September in Lake Macquarie is packed with films, festivals, music, and even pirates on the lake!
From sustainability inspiration to indie pop nostalgia, it’s shaping up to be a month full of colour, creativity, and community.
Here’s your ultimate guide to what’s on across the city this September.
FLEE: Film Screening – Art Cinema
WHEN: Friday 12 September 2025 | 6pm–8pm
WHERE: Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima (MAP mima)
Step into the extraordinary at MAP mima as the iconic projection Cube transforms into a state-of-the-art cinema. The screening features Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s award-winning animated documentary Flee, which follows the remarkable journey of Amin Nawabi, a refugee from Afghanistan, as he shares his story of escape and survival.
Pirate Paddle
WHEN: Friday 19 September 2025 | 7am–9am
WHERE: Thomas Halton Park, Croudace Bay
Ahoy there! Lake Macquarie City Council is launching the inaugural Pirate Paddle — a fun, family-friendly event celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Don your best pirate gear and set sail for a morning of lake adventures.
Living Smart Festival
WHEN: Saturday 20 September 2025 | 9am–3pm
WHERE: Speers Point Park
The famous Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is bringing his brilliant mind and climate science insights to this year’s Living Smart Festival. Now in its 14th year, the event is one of Australia’s largest sustainability festivals, attracting over 10,000 visitors. Enjoy a day of free workshops, market stalls, live music, food trucks, and eco-friendly fun — all designed to inspire smarter, greener living.
Frente
WHEN: Saturday 20 September 2025 | 7:30pm–10pm
WHERE: Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba
Beloved Australian indie-pop icons Frente are back, bringing the heartfelt melodies and nostalgic charm of the 1990s to Lake Macquarie. Relive the songs that soundtracked your love stories and heartbreaks at this unforgettable live performance.
COMING UP IN LAKE MAC
NEW BALANCE: A Play by Christopher Bryant and Emma Palackic
WHEN: Friday 10 – Saturday 11 October 2025 | 7pm–8:30pm
WHERE: Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima (MAP mima)
Built from a tapestry of intersecting stories of the queer-disabled experience, New Balance explores intimacy, universality, and the moments that shape us. A powerful new work that is both confronting and affirming.
Manhattan Short Film Festival
WHEN: Friday 3 October 2025 | 7pm–9pm
WHERE: Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba
Be part of a global audience of more than 100,000 people voting on Oscar-qualified short films. This one-night-only screening connects Lake Macquarie to the world stage.
Maker-Con 25
WHEN: 10–11 October 2025
WHERE: Various Lake Macquarie venues
A celebration of technology and creativity, Maker-Con 25 features expert talks, interactive demos, and hands-on workshops with innovators from MIT, Sydney Quantum Academy, Questacon, and beyond.
Lake Mac Action Fest
WHEN: Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 October 2025
WHERE: Across Lake Macquarie
Formerly known as Fast and Loud, Lake Mac Action Fest brings the city to life with on-water speed events, classic cars, live music, and family fun. This year, the program expands to include the Morisset Showground Agricultural Show with rides, produce, and traditional attractions.
