Dates: Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026
Location: Memorial Park, The Entrance NSW
Planning a weekend around the Girrakool Blues Festival 2026? With big crowds, limited parking and accommodation that books fast, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s your simple, stress-free guide to enjoying one of the Central Coast’s most loved music festivals, plus where to stay so you can make the most of it.
Girrakool Blues Festival is a three-day celebration of blues, roots and culture held right on the waterfront at Memorial Park in The Entrance. Now in its eighth year, the festival draws more than 10,000 visitors across the weekend and has become a highlight on the Central Coast events calendar.
What makes Girrakool special is its strong community feel. It blends high-quality Australian and international blues acts with a genuine respect for Aboriginal culture. Alongside the music, you’ll find Welcome to Country ceremonies and women’s cultural activities, creating an event that feels inclusive, relaxed and welcoming.
Best of all, entry is completely free.
Dates: Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026
Location: Memorial Park, The Entrance NSW
Entry: Free
Setting: Waterfront lawns overlooking Tuggerah Lakes
Memorial Park sits right on the lake, just steps from the beach. It’s one of the most scenic event locations on the Central Coast, with water views behind the stage and ocean breezes rolling in as the sun sets.
The 2026 Girrakool Blues Festival delivers one of its strongest line-ups yet, blending legendary Australian acts, international talent and rising local performers across three big days at Memorial Park.
Headlining this year’s festival is Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, bringing decades of blues and roots energy to The Entrance waterfront. International flavour arrives with Kenny Brown & Dom Turner, while standout Australian artists including Karen Lee Andrews, Shane Pacey Trio, The Mighty Reapers, Minnie Marks, and Chase The Sun keep the weekend packed with powerhouse performances.
Family favourites, youth showcases and cultural performances round out a program designed for every generation.
The festival kicks off with an electric evening of live blues under the stars.
5:00 PM – Bar Opens
5:00 PM – Minnie Marks
6:20 PM – Shane Pacey Trio
7:40 PM – Paul Mason
9:00 PM – Chase The Sun
Friday sets the tone with high-energy guitar performances and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere as the sun sets over Tuggerah Lakes.
Saturday is the main festival day, featuring a full afternoon and evening of music, culture and headline performances.
11:30 AM – LILG
12:00 PM – Bar Opens
12:50 PM – Bonnie Kay & The Hot Patoooties
2:00 PM – Welcome to Country
2:10 PM – Matt Ross & Shane Flew
3:30 PM – Matt The Rumble & The Tremolo Men
4:50 PM – The Mighty Reapers
6:10 PM – Dave Hole
7:30 PM – Kenny Brown & Dom Turner
9:00 PM – Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows
Saturday delivers the biggest crowd and the biggest sound, with headline acts taking over Memorial Park as the evening builds.
Saturday is the main festival day, featuring a full afternoon and evening of music, culture and headline performances.
11:30 AM – LILG
12:00 PM – Bar Opens
12:50 PM – Bonnie Kay & The Hot Patoooties
2:00 PM – Welcome to Country
2:10 PM – Matt Ross & Shane Flew
3:30 PM – Matt The Rumble & The Tremolo Men
4:50 PM – The Mighty Reapers
6:10 PM – Dave Hole
7:30 PM – Kenny Brown & Dom Turner
9:00 PM – Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows
Saturday delivers the biggest crowd and the biggest sound, with headline acts taking over Memorial Park as the evening builds.
The layout is simple and easy to navigate. There is:
A main stage area on the grass
Licensed bar section
Food stalls and festival café
Public amenities and parent facilities
It’s an open, accessible space, but the front of the stage does fill quickly for headline acts. If you want a prime spot, arrive early and bring a picnic rug or low-back chair.
The Entrance is easily reached from both Sydney and Newcastle.
From Sydney, take the M1 Pacific Motorway and exit at Tuggerah. From Newcastle, head south via the Pacific Highway or M1.
