HAPPENINGS FOR AUTUMN

Words Megan Arkinstall

LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL, Norah Head

11 March 2023

Lighthouse Festival combines chilled-out tunes with great food and wine at one of the most epic spots on the Coast, the base of the iconic Norah Head Lighthouse. Aussie favourite Pete Murray is headlining, supported by indie-folk/blues-and-roots duo Pierce Brothers, folk instrumentalist Steph Strings, former Powderfinger guitarist and songwriter Darren Middleton, and alternative pop artist D’Arcy Spiller. lighthousefest.com.au

LATE NIGHT LIT, Ettalong

13 April

Listen to writers and creatives perform poetry and book readings while savouring a glass of Italian wine and mouth-watering Sicilian antipasti and cicchetti (small Venetian snacks) at Bar Toto.

The intimate trattoria, in the Galleria Ettalong, will host Late Night Lit, an evening of the spoken word organised by the literary lovers at Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival. The night will also feature an open mic session where locals are invited to share their creativity. wordsonthewaves.com.au

WORDS ON THE WAVES, the Peninsula 18 MARCH

Back for its third year, Words on the Waves is the Central Coast’s first writers’ festival and aims to foster literacy and creativity. Words at Wagstaffe (18 March), held in partnership with The Bouddi Society, is a one-day event where speakers including Ian Kemish (The Consul) and reporter and historical non-fiction writer Mike Carlton (The Scrap Iron Flotilla) will lead an intimate series of conversations around the theme ‘on the frontline’. Over the first weekend of June, the festival program brings together authors, journalists and artists spanning a plethora of genres, from politics to literature, historical fiction to memoir. There will be author talks and panels, workshops, book launches, literary cruises, cinema screenings and more. wordsonthewaves.com.au

ARCHIBALD PRIZE AT MAC, Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie

8

April–21 May

This autumn, lay eyes on the 2022 Archibald Prize at Lake Macquarie’s Museum of Art and Culture. The winning portrait, Moby Dickens by Blak Douglas, depicts Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens and is the first portrait of an Aboriginal woman to win the prize in its 101 years and just the second time an Aboriginal artist has won. You can see this portrait and all 52 finalists during this exciting touring exhibition. mac.lakemac.com.au

ROCK AT THE RACES, The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford 18 March 2023

A concert doesn’t get much more Australian than one featuring Daryl Braithwaite, unless you add in the likes of Richard Clapton, Russell Morris, the Eurogliders and Wendy Matthews. Take a trip down memory lane and sing along to homegrown music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s at Rock at the Races, held at the Entertainment Grounds (Gosford Showground).

theentertainmentgrounds.com.au

WINE MACHINE, Hunter Valley

18

March 2023

This roving food, wine and music festival – that transforms from daytime garden party to night-time fiesta – is landing in the Hunter Valley this autumn. Wine Machine will be held in the picturesque riverside grounds of Dalwood Estate, known as the birthplace of Hunter Valley wines. Sip on delicious drops from the oldest vineyard in Australia, alongside an epic music line-up including Hot Dub Time Machine, Bliss N Eso and Lime Cordiale. wine-machine.com

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL AND BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL, Avoca Beach Theatre

18

March and 20 May

From the deep ethereal ocean to wild and remote mountains, these two festivals at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre showcase the beauty of our natural world. Ocean Film Festival (18 March) is a collection of short films about the beauty and power of the ocean, adventure and exploration, the marine environment and wildlife, sport and coastal cultures.

Banff Mountain Film Festival (20 May) is a prestigious international film competition of short films and documentaries about mountain culture and adventure. Expect thought-provoking stories, adrenaline-inducing action and breathtaking scenery. avocabeachtheatre.com.au

CENTRAL COAST CHILLI FESTIVAL, The Entrance 21 May

This one-day event is for those who like it hot! If you’re inclined to dial up your spice, head to The Entrance Memorial Park for the Central Coast Chilli Festival, where you can pick up all kinds of chilli products, from jams and spices to beers and liqueurs. There will also be food trucks where you can grab a fiery feast (or something milder if you’re not a chilli fan), a chilli eating contest for those who have cast iron stomachs, as well as live music and a kids’ zone. facebook.com/centralcoastchillifestival