The Central Coast Lakes Festival is back in full swing this November, with the region’s magnificent waterways set to take centre stage.

The 10-day festival will see over 30 events and activities taking place at 13 different locations across the region. The program will include:

• Light Up the Lake which will kick-off the festival on Saturday 5 November with fun activities, roving performers, foods stalls, live music and a fireworks display at Memorial Park, The Entrance.
   
• Colour Our Coast 5km fun run/walk and festival returns on Sunday 13 November, with registrations now open. Taking place at Picnic Point Reserve, The Entrance, the event is open to anyone who likes to have fun and get active! Roundabout Circus and YAAS (Young Authentic and Social) will provide entertainment on the day, and there will be a variety of food and drink stalls available.
   
• SURFSOUNDS beachside festival will launch for the first time at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina on Sunday 13 November and will celebrate local musicians and artists in a free one-day event. As well as the entertainment, a variety of food trucks, a wine bar and a brewery stall will be operating.
   
• Sunset Social: Latin on the Lake offers a community dining experience under the setting sun, along the Long Jetty foreshore on Saturday 12 November. Enjoy live entertainment from world renowned Latin performers whilst you dine, before showing off some of your own Latin dance moves.
   
• The inaugural Sustainable Future Festival will launch this year at Mingara Recreation Club, celebrating all things sustainability. Taking place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November, the festival will include special guests Kyal and Kara (Saturday 12 November) and Dr Karl (Sunday 13 November).

Further events to look out for include Breakfast with the Birds, the Bouddi Coastal Run, SUP Yoga at three locations, Creative Nature Children’s Corner, bike rides and kayaking and Naughty Noodle’s annual ‘Clambake’ event ‘Swamp Thang'.

Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said Council is excited to deliver the event in person this year, after having to take it online in 2021 due to the pandemic.

“The Lakes Festival is one of the region’s biggest and most exciting events, previously attracting 65,000 attendees prior to the pandemic,” Mr Cannard said.

“We look forward to seeing locals and visitors come together once again to enjoy everything from festivals, fitness and outdoor events, entertainment and markets to kid friendly events across the 10-day program.”

Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said The Lakes Festival is an important event in educating locals and visitors about our waterways.

“Our beautiful lakes and waterways form a large part of the Central Coast’s identity and are the reason why many of us choose to live, work and play in the region,” Mr Hart said.

“The Lakes Festival is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this and the variety of lifestyle, health and wellbeing and economic benefits our waterways provide our community.

“I encourage all local residents and visitors to take advantage of the exciting events set to light up our local foreshores and waterways this November.”

The Lakes Festival takes place from Friday 4 to Sunday 13 November and spans locations across The Entrance, Picnic Point, Long Jetty, Toukley, Tuggerah, Budgewoi, Terrigal, Avoca, Ettalong, and Umina.

To see the full event program including what events are ticketed or require registration, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/thelakesfestival

The Lakes Festival is proudly sponsored by Mounties Group and proudly funded by the NSW Government.

ENDS