Festivals and Events

To help plan your year ahead on Sydney's Northern Beaches, below is a brief overview of selected major annual events. From weekly markets to annual festivals, all activities invite the public to celebrate the Northern Beaches culture, music, food and wine.

For details and a comprehensive events guide, don’t forget to check out our What’s On Events Calendar >>

 

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January

Australia Day

Join us to celebrate Australia Day in Manly on Sunday 26 January 2014, from 8.00am at Manly Council Chambers forecourt on the corner of Belgrave Street and The Corso, opposite Manly Wharf. Celebrations include a Citizenship Ceremony and the presentation of the Local Citizen of the Year Awards, for citizens who have made an outstanding achievement and/or contribution to the local community of Manly.
Annually on January 26

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March

Sun Herald Surf Swim

Held at Dee Why, the Surf Swim aims to raise much needed funds for over 800 charities, including the Dee Why SLSC. This scenic swim has something for all abilities, from a 750m to a 1.5km ocean swim.  Make a splash this summer and enter the Surf Swim!
Annually in March

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May

Pittwater Food and Wine Fair

Bring your picnic rug and enjoy live music adjacent to the Pittwater waterways. Explore wine tastings and wine sales plus a wide variety of food. Discover the general stallholders selling picnic wares and homemade jams, olive oils, breads and confectionary.
Winnererremy Bay Foreshore Reserve - Mona Street, Mona Vale, 10am to 4pm
Annually in early May (Sunday).

Northern Beaches Music Festival

A family friendly event held at Berry Reserve and the Tramshed Community Arts Centre. The event is organised by local four venues; The Shack (Narrabeen), Humph Hall (Allambie), Fairlight Folk and Manly Fig, and supports new venues, spaces and gives an opportunity for new musicians and performing artists within the Northern Beaches region of NSW.
The event is held over three days, with live music, many international food and retail stores. Everyone is invited to make the most of the friendly atmosphere and stunning locations by dressing up and getting involved.
Annually in May

Gai-mariagal Festival

The Gai-mariagal Festival is an annual celebration of Aboriginal Culture and heritage on the Northern Beaches. The focus of the festival is to affirm Aboriginal culture and heritage though event such as forums, film screenings, storytelling for children, talks, fashion parades, art exhibitions and a guided walk through North Head in Manly to learn about your local Aboriginal heritage. The festival usually starts on Sorry Day 26 May and goes through to the end of NAIDOC Week.
Annually in May-July

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June

Manly’s Food, Wine & Sustainability Festival

Manly’s Food, Wine & Sustainability Festival is one of Sydney's largest regular community based food and wine festivals. Falling on the first weekend in June and consistently attracting an estimated 30,000 patrons each year, people are drawn by the scenic beach setting where Manly’s landmark restaurants showcase their fine range of international cuisines and wineries from popular wine producing areas in New South Wales also offer exclusive ranges of wines. Originally devised as an early wintertime promotion to throw a spotlight on Manly's busy restaurant sector, the festival has grown in size and stature to include non-stop outdoor entertainment including concert bands, jazz and world music groups. A number of family interactive games are also available during the festival for children's entertainment.
Annually in June

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August

Dogs Day Out

Great day out for you, the family and most importantly your pet dog! This event is packed with activities that will keep you and your dog entertained. Special workshops include, obedience and agility, best trick, fancy dress and look-alike competitions. There are also a wide range of stall holders for you and your pet.
Annually in August

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September

Manly Bike Life Festival

The Manly Bike Life Festival is a showcase of Sydney’s growing cycle culture. The festival is a great day out for the whole family. Activities include the ‘Retro Ride’, a great springtime complement to the famous Sydney Tweed Ride. Riders are invited to dress up retro/vintage/tweed and bring an ancient bike if you have one, mostly off-road. There are plenty of stalls, maintenance workshops, free kids bike tune-ups and live music.
Annually in September

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The Manly Arts Festival

The Manly Arts Festival began in 1994 and has since grown into one of the state's leading community based arts festivals. Enticing artists of every kind, including painters and sculptors, musicians and singers, performers, multi-media artists and arts organisations out of their studios for exhibitions, talks and performances. It is the perfect opportunity for local artists to invite the public on this special weekend into their private studios, art spaces or galleries to see 'behind the scenes' and learn more about the creative process, showing Manly as the enchanting artist’s muse that it is. The festival was originally designed to lift the winter gloom, nevertheless the festival has blossomed into a major spring-time cultural event.
Annually in September

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October

Manly Jazz Festival

The annual Manly International Jazz Festival is Australia's largest community based jazz festival, featuring over 60 free performances on multiple outdoor stages from noon until sundown with indoor ticketed concerts an option in the evening. Attracting a mixed crowd, from ‘hard-core’ jazz aficionados to family groups, Jazz fans from across the nation and overseas converge on Sydney's prime seaside resort for some of the best live jazz performances from across Australia and around the world. Visit vibes by the seaside over the October Holiday long weekend.
Ann ually in October

 

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November

Mona Vale Market Day

The event includes stalls in the park and on the road (Park Street), hot food, musical entertainment and amusements for the children. Parking will be available in surrounding streets and alternative designated areas.
Time: 10am-5pm
Annually first Sunday of November each year.

Avalon Market Day

Attracting approximately 50,000 people each year, the Avalon Beach Village Chamber of Commerce Inc. in conjunction with Blue Sky Markets, puts on a fantastic day for not only locals, but for many visitors and tourists.
Local business owners, artists, locally grown produce and much more are showcased on this day!
Annually in November

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December

Narrabeen Lakes Festival

Two days of fun and excitement for the whole family. Live entertainment, huge range of stores including; food, drink, craft, plants, jewellery and fashion. Perfect for the whole family with entertainment for all ages.
Annually in December

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See Also: What's On Events Calendar >>