A rainbow getaway is calling, with Coastal Twist Festival bringing a week of LGBTQIA+ arts, culture and community to the Central Coast this October long weekend.
Just 70 minutes south of Newcastle, the festival returns under the theme Radical Radiance, offering a colourful program of cabaret, dance parties, visual art, storytelling, live music, youth events and community celebrations.
The festival will culminate with the much-loved Coastie Carnie Fair Day at Umina Beach.
The 2026 lineup brings together a mix of local talent and nationally recognised artists, including RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 4 winner Lazy Susan, aerial circus and cabaret artist Empress Stah, First Nations burlesque performer Kitty Obsidian, DJ Stephen Allkins, techno trailblazer DJ Estée Louder, Indigenous dancer and ballroom artist Gusta Mara, performance artist King Cuuntessa, drag king violinist Fine China and queer cabaret performer Frock Hudson.
Among the festival highlights is Bravewords Live: Coastal Twist Edition, where writers will share true stories exploring life, love and resilience, alongside the annual Coastal Twist Group Art Exhibition showcasing LGBTQIA+ artists.
The program also features the Love Club Cabaret, hosted by Lazy Susan, and Dance Party Bauhaus Electric, headlined by Stephen Allkins with a lineup of DJs and performers.
Young people remain a major focus, with LOUD MOUTH offering a youth-led showcase of music, drag, dance, poetry and comedy.
Neon Riot will provide a dedicated dance party for LGBTQIA+ and allied young people aged 12 to 17, while 18 to 26-year-olds can connect through Amazing Queers United (AQU), adding plenty of opportunities for the next generation of queer creatives and community members to get involved.
Coastal Twist will wrap up on Sunday, 4 October with the free, all-ages Coastie Carnie Fair Day at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct at Umina Beach, featuring live entertainment, market stalls, food vendors, community groups, family activities and the Puparazzi Pooch Parade. Head to coastaltwist.org.au for more info.