Parking around Memorial Park fills quickly during major events. If you’re staying locally, walking is the easiest option. Public transport is available via train to Wyong or Gosford, followed by a bus connection to The Entrance town centre.
Accommodation books quickly for festival weekends, so securing your stay early is essential.
ibis Styles The Entrance is a smart and convenient choice. Located right in town overlooking Tuggerah Lakes, it places you within easy reach of Memorial Park while offering a comfortable retreat at the end of the night.
Why it works for festival-goers:
Lakeside location in the heart of The Entrance
Refurbished, modern rooms
Easy access to dining and entertainment
Walking distance to the foreshore
After standing on the grass all evening, returning to a comfortable, air-conditioned room makes all the difference.
Located next door to ibis Styles, Diggers The Entrance is ideal for festival weekends. Whether you’re looking for a pre-show lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a drink with lake views, it offers a convenient and comfortable space away from the crowds.
It’s particularly helpful if you’re travelling with family. You can enjoy a meal together before heading down to Memorial Park or wind down afterwards without worrying about transport.
A little preparation makes the experience even better.
Bring sunscreen and a hat. Late February is still warm on the Central Coast.
Pack a light jacket for after sunset. Coastal evenings cool quickly.
Bring a picnic rug or low chair for comfort.
Stay hydrated and refill water bottles throughout the day.
Arrive earlier than you think for headline acts.
If travelling with children, stick to the edges of the crowd during peak sets for easier movement.
One of the best things about Girrakool is that the music runs mainly in the late afternoon and evening. That leaves your mornings free to explore.
While in The Entrance, you can:
Watch the famous pelican feeding at Memorial Park
Walk the Coast to Lake track
Swim at The Entrance Ocean Baths
Relax on nearby beaches
Staying at ibis Styles means you’re right in the centre of it all, making it easy to balance music, beach time and downtime.
Girrakool Blues Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable weekend of music, culture and community on the Central Coast. With big-name artists, a family-friendly atmosphere and a stunning waterfront setting, it’s easy to see why thousands return each year.
Plan ahead, book your accommodation early, and give yourself time to enjoy both the festival and everything The Entrance has to offer.
Book your stay at ibis Styles The Entrance and turn your blues weekend into a relaxed coastal escape.
Girrakool Blues Festival 2026 takes place from Friday 27 February to Sunday 1 March 2026 at Memorial Park in The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast.
Yes. Entry to Girrakool Blues Festival is completely free. Visitors can enjoy three days of live music, cultural activities and entertainment at no cost.
The festival is held at Memorial Park, Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW, right on the waterfront overlooking Tuggerah Lakes.
The 2026 lineup includes Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, Kenny Brown & Dom Turner, Karen Lee Andrews, Dave Hole, The Mighty Reapers and many more across the weekend.
Friday performances begin at 5:00pm.
Saturday and Sunday programs begin from 11:30am, with headline acts performing in the evening.
Yes. The festival is designed as a family-friendly community event, with youth showcases, circus activities, cultural programming and open park space suitable for all ages.
Yes. Low-back camping chairs and picnic rugs are commonly used at Memorial Park. Arriving early helps secure a good viewing spot near the stage.
Staying in The Entrance allows you to walk to Memorial Park. ibis Styles The Entrance is a convenient option overlooking Tuggerah Lakes and located close to the festival site and Diggers The Entrance.
Visitors can drive via the M1 Pacific Motorway, exiting at Tuggerah. Public transport options include train services to Gosford or Wyong followed by local bus connections to The Entrance.
Yes. Memorial Park hosts food vendors and a licensed bar area throughout the weekend, offering a range of meals, snacks and beverages.
315 Central Coast Highway,
The Entrance NSW 2261
Phone: +61 (0)2 4336 0400
Fax: +61 (0)2 4332 5717
reservations@ibisstylestheentrance.com.au
Sustainability Strategy *Destination photography credit: Destination NSW Website by Hemisphere Hospitality Solutions
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.
