This summer, the Central Coast is calling, and we've got your itinerary sorted

From vibrant circus precinct pop-ups and blues festivals to classic cars and hands-on art workshops
Love Lanes festival performer
Photograph: Supplied | Destination Central Coast
By Olivia Hart for Time Out in association with Destination Central Coast
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There’s something special about NSW’s Central Coast. Golden beaches, a laid-back energy, ever-developing food scene, hot live music offerings and the fact that it’s just a breezy 90-minute drive north of Sydney. And summer is the perfect time to pack the car and head up the M1 (or take the train). With a stacked calendar of events – many of them free – and a coastline in all its summertime glory, there’s never been a better excuse for a weekend escape. Think markets, outdoor gigs, delicious food and plenty of spots to soak up the sunshine.

So, whether you’re fresh off a whirlwind Euro trip and feeling the post-holiday blues, or keen for an affordable local getaway before school goes back, grab your sunnies, queue up your road trip playlist, and roll those windows down. Here’s your guide to the best things to do on the Central Coast this summer:

4 things to do on the Central Coast

Back for its ninth iteration, Love Lanes Festival is set to take over Wyong, turning the familiar into the fantastical. With secret gardens, lantern-lit pathways and vibrant bursts of colour at every corner you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale at this festival that celebrates all things love. Bring along that special someone and spend a day basking in each other’s company alongside live music, vibrant art, tasty food and enchanting performances. Little ones are welcome too and are sure to find fun in the kids zone and circus precinct. Saturday, February 7.

Get ready for three non-stop days of blues, roots and soul by the sea as the Girrakool Blues Festival returns to The Entrance this February. The bill is stacked with performances from Karen Lee Andrews, Chase the Sun, Shane Pacey Trio and more filling up the days. You can also browse for goods at the vibrant markets or settle in with a bite from the delicious vendors as the breezy coastal town dials it up a notch. Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1.

For rock ’n’ roll lovers, Stars Festival is rolling into town - Ettalong Beach, to be exact - bringing retro style, classic cars, pin-up fashion and loads of family-friendly fun across three epic days. This vibrant community celebration sees local artists come together to honour all things rockabilly, with creative workshops, dancing and top-notch vibes throughout. Don’t miss the Passport to the Stars interactive guide, where you can snap a pic or learn a thing or two about your favourite retro rebels. February 13 to 15. 

If Korean-Australian contemporary artist HyunHee Lee isn’t on your radar yet, now’s the time to change that. As part of Creative Spaces, the acclaimed artist is hosting immersive, hands-on workshops inside the Gallery Container, where you’ll learn to create richly textured artworks inspired by Korean traditions.

Through making and meaningful conversation, you’ll explore the relationship between past and present, a recurring theme in Lee’s practice, brought to life through modern techniques and traditional Korean materials like hanji paper and silk. Open to all skill levels, this is a rare chance to work alongside a visionary, award-winning artist. Trust us, this is not to be missed. On until 27 March.

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