Annual Events
Port Stephens has a vibrant events calendar with a number of activities taking place across the year.
There’s something for everyone in Port Stephens – with the region providing a diverse spread of event venues that play host to festivals and sporting events, some of which are highlighted here.
Port Stephens Billfish Shootout
The waters offshore are alive with marine life. We don't just have dolphins and whales that frequent our waters, there are also snapper, blue, black and striped marlin, yellow fin tuna, mahi mahi, sword fish and various species of shark.
Nautilis Boat Insurance Interclub Game Fishing Tournament
Held over 2 weekends, the New South Wales Game Fishing Association organised event is now in its 48th year. The tournament has approximately 200+ vessels and 1000 anglers
Nelson Bay Foreshore Festival
The Nelson Bay Foreshore Festival is celebrating the wonderful pristine environment of the region, 51 years of NSW Game Fishing Tournaments and other local attractions. Enjoy free music, free entertainment, Blues Wine n Food, including performances by the fantastic Funky Do Da's and other local artists. All on the pristine Nelson Bay Foreshore.
March
Club Marine Trailerboat Sportsfishing Tournament
Held each year the weekend prior to Easter, the Trailer Boat Fishing Tournament has grown to be amongst the most popular family fishing tournaments in Australia while staying true to its original ideal of making anglers of all ages and skill levels welcome.
Indulgence Festival - Blues Wine n Food
It's free family fun, with free music, in a spectacular venue. Performers include The Funky Do Da's on the foreshore and Zann Penn on the d'Albora Marinas stage. Blues abound on both days with great performances from Maureen O'Brien, Russ Redford and Gary Roberts. There's music, markets and a great atmosphere to enjoy... Sample the regional Wines, craft beer from around the country and enjoy the food.
April
Sail Port Stephens
See boats of all sizes and yachties from all over Australia competing in the annual sailing regatta that’s emerging as one of the fastest growing regattas on the east coast – a week long event.
May
Elite Energy’s “Triportstephens” Party
Race 9 of the NSW Triathalon series, a 2 day triathlon and multisport festival that is set bring the exciting and growing sport of triathlon back to one of Australia’s most scenic coastal enclaves, Port Stephens.
Lost Highway Karuah River of Music Festival
Set in the picturesque riverside village of Karuah, just off the highway, this 2 day event celebrates Country Swing and Blue Grass Music. Its new, it’s different and it’s a great weekend.
NSW Stand Up Paddle Board Titles
The event will see an Open Men’s and Open Women’s NSW Stand Up Paddleboard champion crowned. This four day event will be held at several locations within Port Stephens, both on the surfside and within the bay. The races are supported with a major festival to be held at d’Albora Marinas Nelson Bay so it’s fun for all.
June
Blue Water Country Music Festival
Boot scootin’ fun held over the June Long Weekend every year – live music spread across a number of venues around the Bay, as well as buskers and street entertainment.
July
Nelson Bay Blue Water Sculpture Festival
A festival celebrating sculpture set in the pristine Nelson Bay environment. Enjoy the markets. Be amazed by the creative sculptures on the sculptural walk. Enjoy free family entertainment and activities. Kids participate in sculpture workshops and sand sculpting. Art forum and more.
August
Port Stephens Golf Classic
Port Stephens Classic offers golfers a unique experience with the golf tournament being played on three premier golf courses. This year the Port Stephens Golf Classic Tournament will be played on the stunning Nelson Bay Golf Course, Pacific Dunes Course in Medowie and on one of the best courses in Newcastle.
September
Clans of the Coast
A Celtic Celebration filled with traditional dancing, Highland Games, Strongman competition, pipe bands, singing groups and a wide range of stalls with Celtic goods on sale at Tomaree Sports Oval.
Jazz, Food and Wine Festival
Plenty of jazz, wine and food, sample a wide variety of delectable wines and delicious local produce while enjoying a medley of soulful musicians. Representatives from Hunter Valley wineries and other wine regions will provide a personal insight into their wines and the history of their wine region. Free live entertainment is planned throughout the entire festival.
November
Tastes at the Bay
A foodies weekend the first weekend of November – enjoy the explosion of flavours. Held on the Nelson Bay foreshore and at d’Albora Marina – with a large range of local produce, food and wine, live music and fun for the whole family.
December
New Years Fireworks
See in the New Year with the d’Albora Fireworks at Nelson Bay. Call in to the Visitors Centre to find out where the best vantage spots are at various locations around Port Stephens.
