LIVING SMART FESTIVAL 2022: Everything you need to know for this weekend in Lake Mac

The much-loved Living Smart Festival is back in Lake Mac this weekend after a two-year hiatus. And boy is it going to be a massive weekend of celebrations on the shores of Lake Macquarie.

It all kicks off with the famous Feast for the Senses dinner on Friday night before The 2022 Living Smart Festival comes to life at Speers Point Park from 9am on Saturday 24 September.

The action will continue on Sunday, 25 September, from 9am with the Living Together Festival, a new multicultural festival featuring free multicultural workshops, demonstrations, market stalls and activities.

You can check out the map and program below and find out more about some of the festival highlights. Head to lakemac.com.au/Events-directory/ for more event information.

LIVING SMART FESTIVAL 2022 MAP & PROGRAM
SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
SPEERS POINT PARK

Costa Georgiadis

Gardening Australia host Costa will headline this year’s festival and present two workshops on the day. Costa will also be judging the School Garden Bed Competition, so keep an eye out for him in the Grow zone!

Home Grown Markets

Enjoy a range of market stalls celebrating all things handmade, eco focused or designed locally.

Electric vehicles

Check out the latest electric vehicles on offer, with a range of electric cars and bikes on display. Get the latest information about electric vehicle options, to help make informed decisions when considering buying an electric car for the first time.

Upcycle zone

Turn trash into treasure with a number of hands-on upcycling activities. Free workshops include making your own dog toys and pet beds from textile waste, DIY veggie bag making workshops and marine debris-to-art sessions. The Upcycle Zone will be held on both Saturday at the Living Smart Festival and Sunday at the Living Together Festival.

Bike valet and repair station

Dodge the traffic and arrive in style thanks to our free bike valet service. The team from Metro Cycle will also be on hand to provide free maintenance check-ups on your bike’s safety and performance.

Green Home Zone

Discover how to make your home more sustainable with workshops from a range of industry professionals. From the future of electric vehicles and home solar, to choosing sustainable materials for your home, to workshops on reusable nappies; there’s something for everyone in the Green Home Zone.

Simtable – natural disaster simulation

Head down to MAP mima to experience the Simtable, a 3D interactive tool that can simulate the impact of bushfire, storm and flooding events on a specific area.

Yoga in the park

Start the day in the best way, with a 30-minute yoga session by the lake, presented by Yogic Wisdom. The free 9am class is suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Native Plant Giveaway

With spring in full swing, Living Smart Festival is the perfect opportunity for Lake Mac residents to pick up two free seedlings at our perennially popular native plant giveaway. Bring along proof of address (and a reusable bag to carry your seedlings) to get your two freebies.

The First Nations Zone

Featuring Aboriginal weaving, art and dance workshops, Elder talks, and bush tucker workshops. There will also be a canoe building demonstration with Wylaa Buuranliyn. The First Nations Zone will be held on both Saturday at the Living Smart Festival and Sunday at the Living Together Festival.

Grow zone

A zone for the green thumbs! Join us for a packed program of workshops about urban gardening, backyard beekeeping, chemical-free pest control, worm farming, no-dig gardening, and much more!

Nature zone

Learn all about the fascinating flora and fauna of Lake Macquarie with workshops and talks all about supporting our local wildlife.

Eat zone

Get some kitchen inspiration with hands-on fermentation workshops, kid’s pickling activities and sourdough sessions.

Kids zone

Keep the little ones entertained with all-day fun including a nature play area, kid’s petting zoo, face painting, arts and craft station and the library’s Rover.