Coastal Twist NSW 2026

Pack your beach bag, your sequins and your party wear because one of Australia’s most unique regional Pride experiences is returning to the stunning NSW Central Coast this spring. From 27 September to 4 October 2026, Coastal Twist Festival will transform the Central Coast into a vibrant celebration of pride, arts, culture, creativity and connection, inviting LGBTIQA+ people and allies from across Australia to experience eight unforgettable days of festivals, beaches, parties, performances and community.

Just 70 minutes north of Sydney and 70 minutes south of Newcastle via the M1, the Central Coast offers the perfect long weekend or week-long escape, combining spectacular beaches, coastal villages, lush hinterland, boutique accommodation, incredible dining and a thriving creative community with one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional Pride festivals.

Now entering its sixth year, Coastal Twist has grown from a grassroots community initiative into a nationally recognised celebration of queer visibility, culture and belonging. While major city Pride events play a vital role, regional Pride festivals carry a special significance. For many LGBTIQA+ people living outside metropolitan areas, experiences of isolation, discrimination and limited access to support services remain a reality. Regional Pride events create vital spaces where people feel seen, connected and celebrated, while helping build stronger, more inclusive communities for everyone.

This year’s festival theme, “Radical Radiance,” is an invitation to shine brighter together and create the future we want to see: one built on compassion, courage, joy and collective unity.

Across eight days and nights, festival hubs in Woy Woy, Ettalong Beach, Umina Beach and Gosford will come alive with a colourful mix of cabaret, theatre, live music, dance, visual arts, film, parties, community events and unforgettable experiences, culminating in the iconic Coastie Carnie Fair Day, a uniquely Coastal Twist celebration unlike anything else on the Australian Pride calendar.

Festival Director Glitta Supernova says visitors can expect much more than a traditional Pride festival. “Coastal Twist is where queer culture meets a beach holiday. You can spend the morning swimming in the ocean, exploring our incredible coastline or wandering through the hinterland, then spend the afternoon discovering art, live music and performances before dancing the night away. It’s a celebration of identity, creativity, community and joy set against one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal backdrops.”

Supernova says regional Pride festivals play a critical role in creating visibility and driving social change. “For many people, especially those living outside major cities, Pride can be a lifeline. It reminds people they belong, that they’re valued and that they are not alone. Regional communities often have fewer dedicated services, fewer safe spaces and fewer opportunities for connection than our city counterparts. That’s why events like Coastal Twist matter. They’re not just celebrations, they’re powerful acts of visibility, belonging and community-building.”

At a time when many communities are experiencing increased social division and uncertainty, Coastal Twist offers something different: a chance to connect, celebrate diversity and imagine a brighter future together. “In a time when fear and division can feel loud, we choose to radiate love, hope, kindness and connection instead,” says Supernova. “Radical Radiance is about shining as yourself and for one another. This year we’re inviting people from across Australia to come and experience the incredible spirit of the Central Coast and help us radiate the future we want to see, one grounded in compassion, courage and collective unity.”

Whether you’re looking for a spring getaway with friends, a queer cultural escape, a beachside adventure or simply an excuse to celebrate life, Coastal Twist offers the perfect combination of festival energy and coastal relaxation.

The full festival program and performer lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.

For festival updates and travel information, visit www.coastaltwist.org.au.