What's on in The Entrance & Central Coast: Upcoming Events 2026 - 2027
With its waterfront setting on Tuggerah Lake, beautiful beaches, family attractions and easy access to destinations including Long Jetty, Toowoon Bay, Shelly Beach, Bateau Bay, Norah Head, Toukley and Wyong, The Entrance is a great base for exploring the Central Coast.
And over the next six months, there is plenty happening.
From hundreds of classic cars at ChromeFest to The Lakes Festival, waterfront markets, summer celebrations and New Year’s Eve, here is your HolidayCo guide to what’s on in The Entrance and the Central Coast.
September 2026 - Spring comes to The Entrance
September is a beautiful time to visit The Entrance. Warmer days make it ideal for exploring the waterfront, beaches and Tuggerah Lake before the busy summer holiday season begins.
Norah Head Ocean View Markets
Just north of The Entrance, the Norah Head Ocean View Markets bring together local makers, food, produce and market stalls in a relaxed coastal setting.
The markets are scheduled throughout spring and summer, including dates in September, October, November and December, with further markets listed into early 2027.
Combine a morning at the markets with a visit to Norah Head Lighthouse, Soldiers Beach or the surrounding coastline for an easy Central Coast day trip.
Explore The Entrance and Long Jetty
Spring is also an excellent time to explore the local area without the peak summer crowds.
Walk along The Entrance waterfront, explore the foreshore of Tuggerah Lake, visit nearby Long Jetty, enjoy the local cafés or spend an afternoon at Toowoon Bay, Blue Bay or Shelly Beach.
October 2026
ChromeFest - The Entrance
Friday 23 – Sunday 25 October 2026
One of the biggest annual events in The Entrance returns in October.
ChromeFest 2026 takes over The Entrance from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October, transforming the town into a celebration of classic cars, rock ’n’ roll and retro culture.
More than 450 pre-1979 show cars are expected to be on display, alongside car cruises, entertainment across five outdoor stages, market and retro stalls, vintage fashion, dance demonstrations and plenty more.
For visitors, it is one of the best weekends of the year to experience The Entrance.
Expect the town centre and waterfront to come alive with classic vehicles, music and entertainment throughout the three-day festival.
Why stay for ChromeFest?
Rather than making ChromeFest a day trip, turn it into a Central Coast weekend away.
Stay in The Entrance, The Entrance North, Long Jetty, Toowoon Bay or surrounding areas and spend the weekend enjoying both the festival and the coast.
ChromeFest weekends can be particularly popular, so visitors looking for accommodation in The Entrance for ChromeFest 2026 should consider booking early.
November 2026
The Lakes Festival
6–15 November 2026
November brings another major Central Coast celebration.
The Lakes Festival returns from 6 to 15 November 2026, with events and activities taking place around the waterways of the Central Coast.
The ten-day festival celebrates the Coast’s lakes, beaches and waterways through a program of family activities, sport, culture, education, arts and live entertainment.
The Entrance and Tuggerah Lake are among the key locations associated with the festival.
Previous festival programs have included activities such as kayaking, waterside activities, art workshops, community celebrations, environmental experiences, entertainment and live music.
For visitors staying at The Entrance, The Lakes Festival is an excellent opportunity to discover more of the Central Coast while enjoying one of the region’s major annual events.
Light up the Lake
One of the signature experiences associated with The Lakes Festival is Light Up the Lake at Memorial Park, The Entrance.
The waterfront location makes The Entrance a natural hub for the festival and a great place to base yourself while exploring activities happening around Tuggerah Lake and elsewhere across the Central Coast.
Sustainable Future Festival
14 November 2026
The Sustainable Future Festival will also join The Lakes Festival program in November.
This free community event celebrates sustainable living on the Central Coast with workshops, demonstrations, speakers, entertainment and artisan market stalls.
December 2026 - Summer at The Entrance
December marks the beginning of the Central Coast’s summer holiday season.
Long days, warm weather and the waterfront atmosphere make The Entrance especially popular during the Christmas and New Year period.
The Entrance Markets
One of the easiest ways to experience the local community is at The Entrance Markets at Memorial Park.
Located directly beside the waterfront, the markets feature a changing selection of local artisans, producers, food products, handmade goods, candles, skincare, preserves and other locally produced items.
The markets generally operate from 9am to 2pm, with the current 2026 event calendar running through to 19 December.
A morning at the markets can easily be combined with lunch in The Entrance, a walk along the waterfront and an afternoon at the beach.
Norah Head Ocean View Markets
19 December 2026
For visitors staying over the Christmas period, another Norah Head Ocean View Market is scheduled for Saturday 19 December.
It’s an easy drive north from The Entrance and can be combined with a visit to Norah Head Lighthouse and Soldiers Beach.
New Year's Eve at The Entrance
31 December 2026
Few places on the Central Coast offer a better setting to welcome the New Year than the waterfront at The Entrance.
New Year’s Eve at The Entrance is included on Central Coast Council’s 2026–27 major community events calendar, with the event centred around Memorial Park.
The Entrance has a long tradition of family-focused New Year’s Eve celebrations, making it an especially popular destination during the summer school holidays.
If you’re planning to spend New Year’s Eve 2026 at The Entrance, booking accommodation well in advance is recommended as the Christmas–New Year period is one of the busiest times of the year on the Central Coast.
January 2027 - Summer Holidays on the Central Coast
January is peak summer holiday time at The Entrance.
Between events, visitors can make the most of some of the Central Coast’s best beaches and waterways.
