From lakeside concerts and historic sailing regattas to grassroots community breakfasts and citizenship ceremonies, the North Coast of New South Wales will come alive this Australia Day long weekend with a diverse program of celebrations stretching across the region.
Running from January 23–26, festivities will span Lake Macquarie, the Tweed Coast and beyond, blending major headline events with much-loved local traditions. At the heart of the celebrations is the return of Lake Mac Fest 2026, delivering four days of live music, markets, theatre, sailing and family-friendly activities across multiple waterfront locations, alongside community-led Australia Day events that honour local achievement, heritage and togetherness.
A major highlight of the weekend is the Red-Hot Summer Festival on Saturday, January 24 at Speers Point Park, led by Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, and The Cruel Sea.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Macquarie, this is a celebration of homegrown talent and summer vibes, – perfect for family and friends, pack a picnic, and soak up the sounds of Australia’s best in one of the region’s most picturesque locations. Tickets are on sale now via the Red Hot Summer website.
The Lions Club of Cabarita Beach Pottsville Beach, sponsored by Tweed Shire Council, will also host its annual Australia Day January 26 event, bringing the community together to celebrate Australia’s spirit and achievements.
A breakfast sausage sizzle will kick off the day’s events from 7.30 am at Norries Headland Lions Park, Bogangar.
Lions Club spokesman Peter O’Donnell said all gold coin donations from the sausage sizzle will be used to support various community organisations.
“We thoroughly enjoy being able to celebrate our community and those who do so much for it,” Mr O’Donnell said.
“This Australia Day we will recognise a couple of local families – beginning with the Johansen Award, in recognition of one of Tweed Coast’s great pioneers Don Johansen, who had a huge impact on the Bogangar community.
“Don established the Bogangar local store and the post office which he and his wife ran on the Tweed Coast Road for more than 40 years.
“The Garrard Family were also massive contributors to the region and all money from their estate was donated to the Lions Club Foundation and to support the Westpac helicopter.
“So, this year we will present the Johansen and the Garrd Family awards to local people who do good in our community.
“We also love seeing the young people who are chosen by their schools for our School Awards in the areas of Most Improved and Best Aussie Spirit.”
The Tyalgum District Community Association (TDCA) will hold its Australia Day celebrations at the local community hall, in Coolman Street.
Spokesman Solar Chapel said the festivities will be full of community spirit, family fun and local pride.
“Join us for a traditional flag raising ceremony, followed by the presentation of the Australia Day Awards, honouring the outstanding contributions of community members across the district,” Mr Chapel said.
“Families will enjoy a range of kids’ activities, including the much-anticipated announcement of the children’s drawing competition winners.
“There’ll be plenty of excitement for young artists and proud parents alike.
“After the formalities, stay for a relaxed morning tea at the Tyalgum Hall, along with a community raffle supporting local initiatives.
“Australia Day is a great way to celebrate our unity and to highlight everyone’s community spirit in Tyalgum.”
Tyalgum’s Australia Day Celebrations is sponsored by the Tweed Shire Council.
For Australia Day in the Swansea/Lake Macquarie area, there will be various events with markets, live music and fireworks at nearby Morisset, plus local venue celebrations with Aussie-style food and live bands.
The Lake Macquarie City Council will host the Harrington Circus – a ticketed 80 Minute Action-Packed Circus Show featuring international performers, death-defying acts, aerial performers, Clowns, magic illusions, and so much more!
Experience the Aussie Night Markets at Morisset Showground with global flavours, boutique shopping, family fun, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.
There will be a huge range of international food, desserts, kids’ rides, and fireworks, with entry via a $2 coin donation.
And there will be more celebrations on the water, with the 190th Australia Day Sailing Regatta in Wangi.
This is a major annual sailing event hosted by the Wangi Amateur Sailing Club, one of the world’s oldest regattas, first held in 1837 and celebrating Australia’s heritage through sailing.
The event involves various yachts for friendly races on Australia Day, with post-race festivities at the Wangi Returned & Services League Club and other yacht clubs across NSW holding races involving small dinghies to large ocean vessels, making it a community-wide celebration.
It’s a fantastic spectacle with such a large range of craft on the water for the day.
Several local councils in the North Coast NSW region will hold citizenship ceremonies on Monday, January 26, as part of their Australia Day events.
· Port Macquarie-Hastings Council: The ceremony will be held at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie and at the Town Green, starting from 9 am.
· Kempsey Shire Council: The ceremony is scheduled for the Slim Dusty Centre, with breakfast from 9 am and official proceedings starting at 10 am.
· Ballina Shire Council: An awards and citizenship ceremony will take place at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, starting at 9 am.
· Port Stephens Council: Ceremonies will be held at two locations:
· Fly Point Park in Nelson Bay, with the ceremony at 1 pm.
· Riverside Park in Raymond Terrace, with the ceremony at 9 am.
Whether it’s enjoying a headline concert by the lake, cheering on historic sailing races, sharing a sausage sizzle with neighbours or welcoming new Australians at a citizenship ceremony, Australia Day across the North Coast offers something for everyone.
With events ranging from large-scale festivals to intimate community gatherings, the 2026 celebrations highlight the region’s strong sense of pride, connection and diversity. As communities come together across beaches, parks, halls and waterways, Australia Day will be marked not just by entertainment, but by reflection, recognition and the shared spirit that defines life on the North Coast.
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