ChromeFest 2026

Photo by Aaron Leslie Photography

ChromeFest: A Rock 'n' Roll Weekend on the Central Coast

Dates:
23th – 25th October 2026

Location: The Entrance Foreshore, NSW
Entry: Free (select evening events ticketed)

If you’re heading to The Entrance in October, there’s one event you absolutely can’t miss: ChromeFest. Held annually across the last weekend of October, this retro festival brings the streets and foreshore of The Entrance to life with colour, music, and chrome. It’s one of the Central Coast’s most iconic events — and perfect for a weekend getaway.

What is ChromeFest?

ChromeFest is a three-day celebration of all things vintage. From classic cars and custom hot rods to rockabilly bands, retro markets, and fashion parades, it’s a nostalgic nod to the 1950s and 60s. With over 450 show cars on display (all makes and models pre-1979), entertainment across 5 outdoor stages, and crowds dressed to the nines in vintage glam — it’s a visual feast and a fun experience for all ages.

What's On at ChromeFest 2026

  • Live rock ‘n’ roll bands playing all weekend across 5 outdoor stages

  • Classic car show and shine events featuring pre-1979 makes and models

  • Free Friday Night Concert in Memorial Park — back by popular demand

  • Saturday Night Jive — the ticketed evening event, returning in full swing

  • Pin-up fashion pageant

  • Retro market stalls with vintage clothing, collectables, and food

  • Dance demonstrations and dancing in the street (yes, really!)

  • Car cruises through The Entrance

Find out more

Good to Know Before You Go

Is ChromeFest free? Yes — the main festival is free to attend. The Saturday Night Jive evening event is ticketed separately.

Road closures: ChromeFest takes over The Entrance town centre, so expect road closures across the weekend. Check the event location and road closure map before you head in.

Accessibility: The event is fully accessible, with accessible toilets, adult change facilities, assistance animal-friendly areas, sensory spaces, and accessible parking available.

Registering a car: Car registrations open 1 June 2026. Register your car here.

Stay Close to the Action

Staying at ibis Styles The Entrance puts you within easy walking distance of the foreshore action — no parking headaches, no driving around road closures. Just walk out the door and straight into the festival.

After a full day of chrome, music, and vintage fashion, you’ll appreciate having a comfortable room with lake views waiting for you. Wind down with dinner at Diggers The Entrance next door, where you can grab a meal and a drink without going far.

Why book ibis for ChromeFest weekend:

  • Walking distance to The Entrance foreshore and all festival stages

  • Lake views from the hotel

  • Dining at Diggers right next door — no need to fight for a restaurant table

  • Free parking on site (handy when the town centre roads are closed)

  • 52 refurbished rooms at a price point that leaves budget for festival fun

Rooms fill fast for ChromeFest weekend every year. Book early to lock in your stay.

Make your October getaway one to remember with vintage vibes, rock ‘n’ roll rhythms, and a stay at ibis Styles The Entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is ChromeFest 2026?

ChromeFest 2026 runs Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October 2026 at The Entrance town centre on the Central Coast of NSW.

Yes, the main festival is free. The Saturday Night Jive evening event requires a separate ticket.

ChromeFest is held throughout The Entrance town centre on the Central Coast of NSW, centred around the foreshore.

Yes. Road closures are in place across the town centre during the event. Check the road closure map on the ChromeFest website for details.

ibis Styles The Entrance is the closest hotel to the festival foreshore — walking distance from all the action, with free parking, lake views, and dining next door at Diggers.

Staying in The Entrance makes the day easy. ibis Styles The Entrance offers comfortable accommodation close to Memorial Park.

COASTAL ESCAPE FOR TWO — From $320 for 2 nights 

Treat yourselves to a dreamy couple’s getaway at ibis Styles The Entrance on the Central Coast. Think lakeside views, morning strolls, and thoughtful touches designed for pure relaxation.

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