Swim at Toowoon Bay or Blue Bay, explore The Entrance North, walk along Tuggerah Lake, visit Long Jetty or take a day trip north towards Norah Head.
Central Coast Farmers Market
The Central Coast Farmers Market continues throughout January, with Sunday markets currently scheduled on:
3 January
10 January
17 January
24 January
31 January 2027
Held at Gosford Showground, the market is a great place to discover fresh Central Coast produce and local food while exploring another part of the region.
Australia Day at The Entrance
Tuesday 26 January 2027
Central Coast Council includes Australia Day at The Entrance as one of its major community events for the 2026–27 event calendar.
The celebration traditionally takes place around Memorial Park on The Entrance waterfront.
The 2026 event featured free live entertainment, family activities, food trucks and evening fireworks, creating a major family celebration on the waterfront.
Visitors planning for 2027 should check the official event program closer to January for confirmed entertainment, activities and timings.
With Australia Day falling during the summer holiday period, it is also an ideal opportunity to turn the event into a longer beach holiday at The Entrance.
February 2027
Love Lanes Festival - Wyong
6 February 2027
Take a short trip from The Entrance to Wyong for the popular Love Lanes Festival.
The festival transforms Wyong Town Centre into an evening of entertainment, food and community activity and is scheduled for 6 February 2027.
Wyong is easily accessible from The Entrance, making Love Lanes another event visitors can enjoy while using The Entrance as their holiday base.
Summer Race Day - East Gosford
20 February 2027
For a different Central Coast experience, the Summer Race Day at Gosford Race Club is scheduled for Saturday 20 February 2027.
It provides another option for couples and groups looking to combine a coastal holiday with an event during their stay.
March 2027
Markets, Music and Autumn on the Central Coast
March is an excellent time for a Central Coast getaway.
The summer crowds begin to ease, but the weather can still be ideal for beaches, swimming, walking and exploring the region.
The Central Coast Farmers Market continues each Sunday throughout March, while other community markets, music events and entertainment are scheduled around the region.
Norah Head also has markets scheduled during March, giving visitors another reason to explore the coastline north of The Entrance.
Make a Holiday of It at The Entrance
One of the advantages of staying at The Entrance is its location.
You’re close to Tuggerah Lake, The Entrance North, Blue Bay, Toowoon Bay, Long Jetty, Shelly Beach and Bateau Bay, while destinations such as Norah Head, Toukley, Wyong, Terrigal and Gosford are within easy reach.
That makes The Entrance an ideal accommodation base for attending festivals and events while still enjoying a traditional Central Coast beach holiday.
Spend the morning at a local market, swim at the beach in the afternoon, walk along the lake at sunset and then enjoy dinner at one of the area’s restaurants or cafés.
Find Holiday Accommodation in The Entrance with HolidayCo
Coming to the Central Coast for ChromeFest, The Lakes Festival, New Year’s Eve, Australia Day, a local market or a summer getaway?
HolidayCo offers holiday accommodation in The Entrance and surrounding Central Coast locations, making it easy to stay close to the beaches, Tuggerah Lake, local attractions and major events.
Choose from holiday apartments, waterfront accommodation, family-friendly stays and properties suited to couples, groups and longer holidays.
Book direct with HolidayCo and make The Entrance your base for exploring the Central Coast – for every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest events in The Entrance in 2026?
Major upcoming events include ChromeFest from 23–25 October 2026, The Lakes Festival from 6–15 November 2026 and New Year’s Eve at The Entrance on 31 December 2026.
When is ChromeFest at The Entrance in 2026?
ChromeFest will be held at The Entrance from Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October 2026.
When is The Lakes Festival 2026?
The Central Coast Lakes Festival runs from 6–15 November 2026, with activities taking place at locations across the Central Coast including The Entrance and areas surrounding the region’s waterways.
Are there markets at The Entrance?
Yes. The Entrance Markets are held at Memorial Park on Marine Parade, with local artisans, producers, food and handmade products.
What events are on near The Entrance?
Visitors staying at The Entrance can access events across Long Jetty, Norah Head, Toukley, Wyong, Terrigal and Gosford, making The Entrance a convenient base for exploring the Central Coast events calendar.
Where should I stay for events at The Entrance?
Staying in The Entrance, The Entrance North, Long Jetty, Blue Bay or Toowoon Bay provides convenient access to Memorial Park, Tuggerah Lake, beaches, restaurants and events around The Entrance.
Is The Entrance good for a weekend away?
Yes. The Entrance combines beaches, Tuggerah Lake, waterfront walks, markets, restaurants and regular events and is approximately midway between Sydney and Newcastle, making it popular for Central Coast weekend escapes and longer family holidays.
Event information can change. Visitors should confirm dates, times and individual event programs with event organisers before travelling.
-
Looking for the best markets on the Central Coast NSW? From waterfront markets at The Entrance and Long Jetty to beachside markets at Avoca and Terrigal, the Central Coast has a fantastic collection of weekend markets, farmers markets, artisan stalls, local food and handmade products.
-
Enjoy Fresh Produce from Central Coast Farms The Yarramalong Valley and the ridge around Mangrove Mountain make up some of the most productive farming country within an hour of Sydney, and almost none of it shows up in the average Central Coast holiday. Beyond the beach towns, this is a region of small organic growers,…
-
The Central Coast Hinterland Most people who holiday on the Central Coast never leave the coastline, and it’s easy to see why. But drive inland for twenty-five to forty minutes from any of our four towns and the region changes completely. The beaches give way to bushland, working farms and a stretch of national park…
