Add to Wishlist

Family Fun - The Lakes Festival

Things to do
Add to Wishlist

Family Fun - The Lakes Festival

Things to do

There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained! 

With live music performances, sustainable education and interactive activities, an exploration of water through art, and not to mention artisan markets and delicious local food to try, there is so much to do that will keep the kids and adults entertained during The Lakes Festival.

The Itinerary

10 days of family fun!
Sat 9 Nov, 4-9pm, The Entrance

Light Up The Lake

Be amazed by headliner Boo Seeka, with BELLA AMOR, RAAVE Tapes, False London and Daytrip. Fun activities, licensed area, roving performers, and fantastic food, followed by fireworks display that will literally Light Up The Lake!

  

Sat 9, Sun 10, Sat 16 & Sun 17 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 8- Sun 17 November, All Day, Budgewoi

Hills Hoist Exchange: Swimming clothes and accessories Swap

The Hills Hoist Exchange is an interactive art installation and sustainable swap event. Take and exchange preloved swimwear promoting a circular economy and community sharing.

  

  

  

Fri 8 Nov, 10am-4pm, Woy Woy

Central Coast Postcard Show: Perspectives of Brisbane Water

Central Coast Postcard Show celebrates the creation, exhibition, and sale of postcard-sized artworks highlighting the stunning waterways of the Central Coast through a vibrant art exhibition, interactive workshops and a postcard fair.

  

  

  

Fri 8 Nov, 5-9pm, Gwandalan

Cinema Under the Stars

Come down to Gwandalan's very first Cinema Under the Stars on Friday 8 November from 5pm at the Lioness Park Foreshore and watch Moana.  Enjoy a Moana photo booth, face painting, roving entertainment, delicious food ice and popcorn!

  

Sat 9 Nov, 7am-3pm, Bouddi National Park

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.

  

  

Sat 9 Nov, 9am, Long Jetty

Painting by the lake

Watch renowned artists painting at the waterfront and help make a world record in Plein Air Painters by painting your own watercolour!

  

  

Sat 9 and Sun 10 Nov, from 10am, Hardys Bay

Killcare Waterways & Marine Life Tour

Enjoy a 2 hour tour to explore the waterways and learn about the animals and rich history of the area in safety and style, aboard an Eco tour vessel.

  

  

Sat 9 Nov, Terrigal

Australian Beach Netball

Australian Beach Netball is a fantastic opportunity for netball enthusiasts to come together, showcase their skills, and enjoy friendly competition. Teams will face off in a thrilling blend of rules from netball, basketball & volleyball.

  

  

  

Sat 9 Nov, 11:45am, Ettalong Beach

Clambake Acapella Flash Mob

Experience something unique at this Lakes Festival presented by FunHaus Factory with the Joy Choir Project's acapella flash mob. Catch this spontaneous performance on the waterfront in front of The Box in Ettalong. Enjoy a lively mix of harmonies with renditions of the Ramones' "Rockaway Beach" and Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" in a vibrant, all-ages outdoor event. 

  

 

Sat 9 Nov, 3-6pm, The Entrance

Kayak The Entrance

Enjoy a free kayak paddle on beautiful Tuggerah Lake. Learn about habitats and the Little Tern and how we can all care for our catchments.

  

Sun 10 and 17 Nov, 7am, Budgewoi

Yoga by the Lake

Come join us for a relaxing yoga session by the beautiful lake at Mackenzie Reserve. Let's unwind and stretch together in this peaceful outdoor setting. All levels are welcome, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi.

  

Sun 10 Nov, 11:30-3pm, Gosford

Splashabout Showcase "A Nu Wave"

Dive into a sea of circus wonder with our aquatic-themed student and professional performer showcase.

  

Mon 11, Tue 12 & 13 Wed November, 10-11am, East Gosford

Working Water Craft - make and create with us

Pre-schoolers and parents are invited to create a 3D flying boat, based on artist Guy Warrens painting ‘Icon for a traveller- 1984’, from the Central Coast Councils Art Collection. Using recycled cardboard and paint, we invite you to explore 3D forms, together, you will be guided by one of our wonderful art tutors to create an imaginary flying boat.

  

Tue 12 Nov, 7-9:30pm, Kincumber

Kincumba Night Adventure

Join Council's Environmental Education staff on a night adventure into the forest at Kincumba Mountain and discover some of Australia's nocturnal animals. The bush really comes to life after dark with sounds and movements. You never know what you will see!

  

Tue 12 Nov, 9am-1pm, Gosford

1Coast Sustainable Activation Day

Discover how to keep Our Coast clean and protect our waterways with activities and games to inspire waste avoidance, waste reduction and resource recovery for a sustainable future. There will be plenty of kids activities and entertainment all day!

  

Wed 13 Nov, 10am-1:30pm, Long Jetty

Take 3 for the Sea Cleanup Day

Plastic pollution is killing wildlife and marine life, devastating oceans and threatening the health of our planet. Join us and the Take 3 team for The Lakes Festival Community Clean Up and make a positive difference helping a global movement to reduce plastic pollution and waste.

  

  

Fri 15 Nov, 4-9pm, Terrigal

Marine Magic Outdoor Cinema and Arts Fair

Dive into an evening of Marine Magic with art, circus fun, face painting and environmental education right by the beautiful Marine Centre and waterfront in Terrigal! Once the sun sets, kick back and watch a family friendly movie on the big screen.

  

Thur 14 Nov, 9am-12pm, Chain Valley Bay

Kayak Lake Mac

Enjoy a free kayak paddle on beautiful Lake Macquarie. Learn about underwater habitats and how we can all care for our catchments.

  

Fri 15 Nov, 10am-1pm, Budgewoi

1Coast Sustainable Activation Day

Discover how to keep Our Coast clean and protect our waterways with activities and games to inspire waste avoidance, waste reduction and resource recovery for a sustainable future. There will be plenty of kids activities and entertainment all day!

  

Sat 16 Nov, 3-10pm, Woy Woy

Gather and Groove Music and Arts Festival

Immerse yourself in a whimsical underwater wonderland at ‘Gather and Groove’ for Lakes Festival, celebrating our beautiful coastal waters with live music, interactive art, circus acts, and environmental education.

  

 

  

Sat 16 Nov, 4-8pm, Avoca Beach

The Wonders of the Water - a full moon celebration of water through arts

A free family-friendly event celebrating water through art, culture, and community under the full moon at Avoca Lake. Enjoy dance, music, storytelling, visual arts, and more.

  

  

Sat 16 and Sun 17 Nov, From 5:30am, Ettalong Beach

SUP Extravaganza

Two jam-packed days of fun including, SUP Yoga classes, SUP races, SUP lessons, and SUP ball competition. Water fun activities for the whole family to enjoy! On Saturday, learn the secret art of sand sculpting and build your own sand-based art!

  

  

  

Sat 16 Nov, 3-7pm, Davistown

Kayak Brisbane Water

Enjoy a kayak paddle on beautiful Brisbane Water. Visit Rileys Island, see amazing wildlife and learn how we can all care for our waterways.

As part of The Lakes Festival, we will also visit the Gather and Groove event at Woy Woy to check out the live music, stalls and food.

  

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

The Entrance Market

Discover the best of the Central Coast with a variety of local products, from fresh produce to handcrafted treasures. Join us for a day of community, live entertainment, and tasty treats. Bring your friends and family and make it a Saturday to remember!

  

Sun 17 Nov, 3-6pm, Gosford

Spiral Coast

Unleash your inner acrobat or budding clown at SPIRAL Coast - a delightful fusion of coastal spirit and circus excitement!

  

Where we are