Oak Flats is the location for the next instalment of the Eats and Beats series, taking place on Saturday. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Oak Flats’ main street will be transformed with the sights, sounds and flavours of spring as the next instalment of the popular Eats and Beats festival rolls into town on Saturday (19 September).
Central Avenue will feature everything from street food and sweet treats to live music, market stalls and family-friendly activities in a celebration of food, music and community connection.
Headlining the entertainment will be fusion music outfit Lolo Lovina, while the Chilled Dining Zone will feature Courtney Puckeridge, Joocean, Grace Mae and Allan Chapple.
The Creative Groups Zone will include The Music Community, iDance Performing Arts, Kwak’s Taekwondo Oak Flats and Centrepoint Performing Arts, along with the event having four free shows from Cabaret Club, an 18-plus event with magic, circus and comedy.
Activities will include carnival rides, laser tag, glow face painting, glow bug making, lantern and bookmark making, a rock-climbing wall, a sensory tent, interactive art and roving performers.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the event was a fantastic opportunity for the community to embrace the arrival of spring while supporting businesses and performers.
“Eats and Beats has become one of Shellharbour’s most popular community event series, and we’re excited to bring it to Oak Flats this spring,” Councillor Homer said.
“With the warmer weather arriving and our town centre set to come alive with food, music and entertainment, it’s the perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends and enjoy everything Oak Flats has to offer.”
Cr Homer said the event would showcase the town centre’s unique character while creating opportunities for businesses to connect with the community.
“Events like Eats and Beats help activate our town centres, support local trade and create experiences that bring people together,” he said.
“We’re proud to continue delivering free events that celebrate local talent, foster community spirit and encourage people to spend time in our local centres.”
Supported this Saturday by Bendigo Bank Oak Flats and Gerringong, it forms part of a six-event Eats and Beats Street Series alternating between Oak Flats and Albion Park over three years, thanks to $350,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program 2025-28.
Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said Eats and Beats had become one of the highlights of Shellharbour’s events calendar, bringing people together to celebrate the two vibrant communities.
She said she was pleased the NSW Government had supported this event, making it possible to “transform Central Avenue into a welcoming space where people can spend time together, discover local businesses and experience the best our community has to offer”.
“I encourage everyone to come along on 19 September, support our local traders, enjoy the entertainment and experience another fantastic day in the heart of Oak Flats,” she said.
Eats and Beats Oak Flats will be held on Saturday (19 September) from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Central Avenue, Oak Flats. For event details, visit Shellharbour Events. The event is free to attend, but bookings are required for the Cabaret Club.
