6 things to do on the Central Coast this June

For one weekend only, the Central Coast will be taken over by its annual Harvest Festival, with visitors being treated to a celebration of food across 30 vibrant hubs in nine rural suburbs. Farmers will be on hand to give you a glimpse behind the gates with tours, fruit pickings and the chance to feed the animals. Plus, an epic food and wine fair will transform the historic village with plenty of local produce to buy and live music to enjoy. Kicking off on Saturday, June 8 until Sunday, June 9, head here for the full program.

Get your nature fix on a stroll along this 10km coastline where you’ll pass beaches, bush, back roads and five beachside villages – each of which are playing host to a day-long celebration on Saturday, June 22. Journey at your own pace from village to village and find creative sculpture installations, performance art, marine wildlife talks and live music in collaboration with the Aboriginal Peoples and the communities of Darkinjung Country.

Whether you’re a marathon runner or a newbie, the Central Coast’s Running Festival is back for its 20th year to get you up and off the couch this June 16. Taking place around the bay between Woy Woy and Gosford, you can sign up for a 5km, 12km or a kids 2km fun run, or for those up to the challenge there’s a 21km half marathon. Best of all? Every single participant will contribute to raising funds for local charities.

Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens has assembled a range of her works to form the new exhibition Embracing Shadows, showcasing her 30 year career at Gosford Regional Gallery. From June 22 until August 11, you can attend this free exhibition that includes influential pieces exploring female identity and racial injustice, two themes that Dickens' work engages with in a profound and honest way.

Victoria State Ballet’s new adaptation of the classic fairy tale from Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen is coming to town for one-night only. This all-ages story tells the tale of young love and the quest to save a life. Marvel at stunning sets and elaborate costumes as the dazzling story comes to life at Laycock Community Street Theatre in Wyoming on Saturday, June 8.

Get a taste of Wyong and Toukley as the Central Coast suburbs are taken over for a day of food, fun and entertainment. Head down early to Wyong Town Park on Saturday, June 8 and Toukley Village Green on Saturday, June 22 and find roving entertainment, giveaways and local restaurants selling tasting boxes full of seasonal samples. No need to leave the kids behind—there’s a range of fun activities for the little ones, including a pop-up petting zoo with plenty of baby barnyard animals to coo over.