Things to do this Summer on the Central Coast

Events on the Central Coast Summer 2023

Plan your summer holidays with the best local events and activities guaranteed to keep boredom at bay.

With the summer holidays well and truly here, it’s time to plan how you’ll fill those long hot days and nights. Check out this list of what’s hot on the Central Coast this summer, with sporting events, music festivals, markets, parties and wellness retreats on offer.

Please note: please ensure you double-check directly with the organisers for all the most up-to-date information and availability for ticketed events.

January events on the Central Coast

Market Warriors – The Locals Market, West Gosford | Sunday, January 8

Riverside Business Park Market, West Gosford. Supporting local business is their motto and they aim to do this on the second Sunday of each month.

Cinema Under the Stars, Gosford | Saturday, January 14

Newcastle Permanent’s fan-favourite Cinema Under the Stars event is back on Saturday January 14, offering entertainment and a feature film for everyone under the stars at Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium.

Kicking off at 5:30pm there will be live music, roving entertainers and a swag of interactive games for kids of all ages on offer. Once the kids have worn themselves out, the big screen will light up with a twilight screening of the feature film Sing 2.

Arj Barker, Live, Mingara | Sunday, January 15

Held at Mingara Recreation Club you can guarantee laughs until your face hurts as Arj Barker is coming to town! Australia’s adopted son of comedy is bringing his act on tour and we are lucky enough to be a stop on his route. Get your tickets now.

Mason’s Parade Outdoor Area Grand Opening, Toukley | Thursday, January 26,

The Ary, Toukley  is hosting a full day of family fun, live music and celebration as they officially open the brand new outdoor area at the Ary in Toukley. Make sure to mark this one in your diary as a public holiday activity.

Eastcoast Juices – Rock the Farm, Kulnura | Friday, January 27

Held at Eastcoast Beverages in the Hinterland.  The line-up includes Dragon, Batchelor Girl and local talent the Sea Gypsies.

We bet you can imagine yourself belting out a bit of “April Sun in Cuba” while sipping on drinks by local faves like Six String Brewing Company, Firescreek Winery, Upstairs Wines, Distillery Botanica all amongst the stunning orange orchards.

Yip, sounds pretty epic to us!

Central Coast Summer events in February

Love Lanes Festival, Wyong | Saturday, February 11

A one-day street festival with live music playing across four main stages throughout the suburb of Wyong. Surprises are a-plenty at this festival of discovery and exploration. More info on the Central Coast Council website.

Eco-Luxe Wellness Retreat, Treetop Eco-Luxe Beach House, Bouddi | February 10-12

An Eco-Luxe Surf & Yoga Wellness Retreat in Bouddi National Park. Hosted by the beautiful Arjanna your home for the weekend will be a stunning abode nestled in the beautiful treetops of Bouddi National Park, accessed by a footbridge across a small creek.

Not a surfer or a yogi?  No worries surfer levels from beginner to intermediate and all levels of yoga are welcome.

Did we mention all meals are included and prepared by the in-house chef?

Could there be a better way to kick off your 2023?

For more details check out Surf Salutations Retreats.

Gin & Jazz Festival, Davistown | Saturday, February 18

Gin lovers will be spoilt for choice at this festival which is to be held at the Davo (Davistown RSL Club) featuring 5 Gin Distilleries. Set on the rolling lawn overlooking Brisbane Water the local and Australian specialty Gin Distillers will be showcased. There’s also the Big Shot Lunch on the balcony as well as Typsy Jazz headlining the music and a visit from the Bathtub Gin Orchestra for 1920- 1930’s stomp, swing and gypsy jazz.

More info: Gin & Jazz Festival – Davistown RSL

Summer Spandex III, Naughty Noodle Haus, Ettalong | Sunday, February 18

Proudly presented by Naughty Noodle Fun Haus as part of Sydney WorldPride Pride Amplified, expect a high-voltage night of celebratory, hilarious, cheeky entertainment.

Groups of six or more receive a 15% discount. Get your best ‘be my Valentine’ themed costumes ready and dress for LOVE! @naughtynoodlefunhaus

Events on the Central Coast in March 2023

Girrakool Blues Festival, The Entrance | March 3-5

We are super excited for this event. Girrakool Blues Festival is a New Orleans-style free event. Named after the nearby waterfalls Girrakool is Aboriginal for “Place of still water”, quite fitting for an event held on the foreshore at The Entrance.

Featuring international, national and local blues and roots acts as well as a strong Aboriginal theme for the day. Naturally, this means there will be a Welcome to Country Ceremony, indigenous bands will feature and event goers will be encouraged to consider and respect the country we enjoy the event on. 

More info and to RSVP head here.

Lighthouse Festival, Norah Head | Saturday, March 11

Lighthouse Festival is back and the best news is we have not needed to wait a full year from their last event (back in November last year).

This one-day boutique music, food & wine gathering, is staged at Norah Head lighthouse reserve.  Not only will you enjoy amazing artists but hello breathtaking location!

Lineup includes Pete Murray, Pierce Brothers, Steph Strings, Darren Middleton (Powderfinger) and D’Arcy Spiller. The food will be focussing on fresh local produce and boutique wine makers.

Get tickets here.

RELATED: The Long Jetty Festival Announcement Breaking News by Coasties Mag

Long Jetty Festival, Long Jetty | March, Sunday 12

The Long Jetty Festival is set to activate the streets and venues of this iconic suburb, in a huge celebration of everything that is uniquely Long Jetty, music, art, culture, pre-loved and people.

Let’s send off summer in the best kind of way, on Sunday March 12^th, this event is the ultimate one-day takeover of the beautiful lakeside suburb and among the biggest community events to hit the Central Coast. The vibe will well and truly be alive in Long Jetty.

Headlining the mainstage will be The Rubens and Meg Mac  – joined by Little Quirks, Tropical Zombie, Sam Windley, The Rams, Punk Rock Hillbilly and more.

Not to mention 250+ food, flea and market stalls, craft bars, street art, kids corner, chill village, bark park.  Wowwee how can you not be keen?

Vissla Central Coast Pro, Avoca Beach | March 13 – 18

World-class surfing will return to Avoca Beach in 2023 with this prominent surfing event for the Men’s Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 and Women’s Sisstrevolution World Surfing League qualifying events.  The elite six-day event will form the fourth and final stop on the Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series.

More info: head over to the WSL site

Flavours by the Sea, Terrigal | Staurday, March 23

Every year The Esplanade in Terrigal comes alive with tastes and sounds from around the globe. Rounding off Harmony Week you will get to experience some of the best music and food there is on offer.

In one festival, you’ll practically experience a trip around the world. Tantalise your tastebuds with an array of international cuisines and enjoy live musical performances.

More info: Flavours by the Sea

Rock at the Races, The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford | Saturday, March 18

One day. 10 acts. 50 massive hits. Presented by TripleM Central Coast, the lineup includes Daryl Braithwaite, Wendy Matthews, Richard Clapton and more. 

For more info click here.

Please note: please ensure you double-check directly with the organisers for all the most up-to-date information and availability for ticketed events.

KEEP READING: New Restaurant Openings to check out this Summer on the Central Coast