4 November 2026

 

THE Central Coast Lakes Festival is an annual 10-day celebration that brings the region's beautiful waterways to life through a vibrant mix of live music, outdoor sporting activities, cultural workshops, art installations, and family-friendly entertainment. Spearheaded by the Central Coast Council, the festival spans multiple lakefront locations including The Entrance, Tuggerah, Gosford, and Avoca Beach.

 

THE festival program focuses heavily on accessible, family-friendly entertainment, boasting more than 15 entirely free activities. Organisers promise a vibrant mix of live music, water sports, artisan markets, First Nations cultural workshops, and interactive environmental education designed to connect locals and tourists alike with the local marine ecosystems.

 

Last year, this iconic annual event was nothing short of spectacular, drawing approximately 41,300 attendees across the 10-day period, generating an impressive economic impact of $9.1 million, showcasing its growing significance to the region.

 

The absolute crowning jewel of the 2026 lineup is Light Up the Lake, scheduled to take over Memorial Park at The Entrance on Saturday 7 November from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The massive evening activation will showcase a stellar live music lineup featuring headline performances from Keli Holiday (DJ Set), BOY SODA, Charli Lucas, and RAGEFLOWER. In a spectacular festival first, crowds will be treated to a cutting-edge, custom-designed drone show illuminating the night sky over the water alongside traditional fireworks and roving street performers.

 

Sustainability remains at the absolute forefront of this year's operations. Having successfully completed Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, the festival is introducing eco-conscious initiatives like reusable rice husk sunglasses, sugarcane water bottles, and promotional material printed strictly on certified sustainable paper. The eco-focus culminates on Saturday 14 November with the Sustainable Future Festival, featuring a guest appearance by television personality Costa Georgiadis hosting workshops on circular living.

 

Other program highlights include dark-adapted Glow Kayak Tours, stand-up paddle-boarding workshops, free family entry days at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, and outdoor cinema nights right by the sea at Terrigal. With an eclectic mix of culture, sports, and world-class live entertainment, the 2026 event is expected to draw thousands of visitors and provide a multi-million dollar economic boost to local businesses. Residents and holidaymakers are encouraged to explore the full program on the official Love Central Coast Lakes Festival Hub and secure bookings early for exclusive tours.

 

Residents and visitors are invited to explore the Central Coast and enjoy its diverse lakes and waterways through a vibrant program of accessible and inclusive events and activities for all ages.

 

• When: Friday 6 November - Sunday 15 November 2026. Individual event times vary.

 

• Where: Various locations across the Central Coast.

 

• Cost: Free entry. Refer to the program for free and ticketed events.

 

For more information or to download the program, visit here.

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