Light Up the Lake 2026: Food and retail vendor Expression of Interest

⁠⁠⁠Overview

Central Coast Council is seeking expressions of interest from food vendors, retail stallholders and food trucks to take part in Light Up the Lake 2026, the flagship event of The Lakes Festival, held at Memorial Park, The Entrance.

About

The Lakes Festival returns from 6 to 15 November 2026, bringing communities, businesses and visitors together to celebrate the Central Coast's waterways over a 10-day program. Light Up the Lake attracts thousands of attendees for an evening of live entertainment, family-friendly activities and lakeside celebration at Memorial Park.

• Event: Light Up the Lake
• Location: Memorial Park, The Entrance
• Date: Saturday 7 November 2026
• Festival Dates: 6 to 15 November 2026

Scope

The scope includes:

• Provision of food and retail offerings for attendees at Light Up the Lake
• Operation from a food truck (preferred) or a suitably equipped food stall

Eligibility

• Council is seeking retail stallholders, food vendors and food trucks able to provide high-quality retail and food offerings for festival attendees
• Applicants with outstanding debts to Central Coast Council are not eligible to participate

Contractor Requirements

• Vendors must provide their own marquee or food truck
• Vendors must supply their own equipment, water source and operational resources
• Power may not be available at all sites

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the online Expression of Interest form to apply.

• Bump-in and bump-out times and site maps will be provided to successful applicants closer to the event date
• Site allocations will be determined following the assessment process and are not allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
• All applications will be reviewed after the closing date to ensure a diverse and balanced mix of food offerings across the event
• Submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee acceptance
• Successful applicants will be notified following the assessment process

Enquiries

For enquiries regarding this Expression of Interest, please contact the Events Team via events@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

Location

• Facility: Memorial Park, The Entrance
• Map: View on Google Maps