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List: Eight events not to miss on the Coffs Coast this June long weekend

From markets and tours, to heavy metal bands and best-selling authors – there’s something for everyone. Check out our list of things to do in Coffs this June long weekend.

Jay Hoad will perform at the Harbourside Markets this long weekend. Picture: Tom Huntley
Jay Hoad will perform at the Harbourside Markets this long weekend. Picture: Tom Huntley

From markets and cultural tours, to heavy metal bands and best-selling authors – there’s something for everyone taking place this June long weekend.

Check out our go-to guide for Coffs Coast events:

1. Harbourside Markets with live music from Jay Hoad

What: Support local business at this weekly favourite while enjoying a live performance from Fiji-born didgeridoo artist and stringed instrument virtuoso Jay Hoad.

Jay has spent the last seven years touring the globe, and supported Bob Marley’s ‘The Wailers’ in their North America tour among other international artists. He fuses genres including blues, roots, rock, funk, reggae, Latin and Celtic.

The authentic outdoor market will have its great range of fresh local produce, tasty foods, delicious coffee and unique arts and crafts on offer.

Where: Jetty foreshores.

When: Sunday, June 13 from 8am-2pm. Live music from 10am.

2. Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience

What: Immerse yourself in Gumbaynggirr culture through language, dance, story telling, damper making, and much more at this award-winning monthly tour.

Enjoy a performance from Wajaarr Ngaarlu Dancers while enjoying Aunty Jenny’s damper, then take the walk down to Korora Lookout and hear the Dreaming stories of how the land was made to the north. Once the tour is over, guests can head back to the Nyganggan Gapi Cafe and enjoy a delicious coffee and cake with a breathtaking view.

Where: Sealy Lookout.

When: Saturday, June 12 from 10am-12.30pm. Tickets available here.

The Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience will take place at Sealy Lookout this weekend.
The Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience will take place at Sealy Lookout this weekend.

3. Coffs Coast bike tour

What: Take a free guided bike tour with your Dine & Discover Voucher – and enjoy one of the best ways to explore the foreshores of the Coffs Coast.

There’ll be viewing platforms along the way, allowing you to take in breathtaking coastal scenes and potentially spot some majestic whales all from the seat of your bike. All bikes and helmets are included in this one-hour tour with Montem Bike Tours.

Where: Tour begins at the Coffs Harbour Jetty on Jordan Esplanade.

When: Saturday, June 12. Two tours available from 9am and 2pm. Make your booking here and select ‘Pay on the Day’ if using a voucher.

4. Hell on High Water

What: Local businesses Sawtell Concreting, Fluke & Fern Marketing Agency and Big Griff events have teamed up to bring an epic evening of seaside hard rock and metal sounds this long weekend.

This inaugural 18+ event is bringing a total of seven bands to the Coffs Coast including Byron’s From Crisis to Collapse and Sydney two-piece Astrodeath, supported by local bands Minds End, The Outcome, Bakasura, and Flying Giant.

 The venue’s restaurant will also be open and serving delicious good like burgers and fish and chips.

Where: RED-C at the jetty foreshores.

When: Saturday, June 12 from 5pm. Tickets available here.

Byron Bay's From Crisis to Collapse will perform at the Hell on High Water event at RED-C this long weekend. Photo: Hell on High Water/Facebook
Byron Bay's From Crisis to Collapse will perform at the Hell on High Water event at RED-C this long weekend. Photo: Hell on High Water/Facebook

5. Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival

What: Celebrating Australian writing in all its many forms, the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival is back for 2021 with a fantastic program featuring names like Craig Silvey, Rhoda Roberts, Bob Brown, Jess Hill, the Good News Week team, and many more.

Right through until Sunday night, there’ll be a variety of food and drink vendors offering pizza, salad, sandwiches and soups, to ice-cream, crepes, BBQ and much more.

Check out the 2021 program here. Spaces are limited so make sure to book early.

Where: Bellingen Showground.

When: Runs until the evening of Sunday, January 13.

6. Saltwater Freshwater exhibition

What: A celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture, the 2021 Saltwater Freshwater Aboriginal Art Award and contemporary cultural objects exhibition showcases works from artists across the Mid North Coast. They reside in the Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr nations that make up the Saltwater Freshwater region.

The Saltwater Freshwater Alliance states the biennial event encourages a sense of ownership of mainstream gallery space by local Aboriginal people, instilling pride in having their culture celebrated by the wider community. On display will be numerous works including Art Award winner Gus Kelly’s powerful portrait Narra Dhalayi (Sad Girl), and stunning fibre art fashion made by weavers.

Where: Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery.

When: Launches on Saturday, January 12 from 10am-4pm. Then runs Tuesdays-Saturdays until August 7.

Saltwater Freshwater Aboriginal Art Award 2021 Winner Gus Kelly with entries Wanha-Wanggati-Nganhang (Don't Forget Me) (top) 2020 and winner (below) Narra Dhalayi (Sad Girl) 2020. The 2021 exhibition is open to the public at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery from this weekend.
Saltwater Freshwater Aboriginal Art Award 2021 Winner Gus Kelly with entries Wanha-Wanggati-Nganhang (Don't Forget Me) (top) 2020 and winner (below) Narra Dhalayi (Sad Girl) 2020. The 2021 exhibition is open to the public at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery from this weekend.

7. Bellingen Artisan Market

What: The Bellingen Artisan & Growers Market will take place during the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival, and will showcase the wonderful work of more than 70 diverse artisans from around the mid north coast.

View and buy unique creations such as ceramics, beading, printmaking, painting, timberwork, metalwork, sculpture, clothing, plants along with fresh produce and delicious food.

Where: Bellingen Showground.

When: Saturday, June 12 from 8am-1pm.

8. Author meet and greet at QBD Books grand opening

What: Meet best-selling crime fiction author Michael Robotham at the grand opening of Coffs’ newest book store, QBD Books.

Meet the opening discounts and step into a world of imagination with titles for all ages and tastes. The two-time Gold Dagger winning author is also offering ten limited early release copies of his brand new book When You Are Mine on the day.

Where: Park Beach Plaza.

When: Saturday, June 12 from 2pm.

Meet author Michael Robotham at both the grand opening of QBD books and the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival this weekend.
Meet author Michael Robotham at both the grand opening of QBD books and the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival this weekend.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/coffs-harbour/community/list-eight-events-not-to-miss-on-the-coffs-coast-this-june-long-weekend/news-story/8b67aeba717ee8a1c3f8f59ab2bad3ae