For more information on any of these, click on the link to go to the relevant website.

Overview of Coffs Harbour events in 2009 and Coffs Harbour festivals in 2009:

January:
Pittwater to Coffs (yacht race) & Festival of Sail
March’s Coffs Jetty Carnival
Coffs Open Air Cinema

February:
Botanical Jazz

March:
Coffs Coast Ocean Swims 

April:
Woolgoolga Curryfest

July:
Sawtell Chilli Festival

August:
Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival (horse racing)
Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival

September:
Toast Urunga (food & wine festival)
Coffs Harbour International Buskers & Comedy Festival

October:
Coffs Harbour International Buskers & Comedy Festival
Bellingen Global Carnival (world music & performing arts)

November:
Coffs Coast Food & Wine Festival (‘Cool Creek Rhythms’)

December:
Various Carols by Candlelight events

The Coffs Coast has great festivals and events throughout the year

Of all the festivals and events listed above, the weeklong International Buskers & Comedy Festival in Coffs Harbour in September/October is definitely the biggest and possibly the best. The Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival and Global Festival are also major and extremely popular events on the Coffs Coast. These three events are most definitely worth a trip to Coffs Harbour from anywhere in Australia.

Unfortunately, this event is NOT being held in 2010 for some reason. Hopefully it will be on again next year.

In the last couple of years, Botanical Jazz was held every Sunday afternoon in February, featuring outdoor jazz concerts at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden (official name) or Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens (what most people call it).

I’ve been to a few of the concerts in recent years. The atmosphere is great and the setting is fabulous. The concerts take place in the open performance area not far from the Garden’s entrance which is surrounded by big old trees.

The entrance and performance space at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden

The timing (the concerts start at 5.30pm) means that you’re there around sunset, so it won’t be too hot any more but you won’t get cold yet either. Around that time of day, the birds in the trees usually come alive again as well (or it’s the music waking them up…) and they’ll often add their own musical accompaniment to the band that’s playing, which can have a really funny effect!

In 2009, the following jazz concerts were held in the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden:

• Sunday 1 February 2009: Roger Burke Quartet with Christie Schlenker
• Sunday 8 February 2009: George Washingmachine Trio
• Sunday 15 February 2009: Galapagos Duck
• Sunday 22 February 2009: Uncle Jed

I am quite disappointed that there will be no Botanical Jazz in Coffs Harbour in 2010.

If it’s on again next year, make sure to bring a rug or camping chairs, a picnic and drinks, and find yourself a good spot on the grass before the 5.30pm start. Don’t forget the insect repellent! (Although they’ll often have some spray cans at the entrance for visitors to use as well.)

Even if you’re not a jazz fan or aren’t familiar with the musicians that are playing, come along just to enjoy a great musical night out with a group of friends and a picnic basket full of goodies, in one of Coffs Harbour’s most beautiful spots. 

Tickets are usually about $15 (accompanied children under 12 are free) and available at the venue on the night (or in advance if you’re very keen). For more information about upcoming events at the gardens, see the Botanic Garden website.

If you’re not from Coffs, the Botanic Gardens are just a few blocks east of the Coffs Harbour CBD, signposted as a turnoff from Harbour Drive.

In the previous two years, it ran for two whole weeks. But the good news is – this year it’s fully sponsored so entry is free!

In the 2010 program, there’s an outdoor movie in Woolgoolga (at the Beach Reserve) on Friday evening 8 January and two in Coffs Harbour (at the Jetty Foreshores) on Saturday 9 January and Sunday 10 January.

I’ve been to a few movies at the Coffs Outdoor Cinema in 2009 and 2008 and really enjoyed it.  I can definitely recommend it as a fantastic, relaxing night out. Because it’s free this year, I’m sure even more people will go and experience it.

If you’re thinking of going, make sure you bring some camping chairs or something else that’s comfortable to sit on for a few hours, something to eat and drink, insect repellent and something warm to wear in case it cools off after a warm summer day.

Gates will open at 6pm so you can have a picnic first and claim the best spots. Bring your own food or get some takeaway food from one of the restaurants on the nearby Jetty strip on your way to the Jetty Foreshores. There are plenty of food options in Woolgoolga too if you’re going to the Woolgoolga outdoor cinema on the Friday. Coffee and snacks will also be available for sale at the event.

The films start around 8.15pm – when it gets dark, just after sunset.

For the schedule of films, see the program on the Coffs Open Air Cinemas website.

If you miss this year’s event, it’s definitely something to keep in mind for next year!