What’s on: Ten events taking place on the Coffs Coast this week

From fireworks, live theatre to beloved boutique markets – there’s something for everyone. Check out our go-to guide for things to do on the Coffs Coast.

The Coffs Harbour Show returns to the Coffs Harbour Showgrounds this weekend. Photo: Leigh Jensen / Coff Coast Advocate

From fireworks, live theatre to beloved boutique markets – there’s something for everyone taking place in Coffs.

Check out our list of ten things to do on the Coffs Coast over the next week.

1. Coffs Harbour Show

What: The Coffs Harbour Show Society is back in action after many country shows were forced to cancel due to fires and COVID-19. Alpacas, wood chopping, rides, showbags, horses, a cat show, sheep dog trials, classic cars, liberty scone competition, showgirls, motorcycle stunts, fireworks and much more are included in the incredible list of things to expect from this year’s Coffs Harbour Show.

Where: Coffs Harbour Showground.

When: Friday, April 30 – Sunday, May 2.

2. CHMCC’s Into the Woods

What: James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s fantastic musical weaves together fairy-tale figures such as Cinderella, Jack (of the beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf, Rapunzel and the witch, and more than one handsome Prince, but not as you’ve seen them before.

What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy becomes a cautionary tale about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.

Where: Jetty Memorial Theatre.

When: Kicks off Friday, May 7 at 7.30pm. Runs until May 30. Tickets and times available here.

Rehearsals have been underway for Into the Woods, set to hit the stage at the Jetty Theatre in May. It will be the first show to have a full run at full capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

3. Coffs Coast Artists Exhibition & Art Sale

What: Coffs Coast Artists invite you to their “Art Sale” exhibition with a fine display of oil, watercolour, acrylic, pastel paintings plus mixed media & lino prints all at great prices. This local group of artists has been meeting for many years with members visiting various parts of the coast and inland areas to paint.

Where: Sawtell Art Gallery.

When: Saturday, May 1 – Saturday, May 15. Open 11am-3pm daily.

4. Made with Love Markets

What: Celebrating 11 years in 2021, the Made with Love Markets has established itself as one of Coffs Coast‘s favourite market events. It’s the first and only dedicated boutique handmade market for the Coffs Harbour region, and one of the biggest dedicated markets on the North Coast.

Each market has around 100 stallholders – offering everything from jewellery, homewares, bags, clothing, accessories, toys, woodwork, soaps, candles, artwork, gourmet goodies, plants and much more.

Where: Park Beach Plaza carpark, level 1.

When: Sunday, May 2 from 9am-2pm.

The Made With Love Markets is held at the Park Beach Plaza carpark.

5. Festival of Small Halls – Coramba

What: With a dedication to getting off the beaten track, this not-for-profit music tour celebrates the time-old tradition of gathering in the local small hall for a special night of live music, storytelling and community connection.

Presented by veteran festival producers Woodfordia Inc, Festival of Small Halls rolls into Coramba this weekend with music from feel-good ukulele strummer and drummer Bobby Alu, and two-piece indie pop rock band This Way North.

Where: Coramba Community Hall.

When: Sunday, May 2 at 6.30pm.

6. Coffs Coast Growers Market

What: The Coffs Coast Growers Markets has been supplying the Coffs Coast with fresh and local produce for over a decade. With stalls selling local and farm fresh products such as jams, honey, cakes, bread, coffee, eggs, soaps, flowers, fruit and vegetables, herbs and more, the market has something for everyone.

Where: City Square.

When: Thursday, May 6 from 8am-2pm.

The Coffs Coast Growers Market. Photo: Coffs Coast Growers – Facebook

7. Sikh Museum Takeover: From Early Settlers to Bridal Glamour

What: In this community takeover, The Sikh Heritage Museum of Australia shares cultural artefacts, interactive displays relating to Sikh culture and a first-hand insight into how the culturally rich storylines of local Indian weddings have shifted over time.

Where: Culture Hub at Coffs Central. Free admission.

When: Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm until May 29.

8. Sandwich-bag Dad – Exhibition

What: This dad’s morning ritual of drawing on his 3 daughter’s lunch-bags has been the highlight of the school day for teachers and students at his local school for 8 years (and counting).

Recently, via Instagram, this quirky tradition has also been found to be entertaining 1,000’s of families across the world and now form the foundation of this fun, pun-filled exhibition by Dave Blumenthal, aka The Sandwich-bag dad.

Where: National Cartoon Gallery.

When: Open seven days a week from 10am-4pm. Exhibition runs until June 13.

David Blumenthal aka Sandwich Bag Dad has launched an exhibition of his works at the National Cartoon Gallery in Coffs Harbour.

9. The Village Market Place – Glenreagh

What: Take a drive into the countryside and experience an old-fashioned village marketplace at Glenreagh, held on the first Saturday of each month.

Buy locally grown produce, home baked goodies, arts and crafts and find a bargain on the white elephant stalls. Refreshments are available and these undercover markets run in all weather.

Where: School of Arts Hall, Coramba St, Glenreagh.

When: Saturday, May 1.

10. Brelsford Park Car Boot Markets

What: Come along and browse stalls, grab a sausage sizzle or an egg and bacon roll for breakfast and enjoy one of Coffs’ popular community markets, held on the first Sunday of each month.

Where: Brelsford Park.

When: Sunday, May 2 from 7am-1pm.