The Coastal Twist LGBTIQA+ Arts and Culture Festival is just two weeks away and ready to light up the Central Coast from October 1 to October 6.
Since its inaugural event in 2019, Coastal Twist has grown into one of Australia’s most exceptional Pride festivals, celebrated for its bold embrace of diversity, creativity, and community spirit.
This year’s theme, Rise and Shine will be staged across Woy Woy, Ettalong Beach, Umina Beach and Gosford, and aims to symbolises resilience, renewal, and transformation, represented by the powerful image of the phoenix.
Festival organisers aim to unite the community in a vibrant celebration of queer expression, collective growth and a commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming Central Coast.
Over six days and nights, the festival will offer a rich line-up of free and ticketed events, featuring live music, film, cabaret, art exhibitions, and dance parties – all contributing to the local economy and cultural landscape.
A key highlight is the return of The Love Club Cabaret on Friday, October 4, hosted by the legendary Fez Faanana.
This dazzling night of top LGBTIQA+ performers from across Australia will be an unforgettable celebration of connection, creativity, and unapologetic self-expression.
On Saturday, October 5, the Bauhaus Fire Birds surrealist dance party will light up the night with a stunning line-up of DJs, performers, projections, and go-go dancers, blending fashion, art, and untamed energy on the dance floor.
The festival’s crown jewel is the Coastie Carnie Fair Day on Sunday, October 6, promising an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
This year’s Fair Day will feature ARIA-winning neo-soul artist Kaiit, whose smooth vocals have earned her comparisons to Lauryn Hill, with more than 30 million streams and 90,000 followers on Spotify.
Other acts include soulful pop star and viral sensation Greg Gould, pop-dance artist Vetta Borne, and local legend Shauna Jensen, alongside dazzling performances by drag and circus stars like RuPaul’s Drag Race top 4 Molly Poppinz and all-male burlesque troupe BRIEFS superstar Captain Kidd.
For families, Fair Day offers a dedicated activity area, including a Circus Play Space by Roundabout Circus, interactive Sensory Play with Demi, and the eco-inspired Mini Beast Disco with Betty Grumble and Dandrogyny, blending performance and workshops to celebrate nature and community.
Families can also enjoy Aboriginal Storytime and Drag Storytime, making Fair Day a vibrant, inclusive celebration for all ages.
The Coastal Twist Festival is more than just a celebration, it’s a movement toward a more inclusive Central Coast where everyone is welcome.
For more information and to book tickets visit the Coast Twist Festival website.