Sports and Outdoors - 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!

Fri 14 Nov, 5-9.30pm, Gwandalan

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 15 Nov, 2-5pm, Hawkesbury River

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.

Bouddi Coastal Run

Trail run views to take your breath away! The Bouddi Coastal Run is a popular 14km and 21km trail running event held within Bouddi National Park, a stunning coastal reserve on the NSW Central Coast.

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. Dive in!

Sat 15 Nov, 8.30am-3pm

Wyong River Catchment Crawl

Join Central Coast Waterwatch as we embark on an exciting bus tour of Wyong River. Go dip netting for water bugs, collect water samples to test the health of our waterways, learn about the plants and animals that call Wyong River home, including the iconic platypus and learn about the many ways you can get involved to keep our waterways healthy.

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!

Sun 9 Nov, 9am-3pm, Terrigal

Marine Discovery Family 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.

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

Acoustic Life on the River

Waterways & Words invites you to explore the stories of the Lower Hawkesbury River. Enjoy floating storytellers, haiku happenings, shanty singers, Irish harp, and pop-up performances. Choose one of two unique voyages, or both, for a magical journey through music, history, and community along sandstone cliffs and river bends.

Sat 8 & 9 Nov, 10am-5pm, Gosford

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 9 Nov and 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.

Sat 15 & Sun 16, various sessions times, 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.

Sun 17 Nov, 3-6pm, Gosford

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.

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 (children must be accompanied by an adult).

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.

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.

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.

Thur 13 Nov, 10am-12pm, Terrigal

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.

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

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.

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.

Sat 15 Nov, 4-4.30pm, Toukley

Zumab 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.

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

Splashabout Showcase

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.

Sat 15 Nov, 9am-3pm, Gorokan

Art and Craft fair by the Lake

and bargain art tables, all set against the scenic lakeside backdrop. Enjoy browsing, meeting local makers, and soaking up the relaxed community atmosphere

Sat 8 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.

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

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 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.

What are you looking for?

Sports and Outdoors - The Lakes Festival

Sports and Outdoors - The Lakes Festival

The Itinerary

Light Up The Lake

Cinema Under the Stars

Nautical Country

Bouddi Coastal Run

Swell Times

Wyong River Catchment Crawl

Sea Food Fest

Marine Discovery Family Day

Marine Magic Outdoor Cinema

Acoustic Life on the River

Water Polo by the Waterfront

The Entrance Market

Bombora SUP Festival

Spiral Coast

Seafood Cooking Class

Painting by the Lake

Soundscapes Youth Writing Workshop

Ink & Water and Lighthouse Keepers

Ink & Water Community Poems

Ink & Water Community Poems

Zumba Kids

Zumab Kids

Splashabout Showcase

Art and Craft fair by the Lake

Beneath the waves

Ink & Water Community Poems

Ink & Water Community Poems

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