibe seekers alike.

Sat 15 Nov, 10am-3pm, The Entrance

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.

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

Swell 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.

Sun 16 Nov, 6am-6pm, Terrigal

T-Fest

T-Fest is Terrigal’s ultimate one day celebration of music, community, and coastal vibes. Enjoy family-friendly fun, live performances, pop up bars, and local food. A week-long karaoke comp across partner venues leads to a high energy finale on the Main Stage.

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.

Sat 15 Nov, 6-10pm, Gosford

Clambake - In my waters

Clambake in My Waters is a bold cabaret by Glitta Supernova, blending mythology, ecology, and magic. Featuring local and national performers as water spirits and sea creatures, this immersive waterfront show celebrates our lakes and estuaries through circus, music, and transformation.

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.

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

Seafood 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.

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For the big kids

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Budgewoi

Terrigal

Toukley

Umina Beach

Woy Woy

Avoca Beach

Wyong

Ettalong Beach