Foils, fireworks, fun all part of Lake Mac Festival 2026
- intouch Magazine
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Fireworks will light up the sky and wingfoils will slice through the water as the Lake Mac Festival kicks into top gear from 22 January.
This year’s festival includes a host of events across the city, held in the lead-up to and on Australia Day.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz encouraged everyone to celebrate the long weekend and enjoy the events on offer.
“There is such a great diversity of events right around Lake Macquarie, and this will be the last opportunity for many families to get out and enjoy time together before school holidays end,” he said.
From 22-25 January, Wangi Wangi will host the Australian Wingfoil Nationals ‘Down Under Foil Festival’, featuring competition for all skill levels.
Wingfoils resemble traditional windsurfers, except their decks lift out of the water as they gain speed, slicing through the water on a hydrofoil fin.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the national title event would bring competitors from around Australia to Lake Macquarie.
“It’s a test of skill, energy and friendly competition, but equally it’s a wonderful way to showcase our lake and introduce locals to an exciting and spectacular sport,” she said.
On 23 January, veteran Egyptian-Australian comedian Akmal Saleh will perform his latest stand-up gig at Warners Bay Theatre.
Akmal is a published author, movie and TV star, radio DJ and talk show host, whose wit and timing have featured on Thank God You’re Here, Have You Been Paying Attention and at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala.
Speers Point Park will sway to the sounds of Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea and a host of other support acts as part of the 24 January Red Hot Summer Tour festival, set to be one of the region’s biggest live music gigs in 2026.
The same evening, Newcastle Pro Wrestling’s ‘Fight Knight’ will feature at Warners Bay Theatre, with championship matches, tag-team wrestling and all the sport’s theatre and athleticism on display.
Australia Day on 26 January will feature a citizenship ceremony at Rathmines Theatre, where almost 100 people from 35 nations across the globe will become Australian citizens.
Valentine Lions Club will host an Australia Day event at Bennett Park from 9am-noon, including live music, family-friendly activities and refreshments, all free of charge.
Boaties will get their fill with an Australia Day regatta at Wangi Wangi, and a classic boat display on and off the water at Rathmines.
And the Aussie Night Markets from noon-10pm at Morisset Showground will feature global flavours, boutique shopping, family fun and a 9pm fireworks display to round out the evening.
Go to lakemac.com.au for more information on Lake Mac Festival and individual events.
