Ten events taking place on the Coffs Coast this week

It’s the school holidays – and with that comes countless fantastic Coffs Coast events. From fun runs to the A-league, check out our go-to events guide.

Colour Frenzy is holding an event in Coffs Harbour this weekend. Pictured here is the 5K Colour Frenzy at Hobart’s Queens Domain earlier this year. Picture:Chris Kidd

It’s the school holidays – and with that comes a magnitude of fantastic (and COVID-safe) Coffs Coast events.

From fun runs to the A-league, there’s a range of exciting events taking place for people of all ages. Check out the list below.

1. BioQuest in the Botanic Gardens

What: Celebrate the biodiversity of the Coffs Coast by taking part in BioQuest – imagine Pokemon Go, but a real-life adventure.

In this free event supported by Coffs Harbour City Council, your quest is to find and/or identify the most interesting animals, plants and other living things in the gardens using the free QuestaGame app. A QuestaGame expert player and guide will lead the sessions, walking you through the basics of how the app works and where to find the critters. All individuals and families are welcoming to join.

Where: North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.

When: Saturday, April 10. Session times are 9.30am and 10.20am. Limited spots available – register here.

2. Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience

What: Experience and engage with Gumbaynggirr culture through language, dance, storytelling, damper making and much more at this award-winning monthly tour.

Enjoy the Wajaarr Ngaarlu dancers’ performance while enjoying Aunty Jenny’s damper, then talk a 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 enjoy coffee and cake at the Nyanggan Gapi Cafe.

Where: Sealy Lookout.

When: Saturday, April 10 from 10am. Tickets available here. 

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

3. So Fresh party

What: With restrictions on dancing now eased in NSW, Winkxx is holding a massive So Fresh party with Coffs’ best DJs and all the greatest hits from the ‘90s until now.

People are advised to get in early to avoid queuing, with free entry before 9pm.

Where: Winkxx nightclub.

When: Saturday, April 10 from 8pm.

4. Invisible Hand film screening

What: Join the local Rights of Nature group Baalijin Earth Law Advocates for the Australian Premiere of Invisible Hand, the first documentary produced on the global movement.

Narrated by actor Mark Ruffalo, the film weaves together fights in Pennsylvania and Ohio, the international fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock, North Dakota and the adoption of Rights of Nature into Ecuador’s national constitution. The screening will be followed by a community conversation.

Where: Main Pavilion at Bellingen Showground.

When: Saturday, April 10 from 2.30pm. Tickets available here.

5. Harbourside Markets with live music from Luke Vassella

What: Enjoy live music from Northern Rivers musician Luke Vassella while supporting local business at the weekly Harbourside Markets. All your favourite food trucks, art, jewellery, clothing, beauty and lifestyle products, plants, vintage and collectable stalls will be on site guaranteeing a unique experience for the whole family.

Where: Jetty foreshores.

When: Sunday, April 11 from 8am-2pm.

Harbourside Markets are back this weekend.

6. Coffs Harbour Colour Frenzy

What: The Colour Frenzy Animal Rescue tour is coming to the Coffs Coast this weekend in what’s set to be an exciting day for the whole family.

The goal is to raise money for Animal Rescue Coffs Harbour (ARCH) who do an incredible job at finding forever homes for lots of animals. There’ll be giveaways, music, face painting, food and drinks, and plenty more. Dogs are also welcome at this completely self-paced and untimed event where you can walk, jog run or even crawl the 1.65km track. Make sure to get your ticket here.

Where: Jordan Esplanade at the jetty foreshores.

When: Sunday, April 11. Fun run starts at 8.30am.

7. A-league: Newcastle Jets vs Perth Glory

What: The Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory will go head-to-head in match 16 of the Hyundai A-League. C.ex Coffs Stadium will play host to the teams in what is the second A-League home fixture for the Jets on the Coffs Coast, and the first since the major stadium upgrade.

The Jets have made free tickets available for fans under 16 years and gold coin donations will be collected for flood-affected families. Get your tickets here and quote coupon code JETS21 at the checkout to receive to free junior tickets per adult.

Where: C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

When: Tuesday, April 13 from 6pm.

8. Screenwave International Film Festival

What: Northern NSW’s premier film festival SWIFF is returning for 2021. The 16-day festival includes over 60 different feature films to explore, plus live music, gala events, filmmaker meet-ups, premieres and much more. Australian film and screen icon Jack Thompson will be SWIFF Festival Patron this year.

There are countless titles screening this week. Check out the calendar and buy your tickets here.

Where: Various locations, including the Jetty Theatre and the CHEC Theatre.

When: Festival kicks off on Wednesday, April 14.

SWIFF founders Dave Horsley and Kate Howat at the Screenwave International Film Festival preview gala. Photo credit: And the trees photography.

9. An Enchanted Easter exhibition and pop-up

What: Alykat Creative Gallery & Studio is showing a group exhibition and pop-up with inspiring and playful artwork throughout the holiday period, providing a fun and unique experience for the whole family.

An Enchanted Easter is a wonderland of whimsical artwork from Coffs Coast artists with a collection of original artwork, prints, cards, kids wear, homewares and rare finds from local makers. The project has been proudly supported by Arts Mid North Coast SHINE through Create NSW Art Restart Program.

Where: Alykat Creative Gallery & Studio. Entrance via Park Ave Ln, Coffs Harbour.

When: Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10am-4pm. Runs until April 24.

10. Behind the Lines exhibition – last days

What: This weekend marks the last for Behind the Lines, an annual exhibition from the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

The exhibition celebrates the role of political cartoonists in Australia and the power their drawings have in contributing to our daily political and social discourse. The theme encompasses 2020’s mix of disruption and uncertainty, but also moments of good and humour amid the drama.

Where: National Cartoon Gallery.

When: Open every day from 10am-4pm until Monday, April 12.