The Central Coast’s most colourful celebration, the Coastal Twist Festival, is back for eight unforgettable days of arts, culture, creativity and connection across the region from Sunday 27 September to Sunday 4 October 2026.
Now entering its sixth year, Coastal Twist has grown from a bold community vision into one of the Central Coast’s most loved cultural events. Bringing together artists, performers, community organisations, businesses, volunteers and audiences of all ages, the festival celebrates diversity, inclusion and belonging while showcasing the region’s vibrant creative spirit.
This year’s theme, Radical Radiance, is a call to shine brighter together and create the future we want to see, one grounded in compassion, courage and collective unity. The full festival program and performer lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
Spanning eight days and nights across Woy Woy, Ettalong Beach, Umina Beach and Gosford, Coastal Twist will present a dynamic mix of free and ticketed events including theatre, cabaret, live music, dance, film, visual arts, youth programs, seniors events and community celebrations, culminating in the much-loved Coastie Carnie Fair Day.
More than a festival, Coastal Twist has become a powerful platform for connection, visibility and community wellbeing. While proudly centred on LGBTIQA+ inclusion, it creates welcoming spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, celebrate diversity and strengthen community connections.